BOAT FISHING

Boat fishing is an age-old tradition on St Helena, where fishermen travel out on boats to bring back a fresh ‘catch’ to either sell or share with family and friends. It is also a recreational activity with some fishermen opting to adopt the ‘catch and release’ method. No matter the reason for the trip or the methods used, boat fishing has and will continue to be a popular ocean activity for locals and visitors alike.

As with any ocean-based activity, boat fishing has its risks. If safety aspects are not considered before going out on a boat fishing trip then things can quickly go wrong resulting in an emergency situation.

As part of their Safety Awareness Campaign, the St Helena Sea Rescue Service would like to ensure that everyone is aware of the best ways to keep safe when boat fishing.

When boat fishing in St Helena waters:

• Check the latest weather and sea forecasts to ascertain whether it would be practical to go boat fishing or not
• Never fish alone
• Carry out a radio check before leaving the harbour and inform St Helena Radio where you are going, your expected time of return, and how many people are on board the boat
• Ensure vessel and all safety equipment are in working order and that operating equipment is functioning correctly
• Check that you have sufficient fuel for your trip. Carry extra fuel and oil and ensure this is secured
• Once back, inform St Helena Radio of your return to the harbour

Things you should wear/pack when boat fishing:

• Always wear appropriate clothing and footwear
• Try to wear lightweight garments, worn in layers. Bulky woollen jumpers become heavy and can be difficult to remove if you fall in the water
• Wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) or a lifejacket at all times
• Always pack an adequate supply of food and plenty of drinking water
• Take a spare handheld radio, GPS, and also a fully charged mobile phone
• Take a First-Aid kit. This should include at least a bandage, gauze, plasters and some antiseptic cream or wipes along with any prescribed medication
• Always pack a torch, even if you don’t plan on being out after dark
• Remember to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, lip balm, an appropriate hat and sunglasses

These tips will help ensure you have the safest possible experience when boat fishing around the Island. Please ensure that you, along with your family and friends, are aware of this advice.

Sea Rescue Manager, Simon Wade, said:

“It is encouraging to see that more and more safety measures are being taken by those who go boat fishing and those who are travelling to fishing spots by boat. I hope that this culture of ‘safety first’ continues to develop and grow within the local community.”

A basic Boat Fishing Checklist is attached to this Press Release.

#StHelena #SeaRescueService #SafetyAwarenessCampaign #BoatFishing #AltogetherSafer

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SHG
12 April 2019

St Helena Government (SHG) would like to advise that, despite a number of bids being received for the development of the St Helena Fish Processing Plant, none of the bids received fully complied with the tender criteria and as a result the procurement process will now be closed.

SHG will now review options and next steps.

#StHelena #FisheriesInvestmentOpportunity

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SHG
11 April 2019

TUESDAY, 16 APRIL 2019

A meeting of Executive Council will take place in the Council Chamber at 9.30am on Tuesday, 16 April 2019.

The following items will be discussed on the Open Agenda:

• Investment Strategy April 2019
• Rules of Procedure of the Executive Council and the Duties of Members and the Clerk of Councils
• Government of St Helena Financial Statements 2017/18

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 any ExCo Memos should contact the Clerk of Councils, Anthea Moyce, at the Castle on tel: 22470 or via email: anthea.moyce@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Elected Members currently serving on Executive Council are Councillors Lawson Henry, Anthony Green, Christine Scipio, Derek Thomas and Russell Yon.

The non-voting members of Executive Council are Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey, Financial Secretary, Dax Richards, and Acting Attorney General, Allen Cansick.

#StHelena #ExCoMeeting

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SHG
11 April 2019

ROCK FISHING

Rock fishing or ‘fishing from the rocks’ is a cultural and traditional activity on St Helena. For many years, rock fishing has provided fishermen the opportunity to use the ocean surrounding St Helena to provide a fresh ‘catch’ for their family and friends. It is also a recreational pastime that is enjoyed by many.

Whilst rock fishing is certainly a St Helenian tradition, it can also result in an emergency situation if not carried out safely. With many of the favourite rock fishing spots being difficult to access – some only accessible by boat – it is imperative that appropriate safety measures are taken.

As part of their Safety Awareness Campaign, the St Helena Sea Rescue Service would like to ensure that everyone is aware of the best ways to keep safe when rock fishing.

When rock fishing around St Helena:

• Never fish alone and always stay in sight of one another. Ideally, fish with two or more people – if there is an incident involving an individual, a second person can stay and assist while the third person gets help
• Before you set-off, make sure someone knows where you are going, who is going with you, and when to expect you back
• Always be aware of the tides. When the tide comes in, the water can rise very quickly, making previously safe fishing spots far more dangerous. A change in tide can cause waves to increase in size and intensity very quickly
• It is important that you have a thorough understanding of the area where you are fishing. It is better to fish with someone who has knowledge and experience of that particular fishing spot. This will not only increase safety but potentially the size of your catch as well
• Always pay attention and never turn your back on the sea. A sudden wave, even in calm weather, can knock a person off balance and into the water
• Always be aware of crevasses. Some of the areas between rocks can be fairly large and one misstep could lead to a nasty fall. Pay attention to where you step and if you are fishing at night, always have adequate lighting
• Look for footholds and stay away from sloping and/or slippery edges
• If you do not know how to swim, make sure that others with you are aware of this
• Never rock fish under the influence of alcohol

