Category: Press Releases

 FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER 2015

A Major Incident Exercise took place on Friday 23 October 2015 to test the emergency services’ response to a simulated Airport emergency. The scenario was a challenging one and was the first time the Airport emergency services were deployed with the local teams.

Overall, whilst there were many lessons learned, the exercise demonstrated that the teams can work well together when responding to an incident. Future exercises will test this interoperability further to improve the response to any Airport emergencies.

Chief of Police, Trevor Botting said:

“This exercise was challenging and whilst there are a number of points that will help us to improve the way we work, it demonstrated that the emergency teams from the Airport and from St Helena more generally can work together in an operational context.”

Aerodrome Manager, Nigel Spackman, added:

“These exercises are an essential part of the Airport certification process and are designed to give the Regulator confidence in our ability to operate the Airport safely and to identify areas for improvement.  It was clearly proven that SHG Emergency Services and the Airport teams can work together effectively, albeit that there are – as expected – areas where we can improve. 

“I look forward to working with SHG on making this a success for all agencies.”

SHG

27 October 2015

 

DEADLINE – TUESDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2015

“I was awarded my Chevening Scholarship to start a Doctorate as a mature student in 2007. Chevening funded my fares, my fees and my first year of expenses – giving me the opportunity to study social policy at a high level in a top university and to optimise many of the new challenges and experiences that university life brought.

“I was able to meet new friends and colleagues from all over the world and build a network in social policy. Consequently I am able to make a meaningful contribution to social development on St Helena and make a difference in the lives of others.” – Dr Priscilla McDaniel, St Helena Chevening Scholar (2007)

The Chevening Secretariat is accepting applications for 2016/17 Chevening Scholarships via www.chevening.org/apply – until Tuesday 3 November 2015.

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with strong academic backgrounds who also have demonstrable leadership potential. The scholarship offers financial support to study for a Master’s Degree at any of the UK’s leading universities and the opportunity to become part of an influential global network of 44,000 alumni.

Chevening Scholarships are funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The scholarships support study at UK universities for individuals with potential to become future leaders, decision-makers, and opinion formers.

There are approximately 1,500 Chevening Scholarships on offer globally for the 2016/2017 academic cycle, representing a significant investment from the UK Government to develop the next cohort of global leaders.

For more information, visit http://www.chevening.org/apply/faqs for details on the eligibility criteria and award specifications – or contact Manager of the Governor’s Office, Sandra Sim, on tel: 22308 or email: sandra.sim@sainthelena.gov.sh

SHG

27 October 2015

 

Following the press release of 21 July 2015 regarding the future of the Rupert’s Cold Storage & Fish Processing Plant – which called for EOIs for its continued operation – the multi-stakeholder working group has implemented an interim proposal for the plant to continue to support the fishing industry.

After the withdrawal of the existing operator, Argos, on Saturday 31 October 2015, the facility will be operated by St Helena Fisheries Corporation (SHFC) for an interim period of around 18 months.  Argos staff members will be employed by SHFC in order to ensure a smooth transition.

Nautilus Consultants in the UK (Natural Resource Economists) has provided professional advice and guidance to the working group in consultation with Island stakeholders on options for the continued operation of the facility.  The consultants’ final report on options is expected to be delivered in the next few weeks, following which the working group will recommend to SHG a preferred format and way forward for a new operating entity.

SHG remains open to exploring options with local and international businesses with relevant experience who may wish to be considered for the future operation of the facility from a private investment perspective.  Consideration will also be given to the establishment of a multi-stakeholder company.

SHG

26 October 2015

MEN’S HEALTH – ‘MOVEMBER’

November is Men’s Health Month and men all over the world are growing moustaches to raise awareness about men’s health issues.  So men, why not join in and become a ‘Mo Bro’.

What is Movember All About?

Movember’s primary objective is to raise awareness around all men’s health issues, but specifically cancers affecting men. We want everyone to know that most cancers are highly curable if caught in the early stages – including prostate and testicular cancer.  Movember aims to increase early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment, as this will ultimately reduce the number of deaths from cancer.

