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Minister Mark Brooks will depart the island on Saturday 22 February 2025 for a period of overseas leave in Cape Town, South Africa.

During the two-week period that Minister Brooks is away, he will also utilise this opportunity to undertake meetings in relation to his ministerial work. The Minister is scheduled to return to the island on Saturday 8 March but will remain contactable during the period he is away via mark.brooks@sainthelena.gov.sh or Mbrooks.homeimprovement@gmail.com.

The Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, can be contacted for any urgent issues in relation to the Treasury and Economic Development Portfolio in Minister Brooks’ absence.  She can be contacted by email at Julie.Thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh.

All expenses for this trip is being covered by Minister Brooks.

A Press Statement on 17 October 2024 highlighted that SHG and the UK Government (UKG) had approved an arrangement in regards to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)/Chagos Archipelago.

On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, Jeffrey Ellick, Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), and The Rt. Hon Lord David Hanson, Minister of State for the Home Office, signed a Watch List MoU.

This is a major step forward in addressing a key BIOT component between St Helena and UKG, ensuring St Helena can safeguard our borders.

The MoU ensures individuals intending to travel to St Helena can be checked against UK watch list information. This means that St Helena’s Customs and Immigration Department can share passenger data (either from flights or cruise ships) with the UK for watch listing, prior to those passengers arriving in St Helena. This is the first time St Helena has been able to draw upon UK watch list checks.

By sharing data, the island can improve border security, and allow SHG Customs and Immigration to make informed decisions on permitting entry into St Helena.

The Minister for SSHA, Jeffrey Ellick stated:

“Well done and thank you to the UK Government, Lord Hanson and his office (Home Office)  for facilitating the agreement along with my team here on island.

This significant agreement demonstrates a clear and visible development of the work that is ongoing to build and strengthen the relationship between the UK, and St Helena Governments, which has resulted in St Helena achieving a high level of Border Security for our island now and into the foreseeable future”.

#StHelena #MoU #UKWatchList

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This week, 10 to 16 February, marks Apprenticeship Week, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of apprenticeships to both individuals and the community. Career Access St Helena (CAS) is proud to highlight the numerous benefits of apprenticeship programmes and encourage individuals to explore this exciting pathway to career success.

The value of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship training programmes are designed to equip individuals with the specific skills employers demand. This translates to better long-term salary prospects and career progression opportunities, whether an apprentice chooses to pursue further education or advance within their workplace.

Eligibility for an Apprenticeship

To embark on an apprenticeship journey, individuals must be:

Benefits of Apprenticeship programmes?

Apprenticeship programmes provide numerous benefits, including the opportunity to cultivate a skilled local workforce through a combination of practical work experience, structured training, and academic study.  These programmes also offer improved career development and progression opportunities for individuals, while simultaneously raising the profile of participating organisations and employers.  Additionally, apprenticeships empower the island workforce to adapt and respond effectively to the community’s evolving needs.  Participants gain nationally recognised qualifications, develop valuable new skills and knowledge, and acquire essential work-based experience to support their future career aspirations.

Apprenticeships for Prince Andrew School (PAS) students

For PAS students interested in apprenticeships, CAS provides guidance through a series of consultations.  These consultations lead to final confirmations in August, with the apprenticeship programme beginning with an Induction Day in September.

Apprenticeships for Individuals outside of PAS

Individuals outside of PAS who are interested in apprenticeships should first register their area of interest with CAS.  CAS will then explore potential apprenticeship opportunities with relevant stakeholders.  Available positions are advertised, and interested individuals are invited to participate in interviews and consultations.  Conditional admission offers are made, followed by confirmation of the apprenticeship and work placement.  Finally, an Induction Day will mark the beginning of the apprenticeship programme.

Support and guidance from CAS

CAS, in collaboration with stakeholders, provides comprehensive careers information, advice, and guidance to help individuals determine their progression pathway through the Apprenticeship Programme.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact CAS by telephone on 25832, via email through Sherrilee.Phillips@sainthelena.gov.sh or glen.yon@sainthelena.gov.sh, or by visiting their offices in person at New Porteous House, Jamestown.

