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St Helena Government is consulting on an increase to the Minimum Wage to take effect from 1 July 2021 and a new Minimum Wage Policy that will inform changes to the Minimum Wage beginning in April 2022.
Minimum Wage
The Minimum Wage per hour is currently £3.18 for persons over 18 and £2.23 for persons aged 16 or 17. The 2010 Employment Rights Ordinance prescribes that the Minimum Wage must be reviewed on an annual basis. The Minimum Wage review is undertaken by the Employment Rights Committee (ERC) who are required to consider the effect of any recommendations on the economy as a whole.
The ERC recognises the challenges facing St Helena’s economy, particularly during the current period of uncertainty caused by COVID-19. At the same time, even though the rate of inflation is relatively low (1% in Q3 FY 2020/21), any increase in prices reduces the purchasing power of the current Minimum Wage. Therefore, the ERC is consulting on increasing the Minimum Wage to £3.25 for persons over 18 and £2.30 for persons aged 16 or 17 effective from 1 July 2021. This rate has been informed by the level of inflation over the past two years as well as recent increases to Income Related Benefits.
Minimum Wage Policy
To date, there has been no formal policy regarding the frequency or size of updates to the Minimum Wage. SHG is proposing a policy to provide clarity on the long-term strategy for the Minimum Wage.
The primary goals underlying this policy are that:
- The compensation for the lowest paying full-time job on St Helena should be sufficient to support a socially acceptable standard of living.
- Changes to the Minimum Wage required to achieve this are implemented in a way that is sensitive to the challenges facing employers.
This new policy proposes a framework for considering future changes to the Minimum Wage. Following agreement of this framework, a separate consultation will occur on a target Minimum Wage and schedule for achieving it.
The draft policy can be found on the SHG Website via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-consultation/. In addition, hard copies are available at the Public Library and Jamestown Customer Service Centre.
Consultation
The consultation will close on Friday, 26 February, 2021. During this period, SHG will conduct a series of public information sessions. Once confirmed, the dates, times and locations for these will be announced.
In addition, written feedback can be provided to Senior Economist, Amanda Curry Brown, at the Castle, or via email: Amanda.Brown@sainthelena.gov.sh. Anyone wishing to discuss the matter in person can do so by booking an appointment via the aforementioned email or tel: 22470.
#StHelena #ERC #MinimumWage #MinimumWagePolicy #Consultation
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SHG
18 January 2020
St Helena Government (SHG) is currently undertaking a Social Impact Assessment of the intended and unintended social consequences of the way the economy is developing in St Helena. This has been requested by Elected Members.
Social Policy Planner, Ann Muir, explained:
“We would like to hear from you how you think the economy is developing. How have developments on the Island over the last ten years affected you and your family or business? What do you think about the changes you have seen? What do you think this means for you and your family and/or business and the Island in the next ten years?”
To hear your views on how you see the Island developing for your family and/or business, Social Policy Planner, Ann Muir, is hosting engagement meetings at the Consulate Hotel during the following dates and times:
| Date | Time |
| Thursday, 21 January 2021 | 9am – 1.30pm |
| Saturday, 23 January 2021 | 9am – 1.30pm |
| Thursday, 28 January 2021 | 9am – 1.30pm |
| Saturday, 30 January 2021 | 9am – 1.30pm |
Alternatively, engagement meetings with Ann can be arranged outside of these dates and times and views can also be submitted in writing to Ann at the Castle, Jamestown, via email: ann.muir@sainthelena.gov.sh.
SHG
18 January 2021
St Paul’s Primary School Teacher, Sally Young, along with Sharon Peters from Inclusion, and Teacher Trainees, Christy Bedwell and Robyn Yon-Bowers, have all achieved the Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching & Learning.
Teacher Training Advisor, Frazer Stone, said:
“All four candidates have worked exceptionally hard and I am very proud of their achievements. They all have had to overcome various obstacles to gain the qualification. Their determination and hard work are attributes that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their careers. A special mention is warranted for Christy and Robyn as they are two of only four candidates to achieve a Distinction, to date, in this qualification. Considering that they are both still in the Initial Teacher Training programme, the future seems very bright for education on Saint Helena.”
The award, which is at Level 4 on the Higher Education Qualifications Framework, is a demanding course and the academic and skill demands are equivalent to a first year university standard. This means the course required significant academic knowledge and skills as well as high levels of critical thinking and reflection.
Well done and congratulations to Sally, Sharon, Christy and Robyn!
#StHelena #Education #AltogetherBetterForChildren&YoungPeople
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SHG
18 January 2021
Emergency Planning would like to inform the public that a north-westerly swell is forecast for St Helena from Saturday, 23, to Sunday, 24 January 2021.
