Category: Press Releases

Over the last few years the Island’s prisoner population has steadily increased, recently peaking at 25 individuals. This increase has presented HM Prison and Offender Management Service with unique challenges. However, the community should be reassured that the service has been diligently planning for this situation, actively bidding for additional resources and developing comprehensive solutions to bridge the gap until the Island’s new prison facility becomes operational in the next few years. Other areas of St Helena Government (SHG) have been supportive, redeploying additional resources to assist in addressing and mitigating the associated risks.

Proactive Planning for Safety

In our ongoing commitment to maintaining the safety and well-being of our Island community, we have been closely monitoring and forecasting an increase in the prisoner population. This foresight has allowed us to plan ahead and put contingencies in place to address the situation.

Utilising Police Custody Cells

As part of our proactive strategy, we have initiated efforts to secure additional resources. One such measure is the potential utilisation of police custody cells at Police HQ Coleman House to temporarily house some prisoners. Coleman House is a new facility, with modern amenities. Whilst this has not yet needed to be activated, if deployed this approach will ensure that we can maintain humane and secure conditions, even if the number of prisoners rises further.

Collaboration for Success: Support from Fellow Overseas Territories

We have also sought support from our fellow Overseas Territories by calling upon highly experienced prison officers who can deploy to St Helena at short-notice for a fixed-term period. If deployed, this collaborative endeavour will play a pivotal role in supervising and caring for the growing number of prisoners, making the operation of two prison facilities feasible and safe, both for the general population and prisoners themselves.

Expansion of HMP Jamestown – Additional Accommodation

A tender request was recently issued for the expansion of accommodation facilities in HMP Jamestown. This initiative will see the conversion of HMP Jamestown’s prisoner workshop into additional accommodation, alleviating the pressure caused by the recent increase in prisoners. Whilst these measures will help in the short to medium-term, the long-term aim is to progress and complete the new prison project in Bottoms Wood. This state of the art facility is designed to meet the Island’s long-term custodial needs and is scheduled to be operational by 2026/7.

Collaborative Consultations

In addition to these efforts, HM Prison and Offender Management Service have maintained regular consultation with His Excellency the Governor, who is responsible for Island security, as well as the Safety, Security and Home Affairs Portfolio Director, Chief Secretary, Chief of Police, Government Ministers, prisoners and other key stakeholders. These collaborative discussions have allowed appropriate evaluation of all available options to navigate the current prisoner population challenges.

Improving Conditions and Training

Whilst we acknowledge the unique challenges that this increase in prisoner population presents, we remain confident in our ability to maintain operational effectiveness and resilience within HMP Jamestown, a prison which has served our small Island community and prisoner population well over the years. We have already achieved significant improvements, such as enhancing the conditions of our female unit, increasing prisoner education provisions, and delivering extensive training to the Prison Officer Team, all of which have yielded clear benefits. On top of that we have invested in new and improved prisoner and officer uniforms, along with PPE, to enhance safety and overall conditions.

Gratitude and Unity

HM Prisoner and Offender Management Service express heartfelt thanks to all who live, work and visit the prison for playing their part in maintaining the safety and security of our community and prison population.

We have diligently worked towards achieving key milestones from our Five-Year Strategic Development Plan, which includes the construction of the new facility, a full tender pack for which will be released shortly. Our recent inspection by the Overseas Territories Prison Advisor (OTPA) reaffirmed the need for a fit-for-purpose prison and underscored the progress we have made. The OTPA also recognised the pivotal role played by the current management, leadership and the excellent staff-prisoner relationships in the success of HMP Jamestown.

Community Engagement: PVC and Questions

The Prison Visiting Committee (PVC) remains committed to their role, ensuring high standards of welfare and treatment of prisoners. HM Prison and Offender Management Service remain committed to providing regular updates to the public, where and when possible.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, in the meantime then please do not hesitate to contact Superintendent Jay Kendall directly through jay.kendall@sainthelena.gov.sh.

As we face this temporary surge in our prisoner population, St Helena stands united. Our proactive approach and collective resolve will see us through this period of adjustment, ensuring safety, security and justice for our community.

#StHelena #HMPJamestown

SHG
11 September 2023

Further to the Press Release issued on 30 August 2023, the Highways Authority has now approved the closure of Field Road from Monday 18 September 2023. This closure is to enable the rehabilitation works to begin.

Field Road will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic, including emergency vehicles, until the works are completed. This is expected to be in approximately nine months’ time. Access to Rupert’s Valley will be via the Haul Road for the duration of the Field Road construction works.

