Category: Press Releases

1 DECEMBER 2015 – WORLD AIDS DAY

What is HIV and AIDS?

HIV and AIDS is not the same thing and people who get an HIV infection do not automatically develop AIDS. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and weakens your ability to fight infections and disease generally.

Of the 2.1 million new infections recorded during 2013, 70 per cent occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa (WHO). This includes South Africa.

HIV is most commonly caught by having unprotected sex. So to stay safe, use protection!

There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments to enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome – a term which covers a range of infections and illnesses which can result from a weakened immune system caused by HIV.

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, when your body can no longer fight life-threatening infections. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with HIV will not go on to develop AIDS. There is usually a time lag of several years between first being infected with HIV and then developing infections and other AIDS-related problems. Because Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has altered the way we think about the condition, the term ‘Late-stage HIV’ is being increasingly used instead of AIDS.

What if I don’t like using protection i.e. condoms?

Condoms have come a long way in recent years and you can now get condoms in different sizes, flavours, and with added features to increase pleasure and heighten sensation. Condoms are still the best way to protect yourself and others from HIV infection, and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), so if you think you don’t like using condoms, it’s worth trying out some different varieties. Condoms can be found at clinics, the pharmacy and various bars on St Helena.

If you find using condoms or negotiating condom use with a partner difficult, it is worth speaking to your community nurse, doctor, or use the contact details below.

If someone with HIV also has an STI this can increase the amount of virus in their body. The more virus there is, the greater the risk of transmission to another person, so it is a good idea for sexually active people to get regular sexual health check-ups for both HIV and other STIs. 

For further information please contact Marian Kanes, Health Promotion Trainer at hp.trainer@publichealth.gov.sh, or Marian Yon, Health Promotion Coordinator at marian.yon@publichealth.gov.sh. Alternatively you can call tel 22500, ext 211.

Marian Kanes, Health Promotion Trainer

SHG

23 November 2015

Jennifer Stephenson (pictured) arrived on Island on Saturday 7 November 2015 to undertake her role as a Counsellor with the Safeguarding Directorate. Jennifer will be on St Helena for a period of six months, with a view to a possible extension.

Jennifer aims to offer one-to-one sessions in a safe, comfortable and private environment to discuss issues and develop solutions for those on Island suffering from anxiety, depression, abuse, low self-esteem, or any other emotional or psychological concern.

Jennifer said:

“The first thing I would like to do is to try and understand St Helena and its culture as much as possible and to really understand what it is that the people of the Island would like from me. Hopefully I can then start to build up the public’s trust so that they feel comfortable in talking to me.”

Jennifer will have the capacity to see a maximum of fourteen people a week, supporting anyone who thinks they could benefit from counselling, as well as offering support to those going through the Court system. The service is fully independent, meaning that information is not passed on to Social Services, the Police or any other agencies.

Jennifer has worked as a counsellor for four years after completing a BSc Psychology Degree and then an MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. She has worked in schools, children’s homes, and also set up a counselling service for people in their homes who were unable to access counselling due to poor health, mobility issues, or caring responsibilities. She has also supported 12-18 year olds residing in care due to physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

Jenny added:

“I have amassed a good amount of knowledge to support a wide range of people and issues, but I am also aware of my limitations and always want to learn more and grow.

“I see people as individuals and always have an open mind and a non-judgemental attitude – counselling is a journey we take together.”

Those interested in taking a counselling session or just to have an informal chat can contact Jennifer on 22713 or email: counsellor.safeguarding@helanta.co.sh.

After an initial appointment, a private mobile number will be given to ensure privacy and confidentiality.

SHG
23 November 2015

PARLIAMENTARY PRACTICE & PROCEDURE

Councillor (Wilson) Tony Duncan will represent St Helena at the 64th Westminster Seminar on Parliamentary Practice & Procedure, due to be held in the Houses of Parliament in London – running from Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December 2015.

Every year, the five-day programme aims to strengthen the knowledge, skills and confidence of first-term Members of Parliament and newly appointed Clerks, Councillors and Officials in the core aspects of their Parliamentary work.  It provides a unique platform for its participants to meet their counterparts and explore Parliamentary democracy, practice and procedure within a Westminster framework – and share experiences and common challenges in their Parliamentary work.

The 2015 programme covers an Introduction to the Westminster System, an Overview of the Legislative Process, the Role of the Speaker, Giving MPs a Voice, and the Ever-evolving Parliament – Parliamentary Ethics & Standards and Best Practice in Holding a Committee Enquiry.

Councillor Duncan departs St Helena today, Monday 23 November 2015, and will return on 23 December 2015.

