Due to the recent hot weather, the Roads Team has been treating the effects of overheated roads around the Island. The bitumen in the roads will start to melt when the road temperature reaches over 50 degrees Centigrade.

The Roads Team will apply dust to heat affected roads and warning signs will be placed on the affected sections.

Please drive carefully when travelling on the treated roads, as you may potentially experience skidding on the treated surface, especially when travelling around bends.

Enquiries about this work can be made to telephone number 23640 during normal working hours.

Thank you for your cooperation.

SHG

28 January 2015

It was announced yesterday that HM Customs would be closed on Friday 30 January 2015 between 8.30am and 11.30am for cargo and baggage collection.

HM Customs would now like to advise the public and merchants that due to a change in circumstances, the service will not be closed and instead baggage and cargo may be collected as normal.

HM Customs apologises for any confusion.

No baggage or cargo will be issued on Saturday 31 January 2015 due to dealing with baggage from embarking passengers and passenger embarkation itself. Business will then resume as normal on Monday 2 February 2015.

SHG

28 January 2015

The public will be aware that outpatient clinics in the outlying districts have been temporarily out of operation due to staff shortages at the Hospital, and in the immediate term these clinics will remain closed.

Taking into account the problems these closures have created for some patients – those having to travel to Jamestown to see the doctor – from Tuesday 3 February 2015, the Hospital will be offering a free bus service to people who have an appointment in Jamestown on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. These patients will be transported to the Jamestown outpatient department.

Bus times for patients in the country are as follows:

Levelwood – Tuesdays

A bus will collect persons in Levelwood, leaving at 9am from the Flag and then stopping at Silver Hill Shop, Levelwood School, Woody Ridge, Alarm Hill, and Wells, going on to Jamestown by 10am.

Longwood – Tuesdays

A bus will leave Longwood Green at 10.30am, stopping at Longwood Gate, Longwood Clinic, Hutts Gate, the Alarm Forest Police Post, going on to Jamestown by 11am.

The bus will leave Jamestown at 11am to take Levelwood patients back to their area, before returning to the Hospital to collect Longwood patients.

Sandy Bay, St Paul’s and Half Tree Hollow (HTH) – Thursdays

For patients who attend the HTH Clinic, a bus will leave Sandy Bay Chapel at 9am, stopping at Bamboo Hedge, Milestone, Sandy Bay Community Centre, White Gate, Rosemary Plain, Cleughs Plain, and New Ground – going on to Jamestown by 10am.

The bus will then return to Red Hill, departing at 10.30am and stopping at Half Way, White Wall, HTH Clinic and HTH Community Centre on the way into Jamestown.  It will then return patients to Sandy Bay and St Paul’s, before returning the HTH patients.

This arrangement will continue until the outlying clinics resume normal operation.

The public is thanked in advance for their continued understanding and cooperation.

SHG

27 January 2015

HM Customs advises the public and merchants that cargo and baggage will not be available for collection at the Wharf between 8.30am and 11.30am on Friday 30 January 2015 (because of a meeting).

Cargo and baggage collection will resume at 11.30am (to 5.30pm) on the same day.

No baggage or cargo will be issued on Saturday 31 January 2015 due to dealing with baggage from embarking passengers and passenger embarkation itself. Business will resume as normal on Monday 2 February 2015.

HM Customs would like to thank the public and merchants in advance for their cooperation.

SHG

27 January 2015

An awards ceremony was held at the Jamestown Community Centre on Tuesday, 20 January 2015, organised by Lifelong Learning Services (previously AVES). Attending the ceremony was Director of Education & Employment, Colin Moore, the Education and Employment Committee, awardees and invited guests.

The ceremony awarded certificates to recipients who have completed Functional Skill Maths, English Entry Levels (1-3 and 1 & 2), GCSE Maths, GCSE English Language and Literature, GCSE Statistics, GCSE Accounting and GCE Advanced Level English.

In his speech on the day, Colin Moore commented on the accomplishment of all recipients:

“On behalf of the Directorate I would like to thank you all for your hard work and congratulate you on your deserved success in achieving your certificates. Adult learners are just as important as pupils and students in school and all of you are a real credit to the Island for the way in which you are self-improving.

“As Director of Education, I would now like to set each and every one of you the challenge of coming back next year to gain further qualifications and show the wider community the talent, energy and continued commitment to lifelong learning that you have so confidently demonstrated today. Well done to everyone!”

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the awarding of certificates to clients from SHAPE for completing Entry Levels in Functional Maths.

Deputy Director of Lifelong Learning Services, Kerry Yon, concluded:

“What a positive occasion and a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of so many certificate recipients. Congratulations to all learners.”

