Crown Counsel, Aine Hurley, was sworn in as Acting Attorney General on Monday, 29 July 2019.
Aine took the prescribed Oaths in the presence of HE Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook in the Governor’s Office, The Castle. Aine has been appointed Acting Attorney General whilst the previous post holder, Allen Cansick, is off-Island.
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SHG
30 July 2019
Download a pdf of this Bulletin here.
This bulletin presents estimates of the total population, available statistics on St Helenians on Ascension, the Falklands, and living in the United Kingdom, and updates to the number of births and deaths and arrivals and departures.
The primary sources that have been used to compile this bulletin are mainly the 2016 St Helena Population Census, immigration records collected by the Immigration Office of the Police Directorate; and records of births and deaths collected by the Customer Service Centre at the Post Office. Estimates of St Helenians (or the St Helenian-born) population overseas have been obtained from the 2016 Falkland Islands Census; population statistics maintained by the Ascension Island Government; and the 2011 Census of the United Kingdom (England and Wales).
Population statistics for St Helena can be downloaded from www.sainthelena.gov.sh/statistics-data in the Population data file. Population statistics for Ascension Island are in the Ascension Population data file.
The total population on St Helena (residents and temporary visitors) at the end of June 2019 was estimated to be 4,425, some 226 less than June 2018 and the lowest number since weekly flights started in October 2017. On the other hand, the number of St Helenians on St Helena was estimated to be 4,349, an increase of 127 compared to June 2018. These differences may reflect month-to-month variation, the significant drop in workers from overseas on St Helena following the completion of the new airport, non-St Helenian residents departing for holidays in the European summer, and some seasonal variation in tourist arrivals as St Helena enters its cooler winter season and the number of weekly flights are reduced from two to one.
Table 1 provides estimates of the number of St Helenians living on Ascension, and those born on St Helena living on the Falkland Islands or in England and Wales (these countries represent the most common destination of St Helenians currently). Please note that there are no known reliable estimates of the total number of St Helenians living abroad outside of St Helena: data sources are often incomplete or do not provide adequate disaggregation, and St Helenian ‘status’[1] (or St Helenian as self-reported national identity) is not systematically reported in surveys or the administrative records of other countries.
[1] St Helena status is defined in St Helena’s Immigration Ordinance; see: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helenian-status/
Place of birth of St Helena is not a good indicator of St Helenian status, or self-reported St Helenian national identity, because St Helenians may acquire their status by descent as well as by place of birth (i.e. they may be born outside of St Helena but to St Helenian parents or grandparents). The numbers in Table 1 should not, therefore, be aggregated to provide a total estimate of St Helenians living abroad, although it provides a lower bound. In addition, there is a significant number of St Helenians living in other countries, especially South Africa, but data sources for estimates of these have not been identified.
Chart 2 shows the population of Ascension since 2014, classified as St Helenian males, females, and other nationalities. The total population has been steadily lowly falling, along with the number of St Helenians, especially males; however St Helenian is still the largest single nationality group on Ascension Island, comprising around two in every three of the population.
Chart 3 illustrates the location of those in the 2011 Census that reported they were St Helenian-born; the largest number live in the South East (which includes Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Berkshire), with a large number also living in the South West (which includes Wiltshire and Gloucestershire).
So far in 2019 there have been 18 recorded births, with 10 girls and eight boys. There were also 18 deaths, with six of the deaths female and twelve male. This is only the second time that the number of births has equalled or exceeded the number of deaths in a six-month period since 2005, but the long-term trend is for the number of deaths to exceed the number of births (see Chart 4).
In June 2019, 263 people arrived on St Helena, with most arriving by air (258). This is slightly lower than the same month last year, when 285 people arrived altogether. 76 arrivals were returning residents, 67 were coming for a business purpose (including those with long-term entry permits), 59 were tourists (non-St Helenian), and 56 were St Helenians living abroad coming to visit family and friends. The number of arrivals of non-St Helenian tourists is typically lower in the cooler season of June to October; and the estimate for June reflects that trend (see Chart 5). Chart 5 also illustrates that the number of non-St Helenian tourist arrivals by air has tended to be higher than the numbers arriving by RMS St Helena prior to the opening of the airport.
So far in the first six months of 2019, some 3,185 people departed from St Helena, including both short-term and long-term visitors, and residents. 478 (15%) of those left St Helena stated that they departed either to find temporary work overseas or to emigrate. This is a slightly higher number than the same period last year, when 449 people left for work or emigration. But it is not as high as the same period in either 2012 or 2013, when 538 and 512 people left for this reason respectively. Chart 6 shows monthly departures for work or emigration – the peaks correspond to the months following the Christmas holiday period, when many St Helenians return overseas after coming home to spend time with friends and family.