Although not large, this swell could produce unsettled sea conditions in James and Rupert’s Bays.
Due care and attention should be taken if swimming in James and Rupert’s Bays during this time.
To avoid damage to vehicles, drivers are asked to take care when parking near the safety rails at the Seafront.
SHG
18 January 2021
Executive Council will meet on Tuesday, 19 January 2021, at 9.30am, in the Council Chamber, to discuss the following item on the Open Agenda:
- SHG Archives Lending Policy
These papers (ExCo Memos) are available online at the following link: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/councils/executive-council/.
Members of the public who would like to view hard copies of ExCo Memos should contact Clerk of Councils, Connie Johnson, at the Castle on tel: 22470 or via email: connie.johnson@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Elected Members serving on Executive Council are Councillors Anthony Green, Lawson Henry, Clint Beard, Derek Thomas and Cruyff Buckley. Non-voting members of ExCo are Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey, Financial Secretary, Dax Richards, and Attorney General, Allen Cansick.
#StHelena #ExCoMeeting
SHG
15 January 2021
During the week Monday, 4 January to Sunday, 10 January 2021, Police dealt with a total of 47 reports, resulting in three arrests.
Three domestic incidents were reported to Police, all of which resulted in three persons being arrested and bailed to return to Police pending further investigations.
A report of a theft was made. Investigations were carried out and it was established that no theft was committed. Advice was given on the matter.
Concerns were raised that vandalism was taking place in the Red Hill area around the bus shelter and the Vehicle Inspection Centre. Police are investigating this matter.
A report of loud music was made. Police attended the area and the person responsible was informed of the report and turned off the music. The public is reminded to be considerate of their neighbours and those living in close proximity to them. Reports of people playing loud music on a Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday have constantly being made.
Reports were made of vehicles parked in a private driveway. The owners of the vehicles were spoken to and the vehicles were moved.
A report of harassment was made and is being investigated. A further report of harassment was made which resulted in a person receiving a harassment warning.
A traffic collision was reported and is being investigated.
Several reports were made of a missing child. The child was located and returned home.
A report was made that children were banging on a residents door and running away.
A disturbance was reported whereby the complainant alleged they had been assaulted. This matter is being investigated.
The St Helena Fire & Rescue Service (SHF&RS) were called to rescue a dog which had been reported missing. The SHF&RS safely rescued the dog and the Veterinary Service kept the dog overnight for observations.
The SHF&RS were called to an area where the fire alarm had been activated. It was later established that this was a false alarm.
Several care orders were served, community engagements carried out and summons were served.
Until next week – Stay Safe!
SHG
15 January 2021
The Programme Management Unit would like to advise the public that the construction of the Hospital emergency entrance covered way has now been completed.
This work, undertaken by Fowlers Construction, involved constructing a timber clad structure over the existing emergency entrance at the General Hospital, Jamestown, to provide both weather protection and privacy.
The public is thanked for their patience and understanding during these works and thanks are also extended to Fowlers Construction for a job well done.
Hospital emergency entrance before
Hospital emergency entrance before
Hospital emergency entrance after
Hospital emergency entrance after
#StHelena #PMU #EDIP
SHG
15 January 2021
A repatriation flight to St Helena, operated by Titan Airways, is scheduled for February 2021.
The route will remain the same as the last Titan Airways flights, departing from London Stansted and flying direct to St Helena with a technical stop in Accra. The aircraft will then overnight on St Helena before operating a shuttle service to/from Ascension Island. On completion of the shuttle service and a second overnight stop on St Helena the aircraft will fly back to Stansted via Accra.
The provisional flight schedule is as follows:
| Date | Flight No | Departure Time LOCAL/UTC | Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time LOCAL/UTC |
| 26/02/21 | ZT7241 | 0015 UTC 0015 Local | London Stansted EGSS / STN | Accra DGAA / ACC | 0715 UTC 0715 Local |
| 26/02/21 | ZT7241 | 0800 UTC 0800 Local | Accra DGAA / ACC | St Helena FHSH / HLE | 1210 UTC 1210 Local |
| 27/02/21 | ZT7242 | 0750 UTC 0750 Local | St Helena FHSH / HLE | Ascension Island FHAW / ASI | 1000 UTC 1000 Local |
| 27/02/21 | ZT7242 | 1125 UTC 1125 Local | Ascension Island FHAW / ASI | St Helena FHSH / HLE | 1335 UTC 1335 Local |
| 28/02/21 | ZT7243 | 0800 UTC 0800 Local | St Helena FHSH / HLE | Accra DGAA / ACC | 1200 UTC 1200 Local |
| 28/02/21 | ZT7243 | 1245 UTC 1245 Local | Accra DGAA / ACC | London Stansted EGSS / STN | 1955 UTC 1955 Local |
Travel Requests
Travel requests for the February repatriation flight can be submitted now. Availability of both inbound and outbound seats on this flight will continue to be assigned on a priority basis.
