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Category: Press Releases

  • Improving Essential Equipment In Overseas Territories Programme Update – Treasury, Infrastructure & Sustainable Development Portfolio

    In November 2022, SHG announced that St Helena would receive funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s bespoke 2022/2023: Improving Essential Equipment in Overseas Territories’ Programme.

    St Helena was allocated up to £1,800,000 for the purchase of equipment of critical importance to the Island, in areas including healthcare, emergency services, port operations, road maintenance and the airport.

    Focus on the former Treasury, Infrastructure & Sustainable Development Portfolio

    £267,687.70 was allocated to what was then the Treasury, Infrastructure & Sustainable Development Portfolio. This was used to purchase a Minimac Slurry Paver from VSS Macropaver for the Roads Section.

    This was as a result of successful bitumen slurry trials over the past five years, where bitumen slurry was found to be a suitable surface dressing for the Island’s roads. The Minimac is a self-propelled, hand built specialist machine, specifically designed and built to mix different types of slurry. The machine mixes the ingredients of the slurry automatically and delivers consistent mixes every time. The mixed slurry is discharged inside a special slurry box and spread through the box with a set of augers. The mix in the box is dragged behind the machine as it moves forward and places the slurry evenly over the width of the box.

    The Minimac arrived on-Island on Voyage 5 of the Maria Da Paz and was commissioned by a service technician from the supplier during the week of 11 to 18 November 2023. During the week of commissioning, training was also given to the operators and maintenance staff of the road section and vehicle fleet section.

    A slurry mix contains crusher dust, bitumen, water and a small percentage of cement. The procurement of this machine will assist the roads team to effectively maintain roads on St Helena. Not only will this improve the quality of the roads around the Island, but it will also reduce future maintenance requirements, meaning that SHG is able to operate more effectively in terms of how it deploys its resources.                                                                                                               

    Director of the Safety, Security & Home Affairs Portfolio, Alex Mitham, commented:

    “While the slurry paver was procured before the Roads Section moved over to Safety, Security & Home Affairs, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Deon and his team for the months of research to identify the right equipment for St Helena.

    “The Minimac is not going to suddenly address all the issues with the roads – but it should be the first step in helping address the maintenance concerns and quality of the road surfaces. As ever though, I would like to thank the FCDO for funding the equipment. We may not be following the yellow brick road, but at the very least it should be an improved road.”

    Photos

    #StHelena #FCDO #ImprovingEssentialEquipment #Macropaver

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    SHG

    11 December 2023

  • Improving Essential Equipment In Overseas Territories Programme Update – Safety, Security & Home Affairs Portfolio

    In November 2022, SHG announced that St Helena would receive funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s bespoke 2022/2023: Improving Essential Equipment in Overseas Territories’ Programme.

    St Helena was allocated up to £1,800,000 for the purchase of equipment of critical importance to the Island, in areas including healthcare, emergency services, port operations, road maintenance and the airport.

    Focus on the Safety, Security & Home Affairs Portfolio

    £649,171.73 was allocated to the Safety, Security & Home Affairs Portfolio. This was used to purchase six marine outboard engines (plus accessories and training) for the Sea Rescue Service, and a Reach Stacker for Port Control.

    Reach Stacker

    £557,205.43 was allocated to Port Control to purchase a KALMAR ECO Reach Stacker. This reach stacker has been commissioned and will be used to improve and future proof cargo operations at Rupert’s new Cargo Facility once operational. The new reach stacker will operate alongside of the existing stacker between the port and container storage area, enabling containers to be stacked five high if needed.

    Marine Outboard Engines

    £91,966.30 was allocated to the Sea Rescue Service to purchase three 150hp 4 stroke standard rotation engines, and three 150hp 4 stroke counter rotation engines, along with tools and accessories. These engines are more fuel efficient (around 65%) providing long term savings for the government. 

    Two of these engines have been fitted on the Sea Rescue vessel Ocean Rider. Ocean Rider is one of the 8.5 metre Gemini fast response vessels. These are a critical element of the Sea Rescue Service, which is essential for response to maritime incidents around the Island as well as for St Helena Airport to continue to operate under its license terms. Two of the remaining engines will be installed on the other 8.5 meter Gemini fast response vessel, Sea Lion, in the coming weeks. The final two will be used as the redundancy system for the four that will be online.

