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Category: Press Releases

  • SHG enter into agreement with new shipping provider

    SHG is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with a new provider of ocean freight services for St Helena. This is the culmination of a near 12 month process to identify a new provider.

    Following assessment against the tender criteria, MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping GmbH & Co. (MACS) was determined to be the most suitable party for the provision of this service.

    Final contractual elements have been agreed between the parties and a contract has been signed. There are now discussions ongoing around the transition between the current service provided by Meihuizen International and the new MACS operation. Once finalised the commencement date will be confirmed. It is anticipated that the arrival date at St Helena for the new service will be April 2024.

    MACS have been chosen based on an assessment of both the technical quality of the submissions and the price offered for the service. At an initial five year term, with the option for a further five years, this also provides the Island with confidence in shipping services for the foreseeable future.

    The service will include a dedicated vessel shipping cargo directly between St Helena, Cape Town and Walvis Bay. It will be calling at the Island approximately every four weeks.

    Minister for the Treasury and Economic Development, Mark Brooks, said:

    “As an Island territory this government knows how important shipping services are to our businesses and community. It’s important to appreciate the challenges of running a service to such a remote island with comparatively low volumes of freight when considered against other cargo routes. We import many vital goods, from food to construction materials, so it’s been important to take our time in identifying the right firm to partner with to deliver shipping services. We are very pleased to be in the position we are in and the confidence this will give to the community.”

    “I’d like to thank Meihuizen International for the service provided to the Island since the start of 2023. They were able to provide a service to St Helena at short notice, and we are grateful for their partnership over the last year.”

    A spokesperson from MACS said:

    “We all at MACS are very grateful for having been awarded this contract which has a long-standing tradition which comes with big responsibility. We look forward to a close cooperation with SHG, contractors on the Island and its community with the aim of achieving the best possible result for all”.

    A detailed schedule and rate card will be made available early in the new year on completion of discussions around the transition. Merchants and shippers will then be able to begin booking freight with MACS and other suppliers for the future service.

    #StHelena #Shipping #MACS

    www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt

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    SHG

    18 December 2023

  • Surgeries To Discuss Draft Policies Postponed

    A period of public consultation on two draft policies, namely Climate Change Policy and Waste Management Policy has begun. Views and input is requested between now and 16:00 on Friday 19 January 2024.

    The public were invited to open surgeries to discuss the draft Climate Change Policy and the Waste Management Policy. These meetings have been cancelled and will now be held at alternative venues with disabled accessibility in the New Year.

    The Environmental Risk Management Section apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the public in advance for their understanding.

    Copies of the draft Climate Change Policy 2023 and Waste Management Policy are available under the Public Consultations section of the Publications page on the SHG website www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications.

    A copy of each policy can be emailed following request to Environmental Officer Risk Management Terri Clingham via terri.clingham@sainthelena.gov.sh, to whom comments on the policies should also be sent. A few hardcopies will be made available and can be obtained at the Public Library and Customer Service Centre in Jamestown as well as from the Reception at Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP) Offices, Scotland.

    #StHelena #AltogetherGreener

    www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

    www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

  • SHG Services Opening Hours – Christmas/New Year 2023/24 – Reminder

    All SHG Portfolios and services will close on 25 and 26 December 2023 and on 1 January 2024. The following table provides details of opening hours between the 22 and 29 December 2023. Normal business will resume on 2 January 2024.

    Unless otherwise stated, the following Services will close at 4pm on 22 December 2023

