The Roads Section of ENRD would like to inform the public that they are undertaking a maintenance programme on all drainage-related issues in Jamestown. As part of this, the team is currently working to unblock an existing storm drain situated in front of Thorpe’s Wholesale and the White Horse Tavern in Market Square.

This drainage culvert discharges into the Jamestown Run under the road between the Market and the Standard bar.

This work will continue until Friday, 1 March 2019.

The public is advised to use caution when driving or walking in this area. All roads and walkways will remain operational at this time, and appropriate signage and cordons will be in place.

Other drainage structures in Jamestown will be cleaned in the weeks to follow.

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

SHG
22 February 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

Marilyn Isaac from the St Helena Pharmacy team has successfully completed with a ‘distinction’ the Stores Management Diploma Level 4 course provided by Stonebridge Associated Colleges.

The online course took over one year to complete with Marilyn having to study different modules from stores systems and procedures to stock control and layout of the buildings. The course helped Marilyn to develop and review the critical processes of storing and ordering of medications and medical devices for St Helena.  Pharmacist Vlad-Dorin Cucuiu said:

“We are delighted that Marilyn has not only successfully completed her course but also achieved a ‘distinction’. This would not have been possible without Marilyn’s continuous dedication, perseverance and efforts in her studies.

 “The Health Directorate recognises Marilyn’s effort and dedication to her achievement. Knowledge gained on her course will help to further develop clinical and pharmacy services to meet the needs of St Helena.”

#StHelena #HealthDirectorate #Pharmacy #StaffAchievement #SaintSuccess #AltogetherHealthier  

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SHG

22 February 2019

St Helena will be represented by Councillor Anthony Green, Financial Secretary, Dax Richards (in his role as Territorial Authorising Officer), and SHG UK Representative, Kedell Worboys MBE, at the Overseas Countries & Territories Association (OCTA) Ministerial Conference and 17^th annual Overseas Countries & Territories of the European Union (OCT-EU) Forum and associated events. This will take place in Tahiti, French Polynesia, from Monday, 25 February, to Friday, 1 March 2019.

The OCTA Ministerial Conference will be held on Wednesday, 27 February, and will comprise of speeches, elections, and approval of the Political Declaration which will be presented to the European Commission. There will be three discussions, including:

• A roundtable on post-2020, when the current Overseas Association Decision comes to an end
• Oceans Study – where a consultant will provide preliminary findings on the OCTA commissioned report ‘Background Study on Oceans and the Ocean Agenda in the OCTs’
• EDF Programmes:
  • EDF 11 – discussing the Thematic Envelope on ‘Sustainable Energy and Climate Change including Disaster Risk Reduction’ and EDF 11 Regional Projects for the Caribbean, Pacific & Indian Ocean
  • EDF 10 – report on the Territorial Strategies for Innovation

The week will culminate with the 17^th OCT-EU Forum. This will include a welcome from the President of French Polynesia, Chairman of the OCTA, a keynote speech by European Commissioner, Neven Mimicia, statements from the four Member States representatives, and a roundtable discussion on ‘The OCT-EU Future Partnership’.

Other events during the week will include:

• OCTA meetings to finalise the Political and Administrative Resolutions and work on the Common Conclusions
• St Helena’s trilateral meeting with the European Commission and the UK Overseas Territories Association to discuss progress on the 11^th European Development Fund (EDF) project
• A field trip to Mo’orea for an official commemoration of EU officials who lost their lives in a plane crash
• A visit to an EDF funded project and a workshop on ‘Sustainable Development through Regional Cooperation’
• Bilateral meetings with Member State groupings and the European Commissioner

Dax said:

“It is important for St Helena to be present at the forum and, in particular, to be able to have face-to-face discussions during the trilateral meetings with the European Commission and the Member State in order to provide confidence in the delivery of the Fibre Optic Cable and the innovation projects funded by the 11^th and 10^th EDF respectively. It is important that we secure the remainder of the funding for the territory under the EDF 11 programme. With Brexit looming, it is also an opportunity to strengthen links with other OCTs to share experiences and to understand the implications for all UKOTs post Brexit.”

The trip is being funded by the European Union.

#StHelena #OCTAMinisterialConference #OCT-EUForum

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SHG
22 February 2019

The Health Directorate has collated the results from an online survey to obtain feedback and insight from SHG managers and staff on the Smoke Free Government Policy which started on 1 July 2018.

One fifth of all staff (21%) completed the survey, including smokers and non-smokers. A majority of respondents believe the policy is a helpful part of what SHG is doing to address smoking-related disease and illness. Headline results show:

• The majority of respondents have perceived benefits:

 67% believe exposure to second-hand smoke in certain areas had reduced

53% thought more staff who smoke were trying to quit or cut down their smoking

42% felt there was less disruption to working hours by ‘cigarette breaks’

• Implementation across SHG has overall been good although for some locations and staff groups the policy needs to be applied more strongly

More than 80% of all respondents did not highlight any problem ‘hotspot’ issues or places. The most frequently raised issue was a perception that the policy is not consistently applied by certain teams or parts of sites. Sites included The Castle Terrace, Francis Plain at weekends when used for sporting or other events, and the Post Office steps. The issue of people now smoking in front of certain premises, particularly the Hospital was also highlighted as an area to improve.