    In addition to the purchase of the equipment, staff also received training in South Africa for their installation and maintenance.

    Director of the Safety, Security & Home Affairs Portfolio, Alex Mitham, commented:

    “We would like to extend our gratitude to Richard James International Ltd for all their invaluable support in ensuring the equipment was purchased and arrived safely to St Helena. Our special thanks as well to Kalmar Global for securing the stacker and providing expert technical assistance in rebuilding the machine when it arrived in St Helena. We believe this to now be the remotest Kalmar stacker in the world!”

    “Our appreciation goes out to Gemini as well for the vital Sea Rescue engines which will future proof the Sea Rescue Service and its ability to respond to maritime incidents for another 10 years. And last but certainly not least, thanks go to the FCDO for actually providing the funding in the first place. None of this would have been able to happen without the kind generosity of the UK Government.”

    Photos

    #StHelena #FCDO #ImprovingEssentialEquipment #ReachStacker #Engines

    SHG

    11 December 2023

  • Financial Aid Mission Delegation Press Conference 

    St Helena Government (SHG) will hold a press conference tomorrow with the FCDO Financial Aid Mission (FAM) Delegation and local media. The event is scheduled to take place in the Governor’s office from 15:00 to 15:30 GMT.

    His Excellency Governor Nigel Phillips, Chief Minister Julie Thomas and Deputy Director of FCDO’s Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate Adam Pile will be on the panel. The panel will be discussing the FAM visit this week, and how discussion have progressed around recurrent funding for the financial year 2024/5, and areas of particular budget pressure and SHG’s response strategy.

    Potential technical issues notwithstanding, the press conference is expected to be streamed live on the SHG YouTube channel. This can be viewed from 15:00 via www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638.  

    #StHelena #OverseasDevelopmentAssistance #FinancialAid

  • Parliament Week Marked On St Helena

    During the week commencing Monday 6 November, St Helena schools celebrated Parliament Week. As the Children’s Champion, Councillor Rosie Bargo took this opportunity to lead a program to educate young people about how the St Helena Legislative Council and new Ministerial system operate. This aimed to inspire their interest in legislative proceedings, politics and democracy given the impact on these on all of our lives, whilst encouraging them to engage with St Helena Legislative Council.

    Each school visit began with a brief educational video featuring the St Helena Legislative Council and Ministerial system. This was followed by a debate on topics such as anti-social behaviour, energy generation, and what the future might hold for St Helena’s young people. Other general themes like shipping and the cost of living were also discussed. At the end of each session, schools received a UK Parliament Activity Pack courtesy of the Governor’s Office.  

    Councillors Andrew Turner, Robert Midwinter, Dr Corinda Essex and Karl Thrower participated in these visits. Other Elected Members and Ministers had hoped to attend but were unable to due to other commitments or overseas business.

    The Legislative Council would like to thank teachers and students for their engagement during these sessions.

    Councillor Rosie Bargo, Children’s Champion, commented:

    “It was enlightening to see that children displayed such a keen interest in learning about how Parliament works here on St Helena and even in the UK. Their knowledge of all chosen topics impressed me greatly, along with their questions and concerns regarding current issues faced by our community. I am very proud that we have upcoming bright politicians who will shape the future of St Helenian politics. I encourage everyone interested in joining Youth Parliament to register your name today. We need you now more than ever before – let’s start working towards building tomorrow’s leaders today!”

    Whilst a Youth Parliament was formed many years ago, it has since disbanded. Councillor Bargo is in the process of re-establishing a Youth Parliament on St Helena and encourages any young persons aged between 11 and 21, who are interested in joining the Youth Parliament, to register. More information on the Youth Parliament proposals will be made available shortly.

    For more information or registration details contact Children’s Champion, Rosie Bargo, by telephone on 22590 / 23663 / 66221 or via email through councillor.rbargo@helanta.co.sh.

