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  • Easter Weekend Waste Collection Changes

    Please be advised of the following change to waste collection days over the Easter weekend:

    • Residents of Jamestown, Briar’s, Rupert’s, Sea View, Gordon’s Post, Longwood Road, and all Longwood areas whose bins are normally collected on Mondays will have their waste collected on Sunday, 20 April 2025.
    • Friday collection remains unchanged. Bins will be collected on Good Friday, 18 April 2025.

    Normal weekly collection will resume on Tuesday, 22 April 2025. We appreciate your cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience.

    General Reminder to the Public

    Waste Management Services (WMS) would like to remind the public that one of their Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) is currently non-operational due to mechanical issues, and there is no confirmed date for its return to service.

    To minimise disruptions to the domestic waste collection, the WMS team will be continuing to provide the collection without mechanical assistance which will make the process longer and more labour-intensive for our refuse collecting team.  To make this process easier, the team kindly requests the public’s cooperation. Please assist by:

    1. Placing domestic waste in litter bags before placing them into your bins.  This will help prevent loose items from being blown away and makes it easier for the team to empty bins by hand.
    2. Ensuring waste is placed out by 06:00 on your designated collection day.

    Please note that some delays or disruptions to the normal waste collection schedule may still occur due to operations being done by hand.

    As WMS operatives are handling black bags by hand in some cases, to ensure their protection, please do not place sharp items within your bin bags.

    Recycling collection will continue as normal from both communal recycling hubs and commercial businesses.

    For any questions or concerns, please contact Environmental Officer – Risk Management, Karl Martin, on 24724 or WMS Supervisor, Shane Williams, on 66380.

    The Waste Management team would like to thank the public in advance for their support and cooperation during this time.

  • Smokefree St Helena Launches New Online Referral System

    Smokefree St Helena, today announced the launch of it’s new, user-friendly online referral system, designed to streamline access to vital smoking cessation support. The new online form simplifies the process for individuals seeking to quit smoking.

    Smokefree St Helena provides stop-smoking services, including behavioural support and a recently expanded range of Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT). All clients utilising the Smokefree St Helena service will be provided with NRT. Our trained practitioners offer personalised guidance and encouragement to help individuals achieve their goal of becoming smoke-free.

    The Smokefree St Helena programme is a six-week initiative, featuring weekly support sessions. During these sessions, clients can discuss their progress, address challenges, and receive ongoing advice and medication management from their practitioner.

    To sign up for Smokefree St Helena’s behaviour change support and NRT via the online referral system, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SmokeFreeSH or scan the QR code. After completing the form, a practitioner will contact you to schedule an appointment.

    QR Code

    #StHelena #Smokefree #HealthPromotion

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  • SHG Signs Contract for New Prison Design and Supervise

    On 28 March 2025, Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey signed a contract on behalf of SHG with One Creative Environments Ltd (ONE) to design and supervise the construction of a new prison at Bottom Woods.

    The design phase is expected to be completed by September 2025, with construction commencing shortly thereafter. The project is part of the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) funded by the UK Government.

    Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Jeffrey Ellick, commented:

    “Since 2009 and prior there have been a number of reports advising that there needs to be a new prison. It is therefore pleasing that we now finally have a contract to design and supervise the build of a new prison.”

    Photos

    The One Creative Team with SSHA Portfolio Director, Alex Mitham (far left) and Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey (seated)

    HE Governor Nigel Phillips, Minister for SSHA Jeffrey Ellick and Chief Minister Julie Thomas were also present at the signing of the contract with Director at ONE, Craig Walding

    Notes to Editors

    • ONE Creative environments is an integrated design business with a dynamic multi-disciplinary team comprising: masterplanning, architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, digital estates, structural and civil engineering and building services all working together at the forefront of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which is the foundation of intelligent building design.
    • More information can be found on the ONE website at www.oneltd.com.

    #StHelena #NewPrisonUpdate #EDIP

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  • EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

    CHARITY COMMISSIONER

    St Helena Government (SHG) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the role of Commissioner of the Charity Commission of St Helena.

    The Charity Commission operates under the Charities Ordinance 2005, which outlines its key responsibilities. Full details of the legislation can be found here: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislation/laws-of-st-helena/alphabetical-list-st-helena/.