• The large majority (76%) of all respondents want more to be done to reduce smoking-related harm and support quitting

Respondents suggested better policy implementation across all directorates, clearer guidance to managers and staff about the policy, and monitoring enforcement. A popular suggestion was for additional types of quit support. More information to help smokers consider quitting, and guidance on how to support people who are stressed at work or who use services at stressful times, were also suggested. Respondents also recommended measures such as increasing cigarette prices, changing packaging to make smoking less appealing and to encourage people to quit.

Recommendations

Based on the survey results, a number of recommendations have been put forward by the Health Directorate and supported for implementation by the Core Leadership Group. Recommendations include:

• Measures to strengthen policy implementation
• SHG Workforce Wellbeing
• Further develop staff and community Quit support
• Additional community measures to reduce smoking
• Mental Health guidance and support

An Action Plan will now be developed.

Notes to Editors

The Smoke Free Government Survey was conducted in January 2019, six months after the start of the policy. The survey was open to all SHG staff.

The survey objectives were to assist in monitoring and supporting policy implementation and to obtain feedback and insight from managers and staff about the policy and how best to reduce the harms of smoking to the workforce and community.

63% of responders were non-managers, 37% were managers. Respondents included staff that smoke and staff that are non-smokers.

#StHelena #HPSF #SmokeFreeGovernment #AltogetherHealthier

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SHG

22 February 2019

The Emergency Planning Department would like to inform the public that it is forecast for St Helena to experience a north-westerly swell from Monday, 25 February, through to Wednesday, 6 March 2019. This is likely to result in a large sea swell and breakers in James and Rupert’s Bays.

As a precaution, Rupert’s Jetty will be closed on Wednesday, 27, and Thursday, 28 February, due to the possibility of sea swell overtopping the Jetty.

The public is advised to use caution when accessing the Seafront area and Rupert’s Jetty.

To avoid damage to vehicles, drivers are asked to take care when parking near the safety rails at the Seafront.

Boat owners are also advised to check that their vessels are securely fixed to their moorings.

Due care and attention should be taken when swimming in James and Rupert’s Bays during this time.

Port Control will be monitoring sea conditions and may make further restrictions to affected areas if necessary.

SHG
22 February 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

Deputy Harbour Master, Jeremy Clarke, and Emergency Planning & Sea Rescue Manager, Simon Wade, recently returned to St Helena having attended the Hydrographic Seminar 2019 and also visited the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the UK.

The Hydrographic Seminar ran for five days from 4-8 February 2019. Some of the key areas covered were:

• Hydrographic Governance
• National Hydrographic Obligations
• Risks in the Marine Environment
• Regulations required to meet International Obligations
• Hydrographic Survey Standards
• Marine Spatial Data Infrastructure

Following the seminar, both Jeremy and Simon spent three days with the MCA, where a number of meetings were held regarding St Helena’s International Maritime Obligations.

Jeremy and Simon also had the opportunity to visit the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) which is operated by HM Coast Guard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

Simon said:

“The visit with both the Hydrographic team and the MCA exceeded my expectations. I gained a vast amount of knowledge and made contacts with key people in these organisations. It was also great to be able to have discussions with the other Overseas Territories officers on maritime issues and gaps that they are experiencing.”

Jeremy and Simon’s visit was funded by the UK Hydrographic Office and MCA as part of the Conflict, Stability & Security Fund’s Overseas Territories Seabed Mapping Programme.

#StHelena #UKHydrographicSeminar #MaritimeCoastguardAgency

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SHG
22 February 2019

The following is a Public Announcement from HM Customs:

HM Customs would like to advise the public that their office at the Jamestown Wharf will be closed for business on Friday, 22 February 2019, between 8.30am and 1pm.

This closure is to enable Customs staff to undertake operational training.

Persons wishing to contact HM Customs during this time can call the Customs Office on tel: 22287 where a Customs Officer will be available to take messages and assist with queries.

HM Customs would like to thank the public for their support and cooperation.

SHG
21 February 2019

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

New Finance Business Manager, Brian Deadman, recently arrived on St Helena to take up his new post in SHG’s Corporate Finance team on a three-year contract.

Reporting to the Financial Secretary, and working closely with Elected Members and other key stakeholder groups, Brian’s role is to represent SHG as a non-executive director on the boards of its State Controlled Entities (SCEs), to strengthen the links between government policy and entity strategy, and to strengthen financial management in SCEs.

