The Emergency Planning Department would like to inform the public that it is forecast for St Helena to experience a north-westerly swell from Sunday, 17 February, through to the evening of Monday, 18 February 2019.

This may result in a large sea swell and breakers in James and Rupert’s Bays.

The public is advised to use caution when accessing the Seafront area. To avoid damage to vehicles, drivers are also asked to take care when parking near the safety rails.

Due care and attention should be taken when swimming in James and Rupert’s Bays during this time.

Port Control will be monitoring sea conditions and may restrict access to the Seafront, Wharf, and Rupert’s Jetty areas if necessary.

SHG
15 February 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

FRIDAY, 1 MARCH 2019

The next formal meeting of Legislative Council will take place on Friday, 1 March 2019, in the Council Chamber.

The following Bills have been approved by Executive Council for presentation as Government business at this meeting:

• First Supplementary Appropriation (2018/2019) Bill, 2019
• St Helena National Trust (Amendment) Bill, 2019
• Medical, Dentistry and Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2019

These Bills can be found on the Publications page of the St Helena Government website, via the following link: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/.

First Supplementary Appropriation (2018/2019) Bill, 2019

This Bill seeks to increase the 2018/19 budgets approved by Legislative Council in July 2018 for the respective directorate expenditure based on the latest available forecast.

St Helena National Trust (Amendment) Bill

This Bill seeks to amend the St Helena National Trust Ordinance, 2001, to further regulate the powers and procedures of the Trust and the composition and procedures of the Trust Council.

The Bill makes provision for the appointment of a Director of the National Trust who will be responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Trust.

The Bill also provides for the accounts of the Trust to be audited either by the Chief Auditor or an auditor approved by the Chief Auditor.

Medical, Dentistry and Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2019

This Bill seeks to amend the requirements in the Medical Practitioners Ordinance, 1910, the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, 1937, and the Dentists Ordinance, 1955, relating to the qualification to practice medicine, pharmacy and dentistry in St Helena.

The order paper for the ninth meeting of Legislative Council will be made available closer to the date.

#StHelena #Bills #LegislativeCouncil #FormalLegCo

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SHG
15 February 2019

It has come to SHG’s attention that a potential bidder has received business plans relating to the fisheries plant. Following due consideration, in the interest of fairness and to ensure that the procurement process is transparent and robust, SHG has decided to extend the deadline date for submission of proposals in the fisheries investment opportunity by four weeks in order to allow all participants in the process to receive the business plans and consider their bids accordingly.

The deadline for submission is therefore now 17:00 GMT on Friday, 15 March 2019. The period for any clarification of the further information will be the next three weeks (i.e. expiring 17:00 on 9 March 2019).

SHG
14 February 2019

The Forestry Section of ANRD would like to inform the public that the Highways Authority has given approval for the road at Sea View (from Sea View House to the junction near Putty Hill Road) to be closed on Wednesday, 20, and Thursday, 21 February 2019, from 9am to 3pm.

This closure is to allow the Forestry Section to remove a eucalyptus tree near Willowdene, Alarm Forest.

Appropriate signage will be in place and, as normal, only Emergency Services will be granted access.

Residents living in areas above Sea View wishing to travel in and out of Jamestown will need to go across country and via Ladder Hill Road.

The Forestry Section would like to thank the public in advance for their continued understanding and cooperation.

SHG
14 February 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

New Director of Safeguarding, Tracy Poole-Nandy, recently arrived on-Island to take up her post in the Safeguarding Directorate.

Tracy said:

“My initial response to arriving on the Island has been how lovely and welcoming everybody has been and it would appear that this is truly the St Helenian way. The Island is also very beautiful and my commute to work is now a pleasure.

“I hope that whilst here I can support the overall improvement journey of safeguarding for children and adults in line with the recommendations from the Wass Inquiry and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office but, more importantly, for the people of St Helena.” 

Tracy has worked in Social Care for both adults and children for around 25 years in varying capacities, more recently as the Head of Service within a large county council for children’s services. Here she covered all areas of childcare social work practice and intervention.