    As a Commissioner, you will play a vital role in:

    • Encouraging and facilitating better management of charitable organisations
    • Ensuring compliance with legal obligations, investigating mismanagement and misconduct of operations where required.

    This is an opportunity to bring fresh energy and reform to the role, helping to revitalise the charity sector and further embed it within the island’s social fabric and future development.

    The appointment is for a three-year term. Commissioners receive a remuneration of £35 per meeting, along with a mileage allowance of 77p per mile for personal vehicle use when attending meetings.

    The relevant form – “Expression of Interest” – Charity Commissioner can be obtained from Information and Research Support Officer, Linda Benjamin, at The Castle by telephone on 22470, via email at linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh or on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/EOI-Form-Charity-Commissioner.pdf

    Completed forms must be returned to Information and Research Support Officer, Linda Benjamin by Friday, 25 April 2025.

    SHG

    01 April 2025

  • HM Customs Closure

    The public are advised that HM Customs will be closed to Merchants and Consolidator cargo on Wednesday 02 April, and Thursday 03 April 2025.  The closure will allow the processing of cargo arriving from Ascension Island on the return of the MV Karoline.

    Normal business will resume on Friday 04 April 2025 at 09:00.

    HM Customs would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.  The public are thanked for their understanding and cooperation.

  • Arrival of MV Karoline

    The MV Karoline is scheduled to arrive at James Bay on Wednesday 02 April 2025 at 06:00. Weather permitting, the vessel will dock alongside Rupert’s Jetty and cargo operations will commence as soon as practicable.

    The public are therefore advised that the Port of Jamestown and the whole of Lower Ruperts including the beach area, will be closed from 06:00 on Wednesday 02 April 2025, until all cargo operations are completed.

    These areas will be strictly prohibited and access will be limited to those who have made prior arrangements with St Helena Port Control.

    Boat owners and operators are advised that mooring on the ‘span’ mooring rope, near the landing steps at the Jamestown Wharf is prohibited for the duration of cargo operations.

    The public are thanked in advance for their patience and co-operation.

    SHG

    31March 2025

    http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

  • St Helena Showcases Climate Change Impacts On Marine Life During Marine Awareness Week

    During Marine Awareness Week, from the 17th to 21st March 2025, St Helena showcased the critical impacts of climate change on its marine life. As part of this local initiative, which has been running for over 20 years since its inception in 2003, the Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section hosted a talk at the Museum in Jamestown on Tuesday, 18 March 2025. This event was funded by the Blue Belt programme.

    Dr. Susana Lincoln, a senior scientist at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), presented findings from a comprehensive climate study, highlighting the significant impacts of climate change on St Helena’s vital marine ecosystem. This presentation coincided with Marine Awareness Week, aimed at fostering a deeper connection between communities and the ocean, with an emphasis on sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and marine biodiversity.

    Dr. Lincoln’s presentation was based on research from four years of study, which culminated in the publication of the “Climate Projections and Future Thermal Suitability Assessment for Priority Marine Species in St Helena (Blue Belt report CR195).” The report, part of a multi-phase study, examines the risks climate change poses to commercially and ecologically important species. The second phase of this work focused on 23 key species identified in collaboration with the Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section. These species include (local names in brackets):

    •           Humpback whale

    •           Pantropical spotted dolphin

    •           Whale shark

    •           Yellowfin tuna

    •           Skipjack tuna

    •           Bigeye tuna

    •           Wahoo

    •           Atlantic chub mackerel

    •           Mackerel scad (Kingston)

    •           Bigeye scad (Steenbrass)

    •           Grouper (Jack)

    •           Island cowfish

    •           Deepwater bullseye

    •           Sergeant major (Five finger)

    •           Spotted moray (Conger)

    •           St Helena butterflyfish (Cunningfish)

    •           Island hogfish (Parrotfish)

    •           St Helena wrasse (Greenfish)

    •           Strigate parrotfish (Rockfish)

    •           St Helena sharpnose pufferfish

    •           St Helena flounder

    •           Brown spiny lobster (Crayfish)

    •           Red slipper lobster (Stump)

     

    The findings from this report, which detail how rising sea temperatures may affect the distribution and survival of these species, are crucial for informing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies for the island. The Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section, in collaboration with the Blue Belt programme, continues to work towards safeguarding St Helena’s marine ecosystem.