SHG

27 January 2015

Recently arriving on-Island on 16 January 2015, was Marc Lockley (photo attached) to take up the temporary position of St Helena Government Procurement Advisor, while the substantive post holder, David Woosey, is off-Island working on air and shipping tenders. Marc is contracted for nine months to provide support to SHG procurement projects.

Marc will work closely with Corporate Finance and other SHG Directorates, supporting SHG on key projects, such as the General Hospital, Prison, Fire Station and Roads projects – ensuring compliance with regulations and that tender routes deliver value for money.

Marc will be joined by his family in February. He commented:

“I hope to put my procurement skills and knowledge to the benefit of the Island, as well as taking part in all the activities St Helena has to offer. I am enjoying my time here and everyone has been very welcoming.”

Previously Marc has worked in the construction, finance and healthcare sectors in both public and private sector procurement roles.

SHG

27 January 2015

Councillor Lawson Henry departs the Island on Friday, 6 February 2015, to attend a series of trilateral meetings, the Ministerial Conference and the 13^th OCT-EU Forum (Overseas Countries and Territories – European Union) in the British Virgin Islands from 25-27 February 2015. Councillor Henry will be accompanied by SHG UK Representative, Kedell Worboys MBE, and Tristan UK Representative, Chris Carnegy.

Agendas for the meetings are still being finalised but there will be discussions around regional cooperation and the 11^th European Development Fund.

This will be the second time Councillor Henry has attended these meetings, having previously taken part in 2013.

Councillor Henry said:

“I was elected by Executive Council to attend this Forum as (having previously attended) we recognise that continuity is important. As always I am honoured to be part of the delegation to represent St Helena.

“The EU is important for us on St Helena and we are fortunate over the years to have received significant EU funding. On this visit we will update the Commissioner on what we are doing with the current EU funding and what our plans are for the next round in 2016. 

“I am looking forward to taking part in the discussions and ensuring that St Helena’s voice is heard.”

Councillor Henry will return to the Island on Wednesday 11 March 2015.

SHG

27 January 2015

As part of the ongoing road maintenance programme, the road from Hutts Gate to Longwood Gate will be resurfaced, beginning on Monday 9 February 2015.

To minimise disruption, the road will remain open to traffic during the works – but some delays may be unavoidable. There will also be a temporary speed limit in place.

Work will be carried out from 9am to 3.30pm daily.

Traffic control measures will be in place to ensure both the public’s safety and the safety of the roads workforce. Users are kindly asked to adhere to the instructions given and to plan extra time for journeys if intending to travel on the road during the road works.

Some preparation works will be carried out before actual surfacing works commence.

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

Any enquiries about this work can be made to telephone number 23640 during normal working hours.

SHG

26 January 2015

Persons wishing to take part in the Bye-election and whose names are not yet on the Register of Electors, should make an application to the Registration Officer on the prescribed form by no later than NOON on Monday 26 January 2015.

Forms can be obtained from the Registration and Assistant Registration Officers at the Castle (tel. 22470) or from the Post and Customer Services Centre. The forms can also be downloaded from the SHG website at http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/

Remember – you can only apply to be registered if you are 18 years of age and have St Helenian status (or are the spouse or life partner of someone with such status). You will also need to be ordinarily resident on St Helena.

The Writ of Election will now be issued during the week beginning 2 February 2015.

SHG

22 January 2015

In celebration of Prince Andrew School’s 25^th Anniversary, a much anticipated Fashion Show took place at the School on Thursday, 18 December 2014.

The show featured 37 Prince Andrew School students modelling styles from the 1980s right up to the present day. Student models included boys and girls across the age range of 11-18 years.

The programme for the evening involved ten scenes and started with a parade of the School uniform, followed by a cheerleading presentation by the four Houses at Prince Andrew School.

The audience were then treated to 2014 fashion highlights, followed by an exciting array of stars from the 1980s up to the present day. Other scenes included a Gothic theme, a stunning Evening Wear parade, a Neon theme with fluorescent clothes and accessories, all culminating with a Silver Final to celebrate Prince Andrew School’s 25^th Anniversary.

The music accompanying the various scenes kept the audience of 350 tapping their feet and clapping throughout. Headteacher, Mr Paul Starkie, echoed an appreciative audience by congratulating the students on a wonderfully entertaining evening.

Paul also thanked the many staff, students and members of the wider community who helped with the organisation of the event. He paid special tribute to the organising team, including Barbara Osborne, Carine Young, Annalene Young and Abby Kirk for all their hard work in helping students prepare for the show.

SHG

21 January 2015