Further updates will be issued as the works progress, and will include advance notice of any short-term closures of Side Path Road. Such closures may be occasionally required to ensure the safety of road users when excavation works are being undertaken above Side Path.

#StHelena #FieldRoad #EDIP

SHG

8 September 2023

Between September 2023 and January 2024, the Health & Social Care Portfolio will be offering a range of accredited courses focusing on first aid skills, in partnership with the St Helena Community College. These courses will benefit the community by ensuring first aid can be provided in a timely manner, helping to preserve life during medical situations both within the workplace and the wider community.

The approved training centre is accredited by Qualsafe, a UK training regulator. All qualifications are UK recognised and will be delivered by experienced employees from the Health & Social Care Portfolio.

Training sessions for SHG employees, charities, child-minders/crèche and other voluntary organisations will be free of charge.

For all other individuals wishing to undertake a training session, costs are listed below.

Training courses available:

Principles of Safe Handling and Administration of Medication – £20.00pp

This qualification has been specifically designed for those working within a health and social care setting, such as support workers or care workers, and who have a responsibility for the safe handling and administration of medication. This qualification is also perfect for those looking to refresh their knowledge. Over this one-day course, learners will gain an understanding of the safe handling and administration of medication, current legislation and guidance, different types of medication, the storage and disposal of medication, and much more. Qualification valid for three years.

Emergency First Aid at Work – £20.00pp

The qualification is designed for those who have a specific responsibility at work, to provide first aid in a range of emergency first aid situations. It is also ideal for people who have a specific responsibility to provide basic first aid in voluntary and community activities. During this one day course, learners will develop the skills and knowledge needed to deal with a range of emergency first aid situations, including managing an unresponsive casualty, CPR, choking, shock, wounds and bleeding, and minor injuries. Qualification valid for three years.

Combined Paediatric Emergency First Aid and Emergency First Aid at Work – £25.00pp

Streamlined perfectly to avoid the duplication of topics, the combined course has been specifically designed for those who work in settings that require both First Aiders and Paediatric First Aiders. This includes places such as schools, sports clubs or other childcare settings. Over oneday, learners will develop the knowledge and practical competencies needed to provide effective first aid for adults, children and infants. Topics include CPR and AED use, choking, wounds and bleeding, unconscious casualty and more. Qualification valid for three years.

Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use) – £20.00pp

This qualification has been designed for anyone who wishes to learn basic life support skills for adults, children and infants. It is also ideal for those who are qualified in providing first aid and are looking to refresh or develop their existing first aid knowledge. During this half day course, learners will be given the opportunity to practise essential basic life support procedures, including assessing an incident, managing an unresponsive casualty, recovery position, CPR and choking. Qualification valid for one year.

First Response Emergency Care Level 3 (FREC3) – £100.00pp

The qualification is a regulated and is a nationally recognised qualification amongst ambulance services, ideal for those looking to work or volunteer as a first responder.

Among the first to arrive at a scene, first responders typically include police officers, firefighters, and those providing medical cover at events as well as those working in high risk environments. This can include places such as construction sites, power stations, agriculture and manufacturing.

This informative, hands-on five day course fulfils the competencies set out in the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical skills framework at descriptor level D. It provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to deal with a range of prehospital emergency care situations, such as administration of emergency oxygen, CPR and AED use, choking, wounds and bleeding, unconscious casualties, management of trauma patients, major illnesses and much more. Qualification valid for three years.

Venue/Application:

All training sessions will be held at the St Helena Community College or at the Health Directorate Training Centre. Participants are to arrive at 8.30am, with a view to start each training session starting at 9am.

Applications for the individual courses need to be made to the St Helena Community College using the relevant application or online at SHCC Online Registration Form (https://form.jotform.com/223255646842359). For more information please contact Carley Peters via email: carley.peters@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone on 22607.

Feedback and certification:

Following the completion of each course, participants will be required to complete an evaluation form and participants will receive a certificate confirming they have attended the individual training session. Each certificate number can be verified online.

