Category: News

The vision of St Helena’s Sustainable Economic Development Plan (SEDP) is to achieve development for the Island which is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. Delivering this vision involves businesses supplying locally made products, and consumers buying locally sourced products as much as possible.

Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc has recently made new moves towards achieving this with their introduction and sale of local St Helena Coffee Nespresso compatible capsules (see photo attached).

Solomon’s Chief Executive, Mandy Peters, said:

“At Solomons we have been developing our coffee production business over the years, regenerating the 4.5 acre plantation at Bamboo Hedge and establishing a new similarly sized plantation at Wranghams.  On 20 March 2019, we exported our largest volume of green bean coffee to date, at 1,936 kg.  We are also exploring the development of secondary products from the green bean and have trialled the sale of a small consignment of Nespresso capsules of St Helena coffee from Bamboo Hedge and Wranghams. The capsules are packaged in partnership with Sea Island Coffee and make attractive gifts for locals and tourists and are currently available with other locally produced products, at the Star. Mantis St Helena are also carrying the St Helena coffee capsules in their menu offerings.”

SHG’s Chief Economist, Nicole Shamier, added:

“On our doorstep lies a coffee industry generating some of the best quality coffee that exists on earth. We see here yet another variety of roasted coffee available in our stores, one which has been made even more accessible as a result of its packaging. This is a great move by Solomons who has provided a new locally made product, it is great news for coffee drinkers, and a positive step towards improving St Helena’s balance of trade.”

#StHelena #SEDP #EconomicDevelopment #LessImportsMoreExports #BuyLocal

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SHG

11 June 2019

As part of the Children & Adults Social Care Directorate’s ‘CARE’: Caring And Respecting Everyone Campaign, an open-door recruitment event was held at the Princess Royal Community Care Centre (CCC) on Friday, 7 June 2019.

The event allowed interested persons to talk with directorate staff, learn more about working in Social Care and explore a typical day in the life of a Carer. Attendees were also able to meet with some of the residents and were given an overview of life at the CCC. Same-day interviews were also available.

Quality Assurance & Policy Lead, Gavin ‘Jack’ Thomas, said:

“Care work is a fantastic career that allows you to make a real difference to people’s lives every day. We are hopeful that as a result of our CARE campaign, we will be in a position to proceed in making provisional offers of employment, subject to the outcome of suitability checks.

“We want the CARE Campaign to be an example of reaching out to the general public, and our recruitment strategy being a two-way process. We take this opportunity of thanking everyone who supported the CARE Campaign and we look forward to seeing even more people walk through the door at similar events in the future.”

If you were unable to attend the open-door recruitment event but would like to make an appointment to discuss career opportunities in Social Care, please contact Lisa Thomas at Brick House on tel: (00 290) 22713.

Notes to Editor

The Children & Adults Social Care Directorate has various vacancies across residential services supporting older people, services for adults with additional needs, and sheltered housing services. The CARE Campaign aimed to recruit local carers for the residential services, and for individuals requiring support in maintaining a degree of independence and quality of life.

#StHelena # Children&Adults #SocialCare #CARE #CCC

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SHG

11 June 2019

His Excellency, Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook and Mrs Rushbrook hosted the annual Garden Party at Plantation House on Saturday, 8 June 2019, to mark the 93^rd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Governor Rushbrook said in his opening remarks:

“HM The Queen has undertaken another busy year of public engagements. She has completed over 125 in the last 12 months, 25% more than the previous one. That is around one engagement every three days …Our celebration today is an opportunity to show our appreciation and admiration for her long, unfailing dedication to public service.

 “Here on St Helena, the last year has seen the beginning of a promising new era for the Island. One in which the level of public finances will see a period of stability and greater certainty. An era in which we together have the opportunity to tackle, once and for all, the topics and ways of doing things, about which we are all aware, that hamper our improvement. An era where we have the opportunity to define a new path. A path in which the essential decisions of government can be made are faster,

where accountability comes with the authority to make decisions and confidence to empower and delegate, the public sector delivers services that they are best placed to deliver; and where our businesses, investors and entrepreneurs feel energised to turn ideas into new ventures.”

During the celebrations Governor Rushbrook presented Certificates and Badges of Honour to the following three ladies who, in their respective roles, have made significant contribution to society and public service on St Helena:

Mrs Barbara Ann George for her loyal and dedicated service to the St Helena Government where she served for 36 years; 15 years of which were spent in the teaching profession.  Prior to her retirement in December 2018, Mrs George worked in Human Resources for 21 years.  Mrs George is also a serving Justice of the Peace and undertakes the role of Secretary to the local Cricket Association where she was instrumental in arranging the first international cricket tournament.

