Category: Public Announcements

St Helena yesterday hosted a one day visit for two major French warships – the 21,300 ton Force Projection & Command Ship ‘FS Mistral’ and the advanced Frigate ‘FS La Fayette’. The ships have been deployed since March (until July 2014) and stopped at St Helena while on Mission Jeanne d’Arc in the South Atlantic.

Both vessels arrived in James’ Bay at 07.00hrs yesterday morning. Embarkation of Navy personnel took place soon after with over 800 Soldiers and Sailors in full uniform coming ashore for tours of St Helena, including the Napoleonic Sites of the Briars Pavilion, the Tomb and Longwood House.

A programme had been drawn up for the day by the Governor’s Office, working with the French Consul and Officers onboard both vessels.

Activities included a media call to the Mistral where the local press were invited onboard the 199 metre vessel for a full tour. Highlights included viewing the Helicopter Hangar which can house up to 16 heavy helicopters (yesterday the ship carried five), and the Hospital area which is fitted with two surgical units, comprehensive technical facilities and 69 medical beds. The medical facilities can be expanded with additional medical shelter in the Helicopter Hangar. The media were also able to tour the Bridge and Storage Decks – home to all deployment equipment and capable of holding up to 110 armoured vehicles or 13 main battle tanks.

Members of the public (who had won tickets by various radio quizzes) and groups of schoolchildren were able to visit the Mistral in the afternoon. HE Governor and Mrs Capes and other distinguished guests were also invited onboard – taken by helicopter – for an official lunch.

A special ceremony was held at the Tomb in the afternoon, with around 150 French Military and many spectators in attendance. Governor Capes made a special address to the French Military where he officially welcomed them to St Helena and spoke of the Island’s connection with France and what a memorable occasion today was for both visitors and residents alike. French Navy Visit – Governor’s Remarks at Napoleons Tomb, 15 April 2014.

Commenting after the ceremony, Captain of the Mistral, Francois-Xavier Polderman, remarked:

“Coming to St Helena is a very rare experience and I think you could feel all around this Tomb that it was very moving for all the soldiers and sailors who were here. We were happy to celebrate our dead soldiers and sailors of all times.

“I have definitely enjoyed myself it has been a wonderful experience. I never thought I would be able to live this.”

Captain of La Fayette Serge Bordarier, added:

“It is a great pleasure to be here and a great experience. The discovery of this Island is for us like a dream, when we were children we dreamed of coming here, so for us it was a very emotive ceremony held here.”

Following the ceremony, both Captains answered questions from the media. Navy personnel then travelled to Longwood House where a reception was hosted by Honorary French Consul Michel Dancoisne-Martineau.

Throughout the day, Island residents were able to glimpse various helicopters as they flew over the Island taking photographs and embarking and disembarking Ships’ personnel. Both ships departed the Island at 19.30hrs last evening after a most successful port call in St Helena.

photos are attached to this release.

Notes for Editors

From March to July 2014 an amphibious group composed of the LHD Mistral and the FLF La Fayette will be strategically positioned in the Atlantic Ocean where military operations and bilateral actions will be conducted. During this time, the trained officers from the French Naval Academy class of 2011, as well as foreign officers, will carry out their first major operational deployment. The aim is to give these young officers a solid foundation in military leadership and seamanship – thanks to the practical and

co-operational nature of the training and the experience of taking real responsibilities.

The Mistral is multifunctional. It is an assault helicopter carrier, an amphibious ship (able to deploy troops and vehicles) a NATO-certified Headquarters, a hospital ship (able to provide health support to combat operations or humanitarian emergencies) and a forward base for special forces.

Multi-mission Stealth Frigate La Fayette leads missions centred around knowledge and anticipation, crisis and conflict prevention, the maintenance of sovereignty in national waters and special operations and missions.  

SHG

16 April 2014

Recently some eagle-eyed Halcrow-workers (airport project management unit) spotted an unfamiliar plant growing at the airport construction site.  A number of weeds were found growing in a consignment of coarse sand imported from Namibia which have been identified by Island botanist Phil Lambdon as a type of Ice plant new to the Island.

It appears that the heavy rains in March, followed by sunnier weather have prompted the germination of the ice plant seeds in sand which had been unpacked from containers and exposed to the elements.