For the past 13 years, Tracy spent much of her career within the field of child protection, managing teams and services in all areas of childcare social work, both operationally and strategically. She has led on specialist areas of practice such as exploitation, trafficking, modern day slavery, and the linkages with organised crime in conjunction with national leads in the United Kingdom.

Tracy has also, in previous roles, been responsible for leading on tackling domestic abuse and the impact upon children and families.

Alongside this, Tracy has approximately twelve years’ experience working within the adult sector and therefore has a good understanding of managing residential services and outreach support for vulnerable adults.

Tracy said:

“I hope that this experience will enable me to continue the progress made in relation to the overall improvement of safeguarding on the Island with the excellent teams that I have had the opportunity to meet thus far.”

Tracy moved to St Helena from the cold northwest of England, and is so far enjoying the weather on-Island. She is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her two dogs in March, and is looking forward to taking them on walks around St Helena.

#StHelena #Safeguarding #AltogetherSafer #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople

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SHG
14 February 2019

The Public Health Committee (PHC) has this week discussed the findings and supported the recommendations in a report from Health Director, Dr Akeem Ali, regarding the recent Study Tour to Mauritius to learn about their successful approach to tackling chronic diseases.

A team from St Helena visited Mauritius in January 2019. The delegation represented from across SHG were able to explore options about working with Mauritius from a corporate, political and health sector perspective. It was good that the team included frontline staff who were able to experience first-hand the approaches used by the Mauritius health practitioners.

Dr Akeem said:

“Chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and hypertension, are silent killers and unfortunately very common on St Helena. These diseases give us concern because they lead to complications such as heart attacks, strokes, blindness, cataracts, kidney failure, and cancers to mention a few. 

“The Health Directorate’s strategic plan tackles these diseases and is aimed at effective response to this challenge. We want to reduce the number of new cases because even with genetic predisposition, it is possible to prevent some of these diseases or their complications. We also want to ensure that current patients get the best care possible and avoid complications.

“It is a long term job of dealing with the risk factors leading to the diseases such as smoking, obesity, and harmful alcohol use, and lack of physical activity as well as providing effective long term medical treatment and advice.

 “Working with WHO to explore long term approaches to tackling the chronic disease problem on St Helena, the Republic of Mauritius was identified as a close sociocultural neighbour to St Helena with similar experience that has done a lot of progressive and successful work to tackle the burden of chronic diseases. 

“We learnt a lot from the successful approach being taken in Mauritius during our visit. The Minister of Health and senior officials were very welcoming and indicated their readiness to support St Helena in the drive to tackle chronic diseases as a positive example of South-South cooperation.”

Proposed options for exploration presented to and accepted by the PHC were:

• Medical Specialist Exchange Programme – four specialists – Cardiology (heart), Ophthalmology (eye), ENT (Ears, Nose & Throat) and Nephrology (Kidney) -from the Mauritius Health Service visits the Island annually. Frequency of visits can be increased based on clinical needs and joint assessment between the local and visiting teams
• Nurse Training Programme – up to two nurses from St Helena are able to subscribe to the training programme offered by the Mauritius Institute of Health (MIH) on an annual basis and a bespoke on-the-job training programme for foot care and diabetes care is offered on St Helena and delivered by MIH educators
• Joint Research Programme on Chronic (Non-communicable) Diseases – The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the MIH conduct a Non-Communicable Disease survey on St Helena using methodology in place in Mauritius
• Bilateral South-South Assistance Programme – SHG and the Mauritius Government collaborate in health development particularly in angiography (taking images of the heart) and haemodialysis (purifying the blood of a person whose kidneys are not working normally) where Mauritius can help the Island acquire the technology and put in place the necessary infrastructure with expert assistance and equipment
• Overseas Medical Referral Programme – SHG can work with the Mauritius Ministry of Health & Quality of Life to refer patients to Mauritius for specialist care, particularly for kidney disease, cancers and heart disease. This has the potential to dramatically reduce current costs for overseas care and make funding available for further development of specialist care on St Helena

Now that the five proposed themes for collaboration with the Government of Mauritius has been supported by the PHC, an action plan will be developed for implementation – this will again be shared with PHC and quarterly updates provided to them on progress. A further operational review will be undertaken with the SHG Core Leadership Group and relevant colleagues.