Brian said:

“When offered the opportunity to play a leading role in the Island’s goal of ‘Altogether Wealthier’ I grabbed it with both hands, knowing I’ll need to win the trust of a close community to succeed. Whisper it quietly, but everything I do in my working life, for as long as I am here, has to be for the benefit of the people of the Island. That’s the deal.”

As a Chartered Accountant, with over 30 years’ experience in the public, non-profit and private sectors, the world of business has always been close at hand for Brian. As a Chief Finance Officer he has made it his business to grow the organisations he serves, and to make those organisations fitter for the future.

Financial Secretary, Dax Richards, added:

“We are delighted to have Brian on the team. Governance of our entities in which SHG has a controlling interest has been high on the SHG and public agenda for a number of years. We now have a dedicated, experienced resource to address the issues that have been identified. This is an important role for the Island. Working with other key stakeholders, I expect there to be a number of changes over the coming years which will be to the benefit of St Helena.”

Over the last 30 years, Brian and his wife have lived and worked around the world in places like Australia, Tanzania, and the Caribbean. They thrive on Island life and all that it has to offer. Keen walkers, they are looking forward to getting a complete set of stamps for the Post Box walks and are also looking forward to experiencing the wonderful marine life in St Helena’s waters.

#StHelena #FinanceBusinessManager #AltogetherWealthier

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SHG
20 February 2019

St Helena Government (SHG) aims to provide the best quality and standard of service to its customers but there may be occasions where you are dissatisfied with the standard of service received.

If you have received a service that falls below your expectations then SHG wants to hear about it.

SHG Complaint Procedure

 Submitting a complaint about SHG can be done via the straightforward and simple Complaint Procedure. SHG treats all complaints seriously and deals with them promptly and professionally. The organisation learns from complaints which help us to improve our service to customers.

The SHG Complaint Procedure covers all sections of SHG with the following exceptions:

• Complaints on Hospital services should be made via their separate procedure
• Complaints regarding the St Helena Police Service should be made in line with the requirements set out in the Police Service Ordinance (available on the SHG website)
• SHG staff wanting to make complaints against managers or other staff members should follow the Code of Management procedures

How do I make a complaint?

Complaints can be made in writing using the SHG Complaint Form – General, available on the SHG website here: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/complaint-procedures/, by telephone, email or in person via the following contact details:

 Miss Linda Benjamin

Information and Research Support Officer

Corporate Support

Corporate Services

The Castle

Jamestown

Tel: 00 (290) 25252, fax: 00 (290) 22598 or email: customer.relations@sainthelena.gov.sh

Ideally, a complaint should be made within one month from the day that you have received a disservice. Anonymous complaints can be submitted to SHG but you will not receive a response if a contact name or address is not provided.

Complaints can be made through your Councillor, Lay Advocate or the Public Solicitor.

 What happens to my complaint?

SHG will aim to acknowledge receipt of your complaint within three working days and will aim to send you a more detailed response within 10 working days to inform you of what action has been taken as a result of your complaint.

 What happens if I do not get a response or I am not happy with the response?

If either of the above happens, you should make a stage two complaint by completing the SHG Complaint Procedure Form – Stage 2 and 3 available on the SHG website here: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/complaint-procedures/ and submit to the Information & Research Support Officer via the above contact details.

SHG will aim to acknowledge receipt of your complaint within three working days and you will be informed of the person investigating your complaint. You can expect a more detailed response from the appointed investigating officer within 10 working days informing you of what action has been taken as a result of your complaint. Alternatively, it may explain that a full response will be sent to you later and the reasons for the delay. The response will also tell you when the officer intends to conclude the investigation.

What happens if I still do not get a response or I’m still not happy with the response?

If this happens you should make a stage 3 complaint. Again, complete the SHG Complaint Procedure Form – Stage 2 and 3 and this time submit it to the Chief Secretary at the Castle or via email: susan.obey@sainthelena.gov.sh The Chief Secretary will aim to acknowledge receipt of your complaint within three working days and will state how the review is to be conducted. She will appoint a Reviewing Officer who will aim to respond to you within 28 working days. Their response should let you know why action has been delayed and when you are likely to receive a response.

Further information can be found on the Complaint Procedures page of the SHG website: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/complaint-procedures/

#StHelena #ComplaintProcedure

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 SHG
20 February 2019

Dr Philip Rushbrook, Governor Designate for St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, would like to meet with the diaspora in the UK prior to taking up his post in May 2019. The following meetings have been arranged:

• Saturday, 16 March, at the Jury’s Inn, Fleming Way, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 2NG, starting at 3.30pm
• Tuesday, 26 March, at the St Helena Government UK Office, Alliance House, 12 Caxton Street, London, SW1H 0QS between 5pm and 6.15pm

For further information, please contact the St Helena Government UK Representative, Kedell Worboys, by email: shgukrep@sthelenagov.com or tel: 0203 8187610.

SHG

20 February 2019