    SHG PortfolioServiceDetails
    Central Support ServiceThe Archives 
    Judicial Services 
    TreasuryIncome Tax Office 
    Social Security OfficeClosed from 4pm on 21 December 2023 until 2 January 2024 *
    Economic DevelopmentCivil AviationOn-call for emergencies only. Please call: 51461 or 51936
    Housing SectionOn-call services will be provided for emergency repairs only
    Land Registry Office 
    Education, Skills & EmploymentSt Helena Research Institute 
    Careers Access 
     AdministrationEnquiries can be made to Angela Benjamin on 24544 or 62331
    Public LibraryClosed from 1pm on 23 December 2023 until 2 January 2024
    All SchoolsClosed from 18 December 2023 until 15 January 2024
    Environment, Natural Resources & PlanningPlanning Office 
    Scotland Office 
    Veterinary ServiceOn-call for emergencies. Please call: 62039 or 26162
    Forestry ServiceOn-call for emergencies. Please call: 65394 or 24202
    Waste ManagementEnquiries can be made to the Waste Management Services Supervisor on mobile: 66380 (AM only)
    Marine CentreClosed from 4pm on 19 December 2023 to 2January 2024
    Marine EnforcementClosed from 1pm on 23 December 2023. Please call: 64642 for enquiries outside of opening normal opening hours
    Health & Social CareEnvironmental Health ServiceStaff on-call can be contacted via the Hospital Switchboard on tel: 22500
     AdministrationStaff on-call can be contacted via the Hospital Switchboard on tel: 22500
    Safety Security and Home AffairsPort ControlThe Harbour Master can be contacted in an emergency on VHF channel 14/16 or mobile numbers: 67383 or 61827 or tel: 24817 or via the Police Control Room on tel: 22626
     Immigration OfficeAny queries can be directed to Coleman’s House on tel: 22626
     HM CustomsClosed from 4pm on 23 December. An Officer will be on-call during this time.
     Prison ServicesHM Prison remains operational over the festive period, however there will be no social visits on 25 and 26 December 2023 and 1 January 2024
     Royal St Helena Police and Fire ServiceServices will operate as normal. For any emergencies call telephone number 999, for non-emergencies call 22626

    The following Services will operate the 27, 28 and 29 December 2023

    SHG PortfolioServiceDetails
    Central Support ServiceThe Castle Reception8.30am–12noon
    Economic DevelopmentTourist Office8.30am–12noon
    Health &Social CareMental Health Services8.30am–4pm
    Dental Department8.30am–10am (Emergencies Only)
    Community Nursing27, 28 and 29 December – Jamestown Outpatient Clinic -8.30am–12noon 
    27 December – Longwood Clinic – 9am–12noon
    28 December – Levelwood Clinic – 9am–12noon
    29December – Half Tree Hollow Clinic – 9am–12noon
    Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy8.30am–4pm
    Pharmacy Services27, 28 and 29 December – Jamestown – 8.30am–12noon
    27 December – Longwood Clinic – 10am–12noon
    28December – Levelwood Clinic – 10am–12noon
    29December – Half Tree Hollow Clinic – 10am–12noon
    Laboratory8.30am–12noon
    Doctors Clinics  27, 28 and 29 December – Jamestown Outpatient Clinic – 9am–12noon
    27 December – Longwood Clinic – 9am–12noon
    28 December – Levelwood Clinic – 9am–12noon
    29 December – Half Tree Hollow Clinic – 9am–12noon
    Note: The Medical Records Office/Appointments will be open from 8.30am to 12noon on each of these days 
    Children’s Social Care, Adult’s Social Care and Probation Services8.30am–4pm
    Safety Security and Home AffairsEmergency Planning and Sea Rescue Service8am–12noon
    TreasuryPost & Customer Service CentreThe Post & Customer Service Centre will open from 8.45am–12noon on 23, 27, 28 and 30 December.

    * Amended

  • UK Government and British Overseas Territories agree to closer collaboration

    • New Joint Declaration agreed by UK Government and elected leaders of British Overseas Territories (OTs).
    • Declaration commits to a new, more collaborative and ‘modern partnership’ between the UK and the OTs.
    • Includes plan to deepen bilateral partnerships, enhance transparency and support the OTs to take on more responsibilities should they wish to do so.

    The UK Government and elected leaders of the British Overseas Territories have agreed a new Joint Declaration. The Declaration defines a new, more collaborative and ‘modern partnership’ between the UK and the OTs – one that’s based around our shared democratic values and respect for human rights.

    As part of the declaration, the UK and OTs committed to; improve transparency and deepen bilateral partnerships; consult OTs on UK primary legislation that impacts them; and support OTs to take on more responsibilities where they wish to do so.

    UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, David Rutley, said:

    “The Overseas Territories are an important part of the British Family, and our shared values such as support for democracy and the rule of law underpin this close relationship.

    “Our new Joint Declaration sets out more clearly than ever how the UK and Overseas Territories will work closer together on the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.” 

    The Joint Declaration was agreed during the UK and British Overseas Territories annual Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London on 14 – 15 November and has now been formally approved within the OTs.

