Category: News

Earlier in 2023 the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment revealed some concerning health data for people living on St Helena. On the Island, one in two adults are struggling to control blood pressure and it is likely that 25% of the population have type 2 diabetes.

Data collected by Dr Derek Burke showed that around 1200 people are living with chronic kidney disease. It is known that weight loss, following a healthy balance diet, increasing physical activity, stopping smoking and better mental health will help reduce your chances of dying from a preventable death, and help promote a longer active healthier life.

The Better Health Initiative will be launching in January 2024, building on the strength of this Island’s community spirit and family support networks. This initiative will run weekly as a support group to help people adopt new, healthier habits. It will also signpost people to websites that will help them make healthy lifestyle changes, in line with the government’s ambition for a happier, healthier, greener St Helena.

On Friday 8 December, championed by St Helena Airport, key business owners joined together to hear why encouraging employees to engage with the Better Health Team will be good for their workforces and businesses. They heard how many staff may need to take extra days off for medical reasons due to poor health, minor illness or for joint and muscle pain, impacting their business through a lack of staffing. More broadly, the topic of the economy was reflected on and the impact that personal health issues can have on the whole Island. Early retirement due to poor health, or a smaller recruitment pool on-Island because people are leaving work to take care of family members because of ill health, means less taxes to fund critical public services and less money being spent in businesses. 

Dietitian Sarah Mattinson, explained:

“You don’t have to be working for a company to come to one of the Better Health sessions, Better Health is available to everyone. Sessions will run for people to have a check in with your personal goals and review progress every Wednesday in Longwood and Half Tree Hollow, or Saturday if you are Airport staff.”

In the past people have always used weight as a measure of health, but Better Health is looking at the bigger picture! Your personal goal might be to lose weight or it could be to reduce your blood sugar, eat one more portion of fruit and vegetable a day, drink two litres of water or no added sugar per day or spend less time sitting during the day.

Physiotherapist, Lee Burrows, has ideas that will help you start moving whatever your fitness level. Lee said:

“I have worked with some really determined Saints, who started walking the 500 metre track around Francis Plain once and can now do multiple laps.”

Look and listen out for more information over the festive period. If you want to make a change in the New Year, the Better Health team will help you set your goal and support you achieving it. Get ready for a healthier, happier and greener 2024. For more information please contact: sarah.mattinson@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Photos

#StHelena #AltogetherHealthier

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

SHG

19 December 2023

SHG is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with a new provider of ocean freight services for St Helena. This is the culmination of a near 12 month process to identify a new provider.

Following assessment against the tender criteria, MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping GmbH & Co. (MACS) was determined to be the most suitable party for the provision of this service.

Final contractual elements have been agreed between the parties and a contract has been signed. There are now discussions ongoing around the transition between the current service provided by Meihuizen International and the new MACS operation. Once finalised the commencement date will be confirmed. It is anticipated that the arrival date at St Helena for the new service will be April 2024.

MACS have been chosen based on an assessment of both the technical quality of the submissions and the price offered for the service. At an initial five year term, with the option for a further five years, this also provides the Island with confidence in shipping services for the foreseeable future.

The service will include a dedicated vessel shipping cargo directly between St Helena, Cape Town and Walvis Bay. It will be calling at the Island approximately every four weeks.

Minister for the Treasury and Economic Development, Mark Brooks, said:

“As an Island territory this government knows how important shipping services are to our businesses and community. It’s important to appreciate the challenges of running a service to such a remote island with comparatively low volumes of freight when considered against other cargo routes. We import many vital goods, from food to construction materials, so it’s been important to take our time in identifying the right firm to partner with to deliver shipping services. We are very pleased to be in the position we are in and the confidence this will give to the community.”

“I’d like to thank Meihuizen International for the service provided to the Island since the start of 2023. They were able to provide a service to St Helena at short notice, and we are grateful for their partnership over the last year.”

A spokesperson from MACS said:

“We all at MACS are very grateful for having been awarded this contract which has a long-standing tradition which comes with big responsibility. We look forward to a close cooperation with SHG, contractors on the Island and its community with the aim of achieving the best possible result for all”.

A detailed schedule and rate card will be made available early in the new year on completion of discussions around the transition. Merchants and shippers will then be able to begin booking freight with MACS and other suppliers for the future service.

#StHelena #Shipping #MACS

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt

www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

SHG

18 December 2023

All SHG Portfolios and services will close on 25 and 26 December 2023 and on 1 January 2024. The following table provides details of opening hours between the 22 and 29 December 2023. Normal business will resume on 2 January 2024.

