Category: Press Releases

The Health Laboratory and Health Promotion teams will be celebrating World Blood Donor Day on Friday 14 June 2024.

To raise awareness for this important day, the teams will be hosting a special ‘blood drive’ on Thursday, 6 June 2024. The teams will be traveling to various locations around the island to promote blood donation and World Blood Donor Day. Stop by and chat with the team to learn more and see if you’re eligible to donate.

Location	Time
Jamestown Community Centre	09:30 – 10:30
Longwood Clinic	11:00 – 11:30
St Helena Airport	12:00 – 12:30
Levelwood Clinic	13:00 – 13:30
Half Tree Hollow Clinic	14:00 – 14:30

What is World Blood Donor Day?

World Blood Donor Day, celebrated annually on 14 June, is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical need for safe blood and blood products. It’s also a day to express our immense gratitude to voluntary blood donors for their life-saving gift of blood.

Why donate blood?

Blood donations are essential for saving lives. They help those facing accidents, surgeries, medical conditions like cancer or blood disorders, and chronic illnesses.

Benefits of donating blood

Donating blood offers surprising health benefits for the donor as well. Here are some reasons to consider:

• Improved Blood Flow: Regular donations can improve circulation and reduce the risk of arterial blockages, lowering your risk for heart attacks
• Balanced Iron Levels: Donating helps regulate iron stores, potentially reducing the risk of iron overload and related health issues
• Early Detection of Potential Issues: Blood donation screenings can reveal underlying health concerns you might not be aware of
• Reduced Cancer Risk: Studies suggest regular blood donation may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

After your donation, you’ll be provided with a refreshing beverage and complimentary blood tests will be offered by the lab.

How much blood is donated?

During a whole blood donation, a little less than one pint (approximately 450ml) of blood is collected.

Who can donate?

Eligibility depends on your blood type. Here’s a quick guide:

• O+: Can donate to O+, A+, B+, AB+
• A+: Can donate to A+, AB+
• B+: Can donate to B+, AB+
• AB+: Can donate to AB+ only

Who can receive my blood?

Blood type also determines compatibility for receiving blood:

• O+: Can receive from O+, O- (universal donor)
• A+: Can receive from A+, A-, O+, O-
• B+: Can receive from B+, B-, O+, O-
• AB+: Can receive from all blood types (universal recipient)

Want to learn more?

For further information, please contact:

• Laboratory team on tel: 22500 Ext: 2033 or 2034 or 2110
• Health Promotion team on tel: 22500 Ext: 2098 or 2094

#StHelena #WorldBloodDonorDay #DonateBlood #AltogetherHealthier

SHG
05 June 2024

The Minister for Treasury and Economic Development Mark Brooks delivered the 2024/25 budget speech today, 3 June 2024, for St Helena to the Legislative Council. A copy of the budget speech is available online at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Budget-Speech-2024-Final.pdf.

In his opening remarks, Minister Brooks said: 

“Last year I used the Budget Speech to call for a change in mind-set.”

This year, it has become more apparent than ever that the island faces pressing issues that mean we must all work together to build a better future for our people.  The private sector, non-government organisations (NGOs), individuals and the government all have a part to play in this island’s future.  We all need to work as a team to achieve our common goals.”

“Our vision is to enable St Helena’s people to build their own futures and create their own opportunities, while not leaving anyone behind. To do this, we aim to create an enabling environment that allows people and businesses to thrive, while preserving what makes St Helena unique. We must also improve how SHG delivers as a government to ensure that essential services can be sustainably delivered into the future.”

The budget as presented includes a 3% increase (£1.0 million), in the Financial Aid settlement from the UK Government when compared to the budget for 2023/24.  This means total available funding from the UK Government of £34.1 million which includes a further £500,000 to continue to develop the tourism industry. In addition a further £1.0 million has been made available by HMG for essential equipment.

In his budget speech, Minister Brooks expressed gratitude to His Majesty’s Government for their continued support to St Helena through Financial Aid.  

In concluding his budget speech, Minister Brooks said:

“I started by thanking HMG for the ongoing support and I would like to end by thanking the Saint Helena community for all their support in making some of the highlights of the year a success.”

