WORKSHOP AND QUESTIONNAIRE REMINDER

The public is reminded that the St Helena Connected Group will be holding a workshop at the Museum in Jamestown tomorrow, Wednesday 3 July 2019, from 5pm-6pm. This is an opportunity for all to share comments/opinions with the Group and express what realising the Digital Strategy would mean for you.

Alternatively, you can feed in your opinions by completing a short online questionnaire via: www.bit.ly/sthelenacable.

The milestone in 2021 is to achieve ‘improved connectivity of households and businesses [which] will have a substantial positive impact on all socio-economic conditions on the Island’. To achieve this milestone the Group would like to know what ‘a positive socio-economic impact’ means to you.

Your views will help the Group consolidate a vision of what a digitally connected St Helena will look like.

The St Helena Connected Group is chaired by Councillor Lawson Henry and includes representatives from St Helena Government, Sure South Atlantic Ltd, Bank of St Helena, Enterprise St Helena and the Chamber of Commerce. The Group was set up in 2017 and has been working to ensure that the European Development Fund milestones are being achieved to draw down EU funding tranches.

#DigitalStrategy #FibreOpticCable #SEDP

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SHG
2 July 2019

During His Excellency Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook’s first visit to Ascension Island, he will be holding a Town Hall Meeting at the Saints Club in Georgetown on Wednesday, 10 July 2019, from 6-7pm.

This meeting will give members of the Ascension Island public the opportunity to hear about the Governor’s plans and ambitions for Ascension during his tenure and to put forward their views and discuss any issues of concern.

It is strongly recommended that as many people as possible attend the meeting as Governor Rushbrook is very keen to gain a better understanding of the issues currently being faced by both Ascension and its community.

The meeting will be followed by a drinks reception.

#StHelena #GovernorRushbrook #AscensionVisit #TownHallMeeting

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SHG
1 July 2019

INTERNET AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

• The internet is a powerful resource and can be used in a number of ways for a number of different reasons
• There are many dangers associated with going online that could result in unwanted personal information falling into the wrong hands
• People should be aware of how to stay safe when browsing the internet and/or Social Media

The internet is a hugely powerful resource that has opened up a new world to people of all ages. It is a place where people can shop, book vacations, catch up on world affairs, watch videos, communicate with friends and family, and even complete a professional qualification course. The possibilities are endless. Unfortunately, going online also puts people at risk to fraud, spam, viruses, and other online dangers.

People who are not aware of the hazards associated with the internet might fall victim to one of these fraudsters guiles and could end up being tricked into giving bank card details and other important personal information. There are also scams that look to take over people’s Social Media accounts or even copy them in order to use a person’s close relationship with family and friends for their own gain by asking for money or other items of value.

It is important to be aware of these risks and to be vigilant when going online. As part of an Internet Awareness Campaign, over the coming weeks St Helena Government (SHG) will be giving tips and advice on the best ways to stay safe online and things to look out for when browsing the internet and/or Social Media.

Here are some things to consider:

• If you receive a request to provide personal or financial information, take a moment to reflect and step back from the situation
• A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password, or to move money to another account
• Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text
• Always question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number
• If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it
• It’s okay to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it

Other topics to be covered will include tips and advice on Protecting Yourself from Online Bullying, Using the Internet Safely, Staying Safe on Social Media, and Keeping Your Children Safe Online.

#StHelena #StayingSafeOnline #InternetAwareness #AltogetherSafer

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SHG
1 July 2019

The St Helena Health Directorate has today received confirmation that the food brand ‘Iceland’ has recalled their product ‘60 Crispy Chicken Dippers’, as they may contain pieces of hard plastic. The presence of plastic makes this product unsafe to eat.

The affected products arrived on-Island in November and December 2018 through the importer Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc and have been available for purchase from this time.

None of these products are currently in stock. However, consumers might still be holding products purchased in their freezer. In this case, do not consume the product. Instead, consumers are asked to return the purchased products to Warren’s Wholesale or any other Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc outlet for a refund.

For further advice or guidance, please contact the Environmental Health Section on tel: 22500.

