Category: Press Releases

Background

The current Public Service structure was implemented two years ago in April 2021, as part of a wider transformation programme, when we moved from Directorates into larger ‘Portfolios’ to ensure we have a more streamlined structure, with services and functions that have a shared or similar purpose grouped together under one senior manager. This meant moving some functions and reducing from eight Directorates to five Portfolios plus a Central Support Service.

Review of progress

This structure has been operational for the last two years and we are starting to see the benefit of more efficient ways of working, particularly in areas where there is synergy and shared purpose.

It has been noted however that the span of functions in Treasury, Infrastructure & Sustainable Development (TI&SD) is particularly broad, and this, when combined with the fact that the TI&SD Portfolio Director is also the Financial Secretary, means that this area is particularly ‘heavy’ and there is a need to consider how the load can be better spread.

The improvements we will make

As a result, with effect from the beginning of September, the following changes will be implemented to address the challenges:

• The Financial Secretary will no longer be a Portfolio Director
• Treasury becomes a separate function (as with Central Support Service) led by the Deputy Financial Secretary and reporting to the Financial Secretary, this will have little change to the day-to-day operational activities for the function
• Economic Development (previously Sustainable Development) becomes a separate Portfolio and will require a new Portfolio Director
• GIS and Marketing will move to Central Support Service
• GIS is a support function servicing all Portfolios and the wider public
• Marketing is a cross sector function and will sit with Communications to ensure that there is a joined up approach to brand implementation and marketing
• Works, Roads and Rock Guards will move to Safety, Security & Home Affairs (SS&HA) Portfolio – these are operational functions and there is synergy with Safety and Security
• The Shipping Registry moves across to align with the new Maritime Authority in SS&HA
• The Police will continue to be line managed by the Governor with a day to day reporting line to SS&HA via a Service Level Agreement for strategy, budget, HR support, emergency planning and response
• Technical Services will move to the Programme Management Office
• The Delivery Team is a delivery function which will sit initially with the Chief Secretary and includes the Programme Management Office. The Chief Secretary already has responsibility for strategic policy and planning and this function will allow for a coordinated approach to take account of the SHG Strategy, the Planning and Budgeting process, the Policy and Legislative programmes, and the Executive Council process. The FCDO Development Attaché will work closely with the Delivery Team.

Ministerial responsibility remains exactly as is, with Minister Brooks retaining responsibility for the Treasury function as well as the Economic Development Portfolio.

The new organisation chart is as follows:

#StHelena #SHG

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SHG
30 August 2023

Invitation for Nominations

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom is inviting nominations from St Helena for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships tenable from 2024.  St Helena is invited to nominate one (1) candidate for consideration by the CSC for Master’s study. NB a nomination does not in any way guarantee selection or placement.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development.  The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change and who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. 

The CSC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates.

The CSC is committed to supporting outreach activities and providing additional investment for scholarships for people with disabilities and in subject areas related to the rights of people with disabilities. For further information on the support available to candidates with a disability, please see the CSC disability support statement at https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/csc-disability-support-statement

These scholarships are offered under six development themes:

1.       Science and technology for development

2.       Strengthening health systems and capacity

3.       Promoting global prosperity

4.       Strengthening global peace, security and governance

5.       Strengthening resilience and response to crises

6.       Access, inclusion and opportunity

Full candidate eligibility requirements are available at   http://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/

How to Apply:

1. Candidates must apply using the CSC’s online application system which can be found on the CSC website. Each scholarship has a ‘How to apply’ section which will have information and guidance on the application process and the link to the online application system. The CSC is unable to accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system. Applications open on 5 September and close on 17 October 2023.

• Persons interested in a scholarship, should write an initial letter of application that identifies the developmental theme they wish to apply under, the type of study that they wish to pursue, their reason for pursuing it and its relevance to St Helena.  In addition to this, the letter should include their professional aspirations and educational background including previous study undertaken and qualifications earned.  Initial letters of application should be sent to the Head of Lifelong Learning, Education Learning Centre, or via email to angela.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh  by no later than 09 October 2023.

The Scholarship Awards Committee is the official nominating body for Commonwealth Scholarships and will decide on a suitable nomination based on the set criteria. The CSC will make the final selection of candidates. 

SHG
29 August 2023

St Helena’s Biosecurity Policy is being reviewed and revised to ensure that ‘Biosecurity St Helena’ is fit for purpose into the future.

Biosecurity protects St Helena from the risk of introducing potentially harmful new pests, weeds and diseases.

The first biosecurity policy was developed and adopted in 2014 in order to strengthen biosecurity in St Helena in anticipation of air access.

After five years of air access operations, and the changes in biosecurity risks associated with air access, the Biosecurity Policy is being revised to ensure it is fit for purpose, and that it provides a suitable basis for the effective delivery of the biosecurity programme.

The Biosecurity Policy is available to view and download from the Public Consultation page of the SHG website via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-consultation/.

