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  • Economic Development Investment Programme

    Jamestown Run Railing Project Completed And Reopened

    The Programme Management Office (PMO) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the railing installation project at the Jamestown Run, located adjacent to the Duke of Edinburgh Playground.

    Following an open procurement exercise in November 2024, the St Helena Government (SHG) contracted S. Doy Construction to install an approximately 85-metre railing system. Work commenced on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, and has now been completed.

    The Jamestown Run is now fully reopened to the public.

    The PMO would like to thank S. Doy Construction for their efficient work and the public for their understanding and patience during the construction period.

    This project was funded under the UK-funded Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) – Micro Project Budget 2024/25, in partnership with the FCDO.

  • Cancelled Road Closure – The Arch, Jamestown (Sea Front Access)

    Please be advised that the planned road closure through The Arch leading to the sea front in Jamestown for Wednesday, 05 March 2025, has been cancelled due to ongoing cargo operations. The closure scheduled for Wednesday, 12 March 2025, from 13:00 to 15:30 remains in effect.

    The Roads Section apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their understanding and co-operation.

  • Emergency Dental Clinic Closure

    The Emergency Dental Clinic, which is normally open to the public between 08:30 and 09:30 every weekday, will be closed on Wednesday 12 March 2025.

    Persons experiencing a dental emergency during this time are therefore asked to call Dental Reception by telephone on 25387, to make an appointment.

    Any inconvenience caused is very much regretted.

    SHG
    04 March 2025

    www.sainthelena.gov.sh

  • Education Review Meetings Update

    The Education, Skills, and Employment Portfolio (ESE) has concluded a series of community engagement meetings to provide updates on the St Helena Education Review. These sessions, held on 10, 24, and 25 February, 2025, demonstrated strong community interest and generated valuable feedback.

    The review, which assesses education provision from early years to post-16, aims to:

    • Future-proof education: Ensuring education supports the island’s economic growth and workforce development
    • Improve student outcomes: Enhancing educational achievement for all learners

    Discussions during the meetings indicated a clear need for change and improvement within St Helena’s education system. The adoption of the COBIS standards framework in September 2024 is considered one of the fundamental steps in this process, as the implementation of a framework will be the facilitator that will guide the educational journey now and into the future. However, discussions also emphasised that the following actions are also necessary to facilitate meaningful change:

    • Structural reforms within schools
    • Comprehensive and ongoing staff training
    • A sustained, community-wide focus on the needs of children and young people
    • Increased and sustained recurrent funding.

    Concerns were raised that without these essential measures, the education system risks continued decline.

    The ESE acknowledges and appreciates the valuable contributions made by parents, guardians, and the public during these sessions. The feedback received will play a crucial role in shaping the final recommendations of the St Helena Education Review.

    #StHelena #EducationReview #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople

    www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

    www.twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

  • Expression of Interest – Member of the St Helena Media Commission

    His Excellency the Governor intends to appoint a member to the St Helena Media Commission.

    This position is not open to members of the Legislative Council or the Public Service.

    The duties of the St Helena Media Commission are to:

    • Issue Codes of Practice to the media.
    • Monitor compliance with the Codes.
    • Investigate and adjudicate upon alleged or suspected breaches of the Codes.

    The Media Commission comprises the Chief Magistrate as President of the Commission and at least two other members. The Commission plays an important role in the community as it must ensure that the press conduct themselves in accordance with the rules that are necessary to protect individuals, while at the same time ensuring that freedom of the press is maintained.

    The remuneration for this position is £35 per meeting and mileage is paid at 77p a mile.

    If you think you have the necessary skills and would like to apply for the role, contact Information and Research Support Officer, Linda Benjamin for the relevant Expression of Interest (EOI) form, by telephone on 22470, or via email at linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh. 

    Alternatively, the EOI form can be downloaded from the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EOI-Form-Member-St-Helena-Media-Commission.doc.

    Please send your completed EOI to Kerry Lane, Manager of the Governor’s Office, via email at Kerry.Lane@fcdo.gov.uk by Wednesday, 26March 2025.

    Shortlisted persons will be invited to a discussion with the Governor and the successful applicant will be appointed subject to receipt of a satisfactory vetting certificate.

