Author Archives: St Helena Government

ST HELENA AIRPORT WELCOMES ‘ROUND THE WORLD 3.0’ – FIRST SINGLE PROPELLER PLANE TO LAND AT THE AIRPORT

Posted on by

‘We must be crazy’ writes Captain Jack Long on his blog and who, along with his wife Carolyn and their friends Becky and Josh, arrived in his Pilatus PC-12 (a single propeller plane) at St Helena Airport at 3.22pm on Thursday, 17 January 2019, on their third trip around the world.

The group has flown the Pilatus PC-12 around the world twice – once in an eastbound direction (2015) and once over a very challenging polar route (2016-2017). This third trip is another variation of a ‘Round the World’ flight – Circumnavigation Westwards – recognised by FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale).

 

St Helena is one of the stops in the ‘grand finale’ of Jack, Carolyn, Becky and Josh’s epic journey before they return to Austin, Texas where they set out from two months ago.

By the end of their trip, the group will have clocked up around 25,000 statute miles, 20 flying days, and visited places such as Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Maldives, Seychelles, Botswana, Angola, St Helena and Brazil.

Jack said:

“I have a particular fascination with remote, out of the way, unusual places, and St Helena has been a place that has fascinated me for a while. Our stop here was for two reasons – logistical, as we crossed the Atlantic so it was either Cape Verde or St Helena and we’ve already done Cape Verde, and also because St Helena and the story of the construction of the Airport and the unique challenges with the wind conditions was especially interesting.”

Governor Lisa Honan who met the group at St Helena Airport on Thursday to welcome them to sunny St Helena added:

“I was delighted to come out and meet with Captain Jack Long who has today made history because he has brought in the first single propeller plane, and he’s also remarkable because he’s on his third circumnavigation of the world.

“I’ve just been out to the apron of the runway and welcomed him and his crew to the Island, Jack Long has a big international following and I hope his followers will see this around the world and it will hopefully spark even more interest in St Helena and what we have to offer.”

Jack, Carolyn, Becky and Josh will leave the Island on Sunday, 20 January, bound for Recife in Brazil. Before they leave, the group are hoping to see more of St Helena’s spectacular scenery and flora and fauna, the Wirebird, Napoleon’s House, Plantation House, and also climb Jacob’s Ladder.

Read more about the group’s adventures here: https://finaltimearound.blogspot.com/2018/11/and-here-we-go-again.html

#StHelena #StHelenaAirport #RoundTheWorld3.0

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

https://twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

 SHG

18 January 2019

 

 

 

 

POPPY APPEAL 2018

Posted on by

Corporate Support would like to extend sincere thanks to all who supported last year’s fundraising in aid of the Poppy Appeal Fund, and to all who attended the Remembrance Sunday Service on 11 November 2018.

The sum of £1,434.97 was raised this year and will be sent on behalf of St Helena Island to The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal in the UK.

Grateful thanks are extended to Mike Durnford for his continued voluntary support to the Poppy Appeal Fund and to his team of volunteers consisting of the Longwood and St Paul’s Guide Leaders, Guides, and Brownies, as well as Phyllis Yon of the Salvation Army, all who assisted in raising public awareness and promoting the Poppy Appeal.

Sincere thanks to those who continue to generously support the Poppy Appeal and to the Jamestown Rifle Club for their donation this year.

We look forward to your continuing support and dedication to the Poppy Appeal Fund and Remembrance Sunday Service.

#StHelena #PoppyAppeal

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

https://twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

SHG
17 January 2019

SIGNAL HOUSE MAST WORKS UPDATE

Posted on by

The following is a Public Announcement from the St Helena Fire & Rescue Service:

The St Helena Fire & Rescue Service, along with their partners from the Environment & Natural Resources Directorate (ENRD), would like to advise the public that the Flag Pole section of the Mast at Signal House has safely been removed.

The area below and immediately surrounding Signal House has been made safe and the affected areas have been reopened.

The public is thanked for their support.

SHG
16 January 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

SIGNAL HOUSE MAST WORKS

Posted on by

The following is a Public Announcement from the St Helena Fire & Rescue Service:

The St Helena Fire & Rescue Service, along with its partners from the Environment & Natural Resources Directorate (ENRD), will be removing the Flag Pole section of the mast at Signal House on Wednesday, 16 January 2019. As a precaution, it will be necessary to create a safety area below and immediately surrounding Signal House.

The public is therefore advised that on Wednesday, 16 January, between the hours of 8am and 4pm Sanrays, the Museum car park, Donny’s Place, the Sand Yard, the road leading to West Rocks and all of the West Rocks area will be out of bounds to members of the public.

