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  • Waste Collection Services Experiencing Temporary Disruptions

    Waste Management Services (WMS) would like to advise that both Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) are currently non-operational due to mechanical issues, and there is no confirmed date for their 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 a bit easier, the team kindly requesting 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.

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

    For any questions or concerns, the public can contact:

    Karl Martin (Environmental Officer – Risk Management) on Tele No  24724 or

    Shane Williams (WMS Supervisor) on Mobile 66380.

    Any inconvenience caused is regretted, and the WMS team would like to thank the public in advance for their support and cooperation during this time.

    #WasteManagement #WasteManagementServices

    SHG

    09 January 2025

  • Economic Development Investment Programme

    2024/25 MICRO PROJECTS – JAMESTOWN RUN

    The Programme Management Office (PMO) is pleased to advise that following an open procurement exercise conducted in November 2024, SHG has entered into a contract with S.Doy Construction to install approximately 85 metre railing system at the Jamestown Run, which is directly below the Duke of Edinburgh Playground. 

    Works are due to commence on site from Wednesday, 15 January 2025 and completion of these works are programme for the beginning of March 2025.    

    This area of the run will be closed for the duration of these works.

    Members of the public will be kept informed of progress and are thanked for their understanding during this time.    

    This project has been approved for funding under the UK funded Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) – Micro Project Budget 2024/25, in partnership with the FCDO.

    Notes to Editor:

    In 2019, Executive Council gave approval for an annual budget of £150,000 under the Economic Development Investment Programme for ‘micro-projects’, or those projects that can be implemented relatively quickly with a low total cost (i.e. £50,000 or less). This budget is intended to support projects that may not have easily quantifiable benefits, but do directly support strategic economic development goals (e.g. increasing tourism, promoting a green economy, etc) or have the potential to improve future infrastructure investments or even reduce any potential litigation cases against SHG.

    SHG
    13 January 2025

    http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

  • Public Consultation on Proposed Minimum Wage Increase

    The public are invited to participate in a consultation on proposed increases to the minimum wage for the period 2025/26 to 2027/28.

    Consultation Opportunities:

    • Public Meeting: A public meeting will be held on Thursday, 16 January 2025 at 19:00 at the Museum in Jamestown.
    • Stall at the Canister: A consultation stall will be set up outside the Canister on Thursday, 16 January and Friday, 17 January 2025 from 12:00 PM to 14:00
    • Contact Head of Strategic Policy, Ann Muir at the Castle on 22470 for a one to one session

    Detailed figures for each option are available below:

     Trajectories 
    Option 1Option 2Option 3
     HourlyAnnual  HourlyAnnual  HourlyAnnual 
    2025/26£4.33£8,443.50£4.50£8,775.00£4.50£8,775.00
    2026/27£4.66£9,087.00£5.00£9,750.00£5.20£10,140.00
    2027/28£5.00£9,750.00£5.50£10,725.00£6.00£11,700.00

    SHG
    10 January 2025

  • Better Health 2025

    ‘Make 2025 your fresh start’

    St Helena Government is excited to announce the launch of the “Better Health 2025” campaign, encouraging residents to make positive lifestyle changes in the New Year.

    “Make 2025 your fresh start!”

    The campaign focuses on promoting overall well-being, emphasising that health goes beyond just weight loss. While weight management is an important aspect, “Better Health 2025” encourages individuals to set personal goals that align with their specific health needs. These goals could include:

    • Reducing blood sugar levels
    • Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption
    • Drinking more water
    • Minimising added sugar intake
    • Reducing sedentary time

    The campaign offers a 12-week Plan, helping participants lose an average of 5.8kg. This plan provides guidance on:

    • Setting realistic weight loss goals
    • Planning nutritious meals
    • Making healthier food choices
    • Increasing physical activity
    • Tracking progress and celebrating successes

    “Better Health 2025” provides comprehensive support, including:

    • Behaviour change strategies
    • Access to valuable tools and resources
    • Ongoing support from the Health Promotion team

    The campaign aims to empower individuals to make sustainable lifestyle changes that improve their overall health and well-being.

    For more information or to sign up for the “Better Health 2025” programme, please contact the Health Promotion team on 22500.

    SHG
    9 January 2025

  • Financial Aid Mission Delegation Press Conference

    St Helena Government (SHG) will hold a press conference tomorrow, 10 January 2025 with the FCDO Financial Aid Mission (FAM) Delegation and local media. The event is scheduled to take place in the Governor’s office from 15:00 to 15:30 GMT.