The classification of arrivals and departures into purpose of visit or departure is based on the declarations made to Immigration Officers. Tourism/holiday includes short-term visitors or departures (i.e. less than six months) for tourism or holiday purposes, and it includes St Helenians visiting short-term to see family and friends, both those that live permanently abroad and those who are away for a period of overseas employment. Day visitors arriving on cruise ships are not included in either arrivals or departures. Business and employment includes short-term and long-term arrivals who arrive for work purposes, including those employed by the St Helena Government on contract (and their families). Returning residents are people who are returning to their normal place of residence (for arrivals, this excludes those returning for the purpose of business or employment). It also includes people returning permanently from periods of overseas employment. Transit includes those for whom St Helena is not their final destination; it includes most arrivals by yacht and any people transiting to or from a ship via air.
Three categories of the total population are computed. The on-Island population is an estimate of the total number of people on St Helena at the end of the given period (this is sometimes also referred to as the ‘de facto’ population). The resident population is an estimate of the total number of people living on St Helena (i.e. excluding any short-term visitors), regardless of their nationality. The on-Island St Helenian population is an estimate of the total number of St Helenians on the Island, regardless of their residence status. Estimates of the total population are calculated by combining the number of arrivals and departures and the number of births and deaths with the estimated total population from the population censuses.
Please get in touch: we are Neil Fantom, Statistical Commissioner, Justine Joshua, Senior Statistical Assistant, and Bertina Benjamin, Statistical Assistant. You can find us in person at the Statistics Office on the first floor of the Castle, Jamestown, at the back of the main courtyard. You can also contact us by telephone: our direct line is 22138 or via the Castle switchboard on 22470. If calling from overseas, the international dialling code for St Helena is +290. Our general office e-mail address is statistics@sainthelena.gov.sh, or you can email team members directly (the format is firstname.lastname@sainthelena.gov.sh).
The monthly meeting of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee (ENRC) and the Highways Authority (HA) took place on Thursday, 18 July 2019.
The misuse of the disabled parks within Jamestown was discussed during the HA meeting. It has become apparent that able bodied members of the public are using appropriately marked disabled parks. Information will be published to ask members of the public who are not holders of disabled parking permits issued by the Health Directorate, to refrain from using these disabled parks.
The walkthrough of Jamestown by the Committee as part of the Jamestown Parking Review commenced on Thursday, 11 July. At this meeting members discussed their findings and recognised the difficult task ahead in creating additional parks in Upper Jamestown. Some realignment of parks and establishing ‘no parking’ areas would create several additional parks. It was also noted that the open drains are causing safety issues and it is hoped that funding will be made available to address this issue.
The Roads Inspector informed members that the speed bumps to replace those located near Pilling Primary School have arrived on-Island. They will be installed when some other minor works are undertaken in this area.
During the ENRC meeting, the Burial Grounds Ordinance, 1895 was reviewed and the Committee agreed and approved several minor changes. This will follow the normal process for amending legislation before the changes can be implemented.
The Director of Tourism, Helena Bennett, together with Tourism Manager, Melissa Fowler, presented the Tourism Transport Briefing paper. This paper outlines some changes that the Tourist Office would like to implement in order to have safe operational guidelines for taxi and tour operators, in particular those who offer their services to our tourism industry. The Committee realised that some of the proposals will need to be addressed through legislation, but there are some best practices that the Tourist Office can implement independently with those taxi and tour operators who are registered with the Tourist Office.
Chief Environmental Officer, Isabel Peters, together with the Coordinator of the St Helena Research Institute, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks, provided an update on the policies that will have particular impact on the Institute with work carried out in line with the Environmental Protection Ordinance, 2016. These policies are designed to ensure that research undertaken on St Helena is beneficial and in the best interests of the St Helena community. Additional information was provided as to how the Institute has progressed to date.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 1.30pm with the next meeting scheduled for Thursday, 15 August 2019.
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SHG
26 July 2019
On Wednesday evening, 24 July 2019, Governor Rushbrook welcomed St Helena’s International Football Team, Island Games Competitors, Coaches, Team Managers, their families, and invited guests to Plantation House to congratulate them on their recent representation of St Helena at International Games.
In his speech, the Governor welcomed back and congratulated all the international competitors for their participation and achievements at the Huws Gray International Inter-Island Games Football Tournament in Ynys Mon, Wales, and the 2019 NatWest International Island Games in Gibraltar.
