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White Ribbon Day, observed annually on 25 November, is a global movement dedicated to ending violence against women. This year’s theme, “It Starts with Men,” emphasises the crucial role men play in preventing domestic abuse.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio is proud to join this important cause and encourage everyone on St Helena to participate. By wearing a white ribbon, we symbolise our commitment to a future free from violence.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviours used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. It can manifest in various forms, including:
- Physical Abuse: Acts of violence, such as hitting, kicking, or pushing.
- Sexual Abuse: Forcing unwanted sexual acts.
- Emotional Abuse: Using insults, threats, or intimidation to control and degrade.
- Economic Abuse: Controlling finances or limiting access to resources.
- Psychological Abuse: Manipulating or gas-lighting to undermine a victim’s self-esteem.
Breaking the Cycle
Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. It can have devastating consequences for victims and their families.
Join the White Walk
Join the White Ribbon Working Group for the White Walk on Monday 25 November 2024 at 11:30. The walk will begin at the General Hospital, proceed to Coleman House for a flag-raising ceremony, and conclude at the Castle Gardens with the planting of a white rose bush, symbolising hope for a brighter future.
Support Services Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Please contact the following organisations:
Royal St Helena Police Service: 22626
Domestic Abuse Service Lead: 25343
Equality and Human Rights Commission: 22133
Mental Health Team: 22593
Children’s Services: 23312
Let’s work together to create a safer and more compassionate community for everyone.
#StHelena #WhiteRibbonDay #ItStartsWithMen
SHG
13 November 2024
St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce that they have entered into a contract with MPAMOT Africa (PTY) Ltd from Cape Town, South Africa to develop wastewater solutions for Half Tree Hollow and Jamestown.
MPAMOT Africa is a multidisciplinary engineering and development consultancy with more than 27 years’ experience within the Infrastructure, Transportation, Energy and Advisory sectors. MPAMOT brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the project having been involved in a range of flagship projects (projects that contribute to the economy) within Africa.
The first stage of this Wastewater Management Upgrade Project is to undertake a detailed investigation of the current systems, evaluate what solutions are best suited to the unique conditions and landscape of St Helena and recommend the most viable and sustainable design options. As we progress with the design SHG remains committed to inclusive development and stakeholder engagement, and further information will be made available as the project progresses.
This project is part of the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) funded by the UK Government.
SHG is dedicated to improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices in St Helena.
SHG and MPAMOT Africa provides the opportunity for Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) to register their interest and provide comments.
Please register on the project database to confirm your interest to be informed of future opportunities to comment. Registrations (and, if desired, comments) can be submitted by completing the brief online form accessible at https://forms.office.com/r/Xg0nuK0Qbx. Alternatively, hard copy registration forms are available at Jamestown Public Library. Completed forms to be returned to a designated box at the library or emailed to engagement@mpamot.com.
#StHelena #EDIP #WastewaterManagement
A delegation comprising of Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Planning, Christine Scipio, and SHG UK representative, Kedell Worboys, MBE, will be representing St Helena at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
COP29, taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November 2024, is a vital platform for international collaboration on climate change solutions. As an Overseas Territory of the UK, St Helena will participate within the UK delegation from 16 to 21 November, ensuring a voice for the island on this critical issue.
The delegation will be actively engaged at COP29 by attending side events at various pavilions. These discussions will address topics directly impacting island nations like St Helena. Additionally, Minister Scipio will speak at an event titled “Response to Climate Change: The Special Case of Small Island UK Overseas Territories” within the UK pavilion and a discussion on “Islands, Ocean and the Climate: The role of Sub-National Island Jurisdictions” as part ofIsland Voices at @COP29. Minister Scipio will use this opportunity to connect with UK Ministers and senior officials.
Kedell Worboys plays a key role as Chair of the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) Environment Group. Mrs Worboys has been instrumental in co-ordinating the participation of all Overseas Territories at COP29, including securing a dedicated side event in the UK Pavilion. This event will take place on Wednesday 20 November at 12:15 GMT.
Many of the side events will be broadcast live on the COP29 YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/UnfcccInt/playlists. UK Pavilion events will be broadcast live through the UK Pavilion Events Programme, at https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/14338/uk-cop29-events-programme/.
