Category: Press Releases

An awards ceremony was held at the Jamestown Community Centre on Tuesday, 20 January 2015, organised by Lifelong Learning Services (previously AVES). Attending the ceremony was Director of Education & Employment, Colin Moore, the Education and Employment Committee, awardees and invited guests.

The ceremony awarded certificates to recipients who have completed Functional Skill Maths, English Entry Levels (1-3 and 1 & 2), GCSE Maths, GCSE English Language and Literature, GCSE Statistics, GCSE Accounting and GCE Advanced Level English.

In his speech on the day, Colin Moore commented on the accomplishment of all recipients:

“On behalf of the Directorate I would like to thank you all for your hard work and congratulate you on your deserved success in achieving your certificates. Adult learners are just as important as pupils and students in school and all of you are a real credit to the Island for the way in which you are self-improving.

“As Director of Education, I would now like to set each and every one of you the challenge of coming back next year to gain further qualifications and show the wider community the talent, energy and continued commitment to lifelong learning that you have so confidently demonstrated today. Well done to everyone!”

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the awarding of certificates to clients from SHAPE for completing Entry Levels in Functional Maths.

Deputy Director of Lifelong Learning Services, Kerry Yon, concluded:

“What a positive occasion and a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of so many certificate recipients. Congratulations to all learners.”

SHG

27 January 2015

Recently arriving on-Island on 16 January 2015, was Marc Lockley (photo attached) to take up the temporary position of St Helena Government Procurement Advisor, while the substantive post holder, David Woosey, is off-Island working on air and shipping tenders. Marc is contracted for nine months to provide support to SHG procurement projects.

Marc will work closely with Corporate Finance and other SHG Directorates, supporting SHG on key projects, such as the General Hospital, Prison, Fire Station and Roads projects – ensuring compliance with regulations and that tender routes deliver value for money.

Marc will be joined by his family in February. He commented:

“I hope to put my procurement skills and knowledge to the benefit of the Island, as well as taking part in all the activities St Helena has to offer. I am enjoying my time here and everyone has been very welcoming.”

Previously Marc has worked in the construction, finance and healthcare sectors in both public and private sector procurement roles.

SHG

27 January 2015

Councillor Lawson Henry departs the Island on Friday, 6 February 2015, to attend a series of trilateral meetings, the Ministerial Conference and the 13^th OCT-EU Forum (Overseas Countries and Territories – European Union) in the British Virgin Islands from 25-27 February 2015. Councillor Henry will be accompanied by SHG UK Representative, Kedell Worboys MBE, and Tristan UK Representative, Chris Carnegy.

Agendas for the meetings are still being finalised but there will be discussions around regional cooperation and the 11^th European Development Fund.

This will be the second time Councillor Henry has attended these meetings, having previously taken part in 2013.

Councillor Henry said:

“I was elected by Executive Council to attend this Forum as (having previously attended) we recognise that continuity is important. As always I am honoured to be part of the delegation to represent St Helena.

“The EU is important for us on St Helena and we are fortunate over the years to have received significant EU funding. On this visit we will update the Commissioner on what we are doing with the current EU funding and what our plans are for the next round in 2016. 

“I am looking forward to taking part in the discussions and ensuring that St Helena’s voice is heard.”

Councillor Henry will return to the Island on Wednesday 11 March 2015.

SHG

27 January 2015

As part of the ongoing road maintenance programme, the road from Hutts Gate to Longwood Gate will be resurfaced, beginning on Monday 9 February 2015.

To minimise disruption, the road will remain open to traffic during the works – but some delays may be unavoidable. There will also be a temporary speed limit in place.

Work will be carried out from 9am to 3.30pm daily.

Traffic control measures will be in place to ensure both the public’s safety and the safety of the roads workforce. Users are kindly asked to adhere to the instructions given and to plan extra time for journeys if intending to travel on the road during the road works.

Some preparation works will be carried out before actual surfacing works commence.

The Roads Section would like to thank the public in advance for their continued understanding and patience.

Any enquiries about this work can be made to telephone number 23640 during normal working hours.

SHG

26 January 2015

Persons wishing to take part in the Bye-election and whose names are not yet on the Register of Electors, should make an application to the Registration Officer on the prescribed form by no later than NOON on Monday 26 January 2015.

Forms can be obtained from the Registration and Assistant Registration Officers at the Castle (tel. 22470) or from the Post and Customer Services Centre. The forms can also be downloaded from the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/

Remember – you can only apply to be registered if you are 18 years of age and have St Helenian status (or are the spouse or life partner of someone with such status). You will also need to be ordinarily resident on St Helena.

The Writ of Election will now be issued during the week beginning 2 February 2015.

SHG

22 January 2015

In celebration of Prince Andrew School’s 25^th Anniversary, a much anticipated Fashion Show took place at the School on Thursday, 18 December 2014.

The show featured 37 Prince Andrew School students modelling styles from the 1980s right up to the present day. Student models included boys and girls across the age range of 11-18 years.

The programme for the evening involved ten scenes and started with a parade of the School uniform, followed by a cheerleading presentation by the four Houses at Prince Andrew School.