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23 November 2015   

Louise Scott (pictured) arrived on Island on 7 November 2015 to take up her role as a new Detective Constable in St Helena’s Police Service – to work on investigations relating to domestic violence, sexual abuse (working closely with the Safeguarding Team), and on other local crimes such as burglary and criminal damage.

Louise, who is initially contracted for a period of two years, spoke of her new role:

“I am slowly meeting new people and learning about the Island, in addition to understanding the local systems in place here as compared to the UK.”

Louise chose policing as a career as she has always wanted to work in an area which focuses on the protection of vulnerable people and children.

 Louise added:

“If I can go some way towards helping these people then I can say I have achieved something in my life.”

Louise has been a Detective for six years, based in East Sussex in the UK. She worked in CID for four years, before moving on to the child protection issues and anti-victimisation crimes.

Louise concluded:

“I have worked in extremely busy areas in the UK and I do believe I have gained a huge amount of experience within a very short space of time. I look forward to bringing this experience and knowledge to policing here in St Helena.”

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20 November 2015

On Saturday 14 November 2015, a small ceremony (pictured)

was held at Ebony Point, near Blue Hill on St Helena, to rename the ledge from which Charlie Benjamin climbed down to collect cuttings of the endemic St Helena Ebony plant, Trochetiopsis ebenus (pictured) – rediscovered by George Benjamin and Quinton Cronk, on 11 November 1980. The ledge, now named as ‘Charlie’s Ebony Revival Ledge’, pays tribute to Charlie (George Benjamin’s brother) for his role in rescuing the endemic Ebony.

Charlie’s stepdaughter, Rosie Peters, and her family were present and planted Ebonies on behalf of Charlie’s daughter Wendy, who was married at Kew Gardens, London, on the same day. Father Dale Bowers gave his Blessing and all who spoke highlighted Charlie’s role in conservation and the importance of the rediscovery and subsequent propagation of the endemic Ebony.

Deputy Director of Environment & Natural Resources, Derek Henry, said:

“This ceremony was held to recognise Charlie’s role in the rediscovery of the Ebony and its rescue from potential extinction. Bearing in mind that this was 35 years ago, Charlie did not have access to proper rock climbing equipment and training and the cliff he climbed down is extremely perilous.”

The new name for the ledge, Charlie’s Ebony Revival Ledge, came about as a result of a competition between Island schools, which saw Year 2 at Pilling Primary School coming up with the winning name.

Councillor Gavin Ellick added:

“Charlie carried out a vital role in the rescue of the endemic Ebony and its subsequent conservation. His effort and contribution symbolises the very nature of conservation and highlights its importance, not only to the Island but also on the international stage.

“Charlie’s contribution has helped to raise awareness of conservation and its importance to the Island. The rediscovery of this plant has been a driver and an inspiration for conservation efforts that have occurred over the last 35 years on St Helena.”

All propagated Ebonies growing on the Island today can trace their descent back to the two plants that Charlie collected material from. Those cuttings were successfully rooted and as a result, thousands of Ebonies are now growing on the Island.

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17 November 2015

Phillip Xavier (pictured) arrived on Island on 7 November 2015 to undertake his role as a Detective Constable specialising in assault cases for St Helena’s Police Service.

Phillip, who is on Island for one year, will investigate crimes involving sexual assaults and domestic violence, and will also assist with other investigations as required.

Phillip spoke of his main role on St Helena:

“Policing in St Helena is obviously different to the UK – it is a small Island where everyone knows each other and systems that you would take for granted in the UK are not available here. This means that policing work here is challenging in a completely different way.”

Phillip joined the police in 2004 and became a Detective Constable in 2007. Since then he has worked in a variety of departments in major CID roles. Initially training to become a DC in Brighton, Sussex, which was a very busy office where there were new investigations and prisoners who needed dealing with daily. The investigations that Phillip worked on covered a wide range of offences including robberies, serious assaults, high value thefts, burglaries and sexual assaults. After the CID, Phillip worked in the Anti-Victimisation Unit in Brighton for two years, investigating domestic violence cases and crimes involving vulnerable adults. He then moved onto the Major Crime Team for three and a half years, dealing with murders, manslaughters, stranger rapes and kidnaps – before taking up employment on St Helena.

Phillip added:

“I became a Police Officer and continue to be a Police Officer so that I can help people when they need it and make a difference in their lives. I truly hope that during my time living and working on St Helena, I can help victims of crimes by supporting them and listening to them – which will in turn allow me to investigate the crimes they report, and hopefully lead to a successful outcome.”

Phillip concluded:

“I have been very fortunate to work in a variety of police settings investigating a wide range of offences and working with many colleagues. This has given me a very broad range of skills and knowledge to bring with me to St Helena.

“More generally, I am also looking forward to meeting St Helena residents and experiencing the Island’s culture.”