    Other commitments in the agreement include investigating improvements to how the UK provides financial support to OTs and agreeing to speak with one voice on the international stage, such as at the United Nations. It also creates more opportunities for the OTs to take on responsibilities where they want to, such as around transparency measures, and through the development of ‘Compacts.’

    These ‘Compacts’ will set out roles and responsibilities on specific issues bespoke to each community. The UK will seek to agree these detailed bilateral agreements with each of the OTs.

    Chief Minister of St Helena, Julie Thomas, said:

    “St Helena welcomes this declaration, one which all of Legislative Council, both ministers and elected members, fed into. It was great to sit around the table, alongside UK and OT representatives, to set out and agree how we all want to work together in the future. I am pleased that the declaration reaffirms the need to continue to prioritise financial support for economic development to OTs such as ours. I look forward to working closely with UK colleagues to develop our bilateral Compact, which will define the way forward for St Helena.”

    Notes to Editors 

  • 2023-2024 Budget – Central Support Service

    In July 2023, Legislative Council approved the St Helena Government (SHG) budget for 2023-4. To provide a better understanding of how that money is spent, every two weeks we are focusing on a different Portfolio and their plans for the year. Two weeks ago we looked at the allocation for the Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA) Portfolio and this week we’ll be covering Central Support Service (CSS).

    For the whole of SHG, £47,072,000 was allocated for recurrent and capital expenditure. Of this figure, CSS was allocated £10,025,000. This means that of the six Portfolios included in the 2023/24 Budget Book, CSS receives 21.3% of the SHG recurrent budget.

    Central Support Service

    The CSS Portfolio provides a range of support services to all portfolios. This ranges from managing information and data, to IT, transport and communications. Providing these services in a cross-governmental fashion means that resources can be better targeted and services delivered in the most efficient way possible.

    What are CSS’s Strategic Aims?

    As a cross-governmental support service, its policy priorities indirectly support all the National Goals, namely, ‘Altogether Safer’, ‘Altogether Healthier’, ‘Altogether better for Children and Young People’, ‘Altogether Greener’ and ‘Altogether Wealthier’.

    It also indirectly supports all strategic objectives, and directly support seven of the 33 strategic objectives in the SHG Vision and Strategy Plan 2022-2025.

    To support these national goals and strategic objectives, the CSS Portfolio will pursue six key policy priority areas within the SHG Vision and Strategy Plan 2022-2025, which are informing and directing its work programmes. These are:

    • Driving St Helena Government’s Digital Transformation Agenda
    • Ensuring effective corporate governance arrangements are in place to achieve St Helena’s overarching goals and objectives
    • Encouraging and facilitating openness and transparency across the Public Service and Government
    • Enabling and supporting policy makers, portfolios and the public to make better decisions
    • Supporting the development of the Public Service through the delivery of an effective People Strategy
    • Ensuring the provision of an effective and efficient vehicle hire service

    Where will CSS’s allocation be spent?

    Expenditure for 2023-24 totals £10,025,000. This is an increase from the budget for 2022-23 due to various reasons. Since last year the Programme Management Office budget has been included in CSS and several distinct projects will take place this year. This includes building additional toilet facilities at the Castle building (including a toilet for wheelchair users), redeveloping the SHG website, undertaking the 2023 Household Expenditure Survey, and funding the cost for two Ministers to attend the annual Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London, amongst others.

    The bulk of the CSS expenditure though will be used to deliver key support services across SHG.

    These services include administration support, operation of the SHG Archives, support to the Museum of St Helena, management of the ‘Report, It Sort It’ Service, management of the Code of Practice for Public Access to SHG Information and the contact point for complaints about SHG services. The cost of operating the Executive Council and SHG UK Representative’s Office in the UK is also within the CSS budget, as is funding for the day to day operations of Plantation House and secretarial support to the Governor.

    The majority of CSS’s budget is spent on Technical Cooperation (TC) posts. These posts are crucial to the effective delivery of public services, and represent over 75% of the total budget allocation. Whilst the funding is within the CSS budget, these posts are represented across the entirety of SHG and its various portfolios.  

    The Central IT and Transport Division services are part of the Central Support Service functions. However, these service areas operate Trading Accounts and so the costs of their operations are separate from the core Central Support Service budget.  The budgets for these services areas for the current financial year are:

    IT Trading Account                          £1,099,000

    Transport Trading Account            £1,381,000

    If you would like more information about any areas of CSS’s work, please get in touch with Crystal Maggott, Portfolio Assistant, by email through crystal.maggot@sainthelena.gov.sh.