    Governor’s Office, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

    03 March 2025

  • Expression of Interest – Chairperson of the Immigration Control Board

    The position of Chairperson of the Immigration Control Board will become available from 13 March 2025.

    The Immigration Ordinance 2011 provides for an Immigration Control Board with the Chairperson of the Board being appointed by the Governor.  The role of the Board is to exercise and perform powers and functions conferred upon it by the Immigration Control Ordinance, 2011.  This includes processing applications for long term entry permits, work permits, immigrant employment certificates and immigrant landholding licences. 

    The Ordinance requires that the Chairperson of the Immigration Control Board must have St Helenian Status.  Justices of the Peace, Immigration Officers, and members of the Legislative Council are not eligible for appointment to the Board.

    The successful candidate will receive an annual retainer fee of £1,200, paid quarterly in arrears, as well as a mileage allowance of 77p per mile for any mileage incurred using personal vehicles in connection with attendance at Board meetings, which are generally held once per month.

    In addition, they will also receive a monthly payment of £6.65 towards internet costs.

    For further information about the duties of Chairperson of the Immigration Board, interested persons may contact current Chairman of the Immigration Control Board, Merlin George, by telephone on 24913 or via email at GEORGES.MH@helanta.co.sh.

    The relevant form – ‘Expression of Interest – Chair Immigration Control Board’ 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/2025/02/EOI-Form-Chairperson-Immigration-Control-Board.doc.

    Completed forms should be returned to Mrs Kerry Lane, email Kerry.Lane@fcdo.gov.uk in the Governor’s Office by Friday, 14 March 2025.

    Shortlisted persons will then be invited to a discussion with the Governor and the successful applicant will be appointed subject to receipt of a satisfactory vetting certificate.

    Governor’s Office, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

    28 February 2025

  • Expressions of Interest – Non Executive Director

    St Helena Government (SHG) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from interested persons to undertake the role of Non-Executive Director (NED) on the boards of State-Owned Entities (SOEs) and entities in which SHG has an equity interest.

    As an SHG-appointed NED on SOE boards, you will play a crucial role in aligning entity strategy with government policy and providing financial leadership comparable to a Finance Director. Your key responsibilities will include:

    • Strategic Alignment: Bridging the gap between entity strategy and government policy.
    • Financial Leadership: Providing financial leadership comparable to a Finance Director, fostering growth, economic development, and reform.
    • Collaboration and Communication: Maintaining effective communication and monitoring, managing relationships with key stakeholders, and working closely with Ministers and Senior Officials to align portfolio direction with SHG policy.
    • Performance and Governance: Driving performance and collaboration within the economic group, critically evaluating spending and planning, overseeing external consulting, and implementing recommendations to enhance corporate governance and accountability between SHG and its SOEs.

    As NED, you would be expected to represent SHG on the following boards: Bank of St Helena Ltd; Connect St Helena Ltd; St Helena Hotel Development Ltd; St Helena Airport Ltd; and Solomon & Company (St Helena) PLC.

    To provide the capacity required to help drive improvements in governance and performance across the SOEs, this will be a full-time role. However, consideration may also be given to part-time and remote working options. The post holder will be required to be flexible and able to respond to demand and work requirements. The role will include contribution to the SOE transformation agenda, in addition to routine attendance at Board Meetings, preparation time, and reporting to Ministers and Officials.

    The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

    • Extensive experience in a similar role.
    • CIMA/ACCA or CCAB qualified accountant (or equivalent) with current membership and an up-to-date CPD record.
    • Proven experience at board level in key industries such as utilities, banking, hospitality, insurance, or retail (advantageous).
    • A strong background in public sector organisations.
    • Demonstrated political astuteness.
    • Excellent interpersonal skills, including listening, negotiating, and the ability to present detailed information effectively.

    For further information about the duties of the post and a copy of the terms of reference, interested persons should contact Phil Sharman, SOE Non-Executive Director, via email at phil.sharman@shg.gov.sh or by visiting the SHG website at: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/vacancies. Applications, consisting of a CV and covering letter, should be submitted by email to recruitment@sainthelena.gov.sh by no later than 16:00 on Friday, 21 March 2025.

