Category: Press Releases

A public consultation for a draft Climate Change Policy (3 Year Review) and draft Waste Management Policy (Three Year Review) commenced in December. The public are invited to a final meeting to discuss these draft Policies which will be held today, Thursday 8 February, at Kingshurst Community Centre at 18:30.

The draft Climate Change Policy aims to reduce the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions created on Island by making better use of natural resources, reducing the risks from weather-related hazards, ensuring that the protection and enhancement of the Island’s natural and cultural heritage is at the heart of economic development, in order to maintain a good quality of life for residents now and in the future.

Environmental Risk Manager, Mike Durnford, explains:

“Whilst St Helena’s contribution to the emissions that cause climate change is insignificant from a global perspective, there are still opportunities to achieve emission reductions that will have local environmental, health and economic benefits. ”

The draft Waste Management Policy aims to develop medium to long term goals to deal with the waste that is produced on the Island, in a manner that is efficient and sustainable in order to maintain a good quality of life for residents and visitors now and in the future and bring benefit to the environment of St Helena.

Mike further explains:

“If not properly managed waste is a problem because it, takes up valuable and limited landfill space, can cause pollution and other negative social impacts, uses up natural resources that could be used again, creates reputational impacts on eco-tourism and contributes towards Climate Change and a lasting problem for future generations.”

#StHelena #AltogetherGreener

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The Dental Department launches their ‘Flossuary 28 – day Challenge’ today, Thursday 1 February 2024.

During the month of February, the Dental Department is encouraging everyone to try cleaning in between their teeth once a day for 28 consecutive days, after which you will feel and see a difference in your gum health.

Participating in the ‘Flossuary’ challenge helps prevent tooth loss, reduces your risk of heart disease and strokes as well as reducing your risk of diabetes.

The Dental Department has a small number of free ‘Flossuary’ packs available which includes guidance on how to clean between your teeth, a 28-day chart and product samples.

To collect your free ‘Flossuary’ pack, please contact the Dental Department as soon as possible by telephone on 22500 or via email through Charmaine.buckley@sainthelena.gov.sh.

For more information about ‘Flossuary’ you can visit https://flossuary.com/.

#StHelena #DentalDepartment #Flossuary

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Over the past week, HM Coastguard delivered maritime search and rescue refresher training to the Joint Emergency Service Control Centre (JESCC) and the Sea Rescue Service.

This training focused on providing assistance to persons in distress at sea, including the handling of distress communications, and the planning and execution of maritime searches. The training culminated in a live search and rescue exercise off Jamestown on Wednesday afternoon to put the theory and skills from the training into practise.

The training was conducted by Phil Bostock, Head of International Liaison for HM Coastguard and Operational Lead for the Overseas Territories Search and Rescue Capability Project. For some staff it was a refresher course whilst for others it covered new topics. Topics included elements on distress call management, including working with international partners and the global Search and Rescue (SAR) system, and search planning based on the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) manual.

Phil Bostock from HM Coastguard said:

“This week has been a great opportunity to work with staff in the JESCC and the Sea Rescue Service, building on previous training delivered in 2018 and 2019. Training like this is vital to maintain technical skills required for search and rescue and to keep up with new developments. Our focus is to share our knowledge and to learn from those we work with to continually improve how we save lives at sea. I have been really impressed by the skills, professionalism and dedication to save lives by all those involved in search and rescue in St Helena.”

Sea Rescue Manager, Simon Wade said:

“It’s been great having Phil on island again. He’s conducted training with the JESCC and Sea Rescue Service staff with both looking at different elements of search and rescue. Phil was also able to give a presentation to ministers and senior management in the public service. This covered search and rescue globally and what our state requirements are as per the conventions that have been extended to St Helena, such as Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).”

“Lastly thank you to Phil and the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Conflict, Safety and Security Fund (CSSF) for the funding to provide this crucial training to keep our skills sharp. We hope to see this type of training continue in the future.”

Phil also carried out an Annex 12 Compliance Audit with St Helena Airport on behalf of Air Safety Support International (ASSI).

Notes to Editor

HM Coastguard has been working with St Helena as part of theMaritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) ledUK Overseas Territories Search and Rescue Capability Project since 2018. This activity is funded by the FCDO CSSF’s governance programme through the MCA.

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#StHelena #Search&RescueTraining #HMCoastguard

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh departed St Helena earlier today, concluding his four-day visit to the island.

Before his departure HRH officially opened the St Helena International Airport in a public ceremony. The Duke commemorated the special event by unveiling a plaque marking the official opening of the airport.

During his visit to St Helena, The Duke undertook a series of engagements to celebrate the culture, people, and biodiversity of the island. These engagements included visiting various significant landmarks and places of interest, and meeting with a cross-section of the St Helenian community through a number of events.

Some of these visits included the well-known Jacob’s ladder, as well as the St Helena Museum, New Horizons Youth Centre, HRH The Princess Royal Community Care Centre and St Helena’s Active Participation in Enterprise (SHAPE) charity. The Duke also made a visit to 192-year-old Jonathan the tortoise, just as his mother Queen Elizabeth II and his grandfather King George VI had done in 1947.

On Wednesday 24 January, His Royal Highness commemorated his visit to the island in a tree planting ceremony at the Castle Gardens. This was followed by a public event held on the Grand Parade where over 1,000 people are thought to have attended. Two students presented The Duke with gifts on behalf of the island, after which The Duke engaged in a meet-and-greet with the St Helenian community.

The Duke also learnt about St Helena’s incredible wildlife and the conservation efforts underway to protect it. He enjoyed a marine tour where he encountered the island’s other famous visitors, the whale sharks, and saw the remnants of the island’s military days, observing the various battery’s lining the coast. The Duke also visited the endemic Millennium Forest. He undertook a guided wire bird tour, followed by a walk through the forest to hear more about the work of the St Helena National Trust and other environmental projects, before planting his own tree.

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#StHelena #DukeOfEdinburgh

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