    #StHelena #CentralSupportServices #Budget23

    www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

    www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

  • Public Consultation On Draft Waste Management Policy Begins

    A public consultation on a draft Waste Management Policy for St Helena has begun. The public consultation will close at 16:00 on Friday 5 January 2024.

    St Helena Government (SHG) acknowledged the need for a Waste Management Policy and Implementation Plan in 2020, primarily to plan for environmental changes that are likely to impact the quality of Island life if left unmanaged. The policy was developed and implemented at that time, with a three year review period set for 2023. The new draft Waste Management Policy 2023 is a result of that review.

    The draft Waste Management Policy 2023 aims to develop medium to long term goals to deal with the Island’s waste, and in a manner that is efficient and sustainable. This will ensure a good quality of life for residents and visitors both now and in the future, and bring benefit to the environment of St Helena.

    Measures that have already been taken to mitigate the historical problems of poor waste management include (but are not limited to): 

    • Reusing items such as plastic bags, clothes and furniture that might otherwise be thrown away
    • Recycling items like glass, cans, plastics and cardboard so they can be made into new products
    • Treating organic waste such as fish waste, green waste and piggery effluent to convert it into compost to enhance local soil conditions
    • Controlled landfilling of remaining waste after reusing, recycling and treating as much as possible

    Waste recycling and treatment has also offered opportunities for the establishment of commercially viable private sector businesses on the Island such as Roddy Yon’s aluminium can recycling company, Yon’s Ally.

    To achieve the aims and objectives of the draft Waste Management Policy 2023, several strategic actions will be delivered through an updated 2023 to 2030 implementation plan. These include:

    • Implement a recyclable waste collection service from homes and businesses, focusing on high value and / or high volume dry wastes, such as aluminium drinks cans, plastics, cardboard and glass.
    • Further develop and increase organic waste recycling into compost, maximising reuse of food, green and animal wastes.
    • Design and implement environmentally sustainable waste management projects that support existing recycling activities and encourage new initiatives that improve and enhance the natural environment.
    • Ensure that unavoidable landfilling is managed in a manner which does not significantly impact on public health or the environment.
    • Develop and implement waste management regulations and codes of practice in line with the Environmental Protection Ordinance and Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Ordinance.

    Environmental Risk Manager, Mike Durnford, explains:

    “If not properly managed, waste is a problem. 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 for our Island, and contributes towards climate change and a lasting problem for future generations.”

    “Reusing and recycling more waste will help to reduce reliance on landfill and maximise the remaining useful life of Horse Point Landfill Site. This will increase St Helena’s reputation as the sustainable Island we aim to be, and contribute towards climate change mitigation.”

    A copy of the draft Waste Management Policy 2023 (Three Year Review) is available under the Public Consultations section of the Publications page on the SHG website www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications.

    Comments should be sent to Environmental Officer Risk Management, Terri Clingham, via email through terri.clingham@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone on 24724.

    The public are also invited to an open meeting to discuss the draft Waste Management Policy. This will be held in the Waste Management Services Office in the Post Office Yard, Jamestown from 13:00 to 15:00 on Tuesday 19 December 2023.

    #StHelena #AltogetherGreener #ReduceReuseRecycle #GoodWasteManagement

    www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

    www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

  • Public Consultation On Draft Climate Change Policy Begins

    A period of public consultation on a draft Climate Change Policy has begun. Views and input is requested between now and 16:00 on Friday 5 January 2024.

    St Helena Government (SHG) acknowledged the need for a Climate Change Policy and Action Plan in 2019. This provided a plan for short, medium and long term environmental changes that are likely to impact on the quality of Island life if left unmanaged. This policy is now subject to its first three year review.

    The draft Climate Change Policy 2023 aims to reduce the quantity of greenhouse gas emissions created on the Island. This will primarily be achieved by making better use of natural resources, reducing the risks from weather-related hazards, and ensuring that the protection and enhancement of the Island’s natural and cultural heritage is at the heart of economic development. This will in turn contribute to a good quality of life for residents now and in the future.

    To achieve the aims and objectives of the draft Climate Change Policy 2023, Strategic Climate Change Action Plans will be developed by all portfolios for their respective areas of responsibility. This will be in liaison with territorial and international stakeholders as appropriate.