    SHG

    03 March 2025

    www.sainthelena.gov.sh

  • International Maritime Safety Audit of St Helena’s Maritime Administration

    The St Helena Government (SHG) welcomed the proxy audit carried out in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).

    St Helena is part of the Red Ensign Group having a Category 2 Ship Registry whereby standards must be maintained on safety and operational practices as mandated by international requirements.

    Under the guidance of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency UK, St Helena’s maritime operations are upheld to comply with safety regulations and international conventions.

    Last week, a dedicated team, Richard Pellew, Graeme Carnegie and Jim Morrison, was on island conducting an audit and monitoring visit for St Helena’s maritime activities. This audit stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our maritime operations.

    The Maritime Authority expresses their appreciation to all officials/stakeholders involved for their invaluable support and cooperation throughout this process.

    Further information on the IMSAS can be found on the IMO website at https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/MSAS/Pages/Default.aspx

    Photo

    Minister Jeffrey Ellick with the Maritime Audit Team: Richard Pellew (far left), Graeme Carnegie and Jim Morrison

     #StHelena #MaritimeAuthority #IMO #MCA

    https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/https://twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

  • Cruise Ship Azamara Quest

    The cruise ship Azamara Quest will arrive in St Helena at 08:00 on Saturday 01 March 2025. There are 607 passengers on board. 

    James Bay is currently experiencing rough, swelly seas which is forecast to persist throughout the weekend. Consequently, the Captain, in liaison with Port Control, will make a decision on whether it is safe to land passengers on Saturday morning.

    If able to land, passengers have booked on-island tours. Tours will depart at 09:00 from the Jamestown Wharf.

    There is a wide range of nationalities on board, with the main nationalities being: Australian, Canadian, British and American.

    It is expected that the passengers will carry the following currencies:  Euros, Dollars and Great British Pounds (GBP). Currency exchange rate information is available from the Bank of St Helena and the Tourist Office.

    The Azamara Quest will depart St Helena at approximately 18:00.

    Temporary One-Way Traffic System

    If passengers do come ashore, a temporary one-way traffic system will be in effect from 09:00 to 16:00 to manage increased traffic during the Azamara Quest cruise ship’s visit.

    This system, designed to improve safety and reduce congestion, will direct traffic from Gordons Post towards Hutts Gate along Tomb Road. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction will be diverted from Hutts Gate to Gordons Post via The Dungeon, as shown on the map below.

     This is a familiar procedure, used during previous cruise ship visits, and likely to be implemented again in the future.

    The one-way route will be clearly signposted and will be removed as soon as it is no longer necessary.

    We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the public for their understanding in this matter.

  • Caution: Exposed Piping on Beach

    Recent sea conditions have again exposed the undersea fibre optic cable pipework which lands at Rupert’s Beach.

    The cable itself is undamaged. However, a small amount of the protective housing encasing it remains exposed on the beach, with some of the casing in the waters leading away from the beach detached from the seabed and exposed.

    Following a risk assessment, authorities are satisfied that the general public pose little risk to the piping and, with suitable precautions observed, the piping poses little risk to the public.

    Whilst it is expected that the regular movement of sand at the beach is likely to naturally rebury the piping in time, the public are advised to take caution when on Rupert’s Beach or when swimming in Rupert’s Bay.

    Beach users

    There is no risk of electric shock or electric exposure, but the piping does have metal bolts and joins which could cause injury, so members of the public should be mindful when near it. Much like beach rocks, it could pose a trip hazard or a risk of injury were someone to fall onto it.

    Swimmers

    Members of the public are also advised to avoid swimming near the areas of exposed piping in the water. Whilst it may not look dangerous, swell and waves can quickly drag or push you into the piping, which could then result in injury.

    Boat operators

    As anchoring could pose a risk to the underwater piping, boat operators are advised that no anchoring is permitted inside of Rupert’s Bay between the end of the Jetty and Birddown. Outside of this area, anchoring should be avoided within 100m either side of the piping.

    To report any concerns, please call the Harbour Master on 22750 or VHF Channel 14.

    SHG
    27 February 2025