He said:
“‘The personal achievements of every footballer, athlete and swimmer, many for the first time on the international stage, have been remarkable. A true credit to all of us. St Helena may be small. St Helena may be in a distant part of the Atlantic. But wherever St Helena competes, whether Wales, Gibraltar or elsewhere, it earns new friends and respect for its sportsmanship and dedication. The most important element in sport is not to win at all costs, it is to know that you have given your best, to learn from the experience, and to strive again in the next competition.”
A speech was also given by Councillor Derek Thomas, where he spoke proudly of St Helena’s International competitors and the exposure that the Island gained from their participation in the respective competitions. He then spoke about the future of sport on St Helena and how more should, and will, be done to support the Island’s sporting infrastructure going forward.
Further speeches were given by Chair of the National Sports Association St Helena (NSASH), Nick Stevens, and also Goalkeeper/Coach of the St Helena Football Team, Keith Yon.
Nick said:
“It has been a pleasure to be a part of two wonderful teams. Both have done so much to establish St Helena on the sporting map and it was a pleasure to manage you all.”
The St Helena Football Team finished tenth place in the tournament but brought back invaluable experience for future competitions.
The young Island Games Competitors all set new personal bests and national records and will now work to improve even further for other upcoming international events.
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SHG
25 July 2019
Executive Council has approved the revised St Helena Building Regulations 2019 which will come into effect on 16 August 2019. The Regulations are significantly important to all Contractors, Architects/Draftsmen, Stakeholders, Importers and anyone looking to develop on St Helena.
One of the most significant changes in the revised Building Regulations relates to notices that need to be given to the Building Control Service at all stages of the development construction. The changes to the stage inspection notices are very important for all developers and it is imperative that they adhere to the new requirements.
The revised stages for inspection affected are:
The St Helena Building Regulations 2019 also includes revised fees for the plan approval and building inspections. The fees, having remained unchanged since 2013, have been increased by 20%. A schedule showing the fees is included in the Regulations and will be applied as of 16 August 2019.
Where the development application includes more than one dwelling of identical design, there will be a reduction in the fee payable in respect of the second and third dwelling.
There will also be a fee reduction of 50% for application for development by registered charitable organization under the Charities Ordinance, 2005, and registered community association under the Community Centres Ordinance 1988.
To promote and assist with the understanding of the revised Building Regulations, the Building Inspectors will be available for one to one meetings, small groups or members of the public for drop-in sessions each Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 12:30pm until 16 August to discuss the revised Regulations. For those who are unable to visit the office, requests can be made to the Building Inspectors to be visited in their location.
Chair of the Environment & Natural Resources Committee, Councillor Russell Yon, commented:
“This is an important milestone for the Government to have in place a more up to date Building Regulations to ensure future developments on the Island are built to higher standards and be more sustainable in their construction. The Planning and Building Control Service is also organising a meeting with contractors, developers and agents on Wednesday, 7 August at 1pm in Training Room 1, opposite St Helena Community College (below Pilling School) to hear how the service is promoting and delivering the needs of the construction sector. I would recommend that you take the opportunity to attend the meeting and meet with the officers to discuss the Planning and Building Control issues and the revised Regulations”
Copies of the St Helena Building Regulations can be viewed at Essex House during normal office hours and electronic copies are available upon request. Hard copies are available through the GIS Office printing service.
The updated Building Control Ordinance including the revised Regulations are available to view on the SHG website on the following link: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/
Anyone wishing to discuss the Building Regulations 2019 may do so by contacting the Building Inspectors, Environment, Natural Resources & Planning Directorate, Essex House, Jamestown, or via email: nico.ellick@sainthelena.gov.sh or cliff.richards@sainthelena.gov.sh.
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SHG
25 July 2019
The Social & Community Development Committee (SCDC) held their monthly meeting on Wednesday, 10 July 2019.
The Information Bill remained on hold, pending a high level decision on the way forward for Data Protection and Freedom of Information. Both remained priorities, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Progress on the Saint Helena National Trust Regulations now depended on receiving the draft legislation which is currently being discussed by the Trust Council and the Attorney General’s Chambers.
To encourage some parts of the private sector to adhere to providing employees with written details of basic terms and conditions, as stipulated in the Employment Rights Ordinance, a recommendation remains with SHG to consider making this eligible for consideration when SHG awards contracts for goods and services.
The priority list of legislation relating to the Committee’s areas of responsibilities was reviewed and updated. It was noted that an Asylum Bill which is a national requirement will be dealt with separately to work on the review of the Immigration Ordinance which is to be considered by the whole Council shortly, in preparation for public consultation planned to commence at the end of August.