Opportunities to learn more and provide your comments on the draft Policy are available through the following consultation events:

Date	Venue	Time
Tuesday, 29 August 2023	Half Tree Hollow Community Centre	7pm
Thursday, 31 August 2023	The Museum, Jamestown	7pm
Friday, 1 September 2023	Canister Meeting Room, Jamestown	10am – 1pm

For further information on the draft Policy and consultation events please contact Julie Balchin, Biosecurity Officer at Scotland Office, St Paul’s, on telephone 24724 or email: julie.balchin@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Comments on the draft Policy should reach Julie Balchin via the above address by no later than 4pm on Friday, 8September 2023.

#StHelena #PublicConsultation #Biosecurity

SHG

28 August 2023

Former Year 11, 12 and 13 students of Prince Andrew School (PAS) received their much anticipated GCSE and A-Level exam results today, Friday 25 August 2023.

Their official Statement of Results was issued to them in a short presentation held in the PAS hall.

In attendance were parents/guardians and teachers as well as representatives from St Helena Government and Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc.

Following the presentations, students were given the opportunity to speak with staff from Career Access St Helena in regards to the Sixth Form Programme and the Apprenticeship Scheme; Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc and Corporate Human Resources about potential careers and current vacancies in their organisations; and the Exams Officer regarding possible exam resits or remarks. Others were also able to discuss with teachers about the Sixth Form Academic Route.

Deputy Head Curriculum, Isabel Andrews, concluded:

“Congratulations to all students on their achievements. Be proud of what you have achieved and use this as a foundation for moving forward. Whether that be continuing on the academic path, choosing a blended route or entering the world of work. Special thanks to all those involved in supporting students in reaching this point; staff at Prince Andrew School for their dedication in helping students to achieve their best, our Exams Officer, Mrs Kerry Peters, who plays a vital role in all exam admin, and of course parents, guardians and carers for your support and encouragement throughout. We wish our students every success as they continue their journey.”

#StHelena #PrinceAndrewSchool #PAS #ResultsDay #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople

SHG

25 August 2023

St Helena’s Biosecurity Policy is being reviewed and revised to ensure that ‘Biosecurity St Helena’ is fit for purpose into the future. The first biosecurity policy was developed and adopted in 2014 in order to strengthen biosecurity in St Helena in anticipation of air access.

Biosecurity protects St Helena from the risk of introducing potentially harmful new pests, weeds and diseases. As a remote Island, St Helena relies heavily on imported goods. In addition, the opening of the Airport has resulted in an increase of movement of both residents and visitors. Increased arrivals requires increased imports to support them, and this leads to increased biosecurity risks; imported goods and arriving passengers are all potential pathways to introduce new species. In addition, climate change results in new and emerging invasive species entering the introduction pathways, often in unexpected ways. This is recognised as a major issue globally for biosecurity, and is very relevant to St Helena.

The aim of the current biosecurity review work is to review and revise the Biosecurity Policy to ensure it is fit for purpose, and that it provides a suitable basis for the effective delivery of the biosecurity programme. After five years’ experience of Airport operation the changes in biosecurity risks associated with air access and associated changes in pathways of entry for new potentially harmful pests and diseases can now be understood and evaluated.

Consultations have been held with key stakeholders, including Sections within St Helena Government (Environment, Natural Resources & Planning Portfolio, Custom and Port Control, and St Helena Research Institute), importers, and the Saint Helena National Trust. All stakeholders consulted considered that, although St Helena is doing a good job in delivering a high standard of biosecurity to protect the Island against new pests and weeds, there are weakness in the current system and change are necessary.

Thanks are extended to Biosecurity Consultant, Dr Jill Key, for her valuable contributions to development of the new draft Biosecurity Policy. This support has been provided on behalf of the GB Non Native Species Secretariat (GBNNSS) by Public Administration International and financed by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Opportunities to learn more and provide your comments on the draft Policy are available through the following consultation events:

Date	Venue	Time
Tuesday, 29 August 2023	Half Tree Hollow Community Centre	7pm
Thursday, 31 August 2023	The Museum, Jamestown	7pm
Friday, 1 September 2023	Canister Meeting Room, Jamestown	10am – 1pm

For further information on the draft Policy and consultation events please contact Julie Balchin, Biosecurity Officer at Scotland Office, St Paul’s, on telephone 24724 or email: julie.balchin@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Comments on the draft Policy should reach Julie Balchin via the above address by no later than 4pm on Friday, 8September 2023.

#StHelena #PublicConsultation #Biosecurity

SHG

24 August 2023

Pilling Primary School (PPS) recently held another ‘Awards Evening’ to celebrate pupil and teacher achievements over the past academic year. The Awards Evening is now a regular feature on Pilling’s calendar of events and is the fourth of its kind.

Once again this year, the school’s hall was beautifully decorated with balloons and lights (with a blue and white colour scheme) and a beautiful white backdrop behind a red carpeted stage. Pupils, teachers, parents and invited guests dressed in formal attire. All tables were beautifully laid out with finger foods, juice and Chamdor.  

PPS Head Teacher, Miss Elaine Benjamin, opened the evening followed by the prize presentation led by Deputy Head, Mr Steve Plato. The evening was interspersed with singing, shared memories, laughter, but also tears, as farewells were said to Year 6 who will be moving to Prince Andrew School in September; to Miss Charlee-Paige Thomas (who has been successful for a Teacher Training position); and also to a long standing member of staff, Mrs Edna Richards, who is retiring after 37 years in teaching. 