Things you should wear/pack when rock fishing:

• Always wear appropriate footwear. Rocks can become very slippery due to water and algae growth. Don’t rush while navigating the rocks and take care to avoid slipping or cutting yourself on sharp edges
• Try to wear lightweight garments, worn in layers. Bulky woollen jumpers become heavy and can be difficult to remove if you fall in the water
• Wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) or a lifejacket. Falling into the ocean can be extremely dangerous especially in strong waves or currents. Wearing a PFD or lifejacket increases the chances of survival and a safe recovery. Make sure your PFD is fluorescent so it can be easily seen
• Never wear waders when rock fishing. These can quickly become heavy if you fall in the water
• Always pack an adequate supply of food and plenty of drinking water
• Take a fully charged mobile phone with you. Ideally, if you have a handheld GPS and/or handheld radio then ensure they are also packed
• Take a First-Aid kit. This should include at least a bandage, gauze, plasters and some antiseptic cream or wipes along with any prescribed medication
• Always pack a torch, even if you don’t plan on being out after dark
• Remember to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, lip balm, an appropriate hat and sunglasses

These tips will help ensure you have the safest possible experience when rock fishing around St Helena. Please ensure that you, along with your family and friends, are aware of this advice.

Deputy Sea Rescue Manager, Leeroy Caswell, said:

“Rock fishing can be a dangerous activity if not carried out safely.  Whilst it can be enjoyable and rewarding, this activity can change from being fun to a life threatening situation within an instant. If you follow the points above before and during your trip, it should become more enjoyable knowing you have all these safety precautions in place. Remember your safety is in your hands.”

Rock Fishing Checklist

#StHelena #SeaRescueService #SafetyAwarenessCampaign #RockFishing #AltogetherSafer

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SHG
9 April 2019

Policy Advisor, William Spooner, has joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’ Governor’s Office on St Helena in a new role advising the Governor and providing an increased UK presence on the Island.

William is a career civil servant having previously worked in the UK Ministry of Justice in its Security and Privacy Team, and before then in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Education on due process and ethics.

William commented:

“It’s a pleasure to be here, and to get to know our colleagues in the St Helena Government; everybody has been most kind and welcoming.”

Outside work, William is looking forward to tackling the Island’s Post Box Walks and hopes to take part in the half marathon later in the year.

#StHelena #FCO #GovernorsOffice #PolicyAdvisor

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SHG/Governor’s Office, St Helena
9 April 2019

St Helena Police are currently running an Easter Road Safety Campaign – ‘Some Bunny Loves You’ – to educate drivers and the public on the dangers and consequences of drunk driving and raise awareness of the effects of alcohol. The campaign will run until Tuesday, 30 April 2019.

 At present, there are 32 people on the Island disqualified from driving after being convicted of drink-drive offences.  The prescribed limits on St Helena can be found in the Road Traffic Ordinance, CAP 101. It is an offence for any person to drive, attempt to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or public place after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of alcohol in their breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit.

A Police Officer may request a breath test from a person whom they have reasonable cause to suspect was driving or in charge of a vehicle whilst over the prescribed limit or was driving or in charge of a vehicle when the vehicle was involved in a road traffic accident. Failing or refusing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis without reasonable cause in such circumstances is also a criminal offence.   

Police Sergeant Michelle Thomas-Lawrence said:

“Drunk drivers are not just putting their own lives at risk but also the lives of other road users, whether they are other drivers, passengers or pedestrians.

“If you are going to drink, you do not need to drive. Get a lift with someone else or use a local taxi company. A £5 or £10 taxi fare is cheaper than a fine and losing your licence.

“Remember to have safe roads, we need safe speeds, safe vehicles and safe people.”    

#StHelena #AltogetherSafer #PoliceRoadSafetyCampaign #SomeBunnyLovesYou

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SHG

10 April 2019

The following is a Public Announcement from the Environment & Natural Resources Directorate (ENRD):

The Roads Section of ENRD would like to inform the public that the Highways Authority has given approval for the road from White Gate to Water Course Road to be closed from 9am to 3pm on Tuesday, 16 April, and Tuesday, 23 April 2019.

This closure is to allow the Roads Section to continue with their work on using trial mixes of alternative patching/surfacing methods for the Island’s road network.

The road will be closed to all traffic including Emergency Services’ vehicles. The diversion route will be via Francis Plain Road towards Scott’s Mill and Red Hill Road and vice versa (see below map).

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

SHG
9 April 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

The St Helena Community College will be hosting a Teaching & Learning Conference at Prince Andrew School from 8.45am to 3.45pm on Wednesday, 8 May 2019.

This is a new initiative for the Education Directorate and is set to be an all-day conference involving everyone in the education sector, extending to those who support children and young people on-Island.

Director of Education, Wendy Benjamin, said:

“We are really excited about this Conference and look forward to having the support of all to make it a success.”