The work undertaken by the Social Security Review Working Group is nearing completion and a report with recommendations will be submitted to the Committee soon so that initial discussions can commence in mid-August.
The Committee gave approval for the Disability Policy to be reviewed urgently.
A Corporate Parenting Policy was endorsed. This Policy has been implemented on St Helena to ensure that all corporate parents know and understand their roles and responsibilities. All Councillors have signed up to the policy and multi-agency training has been delivered so that all roles and responsibilities are understood.
Updates from the Children & Adults Social Care Directorate included:
The Social & Community Development Committee consists of voting members Councillors Anthony Green (Chairman), Cyril Leo (Deputy Chairman), Kylie Hercules, Derek Thomas and Gavin Ellick and Non-Voting Members Director of Children and Adults Social Care, Tracy Poole-Nandy, and Acting Deputy Chief Secretary, Kerisha Yon. The Committee Secretary is Nicole Plato.
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SHG
24 July 2019
Executive Council met yesterday to consider and advise whether the proposed Phase One of the Year One programme for the DFID funded Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) be approved.
Projects which form Phase One of the Year One programme are:
Micro-Projects
Setting aside a budget for ‘micro-projects.’ Micro-projects are projects that have a low cost (£50K or less) and can be implemented quickly. Projects that will be funded with this budget will directly support strategic economic development goals and have a broad public benefit.
SHG ICT Infrastructure
Acquisition of new storage servers. Additional storage capacity and more efficient operations will result in improved operations and facilitate provision of additional IT services, including services to schools which receive ICT support from SHG.
Programme support services
One foundational aspect of the EDIP is acquiring the technical services necessary to enable St Helena Government to plan and manage the EDIP and other future capital investment.
It was recognised that, although small, the Phase One projects are the first steps of a larger portfolio of projects. More substantive works are expected to progress during the second half of this financial year in Phases Two and Three which will positively impact the private sector. Significant planning and preparation has gone into this first phase of the EDIP, which will set the tone for the remaining programme.
In considering the proposal Members acknowledged the commitment and hard work of the Senior Economist and Capital Programme Manager in developing both the Year One programme and the comprehensive business cases which support it.
Executive Council was pleased to approve the proposed Phase One of the Year One programme for the Economic Development Investment Programme.
ExCo
24 July 2019
Executive Council met today to discuss, debate and make a decision on two items on the Open Agenda.
A few members of the public were present in the gallery to observe the discussions.
Climate Change Policy
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Climate Change Policy, July 2019, should be endorsed.
Councillor Yon presented this paper and officials from the Infrastructure & Transport and Environment, Natural Resources & Planning Directorates joined the meeting to participate in this discussion.
Members identified that having such a Policy showed that the Island recognises its responsibility to climate change and furthermore felt it could enhance the Island’s external funding prospects. Staff who had put a lot of effort into developing this most welcoming Policy were commended.
Members were happy to endorse the Policy, subject to some minor amendments.
Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulation 2019
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the draft Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulation 2019 for implementation under the Civil Aviation Act 1982 (Overseas Territories) Order 2001 be approved.
This paper was presented by the Acting Attorney General. Members noted that there is an international obligation for this regulation to be in place.
Council approved the draft Regulation subject to slight amendments being made to the wording.
Council also noted at the meeting that the new Building Regulations will come into effect on 16 August 2019.
The meeting ended at 11.50am.
ExCo
16 July 2019
A formal meeting of Legislative Council will take place on Friday, 26 July 2019, at 10am in the Council Chamber. This is the first sitting of the eleventh meeting of Legislative Council and will be broadcast live via SAMS Radio 1.
The Order Paper includes Elections for Executive Council, prescribed for under the Constitution of St Helena, eight Sessional Papers and 15 questions for response. There will also be a total of two Motions put forward to the House.
The meeting will conclude with the customary Adjournment Debate, giving each Elected Member the opportunity to raise various Island issues.
A copy of the Order Paper can be viewed on the SHG Website at: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/order-papers/
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SHG
24 July 2019
The following is a public announcement from Legislative Council:
Councillors will hold a series of constituency meetings in each district commencing mid-August for constituents to ask questions and raise concerns.
If there is a particular topic that you would also like discussed, please contact the Secretary to Elected Members on tel: 22590 or email: sec.em@helanta.co.sh by no later than Friday, 2 August 2019.
Dates and times for these constituency meetings will be announced in due course.
SHG
24 July 2019
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