The Minister went on to summarise the recent successful visits of the Duke of Edinburgh, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Show Case event and the British Islands and Mediterranean Regional conference delegation and then said:

“All of this Mr Speaker wouldn’t have been the success it was if not for the people of St Helena and I want to thank each and every one for making St Helena what it is.

We can hold our heads high and know that what makes St Helena truly unique is totally within our control and long may this continue.”

The motion to consider the Appropriation Bill 2024 now stands adjourned until Wednesday 5 June 2024, when the details of the Bill will be debated by Legislative Council. 

Allocations for recurrent expenditure proposed in the Appropriation Bill 2024 and the Budget Book are as follows: 

• Central Support Service —£10,4 million
• Attorney General’s Chambers — £0.1 million
• Safety, Security and Home Affairs — £2.9 million
• Judicial Services — £0.1 million
• Treasury — £7.9 million
• Police Operations — £0.9 million
• Economic Development — £5.8 million
• Education, Skills and Employment — £3.6 million
• Health and Social Care — £9.5 million
• Environment, Natural Resources and Planning — £1.7 million

The total amount proposed to be appropriated as recurrent expenditure in 2024/25 is £42.8 million.  In addition, £5.7 million for recurrent expenditure for pensions and benefits will be provided via standing appropriations. 

A further £0.6 million for capital expenditure will be provided across the following portfolios:

• Safety, Security and Home Affairs
• Economic Development
• Education, Skills and Employment
• Health and Social Care

#StHelena #Budget24 #AltogetherWealthier

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On 01 July 2024 the minimum wage will increase. It will rise from £3.65 per hour to £4.00 per hour for an adult aged 18 and above, and from £2.70 per hour to £3.05 per hour for those aged 16 and 17 years old.

This increase is in line with the Minimum Wage Policy of 2021. This policy sets out the principles for establishing a longer-term path to a more ambitious Minimum Wage, benefitting workers and providing adequate time for businesses to plan and adapt. The Minimum Wage Policy is available on the SHG website at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/.

The proposed increases in the Minimum Wage between 2022 and 2025 are detailed below.

FY	Proposed Hourly Increase	Hourly Minimum Wage (18+)	Hourly Minimum Wage (16-17)
2022/23	£0.12	£3.37	£2.42
2023/24	£0.28	£3.65	£2.70
2024/25	£0.35	£4.00	£3.05

The above schedule for increases was informed by the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) work of 2020. The MIS is the income level needed for a minimum socially acceptable standard of living that provides more than what is just needed for survival. It supports social participation and recognises that choice is important, but also that choice cannot be unlimited.

In 2022 the MIS identified rates of between £4.92 and £6.09 per hour per adult for a family with two adults and two children dependent on living circumstances, whether in Government Landlord Housing or with a mortgage, and whether or not the family was running a car.

Although a target minimum wage level and timetable were published in 2021, when determining whether to increase the minimum wage, consideration is also given to the cost of living pressures on both employees and employers. The Minimum Wage Policy recognises that there is a limit to the size of increases that businesses can absorb in a single year, whilst at the same time establishing a clear pathway for raising the minimum income level in St Helena. The target Minimum Wage level for 2024/25 was therefore set and approved at £4.00 per hour.

The changes being introduced in July are the latest in a long line of increases. Overall, the minimum wage has increased by 73.9% since it was introduced in 2013.

Financial Year	Minimum Wage Rate	% Increase in Minimum Wage	Annual Inflation
2013/14	£2.30	N/A	2.10%
2014/15	£2.30	0%	1.80%
2015/16	£2.60	13.04%	2.60%
2016/17	£2.60	0%	5.10%
2017/18	£2.95	13.46%	3.80%
2018/19	£3.05	3.39%	3.30%
2019/20	£3.13	2.62%	1.10%
2020/21	£3.18	1.60%	1.30%
2021/22	£3.25	2.20%	4.60%
2022/23	£3.37	3.69%	4.61%
2023/24	£3.65	8.31%	4.59
2024/25	£4.00	8.8%	N/A
Total Increase	£1.70	73.9%

In total, the new 2024-25 Minimum Wage is equivalent to an increase of £682.50 when compared to the 2023/24 Minimum Wage for someone working a full time, 37.5 hour week.

