Category: Press Releases

 JAMESTOWN

The Police will be running a Parking Awareness Campaign during November. This campaign has been devised following a meeting between the Chief of Police and Elected Members where concerns were expressed about the abuse of the parking regulations in Jamestown.

In response to these concerns, the Parking Awareness Campaign will seek to encourage motorists to adhere to appropriate use of the two hour parking bays and yellow lines. Elected Members fully support this campaign as we head towards a busy time on the Island over the Christmas period.

Chief of Police, Trevor Botting, said:

“I’m grateful to Councillors for fully supporting our activity as we seek to ensure that the parking regulations are enforced in Jamestown. My officers will be looking for the cooperation of drivers through what will essentially be an awareness campaign. Officers will be handing out leaflets and using local radio stations and newspapers to get their message across.

“But motorists should be warned that where people continually disregard parking regulations they may face prosecution. However, I am confident that we will get the cooperation of the local community in managing these concerns.”

Chairperson of the Highways Authority, Councillor Pamela Ward Pearce added:

“The Highways Authority fully supports this campaign and hopes that the public will help to ensure safer streets for us all.”

SHG

The Police Service is seeking the assistance of the public to establish the current whereabouts of a vehicle, described as being a blue Ford motor car – possibly an Orion – with the numbers 270 in the registration.

It is believed that the car is no longer being driven on the roads, and may well have been scrapped.

If you have owned this car in the past or know of someone who has owned this car, then the Police would urge you to make contact with them.

Any information provided will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence. If you have any information, please contact Detective Sergeant David Honan at the Criminal Investigations Department on telephone number 22626 or email: Dave.honan@police.gov.sh

4 November 2015                                                                                                          

SHG

Today, Tuesday 3 November 2015, marks exactly four years since the signing of the Design, Build and Operate contract between St Helena Government and Basil Read to build an Airport on St Helena.

Over these four years, immense progress has been made – evidenced by the number of milestones reached in the past year alone. The appointment of Comair Ltd as Air Service Provider for St Helena, the completion of the concrete paving of the Runway, Apron & Taxiway, the official ‘switching on’ of the runway lights and the announcement of the Ascension Air Service to and from St Helena are just some of the important landmarks achieved this year. The biggest achievement so far of course was the landing of the first ever aircraft at St Helena Airport, on Tuesday 15 September 2015, to take part in a series of calibration flights.

Four years after the signing of the Airport contract, we are now moving away from construction works and into the operational phase of the project. All parties involved in the Airport Project are now working together towards achieving the next important milestone of gaining Airport certification.

HE Governor Capes remarked:

“Four years ago today, on 3 November 2011, I addressed a gathering in front of the Court House in Jamestown to announce that only a few minutes earlier the Airport project contract had been signed in London.  That was a special moment, great excitement matched with no small amount of trepidation about the work that lay ahead. 

“Today the government and community of St Helena can be proud of what has been achieved over the past four years.  In saying that I speak not just of the impressive pace of construction of the Airport itself, but of the performance of the community as a whole in supporting and adapting to change – as we work to raise standards across the board in healthcare, social services, education, environmental protection, policing and in so many other areas.  At times it has not been easy given our remote location and limited resources, but we continue to make strong progress as a community.  

“So I say well done St Helena.  Let us continue to work together to secure a better and more prosperous future for all who live here, paying particular attention to ensure that we remain a caring society, respectful of the values that define this special community.”

To commemorate the 4^th anniversary of the Airport Project, a special exhibition will be open at the Museum of St Helena from 4-18 November 2015 highlighting key progress and developments on the Airport project to date. There will also be a photo and film display in the Tourism Office window at the Canister.

Also look out for a bumper colour edition of the Airport Update in this week’s newspapers.

SHG

3 November 2015

On Wednesday, 28 October 2015, St Helena’s annual Careers Fair was held at Prince Andrew School from 10am to 3.30pm and from 6.30 to 8pm.  In a busy hall both the public and private sectors took part, showcasing their activities, making presentations using videos and slideshows – and demonstrating their various business activities.

In her opening remarks, Cynthia Bennett, Work Development Coordinator for SHG, commented:

“There have been many challenges in the run-up to this year’s Careers Fair, but despite these obstacles we have all pulled together to make this event possible. Please enjoy the Fair, which I hope will give you inspiration to develop yourself professionally and achieve your full potential.”

Director of Education, Shirley Wahler, added:

“I would like to thank the Acting Chief Secretary, Government officials, Councillors, presenters and stallholders for being here today.  This event is not just about the careers of individuals but also about the future of St Helena.  As all these options are presented to you, and as you make a choice that suits you, you are also committing to the Island herself.

“This is a big event, an important event about planning for the future, and shaping the Island as a whole. Enjoy today, but take it seriously, think about what you might want to be ten years from now and how you can move in the right direction.”

Speakers covered topics such as Career Progression, Life as a Solicitor, Careers in Management, University Education, and Apprenticeships.

Two pictures are attached to this release.