Training Session Dates:

Date	Course
12/09/2023	Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use)
13/09/2023	Principles of Safe Handling and Administration of Medication
18/09/2023 to 22/09/2023	First Response Emergency Care Level 3
23/09/2023	Combined EFAW & Paediatric
04/10/2023	Emergency First Aid at Work
05/10/2023	Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use)
09/10/2023 to 13/10/2023	First Response Emergency Care Level 3
11/10/2023	Principles of Safe Handling and Administration of Medication
16/10/2023	Combined EFAW & Paediatric
28/10/2023	Emergency First Aid at Work
06/11/2023 to 10/11/2023	First Response Emergency Care Level 3
14/11/2023	Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use)
15/11/2023	Principles of Safe Handling and Administration of Medication
28/11/2023	Combined EFAW & Paediatric
29/11/2023	Emergency First Aid at Work
13/12/2023	Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use)
14/12/2023	Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use)
15/12/2023	Combined EFAW & Paediatric
18/12/2023 to 22/12/2023	First Response Emergency Care Level 3
22/01/2024 to 26/01/2024	First Response Emergency Care Level 3

For further information please contact Michael Gaga-Hale, Senior Paramedic, via email: michael.gaga-hale@sainthelena.gov.sh.

SHG

7 September 2023

Senior Clerk from the House of Commons, Chloe Freeman, is currently on-Island and working with the Legislative Council. She has primarily visited to help to ensure that the recently established Select Committees are fully operational.

For the seven Elected Members of Legislative Council that are not Ministers, part of their remit is to examine and scrutinise the performance of various sectors of government through Select Committees. This includes scrutinising the decision making of Ministers, and in doing so help to ensure public funds are used effectively.  

Whilst on Island, Chloe is also meeting with Councillors, Ministers and SHG staff to discuss Private Members Bills, the upcoming work of the Select Committees, including their policies and procedures and the work of Legislative Council more generally, to ensure their processes are working for the people of St Helena.

Chloe has already shared a range of information and advice on how to write reports, minute taking, organisation, asking good questions and picking the best enquiries.

Chloe commented:

“It has been really interesting to see how the new ministerial form of government is working on St Helena and observe the practices of the Legislative Council. I am confident that the Select Committees will effectively and sufficiently scrutinise the work of the government. Its been great to meet and work with all the Elected Members and SHG staff to improve democracy in St Helena.”

Chloe will depart St Helena on Sunday, 10 September 2023.

Legislative Council

7 September 2023

On 27 June 2023 Executive Council approved the Marine Regulations (Tourism and Interaction with Marine Life), 2023, which will be brought into force on 1 November 2023.

These new Regulations govern tourism and the interaction of persons with marine wildlife in the Marine Protected Area (MPA). Primarily, they aim to minimise any impact from such activities on the marine environment. They introduce the concept of ‘regulated activities’ within St Helena’s MPA and a requirement for a licence in order for someone to conduct or facilitate certain activities where these are for payment or reward.

Regulated activities include:

• Scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and freediving
• Scenic or coastal touring and wildlife viewing by boat
• Wildlife interaction by boat

Any person wanting to obtain a licence must hold a valid accreditation certificate. These certificates are awarded following attendance at the Marine Tour Operator Environmental Accreditation Certification Scheme training, which is provided by the Environment, Natural Resources & Planning Portfolio’s Marine & Fisheries Conservation Section.

The Marine Tour Operator Environmental Accreditation Certification Scheme training intends to create an environmental consciousness amongst local marine tour operators, and has been designed to focus on safeguarding marine habitats and the flora and fauna that live there. In order to obtain certification persons attending the training must pass a multiple choice and oral exam at the end of each session.

In preparation for the issuing of licences for the upcoming marine tourism season, the Marine & Fisheries Conservation Section have arranged certification scheme training sessions over the period 19 – 28 September 2023. Sessions have been arranged by category and each one is offered twice over the two weeks to offer some flexibility for attendance.

All sessions are free of charge and will take place at the Marine Centre at Jamestown Wharf, as follows:

Date	Time	Session	Notes
Tuesday, 19September	5pm – 7pm	Interaction and viewing species session	Prior booking required
Wednesday, 20September	5pm – 6pm	Diving session	Prior booking required
Thursday, 21 September	5pm – 6pm	Recreational users information session on Best Practice Guidelines	No booking required
Tuesday, 26 September	5pm – 6pm	Recreational users information session on Best Practice Guidelines	No booking required
Wednesday, 27 September	5pm – 7pm	Interaction and viewing species session	Prior booking required
Thursday, 28 September	5pm – 6pm	Diving session	Prior booking required

Anyone interested in becoming a marine tour operator, or a dive leader, tour leader, skipper or boat crew for a marine tour operator, is encouraged to attend.

Recreational users do not need to hold a licence but it is recommended to attend the information session on Best Practice Guidelines (to be held on 21 and 26 September) which outline the rules for interaction with wildlife. This will ensure that you are comfortable knowing you will not commit any offences whilst undertaking any recreational activities, such as SCUBA diving or freediving.

