The primary and secondary schools on island will be hosting their annual Open Day next week. All parents, guardians, carers and members of the public are invited to attend.
Opening times are as follows:
Pilling Primary School
Tuesday 23 July
09:00 to 12:30 13:30 to 15:00 16:00 to 18:30
Harford Primary School
Thursday 25 July
09:30 to 15:00 15:30 to 18:00
St Paul’s Primary School
Friday 26 July
09:15 to 17:00
Prince Andrew School
Monday 29 July
11:30 to 14:00
Do come along to see the schools in action and view the children’s work.
Recently, the Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) issued a letter updating their patients identified for overseas medical referral of the status of their referral. Unfortunately, the contents of this letter have been misunderstood by some, and therefore, miscommunicated in the public domain. With this in mind the HSC aims to address these recent concerns and provide an update on overseas medical referrals.
As per normal procedure, the HSC prioritises referrals based on clinical need and maintains a waiting list for all overseas referrals. We strive to keep patients informed of their position on this list.
While we advocate for increased funding to address the specific healthcare needs of St Helena’s population, the HSC has openly communicated the current budgetary limitations throughout all HSC services, to include that of overseas medical referrals due to increasing complexities. This information has been presented to the Public Accounts Committee and is continually discussed in public forums.
We recognise that every patient has unique circumstances. Patients with concerns regarding their diagnoses or ongoing healthcare needs are encouraged to contact the appointments line to schedule a consultation with the Senior Medical Officer or Chief Medical Officer.
As referenced within the letter distributed to patients, the HSC reiterates its willingness to assist in cases where patients are in a position to self-fund, by facilitating the necessary arrangements for overseas medical treatment. Those in a position to self-fund by opting for private treatment allow the HSC to direct limited resources towards those who cannot afford the cost of overseas care.
The HSC remains committed to providing the best possible healthcare services within the available resources.
We encourage patients with questions regarding overseas medical referrals to contact the HSC appointments line at 22321.
The St Helena Research Institute (SHRI), established in 2019, is proud to announce its first global research conference, ‘St Helena: a unique environment, a rich tapestry’, in collaboration with the University of Manchester. This landmark online event will be held on Wednesday 20 November 2024, with a possible extension to Thursday 21 November depending on interest.
The conference aims to unite researchers and stakeholders from St Helena itself, those who have conducted research on or around the island remotely, and anyone interested in the island’s fascinating history and environment. This free event offers an exceptional opportunity to network, explore research impact, and discuss its application for St Helena’s sustainable development.
The conference will delve into four key themes, each featuring a keynote speaker and short presentations (15-20 minutes):
Natural Sciences: Explore St Helena’s biodiversity, its fight against invasive species and climate change, and the crucial issues of energy, food, and water security.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Uncover the island’s colonial history, its role in the slave trade, and its contemporary social and economic challenges, including population decline, digital integration, and educational opportunities.
Medical Science: Discuss the health of St Helena’s aging population, the potential of telemedicine, and research into the well-being of small, rural communities.
Cross-disciplinary Approaches: We encourage submissions that bridge themes, fostering collaboration for St Helena’s future.
The conference seeks to identify research needs and gaps, culminating in a preliminary list of research priorities for St Helena. Each theme session and the overall conference will conclude with a plenary discussion focused on this crucial agenda.
Interested presenters are invited to submit a 250-word abstract by Monday 16 September 2024, using the form at https://forms.gle/7HPc3h3Hk7fzF1bA7. Presentations should be approximately 15 minutes in length.
SHRI promotes high-quality, ethical, and equitable research that benefits St Helena. It aims to make research and knowledge accessible to further the island’s development.
About the University of Manchester
Celebrating its bicentenary in 2024, the University of Manchester is a leading research institution committed to social responsibility and advancing sustainable development goals worldwide.
The Education, Skills and Employment (ESE) Portfolio is undertaking a comprehensive review of the island’s primary education system. This review aims to identify the most effective and sustainable path forward, considering the current challenges and future needs of St Helena’s children.
Declining Population and Staff Shortages Drive Review
The current school structure faces difficulties due to a declining primary school-age population (302 in June 2024 compared to 391 in the 2017 census). Staff shortages within the ESE further complicate these challenges.