Financial Year	Hourly wage	Weekly 37.5 Hours	Monthly	Annual Before Tax	Annual After Tax
2024/25	£4.00	£150.00	£650.00	£7,800.00	£7,592.00
Compared to
2023/24	£3.65	£136.88	£593.13	£7,117.50	£7,086.95

Employers are legally required to pay at least the minimum hourly rate of £4.00 per hour for an adult aged 18 years and over, and £3.05 per hour for someone aged 16 or 17 years old. It is the responsibility of all employers to ensure they are compliant with the provisions of the changes when they come into effect.

#StHelena #MinimumWage #AltogetherWealthier

SHG

31 May 2024

Last week, the Royal Engineer Lead Air Support Team visited St Helena and conducted a comprehensive survey of the airport runway. The survey confirmed the runway remains in excellent condition, and the team also provided valuable capacity building and support to airport staff.

Building on this successful visit, the Royal Air Force (RAF) have identified an opportunity to showcase their capabilities. An A400M military transport aircraft will conduct a training flight between St Helena and the Falkland Islands and will take place from Sunday 2 June to Monday 3 June 2024.  

This provides a valuable training opportunity for the RAF and will confirm the route in case St Helena ever needs any humanitarian support and if a short landing or take off capability is ever required.

Whilst here, the visiting team is hoping to get out and about to experience the island’s natural wonders and hopefully spend some time meeting the island’s youth.

Beyond the training mission, the RAF are also committed to engaging with the St Helena community. To foster connection, the RAF and St Helena Airport will host a special visit for children of all ages at the airport on Sunday 2 June from 13:00 to 15:00.

Parents who wish for their child or children to participate can register their names by contacting Stephen Thwaites at stephen.thwaites@fcdo.gov.uk.  Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult and transportation to the airport is not provided.

This visit by the RAF underscores the strong partnership between the UK and its Overseas Territories.

#StHelena #RoyalAirForce #StHelenaAirportLtd

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The annual World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) campaign takes place on Friday 31 May 2024. This day, organised by the World Health Organization (WHO), serves to raise awareness of the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use.

This year the theme for WNTD is ‘Protecting Children from the Harms of Tobacco’.  Studies show that most adults who regularly use tobacco started before the age of 18.

Health Impacts of Tobacco

Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and illness in the world today.

Two-thirds of all preventable and treatable deaths on the island in the last 20 years were from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers, with smoking being a contributing risk factor to all of these diseases. 

Smoking does not only affect smokers, it also affects others around them. People who breathe in second-hand smoke are at the same risk for illnesses as smokers, including lung cancer and heart disease. Children and infants exposed to tobacco smoke are also more likely to experience ear infections and asthma.

To help keep young people free from the devastating effects of tobacco it is important to:

• Maintain a dialogue. Start early. Begin talking with your children about smoking. Be honest and open to seeing things from your child’s point of view. Keep the conversation going as children get older.
  
  
• Prepare your children for peer pressure. Discuss what they might say if a friend offers them a cigarette or e-cigarette.
  
  
• Set a good example. If you smoke, the best thing you can do is to stop smoking. Do not smoke around your children. Free support is available from Smokefree St Helena.
  
  
• Establish a smoke-free home. Do not allow family members or friends to smoke in your home or car. Make sure the places where your child spends a lot of time are smoke-free.

If your child has started smoking, try to learn why. This may help you talk with him or her more effectively. Instead of punishment, offer understanding and support to resist the dangerous lure of tobacco-use and addiction.

Smoke-Free St Helena

Stopping smoking isn’t easy, but it is much easier with the right support. Smokefree St Helena provides an evidence-based programme of support, with sessions delivered by trained stop-smoking practitioners. The Smokefree St Helena programme is made up of two core components:

• behavioural support
• stop-smoking medications

It is through this combination that smokers have the best chance of breaking the habit. The programme provides weekly support sessions, where clients can receive the following support:

• Engaging in discussions on their progress and difficulties they may be having
• Receiving advice, encouragement and medication from their practitioner  

Pop by the Smokefree St Helena World No Tobacco Day stall at the Canister on Friday 31 May from 10:00 to 13:00 for more information.

Alternatively please contact the team directly by email though smokefree@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone on 25863.