Mrs Marlene Mary Yon for her services to the local community.  She is a founding member of the St Helena Cancer Support and Awareness Charity and continues to work tirelessly to support cancer patients and their families.  Mrs Yon has also maintained a keen interest in the youth of St Helena through her commitment to the Girl Guide Association which spans over 30 years, serving as a Rainbow Guide Leader, Cub Scout Leader, Vice President and Commissioner.  Together with her husband, Mrs Yon runs a small Bed and Breakfast service thus making positive contribution to our unique tourist offering.

Ms Tina Lynette Lucy (better known as Teeny) for her services to the local community where she has used her knowledge and skills to promote local talent and worthy causes.  She has served as Chairperson of the SPCA and the Donkey Home.  Ms Lucy has drawn on her musical talent and expertise to teach music to individuals, having also taught music at Prince Andrew School.  She has also been instrumental in organising concerts and art exhibitions, showing support and enthusiasm whilst encouraging people to reach their full potential.

Saturday, 8 June, was also World Oceans Day. Governor Rushbrook said:

 “The vast ocean that surrounds us is impressive by any measure. We are blessed a beautiful environment and pristine water. So it seems fitting that the Queen’s Birthday Party is being held on the same day as World Oceans Day. It is a perfect opportunity to remind ourselves of the important work undertaken by the FCO’s Blue Belt programme, marine agencies and non-Government organisations, SHG and members of our community to keep our ocean clean and sustainable.”

Through demonstrations from SHG’s Marine Conservation team, guests at the Garden Party were able to view the wide range of work that St Helena Government and others are doing to protect our waters.

StHelena #HMQueensBirthday #GardenParty #Celebration #WorldOceansDay

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 SHG

11 June 2019

The following is a Public Announcement from the Emergency Planning Department:

St Helena is currently experiencing high south easterly winds of speeds 25 knots and gusts of 35-45 knots. The Emergency Planning Department would like to inform the public that these winds are forecast to increase on Tuesday, 11, and Wednesday, 12 June 2019, to gusts up to 60 knots.

Wind conditions will vary around the Island and should subside by late afternoon on Thursday, 13 June.

All boat owners are advised to ensure their moorings are secured in these heavy wind conditions.

SHG
9 June 2019

The 14km Airport Access (Haul) Road from Rupert’s Bay to St Helena Airport was officially opened to the public today, Friday 7 June 2019.

The opening was marked with a ‘ribbon cutting’ ceremony taking place at Bottom Woods (near Reggie’s Takeaway) at 12noon.

Chairman of the Environment & Natural Resources Committee, Councillor Russell Yon, welcomed everyone to the ceremony.

In his welcome remarks, Councillor Yon spoke about the history, design and construction of the road and also gave special thanks to key people who made the Airport Access Road possible.

This was followed by a Blessing from Bishop Dale Bowers.

His Excellency Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook also gave a short speech. HE said:

“The opening of this road ends a period of uncertainty. I want to look ahead and not look back. This is the newest road on the Island and will give better access to Jamestown for many people, importantly it reduces the volume of traffic that needs to go through Longwood and it opens up new parts of the Island, which I’ve heard has some very spectacular views. So I ask everybody to drive safely, respect the speed limits and most importantly, use the opportunities that this road brings to St Helena.”

Governor Rushbrook then declared the Airport Access Road open with the cutting of the ribbon.

The Airport Access Road is divided into seven sections – African Slave Road, Airbay Road, Boer Road, Flagstaff View, Pipe Ridge Pass, Wirebird Way and Wainwright Way.

Notes to Editor

The Airport Access Road was the original track created to transport equipment and machinery to the Airport Site at Prosperous Bay.

Executive Council agreed at their meeting on Tuesday, 28 May 2019, to adopt the Road as part of St Helena’s road network.

Three photographs are attached to this release.

#StHelena #AirportAccessRoadOpens 

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SHG

7 June 2019

The St Helena Community College (SHCC) will host their Learning Opportunities Fair at the College on Wednesday, 26 June 2019, from 10am to 6pm.

The aim of the fair is to promote training opportunities which are available through the SHCC. The event will provide an opportunity to network and share experiences and will promote the importance of continuous education in developing the Island.

The SHCC will engage the community in a wide range of interactive activities on the day. This will include taster sessions, workshops and discussions. There will be opportunities to meet training providers and/or staff who will be able to advise on viable options to suit individual needs. This can include both part-time and full-time study opportunities, which range from the basics to level 2 and 3 courses, higher level education, apprenticeships and community education.

Assistance will be available for those persons who would like to register for courses.

The SHCC encourages everyone to attend. SHG directorates and private sector organisations are also encouraged to allow staff to drop in throughout the day.