Notes to Editors:

The Study tour to Mauritius took place between 7 and 19 January 2019 and was supported by funds from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The St Helena delegation comprised Chief Secretary Susan O’Bey, Director of Health Dr Akeem Ali, Assistant Director of Health Helen Lawrence, PHC Chairman Councillor Derek Thomas, Nurse Lead for Chronic Disease Service Jacqueline Henry and Nurse Lead for Community Services & Chronic Disease Management Nicola Anderson.

The objectives of the tour were to:

• Establish ongoing relationship and potentially a memorandum of understanding with the Mauritius Ministry of Health & Quality of Life with particular emphasis on sharing expertise and knowledge on healthcare system delivery for island populations
• Understudy the successful approach to Chronic (Non-Communicable) Disease Management so that we can adapt such learning on St Helena
• Explore opportunities for staff exchange, training, and sabbatical options for health specialists from Mauritius to support St Helena in healthcare delivery
• Explore ongoing and further technical cooperation and support relationship with WHO in Africa for healthcare and service development on St Helena

#StHelena #AltogetherHealthier #WHO #MauritiusInstituteofHealth #WorkingTogether #StudyTour

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SHG
14 February 2019

Executive Council has agreed for the following Tax Reform Proposals 2019 to be taken forward for public consultation:

• Changes to Self-Employed and Corporation Income Tax to incentivise export and import substitution activities and incentivise charitable giving
• Introduction of an Approved Investment Scheme to provide customs duty reductions or payment deferrals to any investment on St Helena which particularly contributes to the Island’s economic, environmental and social welfare
• Introduction of Gift Aid for donations over £1000 to incentivise charitable giving
• Introduction of a Charge on Commercial Properties which are empty over nine months of the year to increase supply of commercial property available for rent
• Changes to Stamp Duties to exempt first time buyers, to bring in stepped duties for higher value properties and to include a rate of stamp duty on second residential properties. This will assist first time buyers and help increase the supply of residential property available for rent

Why are these reforms being proposed?

These reforms are being proposed following work by the Tax & Revenue Working Group to explore options for increasing revenue on St Helena in order to facilitate the right climate for business, balance the budget and afford infrastructure improvements.

The proposed reforms encourage local and overseas investment to help St Helena become wealthier. Improving the balance of payments is a key component of both the Sustainable Economic Development Plan and Investment Strategy for St Helena. The end goal is to increase the amount of money that St Helena earns as an island and to improve self-sufficiency where viable.

Financial Secretary, Dax Richards, explains:

“The proposals focus on taxing wealth and has avoided taxing income, which have benefits to both workers and businesses. They also focus on encouraging land and property productivity. One of the barriers to expanding business on St Helena is the availability of business premises, and the empty property charge will incentivise supply of premises. Furthermore, the changes in stamp duty will assist first time home and land buyers to invest their income into property.”

Public Consultation Activities

The consultation period is open between Wednesday, 13, and Wednesday, 20 February 2019. Members of the public wishing to comment on any of the proposed reforms can do so via the following:

• A public presentation at the Canister, Jamestown, on Monday, 18 February 2019 at 5pm
• Radio discussions on both radio stations on Friday, 15 February, at the following times: St FM – 2.15pm and SAMs Radio 1 – 3.15pm
• By contacting the Financial Secretary directly between Wednesday, 13, and Tuesday, 19 February 2019, via tel: 22700 or email: richards@sainthelena.gov.sh

A meeting will also be held with the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, 19 February.