#StHelena #Health #WorldNoTobaccoDay2024 #AltogetherHealthier

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Following an eventful week of discussions and engagement at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) British Islands Mediterranean Region (BIMR) Conference all delegates departed St Helena on Saturday 25 May 2024 concluding a six-day visit to the island.

This historic visit marked the first time the CPA St Helena Branch hosted a CPA conference.

Whilst here, delegates engaged in a number of discussions and activities focusing on the theme of the conference ‘Addressing Challenges to Sustainable Development in Times of Global Uncertainty’. Guest speakers from St Helena were invited to deliver presentations and sit on panels with members of the delegation. These discussions provided the delegation an opportunity to participate in exchanging knowledge on approaches and best practices.

The conference concluded with a presentation of gifts to the delegation by Chief Minister Julie Thomas and closing remarks by Hon Catherine Cranfield, Deputy President of the CPA St Helena Branch.

On Tuesday 21 May (St Helena’s Day), the delegates went on various tours of the island. This involved visits to a range of significant St Helenian landmarks and points of interest, including historical sites like High Knoll Fort, and infrastructure crucial to the island’s future, such as Rupert’s Bay Cargo Facility.

The conference also gave the delegates a platform to strengthen further the bonds between our UK Parliament and the British Islands and Mediterranean Region legislatures.

On the conference, President of the CPA St Helena Branch, Cyril Gunnell commented:

“It has been an absolute honour to host the CPA BIMR conference in St Helena this year. I consider the conference a huge success as the aim for parliamentarians and staff to join together to network, to learn and to share similar issues was achieved. I trust our colleagues within the BIM Region have felt the warm and welcoming spirit of St Helena and experienced the ‘Breath of Fresh Air’ that our island proudly offers.”

“As the conference has come to an end, my hope is that valuable links have been built, bonds within our region have been strengthened, and we all look forward to building on those relationships in the years to come.”

On 12 October 2023, following an ENRP veterinary risk assessment in respect of the ‘highly pathogenic avian influenza’ (HPAI) or ‘bird flu’ outbreaks in South Africa (SA), St Helena Government (SHG) put in place a prohibition to prevent the landing or importation of all poultry and poultry product imports originating from SA. This prohibition was established to prevent the introduction of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) disease into St Helena.

Since September 2023, SA has put in place biosecurity measures to limit the spread of the existing outbreaks and new outbreaks of the virus, and is monitoring this on a monthly basis by sampling poultry flocks for HPAI. This allows the country to establish what it calls NAI (Notifiable Avian Influenza) Free Compartments from which it will export live birds, poultry meat, and eggs.

Based on the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) reporting no new or ongoing HPAI cases in St Helena’s poultry since early January 2024, and considering the expected low HPAI activity for the next four to five months, ENRP’s risk assessment concludes that the risk of introducing HPAI through poultry and poultry product imports is currently extremely low.

Executive Council recently discussed a recent veterinary risk assessment provided for St Helena and agreed that the current prohibition on the import of poultry and poultry products originating from SA should be lifted. This removal of the prohibition took effect from Thursday 23 May 2024.

The situation will be monitored by ENRP as HPAI cases may begin to rise again in the future and St Helena may again need to prohibit such imports. Avian Influenza continues to be a challenge and is spread across the world, with new outbreaks having been reported in Antarctica recently for the first time.

The public and the island’s merchants are thanked for their cooperation in helping to protect our island during the period of the prohibition.

If you require further information please contact:

Portfolio Director, Darren Duncan, via email: darren.duncan@sainthelena.gov.sh or

Agricultural Development Officer, Andrea Timm, via email: andy.timm@sainthelena.gov.sh 

Alternatively, both officers can be contacted on telephone 24724.

#StHelena #PoultryProhibition #AvianFlu

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Delegates from 10 countries across the British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) arrived at St Helena this afternoon for their annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) BIMR conference. This is the first time CPA St Helena hosts a CPA conference.

Upon arrival at the airport, delegates were welcomed by President of the CPA St Helena Branch Hon. Cyril Gunnell, Secretary Anita Legg and elected members. They were then taken to their respective accommodation.

Delegates will participate in a full programme of engagements and activities focusing on the theme of the conference ‘Addressing Challenges to Sustainable Development in Times of Global Uncertainty’. A range of topics to be discussed will include digital reforms and artificial intelligence, decentralized finance and climate emergency.