    In addition to the presentations, attendees were provided with Climate Cards to take away, helping to spread the message of climate change awareness. The Marine Awareness Week initiative also reached school children across primary and secondary schools (averaging 508 total students), offering them an opportunity to engage with the topic through educational activities, including a climate change-themed board game that further consolidated their understanding of climate change impacts to marine species around St Helena.

    Dr. Lincoln’s presentation will also be shown on the local television channel, allowing a wider audience to access this important information and continue the conversation around protecting St Helena’s marine environment.

    The Environment, Natural Resources and Planning portfolio hopes that the findings shared during Marine Awareness Week will continue to drive discussions and influence proactive measures to protect St Helena’s unique marine heritage.

    Head of Nature Conservation, Elizabeth Clingham, commented:

    “…climate change is no longer a distant concern, it is a reality that is shaping our oceans, coastlines, and communities and understanding these impacts is more important than ever.  We might not be able to see the direct effect of climate just yet, here on St Helena… but it will come.”

    Photos

    Marine Awareness Display

    Head of Nature Conservation, Elizabeth Clingham, delivering a welcome speech to the presentation

     #StHelena #MarineAwarenessWeek #Cefas

    https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt

  • Hampshire Local Authority Advisors Visit St Helena

    The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio is pleased to host two Education Advisors from Hampshire Local Authority, Emma Tarrant and Jo Keynon.  Emma and Jo are on island for two weeks working with all schools, supporting our leadership with learning in Phonics and English, with a particular focus on primary to secondary transition and securing best phonics practice in classrooms.

    The Education Review highlighted the importance of regular high quality training for all our staff. It also highlighted the critical role of families in supporting their children to develop a love of learning. Emma and Jo will be hosting parent’s evenings in our three primary schools as follows:

    • Monday, 31 March 2025 at Harford School
    • Tuesday, 01 April 2025 at St Pauls School
    • Wednesday, 02 April 2025 at Pilling School

    Each session is scheduled to start at 19.00.

    #StHelena #Education #PhonicsandEnglish

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  • Reminder of Automated External Defibrillators Locations

    The Emergency Planning Department would like to remind the public and visitors about the Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) located around the island.

    What is an AED and when and how are they used?

    Defibrillators are devices that send a safe electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat when someone is unconscious and not breathing (i.e. they are in cardiac arrest).

    A defibrillator may also be referred to as a Defib, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator). Statistics show that if a defibrillator is used on a patient within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, they have a 60 – 70% chance of making a full recovery. 

    The type of AEDs placed around the island are designed so that they can be used by anyone, without specialist training. Once turned on they will instruct the user through voice commands on exactly how to use the device safely, for both the patient and the operator.

    If you require access to an AED, the code to the cabinet can be requested from the Emergency Control Centre when dialling 999.

    A reminder of all AED locations

    AEDs are placed in the following locations:

    DistrictLocation
    Half Tree HollowHalf Tree Hollow Clinic (Outside of the main entrance)
    St Paul’sThe Pavilion Area (In the green shed) at Francis Plain
    LevelwoodSilver Hill Shop (Outside)
    Blue HillBlue Hill Community Centre (Outside)
    Sandy BayBamboo Hedge Shop (Outside)
    Rupert’sSea Rescue Building (Outside the main entrance)
    LongwoodRoyal St Helena Police Post (Outside)
    JamestownCustoms Building (Near the entrance to the Immigration office)

    There are also other AEDs located in Jamestown at the Royal Saint Helena Police (RSHP) Head Quarters reception and at HM Prison.

    The AEDs at these locations are clearly signposted and are contained in a bright yellow box as shown in the accompanying image.

    #StHelena #Defibrillator #AED

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  • Minister Ellick’s UK Visit Delayed

    Please be advised that the previously announced visit of Minister Jeffrey Ellick to the UK has been delayed. This delay is due to a processing issue in South Africa, which is currently being addressed.

    #StHelena #ElectedMembers #Overseasvisit

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