There will be a range of events during the day including performances by children and young people and celebrations of success within the directorate. The programme for the day includes lots of active learning with interactive activities to encourage participation from all. Refreshments will also be available.

Further details will be published in the coming weeks.

#StHelena #Education #StHelenaCommunityCollege #TeachingAndLearningConference

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SHG
9 April 2019

Senior Prison Officer, Marianne Phillips, and Prison Officer, Ricardo Morana, have recently returned to St Helena following their two-week participation in the Overseas Territories (OTs) Mental Health Awareness Programme in the UK.

This visit enabled both Marianne and Ricardo to spend a week in a UK prison to observe what provisions are being used within the prison setting and to gain an understanding of the best practices used within mental health provision. The aim is for both officers to adopt some of those practices now that they have returned to the Island. Marianne was based at HMP Swinfen Hall and Ricardo at HMP Warren Hill.

Transformation Lead at HMP Swinfen Hall, Lawson Painting, said:

“It was a pleasure to have Marianne with us at Swinfen Hall. She made some genuine friends whilst with us. We have agreed to send Marianne lots of documents that may be of use to HMP Jamestown. Initiatives around Rehabilitative Culture, Decency, Safety, Violence Reduction and Families Strategy, to name but a few.”

Governor of HMP Warren Hill, Ricky Palmer, said:

“Ricardo has been a star. He is very polite and respectful and is a credit to HMP Jamestown. I would have him work for me here in a heartbeat. He has fit in so well with both our staff and residents and worked really hard. He has been exposed to everything we have available and has soaked this up like a sponge. We have agreed to keep in touch with him and offer any further help or advice.”

Following their placements, Marianne and Ricardo spent a week at the Prison Service College undertaking more in-depth work around mental health awareness. The course was split into five modules:

• Understanding Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Understanding Mental Ill Health
• Supporting Prisoners with Mental Ill Health
• Developing a supportive and enabling environment
• Mindfulness

St Helena Prison Manager, Heidi Murray, said:

“The training was very well received and both Marianne and Ricardo will now be tasked with two things following their return. The first is to impart the training to the other staff in HMP Jamestown, and to use their learning to make improvements within the prison setting for those in our care with mental health issues.

“It was an intensive course with a lot of travelling for both Marianne and Ricardo, but it was invaluable to both of them, as well as to HMP Jamestown’s continued development of dealing with prisoners who have mental health issues.”

This training was funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as part of the Conflict, Stability & Security Fund’s (CSSF) Prisons Project under the Overseas Territories Justice, Security & Governance Programme. Eight other UK OTs also participated in the training.

#StHelena #PoliceDirectorate #HMPJamestown #MentalHealthAwareness

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SHG
8 April 2019

Coastal Walking or Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities on St Helena.  Post Box and Blue Dot walks are among some of the popular trails available around the Island’s coastline. These walks appeal to both locals and visitors alike.

Whilst these coastal walks give people the chance to experience St Helena’s rugged exterior and capture some of the most magnificent coastal and cliff edge views, without proper safety awareness or preparation they could easily result in an emergency situation.

As part of their Safety Awareness Campaign, the St Helena Sea Rescue Service would like to ensure that everyone knows the best ways to keep safe when coastal walking & hiking:

When coastal walking or hiking around St Helena:

• Never hike alone
• Before you leave, make sure someone knows where you are going and when to expect you back
• Ensure that you, or someone in your group, has done the walk before and is competent enough to lead the way. Your predetermined route should be shared beforehand with the entire group in case you get separated
• Always pay attention to the path – stay on it, and never cut corners
• Always watch where you are putting your feet. If you want to take in the view, then stop to do so. Don’t admire the views whilst walking as you could easily make a wrong step
• Walk within your limits. Ensure that you know enough about the demands of the walk beforehand. If you don’t feel comfortable embarking on a particular walk then it might be best to stay behind.

Things you should wear/pack when coastal walking or hiking:

• Try to wear bright clothing. This will make it easier for your group or rescuers to locate you
• Wear boots that protect your ankles. If you prefer trainers, then ensure they are appropriate for tough terrain
• Always take plenty of water. At least one litre per person should be packed
• Take a fully charged mobile phone with you. Ideally if you have a GPS and/or handheld radio then ensure they are also packed
• Take a Basic First-Aid kit. This should include at the least a bandage, gauze, plasters and some antiseptic cream or wipes
• Always pack a torch, even if you don’t plan on being out after dark
• Remember to wear/pack sunscreen

These tips will help ensure you have the safest possible experience when coastal walking or hiking around St Helena, so please ensure that you, along with your friends and family, are aware of this advice.

Deputy Sea Rescue Manager, Craig Scipio, said:

“While we continually encourage our Islanders and tourists to get out there, explore, and appreciate the Island for its natural beauty by engaging in these great activities, we also strongly encourage that individuals set aside the necessary time to consider all safety aspects before their intended journey. Knowing you have the necessary kit, equipment, and information, will give you peace of mind, therefore allowing you to enjoy your activity to the full.”

Walking Checklist

#StHelena #SeaRescueService #SafetyAwarenessCampaign #CoastalWalking&Hiking #AltogetherSafer

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SHG
4 April 2019