For further information, please contact the Acting Student Services Coordinator, Cherilee Thomas-Johnson on tel: 22607 or email: cherilee.johnson@sainthelena.gov.sh 

#StHelena #Education #SHCC #OpportunitiesForall #LearningOpportunitiesFair

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SHG
7 June 2019

Headlines from the Report

• Additional investment committed to the Island in 2018/19 was upwards from £1.058m
• Between April 2018 and March 2019 leisure visitors to the Island spent 43,880 nights on the Island, and an estimated £5.5 – £6 Million during the year
• Those producing in selected SEDP sectors are now able to claim a reduction in corporation or self-employed tax. New investors now have a set process by which to claim import duty concessions (Approved Investment Scheme). More information available at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/investors/
• Work has been done to build a change in behaviour amongst consumers on St Helena. ESH and the Agriculture & Natural Resources Division (ANRD) re-launched the ‘Buy Local, Supply Local’ campaign to encourage change in purchasing habits and hosted popular agricultural events which featured local goods
• The 2018 milestones for the EDF 11 funding for the fibre optic cable were all met. This allowed us to claim a tranche of EDF 11 funding
• Plans to launch a Research Institute for St Helena are underway, with a staff member employed to support researchers in developing their applications to conduct research and in planning their visit to the Island; develop website content, secure and make accessible research data and findings
• An agronomist is now in post, to support the Agriculture sector and day-old chicks have been imported to reduce further risk of local eggs shortage
• A site for a new marine laboratory and visitors centre has been identified in Jamestown and funding has been secured. Planning permission is awaiting formal approval by ExCo. 

St Helena’s Sustainable Economic Development Plan (SEDP) end-of-year progress report for 2018-19 has today been released by SHG’s Corporate Policy and Planning Unit.

St Helena’s SEDP 2018-2028 was endorsed by Executive Council in May 2018. In order to ensure that the SEDP continues to be effective, six-monthly reviews of the actions were planned alongside yearly updates of the indicator data.

The SEDP vision is to achieve development which is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable and the actions outlined within the SEDP intend to address barriers to achievement.

The above graphic illustrates some of the latest economic data.

The full end-of-year report can found on the Publications page of the SHG website: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/

#StHelena #SEDP #EconomicDevelopment

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SHG

7 June 2019                                                                             

Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook will depart the Island on Sunday, 9 June 2019, for a week of business in London.

Governor Rushbrook will join Governors from other Overseas Territories during a  ‘Leadership Week’ where His Excellency will have the opportunity to meet with colleagues and raise and discuss issues relating to St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha.

The Governor will return to the Island on Saturday, 15 June 2019. During HE’s absence, Head of the Governor’s Office, Louise MacMorran, will be Acting Governor.

#StHelena #Governor #OverseasBusiness

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SHG

7 June 2019

The Children & Adults Social Care Directorate has been running a ‘CARE’: Caring And Respecting Everyone Campaign this week. Children & Adults Social Care Director, Tracey Poole-Nandy, would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the Roadshows which took place at Longwood and Jamestown.

The CARE Campaign will conclude with an open-door recruitment event at the Princess Royal Community Care Centre (CCC) today, Friday 7 June, from 12noon – 5pm. This is an opportunity to learn more about the role of a carer for permanent and casual posts. On-the-spot interviews will also be available. If you are unable to attend this event but would like to make an appointment at a later date, please contact Miss Lisa Thomas at Brick House on tel: 22713.

Quality Assurance & Policy Lead, Gavin (Jack) Thomas, said:

“If you have the values and personality our residents and tenants depend on, then why not go along to the CCC any time between 12noon and 5pm today. Light refreshments will be served.”

For more information about opportunities to work in social care, please contact:

Gavin (Jack) Thomas at Brick House on tel: 22713 or via email: gavin.thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh

Victoria Kellett at Brick House on tel: 22713 or via email: victoria.kellett@sainthelena.gov.sh

Wendy Henry at the CCC on tel: 23090 or via email: Wendy.Henry@sainthelena.gov.sh

#StHelena #Children&AdultSocialCare #Campaign #CARE

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SHG

7 June 2019

The Airport Access (Haul) Road will open to the public from 12 noon on Friday, 7 June 2019.

The opening of the road brings a number of benefits to the Island including better alternative access between Jamestown, Rupert’s and Longwood and will in turn reduce the volume of traffic that currently passes through Longwood to access the Airport and make these areas safer for the public.

Speed limits on the Airport Access Road will be between 30 and 10 miles per hour. This is to ensure that speeds match the road structure. St Helena Police advises the public that these are maximum speeds, so drivers should match their speed to the prevailing weather and road conditions.

Appropriate signage including speed limit signs will be in place at each of the seven sections of the road.

Chief Inspector Mike Miskell said:

“Please drive carefully especially when first using the road and whilst unfamiliar with it. It’s anticipated that the new Road will attract more traffic, which it turn will raise the traffic on the road from the Briars to Rupert’s Bay.  This is a still a narrow road, so care should be taken.” 

St Helena Police will be increasing their patrols on this road to promote road safety.

Tune in to your local radio stations for further advice on using the Airport Access Road responsibly.

#StHelena #AirportAccessRoadOpens #StHelenaPolice #RoadSafetyCampaign #AltogetherSafer

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SHG

4 June 2019