SHG
17 November 2015

On Sunday 7 February 2016 St Helena will be conducting a Population & Housing Census. The Census is a complete count of all houses on the Island and all the people who are staying in them on Census night.

The Statistics Office, which is developing the Census materials, will need support in delivering the Census and will appoint Enumerators who will be responsible for:

• Delivering the Census questionnaire to houses in an agreed area
• Providing support in completing the questionnaire if the household needs it
• Collecting the completed forms

We are looking for trustworthy individuals willing to act as Enumerators during the Census period. Interested people must be:

• Friendly, approachable and able to deal with potentially difficult conversations
• Patient and able to communicate clearly and  provide support to households requiring help in completing the questionnaire
• Knowledgeable about the area in which you are working (Enumerators will be able to request particular areas in which they wish to work, but we will have to make sure that our team of Enumerators covers all areas of the Island)
• Reliable and trustworthy when dealing with confidential information.

Enumerators will be provided with training and support to ensure they are comfortable and able to carry out their duties effectively.

Enumerators will be paid at a favourable rate, taking into account their time, the number of households they visit and the amount of support they are required to provide. It is hoped to appoint Enumerators in time for training sessions in late January 2016.

If you are interested in becoming an Enumerator for this important exercise please contact any member of the Statistics team via email: (statistics@sainthelena.gov.sh), telephone 22138 or just pop into the Castle for an informal chat. 

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17 November 2015

In the week beginning Monday 23 November 2015 the Statistics Office will be piloting the questionnaire to be used in the 2016 Population & Housing Census.

The pilot exercise is an important stage of the Census process as this is where the questionnaire is tested to make sure it ‘works’ for St Helena – that the questions make sense, are straightforward and provide the information needed. The information collected in the 2016 Census will be used for many years to come and so we need to make sure that it is accurate and reliable – and the first stage of this is to make sure we have the right questionnaire.

The questionnaire is based on the one used in the previous Population Census in 2008, but has been further developed following consultation with the general public, private sector businesses, Elected Members and Government officials. Some questions have been refined to bring them into line with current international recommendations and best practice, ensuring Census results for St Helena will be of comparable standard to those produced by other countries who follow UN recommendations.

A number of households have been contacted and asked to participate in the pilot exercise and we would like to take this opportunity to thank these people once again for their help and cooperation. If you have not been asked to participate in the pilot but would like an opportunity to look over the questionnaire and provide feedback – then please contact the Statistics Office who will do their best to accommodate your request.

During the pilot, Statistics Officers Kelly Clingham and Justine Joshua will also be conducting fieldwork to verify the housing frame which will be used to deliver the 2016 Census. If you see these officers in your areas with maps do not be alarmed – they will not be looking for you (unless an appointment has previously been arranged) – but any help you can offer in confirming that we have identified all the homes in your area will be much appreciated.

Remember – We Count Because YOU Count.

If you have any questions about the pilot or any other aspects of the Census, please get in touch. The Statistics team can be contacted via email (statistics@sainthelena.gov.sh), telephone (22138) or just pop into The Castle for an informal chat. Please note the Statistics Office has now moved one floor up in the Castle, directly above their old office.

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16 November 2015

HE Governor and Mrs Capes will depart for Ascension Island on Monday 23 November 2015, then onward to the UK.

While on Ascension Island the Governor’s programme will include meetings with senior officials, including chairing a meeting of the Ascension Island Council.  In London the Governor will join Councillor Lawson Henry and representatives from Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha at the annual Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), hosted by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).  During the JMC week, there will also be opportunities for the Governor and Councillors to meet with FCO and DFID Ministers in bilateral meetings.

Following the JMC, Governor Capes will attend various meetings with FCO and other officials in London. Governor and Mrs Capes will then take some leave over the Christmas period before returning to St Helena in January 2016.

While Governor Capes is on Ascension Island, Head of the Governor’s Office, Sean Burns, will become Governor’s Deputy. When Governor Capes travels to the UK Mr Burns will take on the role of Acting Governor until Governor Capes returns to the Island in the New Year.

SHG

16 November 2015

WEDNESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2015

Councillor Lawson Henry will be attending the annual Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meeting in London from 2 December 2015, departing St Helena on Monday 23 November.

During the JMC week, UK State Pensions for those in receipt who live overseas will be discussed. This will be an opportunity for Councillor Henry to contribute to the discussion on behalf of pensioners (or those who will qualify for a UK pension in the future) who reside on St Helena.

In respect of this, Councillors Henry, Dollery, and Duncan will be holding a meeting at the Canister on Wednesday 18 November 2015 at 6pm – to hear any views that you may wish Councillor Henry to raise on this subject at the JMC.

SHG

16 November 2015