    These Strategic Climate Change Action Plans will seek to accelerate Island-wide programmes and educational campaigns to deliver climate change mitigation and adaptation for key sectors of island life. This will include, but not be limited to:

    • Sustainable buildings, homes and lifestyles
    • Sustainable energy generation
    • Sustainable planning and land use
    • Sustainable agriculture
    • Sustainable transport system
    • Sustainable waste management

    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 or economic benefits. The small and isolated nature of the Island also means that it may be possible to achieve significant change in a short period of time.”

    “The climate change challenge is complex and to achieve the objectives on adaptation and mitigation requires a coordinated, robust national policy that supports economic development. We need to adjust our approach to energy production, emissions management and our economy to meet this challenge. It is about long-term sustainability of our environment and way of life.”

    A copy of the draft Climate Change Policy 2023 is available under the Public Consultations section of the Publications page on the SHG website www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications.

    Comments should be sent to Environmental Officer Risk Management, Terri Clingham, via email through terri.clingham@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone on 24724.

    The public are also invited to an open surgery to discuss the draft Climate Change Policy which will be held upstairs in the Tourist Office, Jamestown from 09:00 to 12:00 on Tuesday 19 December 2023.

    #StHelena #AltogetherGreener

    www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

    www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

  • Appointment Of Sheriff For St Helena

    On Wednesday 13 December 2023, Ethel Yon OBE was appointed as Sheriff of St Helena by Governor Nigel Phillips CBE with effect from 01 January 2024.

    Mrs Yon took the prescribed Oaths before the HE Governor in the Governor’s Office at the Castle on Wednesday 13 December. Mrs Yon was previously appointed Sheriff, and her current appointment is effective until 31 December 2024.

    The Sheriff of St Helena is nominally responsible for enforcing Court Orders, with this usually carried out by the Police Service on the Sheriff’s behalf. The Sheriff is also responsible for summoning jurors when a jury is required, either in the Supreme Court or for a Coroner’s Inquest. Their most conspicuous public role, however, is the swearing in of Governors and Acting Governors.

    Photos

    #StHelena #SheriffOfStHelena #PublicAppointment

  • SHG Services Opening Hours – Christmas/New Year 2023/24

    All SHG Portfolios and services will close on 25 and 26 December 2023 and on 1 January 2024. The following table provides details of opening hours between the 22 and 29 December 2023. Normal business will resume on 2 January 2024.

    Unless otherwise stated, the following Services will close at 4pm on 22 December 2023

    SHG PortfolioServiceDetails
    Central Support ServiceThe Archives 
    Judicial Services 
    TreasuryIncome Tax Office 
    Social Security Office 
    Economic DevelopmentCivil AviationOn-call for emergencies only. Please call: 51461 or 51936
    Housing SectionOn-call services will be provided for emergency repairs only
    Land Registry Office 
    Education, Skills & EmploymentSt Helena Research Institute 
    Careers Access 
     AdministrationEnquiries can be made to Angela Benjamin on 24544 or 62331
    Public LibraryClosed from 1pm on 23 December 2023 until 2 January 2024
    All SchoolsClosed from 18 December 2023 until 15 January 2024
    Environment, Natural Resources & PlanningPlanning Office 
    Scotland Office 
    Veterinary ServiceOn-call for emergencies. Please call: 62039 or 26162
    Forestry ServiceOn-call for emergencies. Please call: 65394 or 24202
    Waste ManagementEnquiries can be made to the Waste Management Services Supervisor on mobile: 66380 (AM only)
    Marine CentreClosed from 4pm on 19 December 2023 to 2January 2024
    Marine EnforcementClosed from 1pm on 23 December 2023. Please call: 64642 for enquiries outside of opening normal opening hours
    Health & Social CareEnvironmental Health ServiceStaff on-call can be contacted via the Hospital Switchboard on tel: 22500
     AdministrationStaff on-call can be contacted via the Hospital Switchboard on tel: 22500
    Safety Security and Home AffairsPort ControlThe Harbour Master can be contacted in an emergency on VHF channel 14/16 or mobile numbers: 67383 or 61827 or tel: 24817 or via the Police Control Room on tel: 22626
     Immigration OfficeAny queries can be directed to Coleman’s House on tel: 22626
     HM CustomsClosed from 4pm on 23 December. An Officer will be on-call during this time.
     Prison ServicesHM Prison remains operational over the festive period, however there will be no social visits on 25 and 26 December 2023 and 1 January 2024
     Royal St Helena Police and Fire ServiceServices will operate as normal. For any emergencies call telephone number 999, for non-emergencies call 22626