Small island nations like St Helena are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Participating in COP29 will provide a platform for the Overseas Territories to amplify their voices, forge partnerships, and showcase their efforts in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Minister Scipio will also have a bilateral meeting with Mary Creagh CBE MP, Minister for Nature in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) whilst in the UK.
Minister Scipio departed St Helena on Sunday 10 November, and will return on Saturday 30 November. During this time, Minister Henry will cover any urgent matters for the Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio. Minister Scipio will remain contactable via email through christine.scipio@helanta.co.sh.
#StHelena #COP29 #UNFCCC
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In September 2024, 28 SHG and project / contract personnel embarked on an online Remote Pilot theory course with The UAV Academy.
The next phase in the course, delivered by The UAV Academy, involves practical training conducted on island which will complement their theoretical knowledge and aims to enhance the following skills involved in the use of drones: search and rescue, surveillance, surveying, mapping, inspection, monitoring, aerial photography and videography.
The public are advised that practical drone flight training will take place from Monday 11 November to Friday 22 November 2024. The exact location will depend on weather conditions, and the public are urged to exercise caution when flights are in progress.
Sectors represented include St Helena Fire and Rescue Services, Royal St Helena Police Service, Sea Rescue, Terrestrial Conservation, Technical Services, GIS, Marine Compliance and Enforcement, Tourism and Marketing, St Helena Research Institute, St Helena Airport, Trust Marine and the Cloud Forest Project.
By equipping staff with drone piloting skills, SHG aims to improve efficiency, safety, and decision-making in these critical areas.
#StHelena #DroneTraining #AltogetherSafer #Effective,EfficientandAccountablePublicSector
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St Helena Government’s Waste Management Services (WMS) has provided an update on the ongoing situation at the Green Waste Cell at Horse Point Landfill Site.
A fire broke out in the Green Waste Cell on Tuesday 5 November 2024. Since then, teams have been working diligently to contain the fire and minimise its impact. In co-ordination with the Fire Service, a strategy has been implemented to extinguish the remaining smouldering areas. This involves moving large quantities of earth within the cell to smother the fire.
The Landfill Manager Patrick Crowie, in close collaboration with the Fire Service, will continue to monitor the Green Waste Cell for any potential escalation. Should the situation change, necessary adjustments will be made in consultation with the Fire Service.
Environmental Risk Management has informed neighbouring businesses about the situation and assured them that the fire is being managed effectively.
WMS would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Fire Service for their swift response and continued support in implementing the firefighting strategy. A word of thanks are also extended to the Roads Section for their assistance in addressing this issue.
Due to the situation being active, updates will be provided as the situation progresses.
Photos
A view of part of the area affected
View from the Met Weather Station
Smouldering being monitored at the Green Waste Cell
#StHelena #WasteManagementServices #FireService #RoadsSection
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St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the arrival of two experienced education consultants from Hampshire Local Authority. These consultants will be on the island from Saturday 9 November to Saturday 23 November 2024, to provide invaluable support to the ongoing Education Review.
The primary focus of their visit will be to conduct a comprehensive Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Review. This review will assess the current provision for SEND learners and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, the consultants will deliver a series of continuing professional development sessions on phonics, inclusion, quality first teaching, and SEND.
This collaborative effort with Hampshire Local Authority builds upon the recent work undertaken by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). With the expertise of these education professionals, SHG aims to further enhance the quality of education on the island and move closer to achieving Council of British International Schools (COBIS) standards.
This initiative underscores SHG’s unwavering commitment to raising educational standards and providing the best possible learning opportunities for all students.
#StHelena #PrimaryEducationReview #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
Further to recent press statements regarding contingency arrangements on St Helena to support the welfare of any migrant who may arrive in the future in the British Indian Overseas Territories (BIOT), a team of officials from the FCDO and the Home Office will be arriving this Saturday 9 November 2024. The team will be on island for a week and their primary focus will be to work with our Immigration and Customs team to identify training needs and to develop relevant operating procedures, as was agreed in our MOU.
Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Jeffrey Ellick, commented:
“This visit is very much welcomed and I look forward to the team’s arrival this weekend. I take this opportunity to thank Lord David Hanson, the UK Minister of State for Home Affairs, and his team at the Home Office for their continuing assistance and support in respect of this particular element of the MOU.”