Members of the public have the opportunity to comment by email on the draft Bill and Regulations available here: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/ (under the Public Consultation section) up until Sunday, 24 February 2019. Comments should be sent to dax.richards@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Following the public consultation process, all comments will be collated and incorporated into the draft legislation to be published and presented as Government business at the formal Legislative Council meeting due to be held on Friday, 22 March 2019.

It is proposed for the Tax Reforms to come into force from 1 April 2019.

#StHelena #TaxReforms2019 #PublicConsultation #AltogetherWealthier

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SHG

13 February 2019

Executive Council met on Tuesday, 12 February 2019, the first meeting for this year, with a fairly lengthy Open Agenda.

The first item was a proposal to excise four parcels of land in Blueman’s Field from the Green Heartland Zone for re-zoning as land in the Intermediate Zone.

The land in question had previously been in the Intermediate Zone and was put into the Green Heartland Zone following the 2012 review of the Land Development Control Plan. In agreeing the rezoning, Executive Council at the time directed the Crown Estates Manager to negotiate with the owners of the affected land parcels to agree a land swap from Green Heartland to another area in the Intermediate Zone. Over the years, since 2012, significant attempts were made by Crown Estates to identify land that will meet the unique quality of these four land parcels – taking cognisance of its pristine location, sea views, lush greenery, and access to infrastructure. However, these attempts have been to no avail and the land owners in the meantime continue to feel aggrieved.

Members felt that this issue needed to be redressed and approved the proposal whilst noting that a requirement for appropriate design briefs, to mitigate visual impacts of any proposed developments on these plots, could be a condition of planning.

Council was next asked to consider and advise whether the St Helena National Trust (Amendment) Bill, 2019, should be printed, published and presented as Government Business at a forthcoming formal meeting of Legislative Council. The amendments were essentially to further regulate the powers and procedures of the Trust and the composition and procedures of the Trust Council.  The amendment Ordinance makes provision for the appointment of a Director of the National Trust who will be responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Trust.  It also provides for the accounts of the Trust to be audited either by the Chief Auditor or an auditor approved by the Chief Auditor. Members were content to give their approval.

Under the next agenda item, Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Medical Practitioners (Qualifications) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019, should be enacted. The Medical Practitioners Ordinance, 1910, allows for a medical practitioner to practice medicine on St Helena if he or she is qualified to practice medicine (a) anywhere in the United Kingdom; or (b) in a place specified in regulations.

Members were informed that SHG has recently recruited a doctor qualified in Russia, who is scheduled to take up employment in the Health Directorate during the latter part of February 2019. In view of this, regulations need to be enacted to allow for Medical Practitioners qualified in Russia to practice medicine on St Helena. Members were given an overview of the recruitment process and the criteria used to determine how Medical Practitioners are appointed. Members also noted that the Medical Practitioners Ordinance of 1910 is currently being amended and that, if approved, there would no longer be the need to amend the Regulations on an ad hoc basis. Members gave approval for the amended Regulations to be enacted.

The next item on the agenda was the Telecommunications (Amendment) Regulations, 2019, and Members were asked to consider and approve the amended regulations. The amended regulations set out a number of changes to the tariffs applied by SURE in respect of their services; the main ones being a 4% increase from 1 April 2019 on the cost of international calls, service fees, broadband and some mobile charges. Members noted that the increase in broadband charges will be complemented by a reduction in the overage charge per mega bit, reducing from 7p to 5p and, in addition SURE has agreed to increase the data allowance on each of the packages by a minimum of 5% both of which will benefit consumers from 1 April 2019. Members approved the amended regulations.

The last item on the Open Agenda was a request to consider a raft of tax measures to be brought into force from the beginning of the next Financial Year – 1 April 2019. These include:

• Changes to Self-Employed and Corporation Income Tax to incentivise export and import substitution activities and incentivise charitable giving
• Introduction of an Approved Investment Scheme to provide customs duty reductions or payment deferrals to any investment on St Helena which particularly contributes to the Island’s economic, environmental and social welfare
• Introduction of Gift Aid for donations over £1000 to incentivise charitable giving
• Introduction of a Charge on Commercial Properties which are empty over nine months of the year to increase supply of commercial property available for rent
• Changes to Stamp Duties to exempt first time buyers, to bring in stepped duties for higher value properties and to include a rate of stamp duty on second residential properties. This will assist first time buyers and help increase the supply of residential property available for rent

Members agreed that the proposed measures should be taken out to public consultation and also asked that the public is given adequate time to provide their comments on the proposals. A separate press release will issue on this shortly.