    The following Services will operate the 27, 28 and 29 December 2023

    SHG PortfolioServiceDetails
    Central Support ServiceThe Castle Reception8.30am–12noon
    Economic DevelopmentTourist Office8.30am–12noon
    Health &Social CareMental Health Services8.30am–4pm
    Dental Department8.30am–10am (Emergencies Only)
    Community Nursing27, 28 and 29 December – Jamestown Outpatient Clinic -8.30am–12noon 
    27 December – Longwood Clinic – 9am–12noon
    28 December – Levelwood Clinic – 9am–12noon
    29December – Half Tree Hollow Clinic – 9am–12noon
    Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy8.30am–4pm
    Pharmacy Services27, 28 and 29 December – Jamestown – 8.30am–12noon
    27 December – Longwood Clinic – 10am–12noon
    28December – Levelwood Clinic – 10am–12noon
    29December – Half Tree Hollow Clinic – 10am–12noon
    Laboratory8.30am–12noon
    Doctors Clinics  27, 28 and 29 December – Jamestown Outpatient Clinic – 9am–12noon
    27 December – Longwood Clinic
    28 December – Levelwood Clinic
    29 December – Half Tree Hollow Clinic
    Note: The Medical Records Office/Appointments will be open from 8.30am to 12noon on each of these days 
    Children’s Social Care, Adult’s Social Care and Probation Services8.30am–4pm
    Safety Security and Home AffairsEmergency Planning and Sea Rescue Service8am–12noon
    TreasuryPost & Customer Service CentreThe Post & Customer Service Centre will open from 8.45am–12noon on 23, 27, 28 and 30 December

  • Financial Aid Mission 2023 Concludes

    The annual Financial Aid Mission (FAM) to St Helena took place last week from Monday 4 December to Friday 8 December 2023.

    The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) FAM delegation were expected to arrive on Saturday 2 December. However following delays due to poor weather conditions, they arrived on-Island on Tuesday 5 December. Due to their delayed arrival, some of these discussions took place virtually.

    During the week the delegation undertook extensive discussions with ministers, elected members, government officials and representatives of the private sector. Discussions focused on recurrent funding for the financial year 2024/5, identifying particular areas of budget pressure, such as increasing demands on the health service and the reducing tax receipts as a result of a declining working age population. These discussions also covered the budget prioritisation process and the partnership between FCDO and SHG.

    SHG held a press conference last Friday with the FAM Delegation and local media. The event took place in the Governor’s Office with His Excellency Governor Nigel Phillips, Chief Minister Julie Thomas and Deputy Director of FCDO’s Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate Adam Pile, sitting on the panel. The press conference can be viewed online via www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638.

    Reflecting on the visit, Chief Minister Julie Thomas commented:

    “As in previous years, the discussions that took place last week are crucial to St Helena and will help us to determine where the monies available can be best focused to deliver this Government’s key strategic objectives. Our ambition remains to create a sustainable operating environment that creates opportunity and inspires social and economic progress, ensuring a better quality of life for all. We recognise the financial pressures the UK Government faces, many of which we face ourselves. We will continue to work closely with colleagues in FCDO to finalise a financial aid settlement that ensures we can continue to deliver the public services on which people rely, whilst also seeking to grow our economy to improve the prospects for all.”

    Deputy Director of FCDO’s Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate Adam Pile, said:

    “It has been a good week on St Helena meeting with Ministers, Elected Members, the public service, the CPA, businesses and arms-length bodies.  We have a strong working relationship with the Chief Minister and her team – we are committed to making the new Ministerial system a success to enable local decision making and local accountability. The UK Government provides around 65% of the annual recurrent budget which rose to £33.06 million last year, almost double what it was in 2014. We’ve seen great progress made by SHG over the last year on the health system, telecoms, and much more. Aside from the work on budgetary support, it’s fantastic to see progress made with the £30 million capital investment programme notably nearing the completion of Rupert’s port, the pending arrival of a new CT scanner, alongside the pipeline of other projects. Thanks for the warm welcome. “

    Photo

    #StHelena #OverseasDevelopmentAssistance #FinancialAid