#StHelena #Iceland #Recall #AltogetherHealthier 

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SHG

1 July 2019

The following is a Public Announcement from the Roads Section:

The Highways Authority has given approval for Field (Rupert’s) Road to be closed from 9am to 3pm on Monday, 8, Tuesday, 9, and Wednesday, 10 July 2019.

This closure is to allow the Roads Section to continue with maintenance works on Field Road.

During each closure the diversion route will be via the Airport Access Road and, as normal, only Emergency Services’ vehicles will be granted access.

The Roads Section would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the public in advance for their continued understanding and cooperation.

SHG
1 July 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

The following is a Public Announcement from the St Helena Community College:

The St Helena Community College (SHCC) would like to advise the public that their IT Suite will be closed from Monday, 1 July, through to Wednesday, 3 July 2019.

This closure is to enable internal maintenance works to be carried out on the SHCC servers.

The IT Suite will reopen as normal on Thursday, 4 July 2019.

SHG
28 June 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

The monthly meetings of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee (ENRC) and the Highways Authority (HA) took place on Thursday, 20 June 2019.

The Police were commended for reactivating their regular radio programme on local radio stations. The Highways Authority indicated that this would now enable them to get clearer messages concerning traffic issues across to the public.

During the recent Island-wide constituency meetings, several constituents raised matters relating to roads. These matters were discussed and the Roads Manager was able to provide information affecting the operations of the Roads Division, especially the funding from the recurrent budget that is used to procure materials including colas, aggregates, street lights, safety barriers, road side mirrors, signage and road paint to name but a few. He also advised how the budget is managed throughout the year to keep the Roads Team engaged and able to perform their work.

Current works to ascertain the best mix of slurry and areas of use on the Island’s roads are ongoing and although this is expected to cost more than the current method, it will evidently have a longer lasting output, should the decision be made to continue to use Island-wide. Using slurry to seal and rehabilitate the Island’s roads infrastructure will require additional funding but longer term will reduce the amount of repairs required. The majority of the roads on the Island are well over 50 years old and were not designed for the number and type of vehicles that use the roads today.

Introductions was made to the new Chief Planning Officer, Ismail Mohammed, who joined the Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Directorate (ENR&P) earlier in the month. Ismail spoke of some quick solutions which he believes could be made to rectify issues identified. These include improving the quality of plans, internal procedures and services provided, together with more openness and transparency of the application process.

Currently on-Island from Tristan da Cunha are Riaan Repetto and Kelly Swain who are both gaining valuable work experience with the Agriculture and Natural Resources Division. Both are being supported by Senior Veterinary Officer, Joe Hollins. Riaan is currently gaining experience working with Joe in the Veterinary Section and Kelly has been joining the teams in horticulture and hydroponics. They have also taken the opportunity to work with the private sector.

Acting Director of ENR&P Darren Duncan, together with the Chief Environmental Officer, Isabel Peters, and Terrestrial Conservation Officer, Lourens Malan, presented the draft Diana’s Peak National Park Conservation Management Plan for St Helena. This draft was compiled by Andrew Darlow and derived from work undertaken by various stakeholders including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and University of British Columbia, together with St Helena Government departments and non-Government Organisations.

Agreeing St Helena’s vision for the Diana’s Peak National Park, as outlined in the draft Conservation Management Plan, is key to being able to start raising additional funds for the Peaks. The Committee approved that The Diana’s Peak National Park Conservation Management Plan be put out for the formal 28-day public consultation as per the process required by the Environmental Protection Ordinance.

#StHelena #ENRC #HighwaysAuthority #MeetingSummary

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SHG

28 June 2019

 

Executive Council met today to discuss, debate and make a decision on three items on the Open Agenda.

A number of members of the public were present in the gallery to observe the discussions during the Open Session.

Development Application for the conversion of the Freight Terminal into Marine Offices, Lab and Marine Visitor Centre

Council, sitting as the Planning Authority, was asked to consider and advise whether full development permission should be granted, with conditions, to convert the Freight Terminal at the Jamestown Wharf into a Marine Visitor Centre, Marine Laboratory and Marine Offices as recommended by the Land Development Control Authority.

The Chief Planning Officer (CPO) joined the meeting to participate in this discussion. In his overview of the Development Application, the CPO advised that the current Freight Terminal building is ideally located for converting into Marine Offices, Lab and Marine Visitor Centre.