    Photos

    #StHelena #ParliamentWeek #YouthParliament

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  • ‘Healthier Me, Healthier You’ Campaign To Launch In January

    The Smokefree St Helena team, along with the Mental Health team, will be running a ‘Healthier Me, Healthier You’ campaign in January 2024. ‘Healthier Me, Healthier You’ combines two important campaigns, ‘Dry January’ and ‘New Year, New You’.  This campaign aims to encourage individuals to take achievable actions to being healthier in 2024. It will raise awareness on the harms of tobacco smoking and regular alcohol consumption, and make available support to those wanting to quit smoking or who are participating in ‘Dry January’.

    It’s never too late to make positive changes, keeping yourself healthy is important in reducing the risks of chronic illnesses.

    ‘Dry January’ 2024

    In 2022 a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) was conducted for St Helena. This identified that alcohol was regularly consumed above NHS recommendations and normalised through community events and social gatherings. Alcohol contributes to a large number chronic diseases and illness in our community. It is also responsible for a large number of social services and police work on St Helena.

    There is no safe level of alcohol consumption but it is recommended by NHS Better Health to not consume more than 14 units per week. Sticking to these guide lines lowers your risk of harming your health.

    ‘Dry January’ is a public health initiative launched in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK. The idea is for anyone who feels they drink too much or too often to slow things down. It is also for anyone looking to start the year on a refreshed, healthier note. Participants challenge themselves to quit drinking alcohol for a period of 31 days. In 2023, an estimated 9 million people were planning to take part in the ‘Dry January’ challenge.

    Reducing alcohol intake is one of the best things you can do for yourself. By taking control of alcohol, you can:

    • Save money
    • Improve health
    • Improve memory
    • Have more energy
    • Sleep better
    • Reduce anxiety
    • Improve mood
    • Have better relationships

    Get support to help with alcohol reduction

    Although ‘Dry January’ is safe for most people, it isn’t right for anyone who is alcohol dependent. If you are experiencing negative physical symptoms when you stop drinking, you should seek medical help urgently from a doctor or a member of the Mental Health team.

    Our local Mental Health Service is the focal point for alcohol treatment. They offer different treatments based on your personal needs. Receiving this support gives you the best chance of reducing your alcohol intake.

    If you would like more information about alcohol consumption and tips on cutting down, then please contact the Mental Health team or Health Promotion team using the below information:

    • Telephone:  22500  Ext 2044 (Mental Health team)

                                    Ext 2098 (Health Promotion team)

    Alternatively visit www.alcoholchange.org.uk for more information.

    If you are participating in the challenge, please inform the Health Promotion team so they can track your journey.

    ‘New Year, New You’

    Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and illness worldwide. In 2021, 22.2% of adults aged 18 and up on St Helena reported themselves as smokers.

    ‘New year, New you’ focuses on supporting smokers whose New Year’s resolution is to quit smoking, to stay committed to their goals. Smokefree St Helena will be offering Behavioural Change Support (BCS) and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help support anyone who wants to make the change this New Year.

    Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and it gives you the most out of your favourite activities. You’ll also experience benefits such as:

    • Your sense of taste will increase and you will enjoy the taste of food more
    • Your breathing and general fitness will improve
    • The appearance of your skin and teeth will improve
    • Your fertility levels will improve, along with your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby
    • You’ll experience less stress and lower anxiety
    • You will have better physical performance, more endurance and better overall health

    You can get free support to quit from Smokefree St Helena to help you quit smoking. When using BCS and NRT as a combination you are three times more likely to quit and stay quit.

    If you are interested in stopping smoking with support from Smokefree St Helena, or if you would like more information about the service then contact them using the below information:

    #StHelena #SmokeFreeStHelena #DryJanuary

    SHG

    7 December 2023

  • International Civil Aviation Day 2023 – Advancing Innovation For Global Aviation Development

    Today, 7 December, St Helena joins the rest of the world in observing International Civil Aviation Day. 

    We recognise the development of global aviation and the social and economic benefits this realises around the world, and is realising here on St Helena. The aviation industry has a major influence on modern life, providing fast transportation across the world. This has been particularly true for St Helena, where aviation has had a significant impact on our lives since the first flights to and from the Island commenced in 2017.

    Many technologies have been introduced at airports and in aircraft over the years, making air travel more effective and efficient. Innovation is ongoing in order to keep current with the demands and expectations of the modern traveller and to also broaden the benefits to the industry.