SHG

30 October 2015

Simon Bennett, SHG’s Senior GIS Surveyor (pictured), will leave for Ascension Island on 2 November 2015 to attend a Remote Sensing workshop – on a three week course run by AIG’s Conservation team as part of its Darwin Project: ‘Mapping Ascension Island’s Terrestrial Ecosystem’.

Simon spoke of what he hopes to gain from his training:

“The workshop will expose me to different methods of data collection and analysis, which will benefit me in future Geographic Information System (GIS) works at our office here on St Helena.  It will also be a good opportunity to see various different approaches to GIS.”

Simon’s main role in SHG is to support the development of the St Helena Environmental Information System (SHEIS), including giving support to GIS users and promoting the use of GIS. He is also responsible for Land Registry surveys and for developing a fully digital map of the Island.

Simon’s trip will be funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Jubilee Fund, managed by the Governor’s Office.

Simon concluded:

“I would like to thank both the FCO and the Governor’s Office for giving me this opportunity.”

Simon will return to St Helena on Saturday 28 November 2015.

SHG

30 October 2015

Executive Council met today, Thursday 29 October 2015, with five items on the Open Agenda.

Governor’s Deputy Sean Burns welcomed all to the meeting.

The first item for discussion was to consider St Helena Government’s Financial Statements 2012/13, together with the Chief Auditor’s Management Letter. The Financial Secretary subsequently signed the Financial Statements and the Chief Auditor gave his Audit opinion.

In the second item, Executive Council approved the Employment Rights (Amendment) Bill.  This Bill amends the Employment Rights Ordinance 2010 to make provision for equal pay for women. It also introduces a complaints procedure for female employees in respect of this right.

For the third item, Executive Council approved the Juries (Amendment) Bill which extends the age of Jurors to allow persons between the ages of 18 and 70 years to serve on a Jury. It also increases the minimum number of Jurors from eight to nine and makes provision for Majority rather than Unanimous verdicts.

In the fourth item, Executive Council approved the Environmental Protection Bill which provides a legislative framework for the protection of the environment, including the conservation of biodiversity, the control of pollution and hazardous substances, the control of litter and waste and the regulation of trade in endangered species.

Finally, Executive Council approved the Mental Health and Mental Capacity Bill, which will replace the existing Mental Health Ordinance. This Bill makes provision for the reception, detention, care and treatment of mentally disordered persons as well as provisions relating to persons who lack mental capacity.

All of these Bills will be presented as Government Business at the Formal Legislative Council meeting on Friday 13 November 2015.

ExCo

29 October 2015

HM Customs & Port Control would like to advise that the Wharf will be closed to the public for two hours from 8.30am to 10.30am on Friday 30 October 2015, to enable the Rock Guards to remove the safety barrier and any loose debris above the Freight Terminal.

SHG

29 October 2015

Following the report of a disturbance during the early hours of Saturday 24 October 2015 at an address in Two Gun Saddle, a 40 year old man from Two Gun Saddle was charged on Tuesday 27 October with offences under the Firearms, Public Order and Road Traffic Ordinances. He appeared before Jamestown Magistrates Court on the same day and was remanded in custody to Her Majesty’s Prison, Jamestown.

If anyone has any information regarding this matter, they are encouraged to contact the Investigations Team at the Police Station.

Chief of Police, Trevor Botting

SHG

28 October 2015

The Education Committee has designated Friday 6 November, as St Helena Teacher Appreciation Day 2015.  This comes from a new emphasis within the Directorate on promoting the value of education and educators in the future of St Helena.  On this day, the entire community is encouraged to show their appreciation for the teachers who have contributed and continue to contribute so much to the Island.

Christine Scipio-O’Dean, Chair of the Education Committee, commented:

“The Education Committee and St Helena Government wish to recognise the contributions that educators make to the lives of the students they teach.  Teachers help build up society and education is the foundation on which we build the future.  Our educators deserve our thanks for their hard work.”

Director of Education, Shirley Wahler, added:

“Great teachers make a lasting impact on their students’ lives. When a young person learns from an exceptional teacher, he or she is more likely to do well in school and to succeed later in life. Teachers lift up the next generation and enrich the community.  They deserve our gratitude and support.”

All students and parents are encouraged to find a simple way to say Thank-You to our teachers.  Your appreciation could be expressed with a note of encouragement, a card, a flower from the garden, or even a simple word of thanks.  On this day, the Education Directorate also encourages past students to seek out those teachers who inspired them and who helped to develop the vibrant community that is seen today.

So please use Friday 6 November to say a special thank you to the teaching staff -past and present – across the Island.

Shirley Wahler concluded:

“The work of a teacher is always challenging, but caring, committed and compelling teachers are the foundation of any successful society.  St Helena can be justly proud of the Island’s teachers and I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to show our true appreciation for their work.”

SHG

27 October 2015

WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2015

The second formal session (for 2015) of the Public Accounts Committee will take place on Wednesday, 11 November, at 10am in the Court House, Jamestown.

The Order Paper for the meeting is as follows:

1. Chairman’s Address
2. St Helena Line Limited
3. St Helena Audit Service: St Helena Airport Project Overview Audit

In respect of Remembrance Day, a one minute silence will be observed at the meeting at 11am.

The public is invited to attend.

SHG

27 October 2015