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
An Online Conference
The St Helena Research Institute (SHRI) and the University of Manchester are pleased to announce that a landmark free online conference, “St Helena: A Unique Environment, A Rich Tapestry,” will be taking place on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 November 2024.
This exciting two-day event brings together researchers and scientists from St Helena itself, those who have conducted research on or around the island remotely, and the wider diaspora of people interested in the island’s fascinating history and environment. This free event offers an exceptional opportunity to network, explore research impact, and discuss its application for St Helena’s sustainable development.
The conference will delve into four key themes with a series of short 15-minute presentations:
- Natural Sciences: Explore St Helena’s biodiversity
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Uncover the island’s colonial history, its role in the slave trade, and more recent society and culture
- Medical Science: Discuss the health of St Helena’s aging population, and other issues
- Cross-disciplinary Approaches for St Helena’s future
Registration is required to attend the online conference. To register please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-helena-a-unique-environment-a-rich-tapestry-2728-november-2024-tickets-1070428072179
This conference is supported by
Marcella Mittens, a recent graduate of Canterbury Christ Church University, has achieved First-Class Honours in her BSc Business Management and Tourism Studies degree. She was also recognised as the student with the highest overall mark in her class, and her outstanding academic performance on the Tourism, Events and Hospitality Course further solidified her position as a top student.
Marcella’s combined honours degree provided a deep understanding of both business and tourism, with a particular focus on island tourism. The programme was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing Marcella to explore industry recovery and resilience strategies, especially in the context of St Helena.
A highlight of the programme was a study trip to Malta, where Marcella gained valuable insights into island heritage, culture, and sustainable tourism practices.
The business modules of her degree aligned closely with the Chartered Institute of Management, covering essential topics such as management, leadership, project management, and economics. During her studies, Marcella was selected to represent Canterbury Christ Church University in Germany, where she studied at SHR Heidelberg University. This experience allowed her to develop innovative business designs and gain a global perspective in the business field.
For her dissertation, titled “Navigating Change: Local Insights on St Helena Tourism Development, Economic Transformations, and Governance Dynamics, with a Focus on the New Airport Development”, Marcella explored the impacts of the new airport on St Helena’s tourism and economy. Through interviews with residents and local businesses, Marcella gained valuable insights into the expectations, concerns, and governance processes surrounding tourism development on the island.
Marcella commented on her experience:
“Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my university experience. The diverse range of subjects I studied, from tourism to business management, provided me with a solid academic foundation and broadened my understanding of global issues, particularly within the context of island tourism and economic development.”
“Additionally, the experience of living and studying in a different country helped me develop valuable life skills, including independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication. These experiences not only enriched my academic journey but also prepared me for the complexities of a globalised world.”
Portfolio Director for Education, Skills and Employment, Marie Horton, commented:
“Congratulations to Marcella Mittens on achieving First-Class Honours in her BSc Business Management and Tourism Studies degree! Her dedication and perseverance, especially amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, are truly commendable. Marcella’s passion for island tourism and her insightful dissertation on St Helena’s tourism development demonstrate her potential to make a significant contribution to the field.”
Photo
#StHelena #Education #Graduates #FirstClassHonours
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SHG
25 October 2024
The Customs and Immigration Sections have recently undertaken a review of their processes with the initial focus placed on the passenger experience at the airport. As a result of this review, changes to the processes will be implemented gradually with the first two happening from Saturday 2 November 2024, concerning landing cards and passenger declarations.
With immediate effect, passengers will not be required to complete a landing card on entry to St Helena and a red (goods to declare) and green (nothing to declare) channel have been implemented within the Customs arrivals area. It is hoped that this decision improves the customer experience whilst maintaining the high levels of security for St Helena. Officers will continue to obtain the requisite security information via desk interviews where necessary. The arrivals area has been redesigned with a focus on instructional posters. This redesign creates a more streamlined and sanitised look. The tourism advertising will still be on display once passengers have passed through the secure area.
These new processes will be reviewed after an initial three-month period and members of the public will be updated with regard to any further developments.
#StHelena #Customs&Immigration #EffectiveEfficientAndAccountablePublicSector