ExCo

13 February 2019

David Young of Ladder Hill has been appointed as a full-time Firefighter within the St Helena Fire & Rescue Service (SHF&RS) after originally joining the service as an apprentice in 2016.

David said:

“I feel privileged to be given this opportunity in becoming a full-time firefighter with the SHF&RS and I’m excited for what the future holds. While the role will be challenging for me, having to learn new things, I am willing to work towards achieving the objectives of the post as well as developing myself personally and professionally.”

David started working with the SHF&RS in June 2016 as an apprentice through the St Helena Community College Apprenticeship Scheme. During his apprenticeship, David trained alongside the full-time firefighters to develop new skills and learn what it takes to become a fully competent firefighter, something which he aspires to be. During this time David also studied and successfully achieved a passing grade in Functional Skills – Mathematics Level 2.

Recognising David’s hard work and commitment within the SHF&RS, be it on the training ground or attending real emergencies, he was given the opportunity to join the service as an Auxiliary Firefighter at the end of his two-year apprenticeship.

In this role, David further developed his firefighting skills, which included attending live burn exercises at the St Helena Airport training rig learning how to deal with Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF). He also attended and passed a two-week Rope Rescue course.

On 1 January 2019, all of David’s hard work over the past three years was rewarded when he was offered the position of Firefighter within the SHF&RS. Since then, David has been training hard in order to past his competencies, which will allow him to further progress within the service.

Watch Manager, David John, said:

“David is a hard working individual who is dedicated to becoming a fully competent firefighter. I congratulate him on his appointment to a full-time position and wish him the best of luck in his new role.”

David’s daily duties include compiling fire safety reports, hydrant inspections, automatic fire alarm and extinguisher inspections, monthly maintenance of all fire service equipment, and training.

#StHelena #SHF&RS #Firefighter #SaintSuccess #ApprenticeshipScheme #AltogetherSafer

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SHG
13 February 2019

Mia Henry of Jamestown has been selected as the winner of the ‘Name That Seamount’ competition with her suggested name of ‘Charlie Boar Seamount’.

The selected name of ‘Charlie Boar Seamount’ will now be proposed to the International Hydrographic Office for their consideration and approval.

Mia’s entry was chosen out of a total of 42 submissions. In her reason for why the seamount should be named ‘Charlie Boar’, Mia said:

“‘Charlie Boar’ was the nickname of Mr Charles Henry who died in February 2018, the same year of mapping the seamount.

“Charlie Boar was a legend when it came to the many sea activities that were his life.

“A seaman in every right including Fisherman, Boatman, Merchant Navy Sailor and a wealth of knowledge on our local waters, who, in his senior years, many people of many nationalities would consult with when wanting specific information or a general ‘chit chat’ about the nature and history of our sea.

“In his prime, Charlie Boar was denied the opportunity of leaving with the 100 Men, as his role of fisherman was so important to St Helena, that officials would not allow him to leave and required him to continue fishing to supply the Island…

“Charlie Boar is our very own famous fisherman who outlived the rest of his generation. The present generation of fishermen are venturing to the seamounts for a ‘good catch’, and some may even be using skills passed down from Charlie Boar’s time and before…”

Today, 12 February 2019, also marks the one-year anniversary of Mr Charles Henry’s death.

The ‘Name that Seamount’ competition took place between 24 January and 10 February 2019 to name the seamount that was mapped in St Helena waters by the research vessel James Clark Ross last year.

#StHelena #StHelenaTourism #NameThatSeamount #JamesClarkRoss

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SHG

12 February 2019