Unless otherwise stated, the following Services will close at 4pm on 22 December 2023

SHG Portfolio	Service	Details
Central Support Service	The Archives
	Judicial Services
Treasury	Income Tax Office
	Social Security Office	Closed from 4pm on 21 December 2023 until 2 January 2024 *
Economic Development	Civil Aviation	On-call for emergencies only. Please call: 51461 or 51936
	Housing Section	On-call services will be provided for emergency repairs only
	Land Registry Office
Education, Skills & Employment	St Helena Research Institute
	Careers Access
	Administration	Enquiries can be made to Angela Benjamin on 24544 or 62331
	Public Library	Closed from 1pm on 23 December 2023 until 2 January 2024
	All Schools	Closed from 18 December 2023 until 15 January 2024
Environment, Natural Resources & Planning	Planning Office
	Scotland Office
	Veterinary Service	On-call for emergencies. Please call: 62039 or 26162
	Forestry Service	On-call for emergencies. Please call: 65394 or 24202
	Waste Management	Enquiries can be made to the Waste Management Services Supervisor on mobile: 66380 (AM only)
	Marine Centre	Closed from 4pm on 19 December 2023 to 2January 2024
	Marine Enforcement	Closed from 1pm on 23 December 2023. Please call: 64642 for enquiries outside of opening normal opening hours
Health & Social Care	Environmental Health Service	Staff on-call can be contacted via the Hospital Switchboard on tel: 22500
	Administration	Staff on-call can be contacted via the Hospital Switchboard on tel: 22500
Safety Security and Home Affairs	Port Control	The Harbour Master can be contacted in an emergency on VHF channel 14/16 or mobile numbers: 67383 or 61827 or tel: 24817 or via the Police Control Room on tel: 22626
	Immigration Office	Any queries can be directed to Coleman’s House on tel: 22626
	HM Customs	Closed from 4pm on 23 December. An Officer will be on-call during this time.
	Prison Services	HM Prison remains operational over the festive period, however there will be no social visits on 25 and 26 December 2023 and 1 January 2024
	Royal St Helena Police and Fire Service	Services will operate as normal. For any emergencies call telephone number 999, for non-emergencies call 22626

The following Services will operate the 27, 28 and 29 December 2023

SHG Portfolio	Service	Details
Central Support Service	The Castle Reception	8.30am–12noon
Economic Development	Tourist Office	8.30am–12noon
Health &Social Care	Mental Health Services	8.30am–4pm
	Dental Department	8.30am–10am (Emergencies Only)
	Community Nursing	27, 28 and 29 December – Jamestown Outpatient Clinic -8.30am–12noon
		27 December – Longwood Clinic – 9am–12noon
		28 December – Levelwood Clinic – 9am–12noon
		29December – Half Tree Hollow Clinic – 9am–12noon
	Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy	8.30am–4pm
	Pharmacy Services	27, 28 and 29 December – Jamestown – 8.30am–12noon
		27 December – Longwood Clinic – 10am–12noon
		28December – Levelwood Clinic – 10am–12noon
		29December – Half Tree Hollow Clinic – 10am–12noon
	Laboratory	8.30am–12noon
	Doctors Clinics	27, 28 and 29 December – Jamestown Outpatient Clinic – 9am–12noon
		27 December – Longwood Clinic – 9am–12noon
		28 December – Levelwood Clinic – 9am–12noon
		29 December – Half Tree Hollow Clinic – 9am–12noon
		Note: The Medical Records Office/Appointments will be open from 8.30am to 12noon on each of these days
	Children’s Social Care, Adult’s Social Care and Probation Services	8.30am–4pm
Safety Security and Home Affairs	Emergency Planning and Sea Rescue Service	8am–12noon
Treasury	Post & Customer Service Centre	The Post & Customer Service Centre will open from 8.45am–12noon on 23, 27, 28 and 30 December.

* Amended

• New Joint Declaration agreed by UK Government and elected leaders of British Overseas Territories (OTs).

• Declaration commits to a new, more collaborative and ‘modern partnership’ between the UK and the OTs.

• Includes plan to deepen bilateral partnerships, enhance transparency and support the OTs to take on more responsibilities should they wish to do so.

The UK Government and elected leaders of the British Overseas Territories have agreed a new Joint Declaration. The Declaration defines a new, more collaborative and ‘modern partnership’ between the UK and the OTs – one that’s based around our shared democratic values and respect for human rights.

As part of the declaration, the UK and OTs committed to; improve transparency and deepen bilateral partnerships; consult OTs on UK primary legislation that impacts them; and support OTs to take on more responsibilities where they wish to do so.

UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, David Rutley, said:

“The Overseas Territories are an important part of the British Family, and our shared values such as support for democracy and the rule of law underpin this close relationship.

“Our new Joint Declaration sets out more clearly than ever how the UK and Overseas Territories will work closer together on the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.” 