Where prior registration is required for the training, please contact kirsty.jones@sainthelena.gov.sh for an application form. Application forms need to be completed and returned by Friday, 15 September 2023.

If you have any queries regarding the accreditation certification scheme, please contact leeann.henry@sainthelena.gov.sh. For general queries regarding marine regulations and licensing, please contact Isabel.Peters@sainthelena.gov.sh.

#StHelena #MPA #MarineRegulations #smallislandBIGIMPACT

SHG
7 September 2023

The Health Services Directorate is currently offering free testing for bowel cancer for anyone aged 50+ years during the month of September 2023.

Those who wish to take the test can call Grace Richards or Anna Bowers on tel: 25818 who will arrange for a test sample kit to be made available to you.

Everyone offered a test is strongly encouraged to take one. Early detection through testing helps to ensure you stand the best chance of receiving successful treatment where needed.

If you are not sure whether you wish to take the test, we suggest that you request the home sample kit and read the materials that come with it before deciding if you wish to take it. The sample kit has full instructions on how to use it.

Results from your test will be provided within four weeks, and you may be called in to speak to a doctor about these if necessary.

If you have any questions about this campaign please call the Hospital by tel: 25888. Alternatively, please speak to your GP.

Notes to Editor:

Bowel cancer is common on the Island and in most cases (9/10) is caused by polyps in the bowel. Bowel polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Bowel polyps are very common, and affect around 1 in 4 people aged 50 or over. 

The Health Services Directorate can detect polyps by testing your poo for blood using a simple test. When detected early, bowel cancer survival rates are very high (around 90%), so getting tested is very important. 

#StHelena #BowelCancer

SHG
6 September 2023

Minister Mark Brooks will depart St Helena on Sunday, 3 September 2023, to attend a three-day programme in Gibraltar and undertake meetings with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London.

Gibraltar, like St Helena, is a British Overseas Territory. Minister Brooks will travel to Gibraltar to attend a three-day programme that is centred around Gibraltar’s National Day. The programme focuses on areas of interest that could benefit St Helena as we develop and the Minister will also take this opportunity to explore options for collaboration with other agencies.

All travel and accommodation expenses are being met by the Government of Gibraltar, for which we are grateful.

Additionally, Minister Brooks will undertake meetings with FCDO in London and will have the opportunity to attend Prime Minister’s Question Time at the House of Commons.

Minister Brooks will be off-Island from 3 to 16 September 2023. During this time, Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, will cover any urgent matters for the Treasury and the Economic Development Portfolio. Minister Brooks will remain contactable via email: mark.brooks@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Minister Brooks will provide a synopsis of his visit upon his return.

Notes to Editor:

The Chief Minister of St Helena, The Honourable Julie Thomas, and SHG UK Representative, Mrs Kedell Worboys, were both cordially invited by the Chief Minister, The Honourable Fabian Picardo KC MP of Gibraltar, to attend their Gibraltar’s National Day on 10 September 2023. This invitation was favourably received by the Chief Minister, however due to other competing priorities, a request was sent to the Government of Gibraltar to enquire whether this invitation could be extended to the Minister for Finance & Economic Development, Minister Mark Brooks, noting the potential opportunities such a visit could deliver, considering Minister Brooks’ remit.

#StHelena #Gibraltar #FCDO

SHG
1 September 2023

Now that the Equiano subsea cable is live, there is opportunity for the existing telecoms network to plug into the cable so that the Island community is able to benefit immediately from this investment. Whilst the aspiration to access the cable via a fibre network remains, there will be some considerable time before this network is built and operational.

Ensuring telecommunications in the interim

In order to ensure continuity of service beyond 31 December 2023, negotiations have taken place with Sure South Atlantic Ltd to secure an extension to the existing licence. A specific objective has been to switch from satellite based to cable based services. Utilising the cable gives us the opportunity to reap immediate enhancements which can benefit all customers. SHG is very clear that these benefits should allow increased data allowances and improved speeds.

As a result of these successful discussions, SHG has agreed an extension to the current licence agreement with Sure from 1 January 2024 for a minimum period of 18 months. This roll-over will continue indefinitely thereafter subject to a six-month notice period by SHG. In the meantime Sure will undertake the necessary investment in 2023 which will facilitate connection to the cable.

How will the Island benefit from this?

Sure has committed to connecting the cable and launching new consumer offers prior to the extension of the existing licence and will use best endeavours to make the new services available to the public on 1 October 2023.

