Category: Press Releases

Waste Management Services (WMS) would like to advise that both Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) are currently non-operational due to mechanical issues, and there is no confirmed date for their return to service.

To minimise disruptions to the domestic waste collection, the WMS team will be continuing to provide the collection without mechanical assistance which will make the process longer and more labour-intensive for our refuse collecting team.  To make this process a bit easier, the team kindly requesting the public’s cooperation. Please assist by:

1. Placing domestic waste in litter bags before placing them into your bins.  This will help prevent loose items from being blown away and makes it easier for the team to empty bins by hand.
2. Ensuring waste is placed out by 06:00 on your designated collection day.

Please note that some delays or disruptions to the normal waste collection schedule may still occur due to operations being done by hand.

Recycling collection will continue as normal from both communal recycling hubs and commercial businesses.

For any questions or concerns, the public can contact:

Karl Martin (Environmental Officer – Risk Management) on Tele No  24724 or

Shane Williams (WMS Supervisor) on Mobile 66380.

Any inconvenience caused is regretted, and the WMS team would like to thank the public in advance for their support and cooperation during this time.

#WasteManagement #WasteManagementServices

SHG

09 January 2025

The public are invited to participate in a consultation on proposed increases to the minimum wage for the period 2025/26 to 2027/28.

Consultation Opportunities:

• Public Meeting: A public meeting will be held on Thursday, 16 January 2025 at 19:00 at the Museum in Jamestown.

• Stall at the Canister: A consultation stall will be set up outside the Canister on Thursday, 16 January and Friday, 17 January 2025 from 12:00 PM to 14:00

• Contact Head of Strategic Policy, Ann Muir at the Castle on 22470 for a one to one session

Detailed figures for each option are available below:

		Trajectories
	Option 1		Option 2		Option 3
	Hourly	Annual	Hourly	Annual	Hourly	Annual
2025/26	£4.33	£8,443.50	£4.50	£8,775.00	£4.50	£8,775.00
2026/27	£4.66	£9,087.00	£5.00	£9,750.00	£5.20	£10,140.00
2027/28	£5.00	£9,750.00	£5.50	£10,725.00	£6.00	£11,700.00

SHG
10 January 2025

‘Make 2025 your fresh start’

St Helena Government is excited to announce the launch of the “Better Health 2025” campaign, encouraging residents to make positive lifestyle changes in the New Year.

“Make 2025 your fresh start!”

The campaign focuses on promoting overall well-being, emphasising that health goes beyond just weight loss. While weight management is an important aspect, “Better Health 2025” encourages individuals to set personal goals that align with their specific health needs. These goals could include:

• Reducing blood sugar levels
• Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption
• Drinking more water
• Minimising added sugar intake
• Reducing sedentary time

The campaign offers a 12-week Plan, helping participants lose an average of 5.8kg. This plan provides guidance on:

• Setting realistic weight loss goals
• Planning nutritious meals
• Making healthier food choices
• Increasing physical activity
• Tracking progress and celebrating successes

“Better Health 2025” provides comprehensive support, including:

• Behaviour change strategies
• Access to valuable tools and resources
• Ongoing support from the Health Promotion team

The campaign aims to empower individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes that improve their overall health and well-being.

For more information or to sign up for the “Better Health 2025” programme, please contact the Health Promotion team on 22500.

SHG
9 January 2025

St Helena Government (SHG) will hold a press conference tomorrow, 10 January 2025 with the FCDO Financial Aid Mission (FAM) Delegation and local media. The event is scheduled to take place in the Governor’s office from 15:00 to 15:30 GMT.

His Excellency Governor Nigel Phillips, Chief Minister Julie Thomas and Deputy Director of FCDO’s Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate Adam Pile will be on the panel. The panel will be discussing the FAM visit this week, and how discussions have progressed around recurrent funding for the financial year 2025/6, areas of particular budget pressure and SHG’s response strategy.

#StHelena #OverseasDevelopmentAssistance #FinancialAid

SHG

09 January 2025

Over the past few weeks, there have been a number people within the community with virus infections causing coughs, colds, headaches, and vomiting. No specific viruses have been identified on St Helena, but given that there are currently large outbreaks in the UK of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS CoV19, as well as rhinovirus (the common cold), and that we have had lots of arrivals from there in the run up to Christmas, it is probably the same mixture of viruses.

All of these viruses can cause a range of symptoms including blocked or runny nose, sore throat, a dry cough, headache and generalised muscle aches, sometimes with fevers. The same virus can cause different types and severity of symptoms in different people.

What to do if you’ve got an infection

As with any viral respiratory tract infection, most people do not need any specific treatment. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen for the headaches and fever, as well as simple cough linctus for the cough. These medications are usually available in the local shops.

There is no need to come to the General Hospital to see a nurse or doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. It is actually best to stay away given that you might pass your infection onto unwell people or medical staff. Crowded places should also be avoided as you risk passing the infection onto others.

Very rarely you can get a bacterial infection on top of the viral one. If your cough starts producing a lot of yellow or green sputum and you start to feel unwell with shortness of breath, chest pains and persistent fevers, it maybe that you have a bacterial infection. In these cases you should seek clinical advice as you may need antibiotics. However, in most cases you should be back to normal within a few days.

Further to the Press Release issued on 12 December 2024, Minister for Health and Social Care, Martin Henry, will now return to the island on Saturday 11 January 2025.  