Access to the area surrounding Signal House will be limited to authorised persons only.

All areas will be cordoned off and signs will be in place.

Works are expected to be completed by 4pm on Wednesday, 16 January.

The public will be kept updated via local radio stations with regards to the opening of affected areas and the cessation of works.

SHG
15 January 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

ST HELENA COURT OF APPEAL

Posted on by

The St Helena Court of Appeal will be sitting in the United Kingdom on Thursday, 17 January 2019.

The Court will be considering two criminal matters that are the subject of appeal from the Supreme Court.

Judicial Services would like to advise the public that the hearing in the United Kingdom will have a live video link with the Court House in Jamestown.

The hearing is due to begin at 10am and the Court House will be open to the public.

#StHelena #SupremeCourt #CriminalMatters #CourtHouse

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

https://twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

SHG

15 January 2019

HE GOVERNOR LISA HOSTS PRESENTATION FOR CAPE TO ST HELENA YACHT RACE PARTICIPANTS

Posted on by

HE Governor Lisa Honan hosted a presentation for the Cape to St Helena Yacht Race participants, where she also presented the Governor’s Cup to the winning yacht, at Plantation House, on Friday, 11 January 2019.

The following prizes were presented by Governor Lisa to participants of the Cape to St Helena Yacht Race:

POSITION YACHT PRIZE
Line Honours (first to cross the finishing line) Banjo Bellows Line Honour Plate
Royal Cape Yacht Club Platter
1st position on Handicap Monohull Indaba Waterman Cup
Royal Cape Yacht Club Platter
Governor’s Cup
2nd Monohull Naledi Royal Cape Yacht Club Platter
3rd Monohull Felix Royal Cape Yacht Club Platter
4th Monohull Yolo Royal Cape Yacht Club Platter
5th Monohull Rocket Royal Cape Yacht Club Platter
Winner of the Multihull Compromise Patrick Taylor Cup
Royal Cape Yacht Club Platter

Race Chairman, John Levin, also presented Royal Cape Yacht Club Platters to various individuals and institutions in appreciation of their assistance in making the Cape to St Helena event possible.

Certificates were presented to the skippers and crew of sailing vessels – Indaba, Felix, Naledi, Caribbean Soul, Banjo, Compromise, Ronin, Carpe Diem, Avocet, Asante, Yolo and Rocket.

HE Governor Lisa commented:

“I was delighted to be able to host, at Plantation House, the crew of those who participated in the Cape to St Helena Yacht Race and who competed for the Governor’s Cup. I was also excited to see the winner – Indaba – cross the line on Sunday. Many congratulations to them, and to the fantastic and inspirational St Helenian crew on Cape Diem, and to all the competitors. The race, which will I hope become part of the regular calendar, would not have been possible without all those who helped on and off-Island. Many helped behind the scenes in the usual St Helenian way – quietly and with commitment.  A huge thanks goes to them.”

#StHelena #CapeToStHelena #YachtRace #RCYC #GovernorsCup

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

https://twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

 SHG

15 January 2019

PARTIAL DISASSEMBLY OF SIGNAL HOUSE FLAG MAST – UPDATE

Posted on by

The public is advised that, due to further unforeseen circumstances, works to partially disassemble the flag mast at Signal House, Ladder Hill, have now been suspended.

The mast’s yard arm has been removed successfully but a further assessment will need to be made before the top flagpole can be lowered and removed.

All cordoned-off areas including the Leisure Park, Coffee Shop, Sanray’s Bistro, the Museum car park, Donny’s Place, the Sand Yard, the road leading to West Rocks, and all of the West Rocks area have now reopened.

The public is thanked for their cooperation during these essential works.

#StHelena #FlagMast #PublicSafety #FireAndRescue #ENRD

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

https://twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

SHG
11 January 2019

PARTIAL DISASSEMBLY OF SIGNAL HOUSE FLAG MAST

Posted on by

Following unforeseen technical difficulties with the crane on Thursday, 10 January 2019, works to carry out a partial disassembly of the flag mast at Signal House, Ladder Hill, have continued and progressed well today, Friday, 11 January.

The St Helena Fire & Rescue Service, along with partners from the Environment & Natural Resources Directorate, have taken the yard arm down and are now working on lowering the top flagpole.

Work is expected to be completed by 4pm today.

Whilst the works continue, the cordoned-off areas including the Leisure Park, Coffee Shop, Sanray’s Bistro, the Museum car park, Donny’s Place, the Sand Yard, the road leading to West Rocks, and all of the West Rocks area, remain out of bounds to members of the public.