    The way people travel around the world will continue to change in the coming decades as global priorities shift and new technologies and new innovations become available, redefining efficiencies in travel. Cutting-edge technology and innovations such as unmanned aircraft (drones, etc.), artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics, advanced robotics, and aircraft using alternative fuels or electric, will have a positive impacts on new ways of travel and airport experiences.

    As this evolves, we can expect to see some of these innovative solutions and new technologies deployed to St Helena too. Our airport remains the ‘International Gateway to St Helena Island’, providing welcoming, compliant and efficient airport operations for St Helena.

    #StHelena #InternationalCivilAviationDay  

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  • Reminder On The Use Of Unlicensed Telecommunications Equipment

    Earlier this year St Helena Government notified the public that using terminals, such as Starlink, for the purposes of internet connectivity is in contravention of the exclusivity of current telecommunications licensing arrangements made under section 3(4) of the Telecommunications Ordinance 1989.

    SHG recognises the importance to the public and businesses of fast, affordable and reliable internet. In July, SHG committed to providing the wider public with access to the fibre optic cable ahead of the scheduled January 2024 switchover. Since 01 October 2023 the domestic Island network has been connected to the Equiano cable, extending a number of benefits to the community. This has resulted in significant improvements to the telecommunications service provided by Sure South Atlantic (Sure), improving the offering to their customers in terms of both cost and scope of service provided. It has opened new possibilities for the community in how we interact with each other, the outside world and conduct business, with the benefits of this already being felt.

    A grace period was provided to allow persons using unlicensed apparatus the opportunity to make alternative arrangements.

    Since then, new Regulations have been drafted under the Telecommunications Ordinance 1989 and approved by the Executive Council. Whilst it has always been an offence to use certain telecommunications equipment without a licence, the new Regulations provide SHG with appropriate powers to enforce this.

    Given the significant improvements in internet services since 01 October 2023, in both price and offering, we are pleased to note that voluntary compliance with the rules and regulations in place has been encouraging.

    However, measures to enforce licensing provisions will be deployed if non-compliance is observed. This could result in confiscation of equipment and prosecution of individuals. Anyone that might be using unlicensed apparatus is therefore encouraged to cease use of such apparatus.

    We are grateful for continued compliance with the provisions of the law, and wish to avoid needing to deploy enforcement measures where possible.

    #StHelena #Telecoms

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    SHG

    06 December 2023

  • 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

    St Helena started the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a ‘White Walk’ on Saturday 25 November, White Ribbon Day.

    Leading the parade was Detective Sergeant Andre Bak, accompanied by His Excellency Governor Phillips and Mrs Phillips, Chief Minister Julie Thomas, Minister Mark Brooks, Elected Members, Health and Social Care Portfolio Director Tracy Poole-Nandy, Chief of Police David Price, SHG employees and the wider community.

    Generous donations of £80.00 and £24.56 for white ribbons were made, which helped to support the campaign. These donations will be deposited into the Women Issues St Helena (WISH) charity account and banked for use with future campaigns.

    The White Ribbon Working Group extend their thanks and appreciation to everyone who supported the White Ribbon Campaign 2023. Approximately 1,000 white ribbons were distributed and worn to show support and 52 people signed the promise to ‘Stand Up and Speak Out’ against domestic abuse.

    Councillor Robert Midwinter returned to the island on Tuesday 28 November, after participating in a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) workshop on Strengthening Parliamentary Action to Address Gender-Based Violence and Modern Slavery in Supply Chains. This workshop, a joint initiative between the CPA UK, the Parliament of Kenya, and the Kenya Women’s Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), was held in Nairobi, Kenya. It attracted approximately 50 Parliamentarians from 12 jurisdictions across the Commonwealth. Regional areas represented included Africa, Asia Pacific, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe (including the UK Parliament) and UK Overseas Territories.

    Councillor Midwinter is the Chair of Select Committee 1 (SC1), and the function of the Select Committees is statutory. Their primary function is to objectively scrutinise decisions, policies and activities of the St Helena Government. In particular SC1 is responsible for the review and scrutiny of the Health and Social Care portfolio, and Councillor Midwinter was therefore keen to work with peers from across the Commonwealth to understand how issues relating to gender-based violence are addressed in other jurisdictions, in order to better enable sensitive scrutiny of legislation, policy and practices relating to Social Care Services in St Helena.