Rules for Movember

1. Each Mo Bro must start on 1 November with a clean shaven face
2. For the entire month of Movember each Mo Bro must grow and groom their moustache.
3. Don’t fake it.  No beards, no goatees, no fake moustaches.
4. Use the power of the moustache to create conversations about men’s health and raise money for men’s health issues.
5. Each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true gentleman.

Startling Facts About Men’s Health

 

• 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
• 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in males between the ages of 15 and 35
• Poor mental health affects men more than women – three quarters of suicides are by men. The World Health Organisation estimates that 510,000 men die from suicide globally each year. That’s one every minute.
• On average, across the world, men die six years earlier than women.

 

MOVE

Physical inactivity is a big deal. It’s the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, causing 3.2 million deaths globally per year.  This year Movember is launching MOVE a 30 day campaign to encourage physical activity.  Although the focus for Movember is men’s health there is nothing to stop women getting involved as well. The aims of the MOVE campaign are to raise awareness of the dangers of physical inactivity and the benefits of exercise for both physical and mental health. It aims to find new ways to encourage physical activity and reduce the impact of a sedentary lifestyle.

St Helena is a beautiful island so enjoy it.  Walking is one of the best activities there is and almost everyone can do it. If walking is not for you, think about joining a football or cricket team.  We are surrounded by the sea and have a public swimming pool so perhaps swimming could be for you.  The important thing is to incorporate some activity into your life.

What about Movember on St Helena?

It would be great if as many men (and women) as possible get involved with this.  The whole reason for Movember is to raise awareness of men’s health issues.  That’s not to say women’s health issues aren’t important, but there is lots of evidence that men are more reluctant to discuss health issues and seek help when needed.  The aim is to get people talking about men’s health to raise awareness of the problems and the importance of seeking help early.

Let’s have lots of conversations about men’s health issues.  It should be as acceptable to talk about impotence and testicular cancer as it is for women to talk about breast cancer and the menopause. It would also be great to see lots of men around the Island sporting moustaches and, if you are a lady, get behind your boyfriend or husband by telling him how handsome he looks in his moustache!

I will certainly be encouraging my husband, although you may have to take our word for it as we are off Island this month.  Let’s fill Facebook with photos, and send pictures to the papers of Movember moustaches and activities on St Helena.

For further information, contact Marian Kanes, Health Promotion Trainer at hp.trainer@publichealth.gov.sh, or Marian Yon, Health Promotion Coordinator at marian.yon@publichealth.gov.sh.

Marian Kanes

Health Promotion Trainer

SHG

26 October 2015

 

 

Executive Council will meet on Wednesday, 28 October 2015, at 11.30am in the Council Chamber, for the following Special Open Agenda item:

 

• Employment Rights Bill
• Juries Amendment Bill
• Environmental Protection – Bill for an Ordinance
• Mental Health & Mental Capacity Bill
• Government of St Helena Financial Statements 2012/13

Executive Council Members are: Lawson Henry, Brian Isaac, Christine Scipio-O’Dean, Pamela Ward Pearce and Derek Thomas.

Non-voting members of ExCo are: Financial Secretary Colin Owen, Attorney General Nicola Moore and Acting Chief Secretary Gillian Francis.

SHG                                                                                                                                          

26 October 2015

BED AND BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENTS – Part 2

Although Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) do not often provide evening meals and aren’t  likely to have a professional kitchen, there is still legislation to adhere to, and whilst Environmental Health will adopt a policy of less frequent visits to smaller businesses, B&Bs need to show that they are operating to a satisfactory standard.

This week we will give some guidelines on safe food practices for operating a B&B.

Hygiene Conditions

Ensure that your kitchen is suitably designed for safe working practices. The structure of your kitchen should be sound and the surfaces capable of being cleaned and kept clean.  This also applies to any equipment you use for the preparation of food. Your work surfaces need to be smooth and non-absorbent. Carpeting is not really recommended for kitchen floors, but where it is used, it must be kept clean and in good condition.