Prizes were awarded for both outstanding performance and most noticeable effort in each year group as follows:

Reception

Highest overall achiever – Parker Thomas

Most noticeable effort – Zahara Francis

Year 1

Highest overall achiever – Tiffany Kabeza

Most noticeable effort – Tyhilia Faas

Year 2

Highest overall achiever – Holly Bennett

Most noticeable effort – Kenzo Shoesmith

Year 3

Highest overall achiever – Cora Richards 

Most noticeable effort – Liimi Faas

Year 4

Highest overall achievers – Jorja-Rai Osborne and Shae-Lyn Leo

Most noticeable effort – Courthney Kabeza

Year 5

Highest overall achiever – Nathan Thomas

Most noticeable effort – Nakia Benjamin

Year 6 

Outstanding performance:

Maths – Jamal Yon

English – Rudairo Nayoto, Halle George, Elissar Dachraoui

Science – Jamal Yon

Art – Elissar Dachraoui

Humanities – Halle George

Music – Rudairo Nayoto

Outstanding Progress in ICT– Skyler Plato-McDaniel

Outstanding Progress in Maths – Tyrell Timm-Bennett

Outstanding progress in PE – Jaxon Benjamin, Tomas Peters and Talem Francis

Overall outstanding progress – Ryley Bennett

Highest achiever in PTE (English) Trophy – Halle George

Highest achievers in PTM (Maths) Trophy – Elissar Dachraoui and Jamal Yon

Highest achievers in PTS (Science) Trophy – Halle George and Jamal Yon

PE – Best Male and Female (Year 6) Jamal Yon and Halle George

Keenan Bennett Cup (Best Footballer KS2) – Joshua Crowie (Year 5)

Vocational Studies

Needlework – Cora Richards

Gardening – Rio Henry

Cooking – Emilija Padriezaite

Photography – Tyrell Timm Bennett

Recycling – Halle George

Jean Beadon Art Certificates

3rd Position – Elissar Dachraoui

Highly Commended – Rudairo Nayoto and Halle George

Teacher Awards

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Course – Miss Heidi Joshua

Congratulations are extended to staff and pupils of PPS for another excellent year of achievement.

#StHelena #Awards #PillingPrimary #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople

SHG

17 August 2023

As the public will be aware, residents of Jamestown and especially the lower half of Jamestown, are being affected by anti-social behaviour, with a number of incidents of criminal activity leading to the needless damage of SHG and private properties.

It is a minority of people harming their own community, but incidents of drunkenness, criminal damage, and general anti-social behaviour continues to be a blight on the community, and a concern for many living in the area. Such activity has a long lasting effect on residents and those who work in the vicinity. It also has far reaching reputational damage to the Island.

SHG is working with the UK Representative’s Office in London on gaining financial support from external sources to help tackle the issue. This includes extra lighting, CCTV, equipment for youth engagement, and other funds to support greater opportunities and activities for young adults. While support may be identified – it is not the answer, personal and parental responsibility must be taken.

However in light of the school holidays and to try and address the immediate concerns, we are looking to instate civilian security patrols in and around the Castle and Castle Gardens on a Friday and Saturday night. From Friday, 18 August 2023, you may see people in high-vis jackets walking around the area and reporting any concerns to the authorities. This will be on a trial basis, and is not a long-term solution to the issue. We must all work together to combat this behaviour, but the Safety, Security & Home Affairs Portfolio hopes this may help in reducing incidents.  

#StHelena #Patrols #AntiSocialBehaviour #AltogetherSafer

SHG

16 August 2023

The fifth meeting of Minister’s Question Time will take place on Friday, 18 August 2023, at 10am in the Council Chamber. The meeting is open to members of the public and will be broadcast live via SAMS Radio 1.

The topic for this meeting is ‘Telecommunications’.

A copy of the Order Paper will be published on the SHG Website on Friday morning via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/order-papers/.

Legislative Council 
15 August 2023

The fifth meeting of Minister’s Question Time will take place on Friday, 18 August 2023, at 10am in the Council Chamber. The meeting is open to members of the public and will be broadcast live via SAMS Radio 1.

The topic for this meeting is ‘Telecommunications’.

A copy of the Order Paper will be published on the SHG Website on Friday morning via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/order-papers/.

Legislative Council  

15 August 2023

Legislative Council will go into recess for a 10 working day period from Monday, 21 August 2023, to Friday, 1 September 2023. Normal business will resume from Monday, 4 September 2023. Legislative Council will also go into recess from Friday, 15 December 2023, to Wednesday, 3 January 2024.

During recess Legislative and Executive Council will not meet to conduct business unless of an urgent nature. 

Constituents needing to discuss urgent matters can contact the Council representative in their district during this time.

Under the current Constitution, Legislative Council are not entitled to annual leave, therefore it has been collectively agreed to take periods of recess.

Councillors would like to thank the public in advance for their cooperation.

Legislative Council

14 August 2023