Exploring Options for a Sustainable Future
The review will consider various options, including:
Maintaining the existing school structure
Consolidating into a single school
Creating a primary two-school system
Focus on Future-Proofing Education
The review’s primary goal is to “future-proof” St Helena’s education system, factoring in the island’s economic development, current resources, and Immigration Policy. This includes:
Enhancing educational attainment and learning outcomes for all students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Reviewing the curriculum and delivery methods to ensure sustainability, resilience, and the ability to accommodate future growth.
Improving teaching and learning standards.
Your Voice Matters: Public Consultation
We understand the importance of a strong education system for our children and the island’s future. We will be holding public consultations to ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their thoughts and perspectives on the future of primary education in St Helena. We will consider these valuable contributions as we develop our recommendations.
Working Together for a Sustainable Future
A working group has been established to analyse various options and provide this analysis to stakeholders. Their recommendations, including priority areas and potential actions regarding primary education provision for September 2025, will be presented to Executive Council later this year.
Our Commitment: Growth and Stability
The primary aim is to ensure a solution that meets the educational needs of children, promotes stability, allows for efficient resource utilization, and accommodates potential growth in future years, considering St Helena’s Immigration Policy and initiatives to retain existing staff and attract new residents, including St Helenians returning to the island.
Note to Editors
St Helena’s primary school-age population has seen a significant decrease and is set to further decline in future years. Relating this to a global scale, the number of children in primary classrooms has been dropping from a peak of 4.7 million five years ago. EPI forecasts show it will drop to 4.06 million in 2028-29. Steps are being taken to encourage the growth of our population, but we do not foresee this being rapid; therefore a steady growth is being considered in our steps in future-proofing Education.
Today, 8 July 2024, marks International Paramedics Day, a global observance recognising the invaluable contributions of paramedics worldwide. This date coincides with the birthday of Dominique-Jean Larrey, known as the ‘father of modern ambulance services’, symbolising the profession’s rich history and ongoing dedication.
Organised by the College of Paramedics in the UK and supported by paramedic organisations globally, this year’s theme, “The Difference We Make,” highlights the transformative impact of paramedics in diverse healthcare settings.
Paramedicine, a dynamic and rapidly growing profession, encompasses a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities, from critical emergencies to compassionate patient care in quieter moments. In St Helena, since the introduction of paramedics in 2022, the ambulance service has expanded significantly, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing emergency care.
Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager, expressed his gratitude:
“I extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to the St Helena community. I also acknowledge the sacrifices made by their families and former colleagues, who have all contributed to our service. It’s an honour to work alongside individuals like Patronella Mittens-Henry, Martin Andrews, T-Jay Coleman, Carl Thomas, Rae Dickie-Clark, Emma-Lee Cochran and many others.”
To celebrate International Paramedics Day 2024, a special gathering was held at the hospital, bringing together current and former ambulance service members in recognition of their exceptional service and dedication.
Acting Governor Tasha Harris has today issued the Writ of Election for the upcoming bye-election to be held on Wednesday, 14 August 2024.
The Writ confirms the last day and time for receiving nominations to elect a new member to fill the vacant seat on Legislative Council.
The last day and time for receiving nominations is 12:00 on Wednesday, 31 July 2024, and all nominations should be delivered within this time to the Returning Officer Mrs Carol Henry, at the Castle, Jamestown.
If more than one nomination is received, a poll will be take on Wednesday, 14 August, at the following polling stations:
Blue Hill Community Centre
Half Tree Hollow Community Centre
Harford Community Centre
St Mary’s Church, The Briars
Kingshurst Community Centre
Levelwood Community Centre
Jamestown Community Centre
Sandy Bay Community Centre
The Register of Electors effective from 1 July 2024 which was published today will be used in the bye-election.
Only those persons with their name on this Register of Electors will be eligible to participate in the bye-election, with those who are 21 years of age and over being able to stand for election.
The Register of Electors effective from 1 July 2024 has today been published in an Extraordinary Gazette. This register will be used for the forthcoming bye-election.
St Helena Government joins the world in raising awareness about the effects of alcohol during Alcohol Awareness Week, which takes place from 1 to 7 July 2024. The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Understanding alcohol harm’. The Health Promotion team are encouraging all to get involved in this year’s campaign by talking about the ways in which alcohol harms us, our health and the lives of those around us.
The effects of alcohol extend far beyond personal health. It affects families, friends, communities, and society as a whole, causing disrupted sleep, strained relationships, and even fatalities.