Ideally washing machines should not be located in the kitchen area, but if an alternative location cannot be found, then these activities should ideally be carried out at a separate time to any food preparation. Dirty laundry should not be stored in the kitchen area.

Food Storage

Check how you store your food. Foods that need to be in the refrigerator should be in the refrigerator. Hygiene regulations require that raw meats should be stored at the bottom of your fridge to prevent cross contamination. Any food in open tins has to be decanted into suitable lidded containers. High risk foods such as cooked meat and ready-to-eat foods have to be kept at 5° or less. It is recommended that a thermometer is available to check fridge temperatures regularly.

Handling Practices

Personal hygiene must be of a good standard at all times. This includes wearing of appropriate clothing and removal of any jewellery. Remember to wash your hands before food preparation, after handling raw meats and after using the toilet.

You should not prepare food when suffering from sickness or diarrhoea, including for 48 hours after the last symptoms.

Pets and Pests

Due to the potential risk of contamination, pets should not be fed in the kitchen. Surfaces should be thoroughly clean before food preparation begins if pets gain entry. Keep an eye out for any pests. Your kitchen should be designed to prevent access by pests, but if you do see any signs of them you must take immediate action to eradicate them.

Remember that registration as a Food Premises with the Environmental Health Section is a legal requirement. Call Environmental Health on 22500 if you need any assistance.

SHG

26 October 2015

Joseph Phippard (pictured) arrived on Island on 17 September 2015 to undertake his role as a Detective Constable specialising in Historic Case Reviews for St Helena Police Service. ‘Joe’ is initially on the Island for one year, with the possibility of an extension.

Joe will specialise in reviewing historic cases and investigations concerning sexual offences where there has been no prosecution. His job will be to establish whether these cases can be progressed and to identify opportunities to take cases forward with the support of victims. He will also assist with other investigations as required.

Joe spoke of the main challenge in his role:

“The resources that would be available for case reviews in the UK are not available on St Helena, but this is not insurmountable and this work is critical to giving victims a voice in the justice system. All of our investigations will involve close working with the Safeguarding Directorate to ensure that victims and witnesses are supported throughout. Joint working is the only way in which we can make real progress in this challenging area.”

Joe originally joined the Royal Navy, serving for over six years before joining Sussex Police. He was based in a busy seaside town and spent three years in uniform before moving into Criminal Investigations. During this period, he became a qualified Detective, spending many years in specialist investigations dealing with offences around vulnerable people. He also has experience of investigations into sexual exploitation and high-tech crime.

Apart from being an accredited criminal investigator, Joe holds an Honours Degree in Applied Investigations in Policing.
Joe concluded:

“My main strengths are attention to detail and an inquisitive mind. Being a people person as well – this naturally led to a career in serious crime investigations.”

SHG
23 October 2015

Director of St Helena’s Safeguarding Directorate, Greg Hall, will depart the Island at the end of this year in order to take up another role in Australia. He therefore notified SHG yesterday that he would be resigning from his post.

Greg will continue to implement important safeguarding reforms until Christmas, by which time SHG will be involved in the process of recruiting his successor.

While sad to leave the Island, Greg is looking forward to a new role after a year leading significant developments and improvements to safeguarding on St Helena.

A further announcement about Greg’s departure will be made towards the end of the year.

SHG

23 October 2015

FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER 2015
As part of the ongoing work towards Airport certification and to enhance how the St Helena Emergency Services work with emergency response teams at the Airport, a Major Incident Exercise will be held on Friday 23 October 2015.
The exercise will centre on the Airport site itself, so there should be no disruption to the roads and wider Island community.

However, at various times, there will be emergency service vehicles responding to the Airport exercise as it develops. Of course, normal service will be maintained throughout the day in respect of local emergency services.
Chief of Police, Trevor Botting.

SHG
21 October 2015

Safeguarding Children Board – Guidance for Media on Photographing or Filming Children – 20 October 2015