While the unfortunate weather delayed their arrival, we trust the delegates will still be able to enjoy St Helena Day celebrations and island tours at their leisure.

The opening ceremony will take place on Monday 20 May, and the programme will commence with the CPA Annual General Meeting.

#StHelena #CPA #BIMR

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The Immigration Policy 2024 was approved by Executive Council on Tuesday 7 May 2024. The policy, which supports increasing the working aged population, is critical to growing the economy and sustainable prosperity for the island.

To fuel economic growth, this policy aims to attract a skilled workforce with streamlined, user-friendly processes for visitors, professionals, and investors. Importantly, there are no changes to St Helenian Status or existing partner exemptions.

To ensure smooth execution, the policy comes with a detailed implementation plan. This plan outlines the necessary steps, including revisions to immigration laws and timeframes for enacting complementary policies. These complementary policies address various aspects like health fees, minimum wage adjustments, public transportation access, land ownership rights for immigrants, property transactions (disposal and purchase), and stamp duty regulations.

To strengthen border security, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with the UK Home Office, granting access to their watch lists. Additionally, training for immigration staff will be facilitated.

A dedicated Head of Customs and Immigration will be appointed in July of this year to further support staff training and ensure the policy’s smooth implementation. Securing funding for modern immigration equipment remains a crucial step.

It is envisaged that the legislation will be enacted in September 2024.

#StHelena #ImmigrationPolicy

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The Provisional Register of Electors was published on Friday 10 May 2024.

Eligible persons have up until 16:00 on Friday 24 May 2024, to submit applications to amend the Provisional Register.

Persons who are eligible to have their names entered in the register may apply to amend the Provisional Register. Amendments can be made to include or remove their name, or to remove the name of someone who has died or left the island or who might be no longer eligible for inclusion in the register.

The Registration Officer aims to publish a register which is as up-to-date and accurate as possible. In order to do so, eligible persons can apply to amend any of their personal details which may be out of date. For example, they may have changed their name since they last applied to be included on the register or may now live in a different electoral district and would like to change their address.  

It is also possible to amend the register to enable voting in a different district from that in which you reside. For example, an eligible person may live in Longwood and work in Jamestown, so when there is an election, it may be more convenient for them to vote in Jamestown during the working day. It is possible for the register to accommodate this, provided the eligible person makes an application to do so.

Persons eligible to be registered must:

• Have St Helenian Status as defined in the Immigration Ordinance, 2011
• Be 17 years of age or older with St Helena as their ordinary place of residence

The register has been published on the SHG website at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/news/government-gazettes/.

Hard copies have also been placed at the following locations:

• The office of the Registration Officer, the Castle
• Customer Service Centre, Jamestown
• Public Library, Jamestown
• ENRP Offices, Scotland

Assistant Registration will also have access to a copy of the Provisional Register and can be contacted by persons who require any assistance.  The Assistant Registration Officers are:

Anita Legg

Connie Johnson

Michelle Yon

Pamela Joshua

Brenda Thomas

Georgina Young

Vincent March

Douglas Bennett

Alfreda Yon

Karen Yon

Christina Henry

Jane Augustus

Phyllis Coleman

Alicia Thomas

Jackie Moyce

Applications to amend the Register using the prescribed ‘Form A’ will need to be submitted to the Registration Officer, at the Castle, by no later than 16:00 on Friday 24 May 2024. Form A can be accessed at the Castle Reception, Public Library and Customer Services Centre.

Individuals who may be eligible to apply to have their names included in the register and who are currently overseas need to use the prescribed ‘Form B’. Both Form A and Form B can be accessed on the SHG website at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/elections/.

Further information about registering and making amendments may be obtained from the Registration Officer, Carol Henry, at the Castle, by telephone on 22470 or via email through carol.henry@sainthelena.gov.sh.

The final Register of Electors for the 12 month period commencing 1 July 2024 will be published towards the end of June.

If your name is not on the Register of Electors you will not be able to stand or vote in any bye-election or general election. It is therefore your responsibility to check the Provisional Register and to make application to have your name included if it is not already listed.

#StHelena #ProvisionalRegisterOfElectors #RegisterToVote

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