A regular census is taken on Island to determine animal numbers.  Previously the census was carried out every three years, but will now be conducted every two years.

All persons on Island owning or caring for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, poultry, bees, dogs and cats –  must (by law) fill in an animal return form. 

In the first half of this month (December 2014), enumerators will deliver forms to every household that requires one.  The form should be completed in respect of animals owned or kept on Sunday 14 December.  Forms should be ready for collection by Sunday 21 December 2014. Failure to provide a return could result in a fine on conviction of up to £100 for every day the form is overdue.

Senior Veterinarian, Joe Hollins said:

“The three yearly census of animals on the Island is now being conducted every two years to give SHG a better, more current picture of animal ownership and production.

“These figures are vital in helping SHG develop and assess its policies towards livestock and domestic pets. The numbers provide vital feedback on strategies such as pet neutering and projects to increase agricultural production – all for the betterment of the community as a whole.

“We thank you in advance for your cooperation, without which the statistics would be of little use.”

Each form is numbered and a draw will be held for all completed forms, with a first prize of £50 and a second prize of £25.

For further information on the animal census, please call the Livestock Section at ANRD on telephone number 24724.

Two pictures are attached to this release.

SHG

2 December 2014

The road from New Bridge to the Briars junction was opened on Monday 1 December 2014, as planned. The road has been fully resurfaced, and has also benefited from a new drain system and retaining walls.

The Roads team is continuing to work at the site, completing minor masonry works, so please drive with caution.

The Roads Section recognises that this road closure has caused inconvenience for many members of the public, but trust that those affected understand that this closure was essential to make important improvements.

Any further enquiries regarding these works can be made by telephoning 23640 between 8.30am – 4pm.

SHG

2 December 2014

A formal meeting of Legislative Council will take place on Thursday 11 December 2014.  The following Bills for Ordinances will be presented in the House:

• Minerals Vesting  (Amendment)
• Supplementary Appropriation Bill

All Bills may be viewed at: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/committee-reports/

SHG

1 December 2014

As previously announced, a new Safeguarding Directorate will be created in SHG from Monday 1 December 2014,  the purpose of which is to – Protect and Safeguard Vulnerable Children, Young People and Adults at Risk or Suffering From Abuse.

Social Services staff, including those based at Barn View, the current Challenging Behaviour Unit site (CBU) and the Family Centre, will form part of the new Safeguarding Directorate from 1 December – with the CCC and Older Persons Services transferring to the new Directorate by the end of March 2015.

The current Health & Social Services Directorate has a wide range of statutory and specialist functions that directly impact on the lives of people on St Helena. In creating the new Safeguarding Directorate, and although Health and Social Services are intrinsically linked, SHG was conscious that it is uncommon for these functions to sit under the same part of an organisation – principally as they are such large functions individually.  To ensure that the right support, leadership and service delivery are obtained from both services, the new Safeguarding Directorate will focus purely on Social Services and Safeguarding, allowing the Health functions to be managed separately.

The residents of the CBU were asked what they would like to call their new facility currently being finalised at Half Tree Hollow.  They chose Ebony View as the name.  This name will be formally adopted on completion of the new buildings early in 2015.  Final finishing touches are now being made to the buildings.

Helen Standen, Change Manager, said:

“The residents are really looking forward to moving into the purpose built and fully equipped apartments in Half Tree Hollow and we are delighted that the name ‘Ebony View’ has come from the residents themselves.”

Councillor Les Baldwin said:

“I am very pleased to welcome these new developments within the Safeguarding Directorate and look forward to delivering improved quality of life and increased standards of care for all our vulnerable people.”

Works are progressing well in completing the conversion of the former Half Tree Hollow School building into 4 units for the residents currently based at Sundale House. Each apartment will have its own kitchen, living room and two en-suite bedrooms – to support independent living in a safe environment. Work is expected to be completed in February 2015, ready for the residents to move into their new homes.

Two pictures are attached to this release.

SHG

28 November 2014

Corporate Support staff would like to extend sincere thanks to everyone who supported this year’s fundraising in aid of the 2014 Poppy Appeal Fund and to all who attended the Remembrance Service on Sunday 9 November 2014.

Special thanks are extended to Mr Mike Durnford and his team of volunteers, consisting of Girl Guides, Scouts, Cubs, Salvationists, Fire Service personnel, and Councillors whose efforts helped to increase funds for the Poppy Appeal and allowed Remembrance Sunday to be properly and respectfully observed.

Grateful thanks are extended to everyone here on Island who made generous contributions to the Fund, including Pilling Primary School (pictured) who contributed funds collected on their Night to Remember Service.  The RMS St Helena Charity, an anonymous donation, Sure South Atlantic Ltd and the RMS herself also gave generously.

Thanks also go to Connect St Helena Ltd, SAMS, Donny Stevens, Saint FM, Printech and all local retail outlets and bars who continue every year to support the Poppy Appeal.

A total sum of £2,435.50 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.

SHG

28 November 2014

The public is reminded that no unathorised vehicles can be parked on the Wharf after working hours (ie from 4pm to 8.30am Monday to Friday).  Similarly at weekends, the Wharf will be closed from 4pm Friday afternoon through to Monday morning at 8.30pm.  Members of the public can seek authorisation from Port Management, for example to drop off or pick up goods or equipment.

The lower end of the Wharf, indentified by a yellow hatched area, is a no parking zone at all times.

There is no restriction on pedestrian access, except for ship visits or break bulk cargo operations.

There have been incidents when vehicles have been parked on the lower Wharf from Thompsons Crane to Solomon’s Cargo Shed – this area must be kept clear at all times in the case of an emergency.

These parking restrictions ensure that in the event of an emergency, the Wharf can be accessed quickly by emergency services, including deployment of the sea rescue boat when necessary.

SHG

27 November 2014

On Wednesday afternoon, 26 November 2014, Nicola Moore was sworn in as Attorney General for St Helena, taking the required Oaths necessary to serve on Executive and Legislative Councils, in the presence of Acting Governor Sean Burns.  Two pictures are attached.

Nicola said of her appointment:

“It is a privilege and honour to be taking up this appointment and I look forward to serving the people of St Helena, Tristan Da Cunha and Ascension Island.”

SHG

26 November 2014

 Executive Council met today, Tuesday 25 November 2014, to consider three items on the open agenda.

The first item was the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations. These Regulations relate to the Civil Aviation Act Overseas Territories Order 2011 which is a UK Statutory Instrument.  The Regulations will allow us to comply with international requirements for the investigation of air accidents and incidents.

Executive Council approved the Regulations in order to meet accreditation requirements for St Helena Airport.  Further publicity will follow on this and other Regulations relating to the Airport.

The second item was the Minerals Vesting Bill.  This Bill extends the mineral area in, on or under the ocean surrounding St Helena from 12 to 200 miles.  As this protects the future economic development of the Island, Executive Council agreed for this Bill to be presented as Government Business at the next Formal Legislative Council on Thursday 11 December.

The third item was the Aerodrome Charges Regulations 2014.  These Regulations relate to the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order 2013, another UK Statutory Instrument.  Charges will be levied on Airport users, including for landing, navigation and passenger services – to contribute to the operational costs of the Airport.

Executive Council approved the Regulations.

As this was Acting Attorney General Morag Stevenson’s last Executive Council meeting, she was thanked for her valuable contribution.  The new Attorney General, Nicola Moore, will take office on Thursday 27 November and Executive Council looks forward to working with her.

The meeting ended at 10.15am.  Thank you for listening.

SHG

25 November 2014