Members agreed that bringing the building back into use would enhance the character of the area and every effort should be made to do this as well as preserving the heritage of the building at the same time.

A small number of concerns were raised by Members on aspects of the Development Application, but they were reassured by the CPO that if the application is approved he would be reviewing and considering the planning conditions in more detail including whether alternative safety measures could be considered in relation to the proposed fencing of the area; consulting with key stakeholders like the St Helena Fire & Rescue Service, as part of the Building Control process; and ensuring that disabled requirements are met.

In summary, Council approved the application noting that donor funding had been received and it would be unfortunate for the Island to lose this funding. The project will add real value to the Island’s marine activity and is an important, albeit sensitive development for the Island.

Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) – 2020/21 to 2022/23 – Strategic Objectives and Policy Priorities

Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Strategic Objectives and Policy Priorities which will inform and direct the strategic planning and budgeting process for the three-year period 2020/21 to 2022/23 should be approved.

The Chief Secretary presented this paper and explained that MTEF is the process used to guide the annual strategic planning and budgeting for the organisation.  The priorities have been significantly discussed at Council Committee level and during Informal Legislative Council meetings.

As St Helena Government (SHG) works towards a three-year strategy and funding agreement, having an agreed set of Policy Priorities to guide this process is of significant importance.

Members commented that in agreeing these priorities the administration will need to ensure that adequate resources are available to deliver them during the three-year period and noted that the Workforce Planning that is currently taking place within SHG will be key. Members were reassured that this will be taken into account and that Council Committees will be involved at every stage of the process with their Directors.

Council was satisfied that the draft Policy Priorities were achievable and were content to approve them to progress including being placed in order of priority during the next stage of the process.

Proclamation of a new Cemetery at the Dungeon

ExCo was asked to consider and advise whether the Proclamation to declare the establishment of a new cemetery, in accordance with Section 2 of the Burial Grounds Ordinance, 1895, be approved.

Councillor Yon presented this paper. Members noted that the existing cemetery at the Dungeon is full and not having a cemetery for certain faiths will be problematic as no alternative sites are currently available for this purpose.

Members had no objections to this proposal and approved the Proclamation to be Gazetted, subject to a slight amendment being made to the wording.

The meeting ended at 1.15pm.

ExCo

28 June 2019

The following is a Public Announcement from the Police Directorate:

St Helena Police would like to advise the public that the remaining presentations on Conducted Energy Devices (Tasers) has been rearranged for the following dates and times. All presentations will start at 7pm:

Date	Venue
Monday, 1 July	Kingshurst Community Centre
Wednesday, 10 July	Levelwood Community Centre
Wednesday, 17 July	Harford Community Centre
Tuesday, 23 July	Jamestown Community Centre

These presentations are being held to raise awareness, educate and provide further information to the public on the carrying and use of Conducted Energy Devices by St Helena Police.

Inspector, Julianne Stevens, said:

“We encourage members of the public to attend these meetings as this is an opportunity for people to understand the Taser and the reason why Police carry them.”

SHG
28 June 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

 

With the fibre optic cable becoming a closer reality, we want to find out what realising the Digital Strategy would mean for you.

The St Helena Connected Group is chaired by Councillor Lawson Henry and includes representatives from St Helena Government, Sure South Atlantic Ltd, Bank of St Helena, Enterprise St Helena and the Chamber of Commerce. The Group was set up in 2017 and has been working to ensure that the European Development Fund milestones are being achieved to draw down EU funding tranches.

The milestone in 2021 is to achieve ‘improved connectivity of households and businesses [which] will have a substantial positive impact on all socio-economic conditions on the Island’ and in order to achieve this milestone we would like to know what  ‘a positive socio-economic impact’ means to you.

You can feed into the St Helena Connected Group by joining the workshop from 5pm-6pm at the Museum in Jamestown on Wednesday, 3 July 2019, or you can feed in your opinions by filling out our short online questionnaire via: www.bit.ly/sthelenacable.

Your views will help the Group consolidate a vision of what a digitally connected St Helena will look like.

#DigitalStrategy #FibreOpticCable #SEDP

https://twitter.com/StHelenaGovt

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

SHG
28 June 2019