Minister Christine Scipio will be responsible for the Health and Social Care Portfolio in Minister Henry’s absence and can be contacted by email via christine.scipio@helanta.co.sh, christine.scipio@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone on 23545.

The Health Promotion team invites you to join our annual “Healthier Me, Healthier You” campaign this January. This year’s programme includes two initiatives: Dry January and New Year, New You. These initiatives are designed to help you embrace positive lifestyle changes and achieve your health goals.

Take the Dry January’ Challenge

Dry January is a 31-day alcohol-free challenge designed to reset your mind and body. Did you know that excessive alcohol use contributes to over 200 health conditions? On St Helena, drinkers consume an average of 18 units of alcohol weekly – well above the NHS-recommended limit of 14 units.

Benefits of cutting back:

• Health: Improved liver and digestive health, lower blood pressure, and reduced cancer risk.
• Life: Better relationships, financial savings, and work-life balance.

Quit Smoking with ‘New Year, New You’

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. Why not make 2025 the year you quit? Within just 20 minutes of stopping, your health improves—and the benefits keep growing over time.

Look for more information and updates on the “Healthier Me, Healthier You” campaign on social media.

3 January 2025

Union flags in Jamestown and at Plantation house have today been lowered to half-mast following the death of President Jimmy Carter.

Jimmy Carter, the 39^th President of the United States passed away on 29 December at his family home in Plains, Georgia, age 100. He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. President Carter had been receiving hospice care at his home since February 2023.

Along with other Territories and Government buildings in the UK and overseas, the Union flag will be half-masted from now until 20:00 on 30 December.

#StHelena #PresidentCarter

www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

SHG

30 December 2024

Three representatives from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will arrive in St Helena on Saturday 4 January 2025 to participate in the Financial Aid Mission (FAM) discussions for the 2025-26 financial year. Expected on island are Adam Pile, the Deputy Director of FCDO’s Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate; Hugh Thomas, Economic Advisor, and Ben Stern, Head of St Helena and Tristan da Cunha Team. Whilst on-island they will be supported by the Governor’s Office team, Ministers and SHG officials.

The FAM takes place annually and provides an opportunity to discuss in person the delivery and effectiveness of the FCDO’s Financial Aid programme in St Helena, and to continue to develop the partnership approach between SHG and His Majesty’s Government (HMG). Whilst on island the team will meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including Ministers, Elected Members, government officials, members of the private sector and wider stakeholders.

Financial Aid is integrated into SHG’s budget to support essential public services, with up to £34.06 million recurrent support being provided to St Helena in the 2024-25 financial year, in addition to the capital funding for ongoing programmes (including the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme) and funding to Maritime, the Cloud Forest and Blue Belt initiatives.

The delegation has a full schedule of events planned and, alongside the Governor and Ministers, will be hosting a press conference with local media on Friday 10 January between 15:00 and 15:30.

The Trade and Investment team within SHG are responsible for managing the Approved Investor Scheme (AIS). This scheme provides duty relief incentives for businesses investing in St Helena. These incentives are designed to attract investments that are sustainable, create local jobs, reduce import dependence, and add value to local products and services.

So far this financial year the Approved Investor Committee (AIC) approved six new investors with several more expected to go through the process shortly. The financial investment committed to by these investors is approximately £770,000, of which £495,000 will be imported CAPEX with the remainder spent on local Island contractors and service providers.

The investors highlighted below are a mix of both local and international enterprises and the businesses cover a range of targeted sectors which include:

• A ground segment as a service company (GSaaS) Leaf Space, which supports satellites as well as space launch vehicles, enabling radio frequency communication between ground operators and their space assets. Leaf Space does this via a network of gateway antennas strategically distributed around the world. With St Helena’s fibre optic cable being operational, this provides Leaf Space the ability to extend their antenna network to include St Helena.
• A local business Growspace, is about to launch a new venture to produce St Helena’s first indoor organic mushroom farm that will provide the island with a variety of freshly grown mushrooms. It is envisaged that these will be available for sale in the first half of 2025.
• Another venture is Island Packers, an American family run business who has partnered locally to provide adventure sports equipment rentals, online guides, and longer term adventure events on the island. The equipment to be rented will be high end mountain bikes and sea kayaks.
• With last year’s purchase of the Printech business by Moonbeams, the new owners have already commenced importing new printing equipment to replace aging infrastructure and will be purchasing additional printers to extend the range of printing services available to customers. This will provide local customers with the ability to purchase more locally printed material rather than importing.
• With pressure on availability of serviced rooms on island, especially during the summer peak period, the team was pleased to see and approve a ‘duty relief’ for additional tourist accommodation. The owners of Harkate guest house have started the restoration of Perry’s cottage near Gordons Post and this will be available for short term rental during 2025.

Minister Mark Brooks said “It is very encouraging to see the AIS continuing to support both local and international investors and even more pleasing to see so many of the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) targeted sectors receiving backing. Great work by the Economic Development team and we look forward to providing more updates during 2025.”

The SHG Trade and Investment team continues to assist those wishing to start up or extend a business venture and if you would like further information on the AIS scheme, please contact:

Michael Ormrod, Export, Trade & Investment Manager via +290 22470 or

Email: invest@sainthelena.gov.sh

#StHelena #investsthelena #businessventure

SHG

19 December 2024