The Joint Declaration was agreed during the UK and British Overseas Territories annual Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London on 14 – 15 November and has now been formally approved within the OTs.

Other commitments in the agreement include investigating improvements to how the UK provides financial support to OTs and agreeing to speak with one voice on the international stage, such as at the United Nations. It also creates more opportunities for the OTs to take on responsibilities where they want to, such as around transparency measures, and through the development of ‘Compacts.’

These ‘Compacts’ will set out roles and responsibilities on specific issues bespoke to each community. The UK will seek to agree these detailed bilateral agreements with each of the OTs.

Chief Minister of St Helena, Julie Thomas, said:

“St Helena welcomes this declaration, one which all of Legislative Council, both ministers and elected members, fed into. It was great to sit around the table, alongside UK and OT representatives, to set out and agree how we all want to work together in the future. I am pleased that the declaration reaffirms the need to continue to prioritise financial support for economic development to OTs such as ours. I look forward to working closely with UK colleagues to develop our bilateral Compact, which will define the way forward for St Helena.”

Notes to Editors 

• View the Joint Declaration here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-overseas-territories-joint-declaration-a-modern-partnership-for-a-stronger-british-family
• Read the Written Ministerial Statement here https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2023-12-14/hcws125
• The Joint Declaration includes a number of key commitments by the UK, which will be a key part of the new UK Overseas Territories strategy announced by the previous Foreign Secretary earlier this year. The strategy will pave the way for the UK and British Overseas Territories to work more closely on shared opportunities and challenges. 

A public consultation on a draft Waste Management Policy for St Helena has begun. The public consultation will close at 16:00 on Friday 5 January 2024.

St Helena Government (SHG) acknowledged the need for a Waste Management Policy and Implementation Plan in 2020, primarily to plan for environmental changes that are likely to impact the quality of Island life if left unmanaged. The policy was developed and implemented at that time, with a three year review period set for 2023. The new draft Waste Management Policy 2023 is a result of that review.

The draft Waste Management Policy 2023 aims to develop medium to long term goals to deal with the Island’s waste, and in a manner that is efficient and sustainable. This will ensure a good quality of life for residents and visitors both now and in the future, and bring benefit to the environment of St Helena.

Measures that have already been taken to mitigate the historical problems of poor waste management include (but are not limited to): 

• Reusing items such as plastic bags, clothes and furniture that might otherwise be thrown away
• Recycling items like glass, cans, plastics and cardboard so they can be made into new products
• Treating organic waste such as fish waste, green waste and piggery effluent to convert it into compost to enhance local soil conditions
• Controlled landfilling of remaining waste after reusing, recycling and treating as much as possible

Waste recycling and treatment has also offered opportunities for the establishment of commercially viable private sector businesses on the Island such as Roddy Yon’s aluminium can recycling company, Yon’s Ally.

To achieve the aims and objectives of the draft Waste Management Policy 2023, several strategic actions will be delivered through an updated 2023 to 2030 implementation plan. These include:

• Implement a recyclable waste collection service from homes and businesses, focusing on high value and / or high volume dry wastes, such as aluminium drinks cans, plastics, cardboard and glass.

• Further develop and increase organic waste recycling into compost, maximising reuse of food, green and animal wastes.

• Design and implement environmentally sustainable waste management projects that support existing recycling activities and encourage new initiatives that improve and enhance the natural environment.

• Ensure that unavoidable landfilling is managed in a manner which does not significantly impact on public health or the environment.

• Develop and implement waste management regulations and codes of practice in line with the Environmental Protection Ordinance and Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Ordinance.

Environmental Risk Manager, Mike Durnford, explains:

“If not properly managed, waste is a problem. It takes up valuable and limited landfill space, can cause pollution and other negative social impacts, uses up natural resources that could be used again, creates reputational impacts for our Island, and contributes towards climate change and a lasting problem for future generations.”

“Reusing and recycling more waste will help to reduce reliance on landfill and maximise the remaining useful life of Horse Point Landfill Site. This will increase St Helena’s reputation as the sustainable Island we aim to be, and contribute towards climate change mitigation.”

A copy of the draft Waste Management Policy 2023 (Three Year Review) is available under the Public Consultations section of the Publications page on the SHG website www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications.

Comments should be sent to Environmental Officer Risk Management, Terri Clingham, via email through terri.clingham@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone on 24724.

The public are also invited to an open meeting to discuss the draft Waste Management Policy. This will be held in the Waste Management Services Office in the Post Office Yard, Jamestown from 13:00 to 15:00 on Tuesday 19 December 2023.

#StHelena #AltogetherGreener #ReduceReuseRecycle #GoodWasteManagement

www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/