    In referring to the workshop upon his return, Councillor Midwinter said:

    “I wish to place on record my own gratitude for the very warm welcome that I received during my recent visit. In particular, I wish to thank the staff of the Parliament of Kenya, and Kenya Women’s Parliamentary Association or KEWOPA, and also the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK, for hosting a very enlightening and rewarding workshop. I am extremely grateful and feel very privileged to have been invited to attend and represent the St Helena Legislative Council at this important Parliamentary gathering, which preceded White Ribbon Day and the subsequent 16 days of activism and awareness raising towards addressing Gender-based Violence, leading up to International Human Rights day on 10 December.”

    “Whilst I will not pre-empt my formal report, I would note that the issues of Gender-based Violence, particularly towards women and young girls, and also Modern Day Slavery in Supply Chains are most certainly relevant to our small jurisdiction, and I fully intend on following up on a number of the commitments that I personally made during the workshop. As the Chair of Select Committee 1, I found the interactive session on sensitive scrutiny of particular interest.”

    Photos

    #StHelena #ChangeTheStory #SpeakUpandSpeakOutAgainstDomesticAbuse

  • UK Financial Aid Mission Delegation Arrives

    Two representatives from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) arrived in St Helena on Tuesday 5 December 2023 to take part in Financial Aid Mission (FAM) discussions for the 2024-25 financial year. Currently on Island are Adam Pile, the Deputy Director of FCDO’s Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate, and Ben Stern, Head of the FCDO’s St Helena and Tristan da Cunha Team. They will be supported whilst here by the on-Island Governor’s Office team and SHG officials.

    The FAM takes place annually, and provides an opportunity to review the delivery and effectiveness of the FCDO’s Financial Aid Programme in St Helena. Whilst on Island the team will meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including ministers, elected members, government officials, members of the private sector and wider stakeholders.

    Financial Aid is integrated into SHG’s budget to support essential public services and capital investment.  £33.06 million recurrent support was provided to St Helena in the 2023-24 financial year, in addition to the capital funding for ongoing programmes (including the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme).

    The visit this year has three key aims:

    1. To collect key information on the existing programme (and previous Financial Aid programmes)
    2. To review progress on the key reforms and priority areas already agreed between SHG and FCDO
    3. To work collaboratively towards a new budget settlement for 2024-25

    The delegation have a full schedule of events planned and, alongside locally elected and appointed officials, will be hosting a press conference with local media on Friday 8 December between 15:00 and 15:30.

    #StHelena #OverseasDevelopmentAssistance #FinancialAid

  • Newly Discovered Seamount Named After Rodney Young

    The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the official name of the recently discovered seamount as “Young Seamount.” This geological feature was mapped in St Helena’s waters by the Royal Research Vessel Discovery last year. The name was chosen to honour the late Captain Rodney Young, the first St Helenian captain of the RMS St Helena.

    The name was submitted by Sharon Wade of Cleughs Plain, who was the winner of the seamount naming competition which took place from 29 August to 4 September 2023. In her submission to the committee she said: “He possibly navigated the area of the new seamount many times without even knowing it was there. Fitting, that we should remember Rodney with a name that will forever be seen on charts, maps etc. in the shipping world.” We would also like to thank all those who submitted names, and participated in the competition.

    The name was made official by the International Hydrographic Organization, through its Sub-committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN). This organisation aims to ensure the World’s Oceans are safely navigable, charted and surveyed. They set the standards in providing uniformity in nautical charts and documents while also protecting the marine environment.

    During the same expedition, another seamount was discovered off the coast of Ascension Island, which has been named ‘Burns Seamount’ as a tribute to a former Administrator of Tristan da Cunha and Ascension, and Head of the Governor’s Office in St Helena, Sean Burns.

    For more information about this second discovery, please refer to Ascension Island Government’s press release via www.ascension.gov.ac/burns-seamount-tribute-to-former-administrator.

     #smallislandBIGFUTURE #NametheNewSeamountCompetition #StHelena

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