Basil Read, working with Halcrow and ANRD, has implemented a full-scale biosecurity response:

• All the growing plants have been pulled up, before they set seed
• The infested sand consignment has been thoroughly checked over and will be used as quickly as possible in construction
• Steps are being taken to ensure that future consignments of coarse sand have a lower risk of seed;
• The construction site will continue to be routinely monitored.

 

Jill Key, Pest Control and Biosecurity Officer said:

“Imported sand is routinely inspected for insect pests, and on-site monitoring is in place to check for any weed seeds. We’re very grateful to Halcrow and Basil Read for their quick work in spotting this new weed and literally nipping it in the bud.”

If you spot any unfamiliar plant or insect, call the biosecurity team at the Agriculture and Natural Resources Division on 24724.

SHG

16 April 2014

 

 

 

A new Deputy Headteacher for St Paul’s Primary School arrives on Tuesday 22 April 2014.

Nicky Adams (photo attached) will play a key leadership role in supporting Head Teacher Pat Williams and the team of Teachers and Assistants at St Paul’s Primary.

Director of Education and Employment Colin Moore said:

“This is a crucial appointment for St Paul’s. I am very pleased with the progress that the school has made over the last couple of years and I feel sure that with Nicky’s arrival we will see the school go from strength to strength.

“I know that the staff, pupils and parents of St Paul’s will give Mrs Adams a very warm welcome!”

Nicky is an experienced and successful Deputy Headteacher who has worked in various primary schools in Cape Town.

Nicky added:

“I have had the privilege of teaching for the past 19 years in South Africa – these years being the most challenging but the most fulfilling years of my life. A new chapter in my life is now starting on St Helena and I am excited to continue this journey at St Paul’s Primary School. 

“I am delighted to take up my position beside the Headteacher, staff, parents and pupils who will have my full co-operation and support as we work together. I am coming to the Island to help build the school up, to take it to greater heights and excellence in education.”

 

SHG

15 April 2014

The St Helena Education Directorate is soon to welcome a new Adviser for Primary Education. Zoe Robinson (photo attached) will arrive on 22 April (succeeding Victoria Stapleton) and will play a leading role in helping the Education Directorate to respond to the many changes and challenges that Primary Education will experience over the next few years.

The English curriculum is one of these areas and Zoe will be working with Head Teachers and staff in the Primary Schools to ensure these changes are made smoothly and that primary schools continue to raise the standard of education for all children on St Helena.

Director of Education and Employment Colin Moore said: “I am delighted that Zoe will be joining us. She will be supporting our hard working and dedicated Primary School staff in a variety of ways, including supporting teaching and learning and advising on curriculum content. Zoe will also provide additional expertise and support to our Head Teachers. It is very fortunate that we also have an opportunity for her to work with Victoria over the next few weeks before Victoria completes her contract and leaves the Island.

“Providing the very best primary school education is a priority for me and the Directorate. We want to make sure that children and young people make the most of their opportunities as the Island’s economy begins to expand. A top quality primary education provides the platform to help us to achieve this.”

Zoe is a very experienced and successful primary school educationalist with extensive experience of working in UK primary schools. She commented: “I can’t wait to join the Education Directorate on St Helena. I am passionate about excellent, inclusive education and look forward to building on the successes already happening in the Primary Schools on the Island.

“My family (husband Jeremy and sons Alfie and Zach) and I are also keen to explore, learn about and become part of the St Helena community… although my youngest son, Zach, just wants to stay with Jonathan the Tortoise!”

SHG

14 April 2014

Open to the Public from 1pm

 

Executive Council will meet on Wednesday afternoon, 16 April 2014, in the Council Chamber.

Commencing at 1pm, the meeting will be open to the public for the following Open Agenda items:

 

• 2014/15 Government Landlord Housing Rent Increase
• Land Planning & Development Control, Applications for Referral to Governor in Council 

 

Executive Council Members are: Ian Rummery, Christine Scipio-O’Dean, Leslie Baldwin, Lawson Henry and Wilson Duncan.

 

SHG

14 April 2014 

Two Warships of the French Navy to do Port Call in St Helena – 11 April 2014