Travel requests should be submitted by 9am on 1 February 2021 to the St Helena Tourist Office via email: christina.plato@tourism.co.sh or tel: (290) 22158. For those based on Ascension Island, or wishing to travel to or from Ascension Island, please contact the Shipping and Travel Office via email: flight.bookings@ascension.gov.ac.
Customers wishing to request commercial or governmental airfreight for carriage on the February flight are advised to use an appropriate freight forwarding agent to make the necessary arrangements.
#StHelena #RepatriationFlight #TitanAirways
SHG
13 January 2021
Following an open procurement exercise, conducted in December 2020, St Helena Government has entered into a contract with Julian Henry of AP Construction, Half Tree Hollow, to undertake construction of a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), at the General Hospital, Jamestown.
This project will see a current side ward at the General Hospital transformed into a dedicated PICU. When the Unit is not in use for the intended purpose, it can be used as a normal ward.
AP construction commenced works on site in December 2020 and was able to complete the preliminary works which was not dependent on materials. Other works will commence once materials arrive on-Island, scheduled for Voyage 36 of the MV Helena.
This project is being funded under the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) – Micro Projects. Executive Council previously agreed a number of smaller Micro Projects under EDIP, which can be implemented relatively quickly with a low total cost and which are not subject to detailed business cases.
Members of the public will be kept informed of progress and are thanked for their understanding during this time.
#StHelena #EDIP #PICU
SHG
13 January 2021
The Oxford AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine has been developed by Oxford University in the UK. It is intended to vaccinate and protect persons aged 18 years or over from coronavirus (SARS CoV 2) which causes COVID-19.
St Helena has just received 100 AZ vaccines from the UK Government, with the intention that they will be given to the Islands frontline workers. Frontline workers are defined as those at most risk of exposure. In St Helena’s case this would be those persons involved in managing arrivals to the Island (at the point of arrival and through the 14 day quarantine period) and those persons who would provide patient care if there was to be a positive case of COVID-19.
The first round of vaccinations for frontline workers is due to be completed by the end of January 2021 and will comprise of giving the majority of frontline workers their first dose of the vaccine, while those at the top of the priority list will receive both their first and second doses. Beyond this, SHG is in the process of planning and implementing a vaccination programme for the Island during 2021, deadlines for this will be dependent on the timing of delivery of further vaccines.
How is it made?
The vaccine is made from a weakened version of a common cold virus (known as an adenovirus). It has been modified to act more like coronavirus however it cannot cause the actual illness. It is then formulated to be able to be injected into the human body.
How does it work?
The vaccination is done by having two doses of the vaccine injected, usually in the upper arm. The second dose can be given between 3-12 weeks after the first has been administered. The vaccine works by stimulating the body’s immune system, causing the body to react to the vaccine by producing its own antibodies. These antibodies then fight against the virus, should you be exposed to it. It takes a while for the body to start producing these antibodies, so you will not start to be protected until several days to two weeks after receiving the first dose. After the second dose your body will continue to strengthen its immunisation against the virus. You will only receive the full effective protection of the vaccine after having the both doses.
Protection after vaccination
There is still not sufficient medical evidence to suggest that you will not be able to contract COVID-19 after vaccination. You may still be able to contract COVID-19, have no symptoms or illness due to being vaccinated, but still spread the virus amongst family, friends or colleagues who may be at higher risk or have not been vaccinated. Therefore you will need to continue to take sensible precautions such as maintaining hand washing and respecting quarantine rules during the time between injections and even after being fully vaccinated.
How safe is it?
Any vaccines approved for use in the UK will have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Any coronavirus vaccine that is approved must go through all the clinical trials and safety checks that other licensed medicines go through. The MHRA follows international standards of safety.
The vaccine will offer millions around the world the ability to return to some kind of a normal. It does not mean that COVID-19 will disappear but it is a start to moving forward and repairing the devastation that this disease has caused in the last year to communities and economies around the world. St Helena remains COVID-19 free and by vaccinating key workers, we are reinforcing our ability to combat this disease.
More information and details on the vaccine and developments on the vaccination programme will be given over the coming weeks.
#StHelena #COVID-19 #OxfordAstraZenecaVaccine
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SHG
13 January 2021