#StHelena #ApprenticeshipWeek #CareerAccessStHelena

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In light of the Equiano internet cable project enabling faster and less restricted internet access, St. Helena Government (SHG) launched a Cyber Security Awareness and Training Campaign in February 2023.

Led by Cyber Security Awareness and Training Officer, Gareth Drabble, this campaign included the distribution of educational posters, radio jingles and videos. In-person presentations and workshops were also completed with a number of SHG staff as well as the general public, in community centres and schools around the Island.

The goal of this campaign is to raise St. Helena’s overall awareness of common cyber security threats and provide the knowledge and training necessary to safeguard against these threats.

SHG would now like to determine, after two years of running this campaign, if the goal of increasing cyber security awareness is being achieved or not.

To enable this to happen members of the public are kindly asked to complete a Cyber Security Awareness Campaign Follow-Up Survey questionnaire. As many people as possible are encouraged to participate in this survey to drive a more accurate understanding of public levels of cyber awareness.

The survey can be completed digitally by clicking the link or scanning the QR code below.

Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/shgcyber             

QR Code:

The QR code is also available to scan at:

Alternatively hard copies can be obtained from the Post and Customer Service Centre in Jamestown, or by contacting Gareth directly on telephone number 22816 or via email: gareth.drabble@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Completed questionnaires can be returned to the Post and Customer Service Centre or the reception desk at the Castle. The public are encouraged to complete and return the questionnaire as soon as possible but by no later than Monday, 31 March 2025.

The public are thanked in advance for their participation and engagement in this important project.

SHG

14 February 2025

Following discussions with Chief Minister Julie Thomas, HE Governor Nigel Phillips CBE has agreed, at the Chief Minister’s request, that the St Helena Legislative Council be dissolved on Monday 30 June, with a General Election scheduled to take place on Wednesday 03 September 2025.

Section 76 (b) of The St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order, 2009, as  amended in 2021, requires the Governor to dissolve Council “at the expiration of four years from the date when Council first meets after any dissolution, unless it has been sooner dissolved.” 25 October this year will denote four years since the Inaugural Meeting of the current St Helena Legislative Council took place following the October 2021 General Election; this means that 25 October 2025 is the last day that Council may be dissolved to enable a General Election to go ahead.

Publicity regarding the General Election and information about how the ministerial system of Government operates will follow in the weeks leading up to the dissolution of Council.

In the meantime, it is important to remember that if you wish to participate in this year’s General Election, either by sponsoring a candidate, nominating a candidate, casting a vote or standing for election, your name must be included in the Register of Electors (Register).

Amendments can be made to the Register, effective from 1 July 2024, at any time. However, the cut-off date by which to make any amendments prior to the publication of the 2025 Register will be mid-May. There will be no further opportunities beyond this date to have names included in the Register before the General Election takes place.

If you wish to add your name to the Register, you can do so between now and mid-May by completing the necessary Form A.   

Eligible persons who are ordinarily resident on St Helena but absent in connection with employment, education or training (for themselves/their spouse/their life partner) or for the purposes of medical treatment (for themselves/their spouse/ their life partner/a dependant) and have not been absent from St Helena for a continuous period of 30 months or for periods exceeding in aggregate 625 days in the preceding months may also apply to have their name included in the Register by completing Form B.

Both Forms A and B are accessible on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/public-information/elections/ and can also be obtained from the Public Library, the Castle Reception or the Customer Services Centre.

Further information on how to complete these forms can be obtained from the Registration Officer, Carol Henry, and Assistant Registration Officers, Anita Legg, Connie Johnson and Gillian Francis at the Castle, Jamestown.

#StHelena #GeneralElections #MinisterialGovernment

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The St Helena Government (SHG) and the Bank of Saint Helena (BOSH) would like to remind residents, businesses, and other users of banking services that they are still seeking feedback on the use of banking services on St Helena. This is part of an important initiative to modernise the island’s financial services, as outlined in the St Helena Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023-33.