Fortunately, these negative outcomes are preventable. We have the opportunity to cultivate a healthier environment where informed decisions regarding alcohol consumption become the norm. It is crucial to reduce the prominent role that alcohol currently plays within our social interactions. By openly discussing the harmful effects of alcohol and actively working to reduce its influence, we can empower ourselves and our community to make thoughtful decisions about our drinking habits.
The Mental Health and Health Promotion team will be launching a social media campaign throughout Alcohol Awareness Week. Follow the conversation using #AlcoholAwarenessWeek.
Healthy Lifestyle Coach, Kaylee Youde, commented:
“Alcohol Awareness Week isn’t about forcing people to quit drinking, it is about raising awareness and inspiring positive change. We want people in our community to make safe and well-informed decisions about their alcohol intake.”
Ways in which you can participate in Alcohol Awareness Week include:
Sharing your experiences, events and activities on social media using the hashtag #AlcoholAwarenessWeek
Promoting and engaging in alcohol-free activities such as sports, arts and crafts, or community service projects
To find out more about Alcohol Awareness Week, please contact the Mental Health or Health Promotion teams via telephone on 22500.
The Maritime Authority is proposing steps to implement new registry and licensing of local vessels to cover necessary safety standards. To facilitate this, all boat owners are invited to attend an information session on the following topic:
Local Vessel Registry, Licensing and Safety Standards Policy
In a bid to enhance safety within St Helena’s waters, the Maritime Authority intends to introduce safety standards through a phased approach and a new policy to legally enforce the safety standards, however, this can only be done with the support of the local boating community. We would appreciate your attendance to gain your crucial knowledge and views to support the Maritime Authority in formulating a policy that meets the needs of St Helena’s Maritime community.
The information session is scheduled for 18:00 on Wednesday 3 July 2024 at Customs House, Jamestown Wharf.
Please advise your attendance by calling Mandy Constantine on 22750, or via email through mandy.constantine@sainthelena.gov.sh by no later than Monday 1 July 2024.
For further information please contact Mia Henry, Head of Maritime by telephone on 25970 or via email through mia.henry@sainthelena.gov.sh.
We look forward to engaging with you.
International Day of the Seafarer
The Maritime Authority recognises the importance of International Day of the Seafarer and Safety Obligations.
Today we join the global maritime community in celebrating the International Day of the Seafarer on 25 June whereby we highlight the critical role that seafarers play in our lives and economy. This day serves as a reminder to appreciate the hard work and sacrifices made by seafarers who ensure the smooth flow of goods and trade worldwide.
For St Helena our connection with the sea is deeply valued. It is essential for us to recognise the safety obligations that come with supporting our seafarers. Ensuring the well-being and security of these maritime workers is not only a legal responsibility but a moral duty that we uphold with pride.
As we commemorate this important day, let us all take a moment to reflect on the significant contributions of seafarers and reaffirm our commitment to promoting their welfare and upholding safety standards in our community.
Since May 2023, the St Helena Government (SHG) Economic Development Team has been working with Ryft Pay, a UK-based payment services provider, to offer access to Visa and MasterCard payments. The Ryft Pay system is being utilised by several businesses making it more convenient for tourists and St Helenians alike to use their credit cards on island.
Businesses can now offer customers the convenience of paying with Visa and Mastercard, thanks to Ryft Pay. This not only improves the visitor experience but also allows businesses to:
Increase sales and revenue
Reduce reliance on cash transactions
Attract new customers who prefer card payments
Businesses are reminded they can apply directly to Ryft Pay to start accepting Visa and Mastercard payments. The funds from these transactions can be deposited into their Bank of St Helena (BOSH) account or a UK bank account.
Businesses interested in accepting Visa and Mastercard payments can apply directly to Ryft Pay via email at support@ryftpay.com. The Ryft machines are readily available on the island for approved businesses. To ensure stock availability, please copy invest@sainthelena.gov.sh when applying.
For more details on Ryft Pay’s services and the application process, businesses can refer to the On-boarding Process information sheet (available through the Chamber of Commerce or the SHG Economic Development team) or contact Ryft Pay directly at support@ryftpay.com.
Further information is available by contacting either Kyle Snow or Michael Ormrod on 22470.
Notes to Editor
Ryft Pay offers its customers automatic processing services on financial transactions. This includes Visa and MasterCard, the two most common payment networks worldwide.
Ryft Pay is licenced and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority as an Authorised Payment Institution (No. 972895). Ryft Pay is certified as PCI DSS service provider Level 1 and offers services that comply with the latest UK industry standards.