Principles which underpin these packages are:

• Every type of customer, regardless of the package chosen, should receive significant benefit from the cable
• No customer will incur overages, thus avoiding bill shock – booster packages will be available
• Savings on monthly charges for enhanced data allowances
• Offering of unlimited data plans, but balanced with need to maintain affordable plans
• Mobile improved further to give increased data allowance at lower cost
• Business packages will be enhanced, with further enhancements expected in early 2024.

A summary of the packages which will be available from Sure from 1 October 2023 is shown below. Full details of these packages will be available on the Sure website at www.sure.co.sh along with associated terms and conditions.

CURRENT OFFERING
	Allowance (MB)	Speed Down (Mbps)	Speed Up (Mbps)	Overage	Price (£)
Lite	1,100	1	0.5	5p	13.31
Bronze	2,250	1	0.5	5p	20.23
Silver	5,000	1.5	0.5	5p	40.51
Silver Plus	7,100	1.5	0.5	5p	54.34
Gold	14,250	2	0.7	5p	82.00
Gold Plus	31,000	2	0.7	5p	160.06

NEW PACKAGES
New	Allowance (MB)	Speed Down (Mbps)	Speed Up (Mbps)	Price (£)
Entry/Social Tariff	15,000	2.5	0.5	13.30
S	30,000	5	Up to 1	18.00
M	60,000	5	Up to 1	36.00
L	Unlimited	Up to 10	Up to 1	67.00
L+	Unlimited	Up to 20	Up to 1	120.00

While the services that will be offered to consumers are set by Sure to represent the best possible offer with clear benefits to consumers, it is recognised that the services offered from 1 October 2023 will be restricted by the current technical capabilities of the core Island network. Sure will continue to upgrade the core network over the next six months, this will allow commercial customers to achieve enhanced speeds from 1 April 2024.

Commenting on the interim arrangements, Minister Mark Brooks, said:

“On 27th July, I stated that that St Helena Government is committed to addressing the Island’s digital poverty and exclusion. I am pleased that these negotiations have yielded a successful outcome which, in the interim, will allow all consumers to see immediate benefits in terms of their internet experience. The business community will benefit further in early 2024, once Sure make further enhancements to their network. This arrangement brings us a step closer to realising the benefit of Government’s investment in the Equiano Cable.”

Plugging into the cable now will allow for Telemedicine to be established and implemented in the Health Service,allowing for the harnessing of more cost effective medical options. It will also allow for the provision of a strengthened education service, supporting the development of skills, creativity and life-long learningfacilitating enhanced online education in all schools, the Public Library and the Community College. This will allow us to use the latest technology to teach digital skills to Islanders of all ages, enhancing the educational experience they need to prosper in the job market of the future.

In agreeing this way forward, SHG is delivering on its promise that all on St Helena will benefit from the strategic investment made in the Equiano undersea cable.

#StHelena #Sure #FibreOpticCable #Telecommunications

SHG
1 September 2023

SHG is pleased to announce that the re-measurement contract for the rehabilitation of Field Road has now been signed for the sum of £1,974,938.43. The successful contractor is Isaac’s Contractors Ltd.

The approval to close Field Road for the construction works is currently being finalised with the Highways Authority. SHG is anticipating that Field Road will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic, including emergency vehicles, from Monday, 11 September 2023, until the works are completed in approximately nine months’ time.

A further update will be issued once approval to close Field Road has been received from the Highways Authority.

SHG
30 August 2023

For the month of September only, the Health Services Directorate will be offering free testing for bowel cancer for anyone aged 50+ years.

From Friday, 1 September 2023, those who wish to take the test can call Grace Richards or Anna Bowers on tel: 25818 who will arrange for a test kit to be made available to you.

Everyone offered a test is strongly encouraged to take one. Early detection through testing helps to ensure you stand the best chance of receiving successful treatment where needed.

If you are not sure whether you wish to take the test, we suggest that you request the test kit and read the materials that come with it before deciding if you wish to take it. The test kit has full instructions on how to use it.

Results from your test will be provided within four weeks, and you may be called in to speak to a doctor about these if necessary.

If you have any questions about this campaign please call the Hospital on tel: 25888. Alternatively, please speak to your GP.

Notes to Editor:

Bowel cancer is common on the Island and in most cases (9/10) is caused by polyps in the bowel. Bowel polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Bowel polyps are very common, and affect around 1 in 4 people aged 50 or over. 

The Health Services Directorate can detect polyps by testing your poo for blood using a simple test. When detected early, bowel cancer survival rates are very high (around 90%), so getting tested is very important. 

#StHelena #BowelCancer

SHG
30 August 2023