The audience were then treated to 2014 fashion highlights, followed by an exciting array of stars from the 1980s up to the present day. Other scenes included a Gothic theme, a stunning Evening Wear parade, a Neon theme with fluorescent clothes and accessories, all culminating with a Silver Final to celebrate Prince Andrew School’s 25^th Anniversary.

The music accompanying the various scenes kept the audience of 350 tapping their feet and clapping throughout. Headteacher, Mr Paul Starkie, echoed an appreciative audience by congratulating the students on a wonderfully entertaining evening.

Paul also thanked the many staff, students and members of the wider community who helped with the organisation of the event. He paid special tribute to the organising team, including Barbara Osborne, Carine Young, Annalene Young and Abby Kirk for all their hard work in helping students prepare for the show.

SHG

21 January 2015

In a Proclamation issued today, 20 January 2015, Governor Mark Capes has announced that a Bye-election to fill the vacant seat on Legislative Council (following the recent resignation of Ian Rummery on 8 January) will take place on Wednesday 4 March 2015.

The public is reminded that to vote in the Bye-election or to stand for election to Legislative Council your name must be on the Register of Electors. The Register of Electors as published in the Extraordinary Gazette on 1 July 2014, will be updated with those amendments printed in the Extraordinary Gazette Notice, No.4, dated 16 January 2015.

The Writ of Election, which will state the last day and time for receiving nominations for election of a new Member of LegCo, will be issued early next week.

SHG

20 January 2015

Executive Council met today, Tuesday 20 January 2015, to consider three items on the Open Agenda.

The first item was a request to waive a Work Permit fee. Executive Council did not agree to the waiver and further agreed that the regulations requiring the need for ExCo to approve waivers should be reviewed.

The second item was an Information Paper related to the Undertakings and Resolutions made at the Formal meeting of Legislative Council held on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 December 2014.

The third item was an Information Paper on the recently revised Fuel Prices. The price reductions, effective from Tuesday 13 January, were noted and welcomed by ExCo.

Under Any Other Business it was agreed that the date of the forthcoming Bye-election would be Wednesday 4 March 2015.

On behalf of Legislative Council, ExCo strongly encourages members of the public with an interest in St Helena’s future and who think they can make a difference to stand for election in the March Bye-election. Further details will be issued shortly.

The meeting ended at 10.25am.

ExCo

20 January 2015

For the first time on St Helena, a heart surgery operation has been conducted at the General Hospital, Jamestown (on Friday 16 January 2015) – carried out by Senior Medical Officer Dr Attila Frigyesi and Surgeon Dr Carlos Soto – assisted by the theatre nurses.

This emergency and life-saving heart surgery was successful and the patient is doing well and now recovering at home.

Dr Atilla said:

“Friday’s operation highlights the fact that it is possible to perform relatively advanced healthcare on St Helena if we have appropriate trained staff and suitable equipment.

“I would like to thank all of the team involved for their efforts in saving the life of this patient.”

SHG

19 January 2015

Customs Officers Juliette O’Dean and Rosemond Fowler recently undertook four weeks of training in St Lucia to gain a greater understanding on the implementation of St Helena’s first Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA World).

This web based system will set a platform for e-Government and will improve trade facilitation and avoid delays. Significant improvements will become evident in the future in terms of faster and more streamlined clearance of goods processes, better accounting and statistical capabilities and a paperless system.

Juliette and Head of Information Technology, Jeremy Roberts, had previously undergone initial training in Geneva to ensure that the system was appropriate and could be installed on St Helena, and to undergo initial implementation training. The most recent training has now enabled Juliette and Rosemond to see ASYCUDA in practical real-time operation and learn about the different features of the system, especially the International Harmonised System Codes, risk management, rates and rules.

Juliette explained:

“The training in St Lucia was very productive and involved both practical and theory – with the focus on understanding the International Harmonised System Codes and other operational features. Currently on St Helena, we use SITC Codes (Standard International Trade Classification Codes) which are not compatible with full implementation of ASYCUDA World. This training has enabled us to learn and understand these new codes and implement them in ASYCUDA World here on St Helena. All Customs staff and relevant stakeholders will now be trained on how to classify goods through classroom sessions.”

The ASYCUDA World system will now be fully implemented on St Helena – firstly with the online manifest submission procedure to be used by carriers and others. The next stage will involve putting in place the declaration module, which involves the new international harmonised codes, selectivity and the rates and rules. This phase will affect major stakeholders and importers.

There are significant benefits for traders and the public, including online trade input, fair trade practices, real time statistics, faster clearance and simplified procedures.

Juliette added:

“Stakeholders are aware of the benefits of ASYCUDA World and have been open-minded and optimistic. Change is always difficult, but we hope to make this transition as smooth as possible. It is important that we make the system as user-friendly as possible, adapted to our environment here on the Island.”

Juliette and Rosemond would like to thank their colleagues in Customs and SHG for enabling this training, and the St Lucia Customs team who were very welcoming and helped establish a positive, professional link between the two Islands.

The system to be used on St Helena is the most up to date version, developed by a dedicated team from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It can be found in over 100 jurisdictions worldwide.

SHG

19 January 2015