    His Excellency Governor Nigel Phillips, Chief Minister Julie Thomas and Deputy Director of FCDO’s Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate Adam Pile will be on the panel. The panel will be discussing the FAM visit this week, and how discussions have progressed around recurrent funding for the financial year 2025/6, areas of particular budget pressure and SHG’s response strategy.

    #StHelena #OverseasDevelopmentAssistance #FinancialAid

    SHG

    09 January 2025

  • Seven Seas Splendor Cruise Ship Visit

    The cruise ship Seven Seas Splendor will arrive in St Helena at 10.00hrs on Sunday 12 January 2025  with  662 passengers and 541 crew on-board. 

    Approximately half the passengers are booked on island tours. Tours will depart at 10:30 from Jamestown Wharf.

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

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

    The Seven Seas Splendor will depart St Helena around 19:00.

    Temporary One Way Traffic System

    The public are advised thata temporary one-way system will be in place in the direction of Gordons Post to Hutts Gate along Tomb Road on Sunday 12 January 2025, from 10.30 to 17.00.

    Traffic wishing to travel in the opposite direction will be diverted from Hutts Gate to Gordons Post via The Dungeon, as per the map below:

    The one-way system will be clearly signed and will be removed as soon as no longer required.

    The one-way system has been put in place in order to more safely manage traffic and ease congestion, given the anticipated increase in vehicle volumes due to the visit of the Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship. This is the same process as has been put in place in previous years, and for the last cruise ship visit, and is likely to also be a feature during future cruise ship visits.

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

  • Customs Office Closure

    The public are advised that the Customs Office will be closed on Thursday, 09 January 2025 from 12:30 to allow the staff to attend a funeral.   

    Normal office hours will resume from Friday, 10 January 2025 from 09:00

    The public are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation

    SHG

    8 January 2025

    http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

  • Closure of Port

    The public and all wharf stakeholders are advised that the Port of Jamestown will be closed today, Wednesday 8 January 2025 from 06:00 for the movement of containers and boats in preparation of the visit of the MV Seven Seas Splendor and the next call of the MV Karoline.

    Port users are asked not to cause any vehicular obstruction during this time as it will make the operating of the heavy equipment difficult or impossible.

    Any inconvenience is regretted and we would like to thank the public and wharf users in advance for their patience and understanding.

    SHG

    8 January 2025

    http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

  • Change To School Term Times

    It has become necessary to make changes to the published term times for the current academic year (2024-25)

    The public will be aware of a recent visit by a team from Hampshire, conducting an Education Standards Review on the primary schools provision.  This has led to a partnership with Hampshire and has generated access to substantial support, with training and upskilling opportunities for all teaching staff. 

    Rearranging the current Staff Development Days (SDDs) will enable staff to access and implement relevant strategies from this training within this academic year.

    To support these training opportunities the Minister for Education Skills and Employment Portfolio has approved the following changes for Term 2A:

    • Additional school holidays in January 2025:

    13, 14 & 15January 2025 – these are now SDDs to support staff training.

    • First Teaching Day:

    Thursday, 16 January 2025.

    The updated Term times 2024-25 with the above changes is available on the St Helena Government website www.sainthelena.gov.sh or directly from the Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio.

    The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio appreciates your support and understanding regarding these changes and apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

  • Viral Respiratory Tract Infections

    Over the past few weeks, there have been a number people within the community with virus infections causing coughs, colds, headaches, and vomiting. No specific viruses have been identified on St Helena, but given that there are currently large outbreaks in the UK of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS CoV19, as well as rhinovirus (the common cold), and that we have had lots of arrivals from there in the run up to Christmas, it is probably the same mixture of viruses.

    All of these viruses can cause a range of symptoms including blocked or runny nose, sore throat, a dry cough, headache and generalised muscle aches, sometimes with fevers. The same virus can cause different types and severity of symptoms in different people.

    What to do if you’ve got an infection

    As with any viral respiratory tract infection, most people do not need any specific treatment. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen for the headaches and fever, as well as simple cough linctus for the cough. These medications are usually available in the local shops.

    There is no need to come to the General Hospital to see a nurse or doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. It is actually best to stay away given that you might pass your infection onto unwell people or medical staff. Crowded places should also be avoided as you risk passing the infection onto others.

    Very rarely you can get a bacterial infection on top of the viral one. If your cough starts producing a lot of yellow or green sputum and you start to feel unwell with shortness of breath, chest pains and persistent fevers, it maybe that you have a bacterial infection. In these cases you should seek clinical advice as you may need antibiotics. However, in most cases you should be back to normal within a few days.