The public will be kept updated on the works and opening of the closed areas via local radio stations.

#StHelena #FlagMast #PublicSafety #FireAndRescue #ENRD

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

https://twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

SHG
11 January 2019

SEA CONDITIONS

Posted on by

The Emergency Planning Department would like to inform the public that it is forecast for St Helena to experience a north-westerly swell from tomorrow, Saturday, 12 January, through to Sunday, 13 January 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
11 January 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

STATISTICAL BULLETIN NO. 1 2019 – LATEST PRICE INFLATION RATES

Posted on by

This bulletin includes estimates of the latest annual price inflation rates for the fourth quarter of 2018, calculated from the Retail Price Index (RPI). The data released in this Bulletin, including the RPI itself, can be downloaded from the Statistics Data page.

Average current inflation rate

The latest rate of annual price inflation is estimated to be 4.7%, between the fourth quarter of 2018 and the fourth quarter of 2017. This is a 0.6 percentage point increase from the previous quarter, when the annual price inflation rate was measured at 4.1% (Chart 1).

Contributing factors

This quarter saw price changes in about a third of the items in the average household ‘shopping basket’ used to compute the Retail Price Index. Notable increases include the price of food (especially bread), road traffic licences, and television subscriptions, which all have relatively high weights (or quantities) in the basket.

External factors play a significant role in price changes on St Helena. These include exchange rates, freight and shipping costs, and price increases in goods purchased in the United Kingdom and South Africa. In November 2018, annual inflation was measured at 5.2% in South Africa, an increase from 4.9% in August 2018. A compounding factor is the relatively low value of the UK pound caused by the Brexit process, but a mitigating factor is that UK annual inflation fell slightly compared to the previous quarter, to 2.3%.

Inflation rates of RPI categories

All categories experienced positive inflation during Quarter 4 2018 (in other words, the average prices in each category increased, compared to a year ago). ‘Communications’ remain the category with the highest annual inflation, 10.4% currently compared to 10.8% the previous quarter; this is mostly the result of the increase in telephone tariffs from Q3 2018. Tariff increases in both government and private sector service fees also resulted in increased inflation within the ‘Miscellaneous goods and services’ and ‘Transport’ categories. The ‘Food’ category saw a two percentage point increase between quarters 3 and 4 2018, the combined effect of increases in highly weighted items such as local bread and price increases in other food items. The average price of food, as measured by the representative items collected in the shopping basket, has increased by almost 5% compared to this point last year.

As the price of domestic electricity has remained static, the ‘Household Energy’ expenditure category has the lowest annual inflation rate at 1.3%. The annual price increase in the ‘Clothing’ and ‘Housing’ categories also fell, to 2.3% and 2.7% respectively.

Note: category weights are shown in brackets.

Average inflation for 2018

The average annual inflation for 2018 was 3.8%, calculated as the average of the rates for the four quarters that make up the 2018 calendar year. This is a lower rate than last year, when the average annual rate was measured at 5.1%, however it is still higher than the four previous years (2013-2016).

Using the average annual inflation rate may be more useful for some purposes, since it estimates the inflation rates experienced over the entire year – the annual rates measured each quarter may be more volatile.

What is price inflation?

Price inflation is the change in the average prices of goods and services over time. The rate of price inflation is calculated from the change in the Retail Price Index (RPI), which is the official measure of the average change in the prices of goods and services paid by consumers. The RPI is estimated each quarter, or once every three months, and the rate of price inflation is usually quoted on an annual basis; that is, comparing price changes over a twelve month period. Prices and the RPI tend to go up, but they can occasionally go down – which is price deflation.

Why do we measure inflation?

An accurate measure of price inflation helps understand the extent and nature of the impact of price changes on the government, businesses, households and individuals.

How is the RPI calculated?

The basis for the RPI is the average weekly cost of goods and services purchased by households on St Helena, sometimes called the ‘shopping basket’. Items which households purchase more of, such as food, have the biggest share of the RPI basket. The current RPI uses a basket from the latest Household Expenditure Survey in 2017; prices of the items in the basket are collected every quarter, and the price of the total basket is compared to the price in the baseline period, the first quarter of 2018. By convention, the value of the basket in the baseline period is scaled to 100, and the RPI values are quoted in relation to that baseline. For example, an RPI value of 120 means that average prices have increased by 20 per cent compared to those recorded in the baseline period.

Where can I get the data?

For detailed tables of the RPI and annual inflation rates from 1994 onwards, please visit the Statistics Data page and download the ‘inflation’ data file. Other datasets, bulletins and reports are also available on our home page.