As part of this ongoing work, SHG is developing a banking policy and action plan that will guide improvements in banking services, benefiting both the community and businesses on the island. Your feedback will play a crucial role in identifying the areas that require investment to better meet the needs of everyone on St Helena.

The survey remains open until tomorrow, 18:00, Friday 07 February 2025, and it is encouraged that all those who use banking services participate. Responses will help SHG and BOSH understand the full scope of banking activity on the island, ensuring that future improvements are targeted effectively.

How to Participate:

Online: The survey is available online at https://www.sainthelenabank.com/survey

In Person: If you do not have internet access, you can complete the survey at the Bank of Saint Helena (BOSH) branch on Market Street, Jamestown or at the Ascension branch, Administration Building, Georgetown.

SHG and BOSH are also working with independent professional advisors who will be visiting St Helena from 18 February to 25 February 2025.

If you are interested in speaking to the team in person, register your interest by contacting Alexandria Thomas, Economic Development Portfolio Assistant, via email: alexandria.thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh.

All feedback will be kept strictly confidential.

#StHelena #BankofStHelena #BankSurvey

SHG

06 February 2025

The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio (ESE) today announced it will be changing the name of the island’s only secondary school. This decision follows approval from the Portfolio Advisory Board, the Chief Minister, and Buckingham Palace. The school, currently named Prince Andrew School (PAS), believes this change is a crucial step in ensuring its name embodies the values, aspirations, and identity of its students and the wider community.

The decision to rename the school stems from several factors, including recent public controversy and negative media coverage. The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations. This renaming also provides an opportunity to select a name that aligns with the school’s shared principles and aspirations for students and St Helena.

Head Teacher, Phil Toal, commented:

“While we respect history, we must also be mindful of how past associations impact the present and future. Choosing a new name allows us to honour the contributions of our students and community without the burden of controversial ties.”

The new name will be selected through a student-led process. All students will have the opportunity to submit name suggestions to the Student Council. The Student Council, with support from the School Leadership Team, will shortlist the options. Shortlisted names will be reviewed by the Portfolio Advisory Board before a school-wide student vote. The winning name will be submitted to the Portfolio Advisory Board for final approval.

The name selection process is expected to be completed within Term 2A (16 January to 28 February 2025), with the official launch of the new name planned for the start of the next academic year in September 2025.

In addition to the name change, the Student Council is also reviewing the school uniform. The new uniform will be phased in gradually, beginning with Year 7, over approximately five years. This phased approach will minimise the financial burden on parents and allow for the use of existing uniform stocks. Further details about the uniform will be shared as the Student Council’s review progresses.

The school encourages parents and community members to contact them with any questions or concerns. For further enquiries or to provide feedback, please contact Head Teacher, Phil Toal by telephone on 24290 or via email through phil.toal@sainthelena.edu.sh.

#StHelena #Education #SchoolNameChange

SHG
06 February 2025

Following an extensive period of public consultation, on Tuesday 21 January 2025, Executive Council approved the Property Purchase and Disposal Policy 2024 (PDPP). The Property Service, part of St Helena Government’s (SHG) Economic Development Portfolio, is now using the policy to govern all property sales, lettings, and acquisitions. 

This policy replaces the Land and Buildings Disposal Policy 2016, and sets the principles and processes by which SHG disposes and acquires property on behalf of the Crown, aligning with the Government’s Vision and Strategy and the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023-2033 (SEDS). Delivery of the PDPP is a key action contained in the SEDS delivery plan.

The policy provides:

On the approval of the policy, Minister for Treasury and Economic Development, Mark Brooks, says:

“Implementing the Property Disposal and Purchase Policy is a significant step in achieving the Ministerial Vision. This policy complements other policy areas, such as Immigration and the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy, which are designed to encourage population growth and increased revenues for our island. It is designed to improve the business enabling environment.

The Property Disposal and Purchase Policy 2024 ensures the best and most efficient use of Crown property by promoting sustainable estate management practices, clear, accountable, and transparent disposal processes, and targeted incentives for first-time buyers and businesses whose commercial activities meet the objectives of the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy .  These measures are essential for supporting development and economic growth, and addressing some of our key challenges.

Most importantly for me, through the consultation process, I have listened to the people of St Helena who have told me that it is too much of a challenge for young people to build their first homes. This policy takes active and radical steps to address this problem.

I wish to thank my team for their work and commitment in bringing this policy to implementation. I would also like to thank stakeholders and members of the public who contributed during the consultation process. Your feedback has been valuable in shaping this policy.”

The Property Purchase and Disposal Policy 2024 and the Property Disposal Register are available on the St Helena Government website, and can be viewed online at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/portfolios/economic-development-portfolio/property/.

The Property Disposal Plan will be shared shortly.

For further information on the policy, please contact Head of Property, Nikita Crowie, at Essex House Jamestown by telephone on +290 22270, or via email through Nikita.Crowie@sainthelena.gov.sh.

#StHelena #PropertyPurchase&DisposalPolicy2024 #PropertyDisposalRegister

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Thursday, 06 February 2025

Two development applications have been referred to Executive Council sitting as the Planning Authority. The Development Application is being referred to Governor-in-Council in accordance with Section 23(2)(b) of the Land Planning and Development Control Ordinance 2013.

An open session meeting will take place on Thursday 06 February 2025 commencing at 11:00 where Executive Council will consider the following applications:

Documentation for this meeting is available on the Executive Council page of the St Helena Government website via: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/executive-council/.     

Members of the public who would like to view hard copies of the documents should contact the Secretary to Executive Council, Natasha Bargo, at the Castle by telephone on 22470 or via email through natasha.bargo@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Executive Council sitting as the Planning Authority comprises of Governor Nigel Phillips as Chair, Chief Minister Julie Thomas and Ministers Christine Scipio, Martin Henry, Mark Brooks and Jeffrey Ellick. The Acting Attorney General is a non-voting member of Executive Council.

#StHelena #ExecutiveCouncil #PlanningProposals

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The St Helena Government (SHG) has entered into a contract with Jeremy Benn Associates Ltd (JBA) to develop a Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) for St Helena. This plan is essential for managing the island’s water resources for the future and improving St Helena’s resilience against climate change.

The project is part of the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) funded by the UK Government.

JBA consultants will visit St Helena for a week from 1 March 2025 to collect data and assess water resource needs, and will apply tailored methodologies to address the island’s unique challenges which will inform the WRMP. Their approach integrates data analysis, water resource modelling, planning and extensive stakeholder engagement to create a practical, actionable plan for St Helena.

In 2020, SHG approved the Water Resources Strategy 2020-2050, which aims to ensure sufficient, safe, and affordable water for the Island’s population. The WRMP is a key part of this strategy, and is significant for the island as it will help balance water supply and demand, supporting health, economic activity, food security, and environmental sustainability. It is a vital tool in achieving the goals outlined in the Water Resources Strategy.

The WRMP will be completed over 12 months, with data collection and analysis taking place in 2025. The final plan is expected by the end of 2025.

Following the initial visit in March 2025, further consultations will occur. The WRMP will be shared with the public for feedback as the project progresses.

For more information, please contact Portfolio Director, Darren Duncan on email: darren.duncan@sainthelena.gov.sh or telephone no. 24724.

Editor’s Notes
JBA Consulting, part of the JBA Group family of environmental, engineering and risk management companies, is a consultancy specialising in flood and water resource management, hydrology, and environmental planning which delivers innovative solutions to support sustainable water management and community resilience. Their portfolio spans projects worldwide, including water resource studies for the Falkland Islands and the Isle of Man, recognising the unique aspects of St Helena’s context.

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#StHelena #WaterResourcesManagementPlan

SHG
28 January 2025