February 2012
‘In the Know with the MOU’ Economic Development
This week is the third interview of a four part series ‘In the Know with the MOU’ which aims to inform our readers about the progress made on each of the ‘big’ reform areas under the MOU; Immigration, Land, Economic Development and Institutional Arrangements.
New Government Communication Chief arrives next week
Ian Jones, a highly experienced UK Government communications professional will be arriving on Saint Helena on 7th February to take up a new senior Government post of Chief Public Relations Officer.
News From St Helena Tourism
Explore St Helena
News from St Helena Tourism
"The Most Surprising place we've been..."
Joint Agency Disaster Management Live Exercise Jamestown - Friday 27th January 2012
On Friday 27th January 2012 staff from Police Directorate: including police, fire and sea rescue officers, joined together with staff from the Health and Social Welfare Directorate: including doctors, nurses, ambulance and other hospital workers, to take part in a Disaster Management Exercise.
The Land Development Control Plan explained
With the second round of consultation having already begun on the revised draft Land Development Control Plan (LDCP), it is vital for members of the Planning Team to receive as much feedback as possible from the public.
January 2012
‘In the Know with the MOU’ - Land
This week is the second interview of a four part series ‘In the Know with the MOU’ which aims to inform our readers about the progress made on each of the ‘big’ reform areas under the MOU; Immigration, Land, Economic Development and Institutional Arrangements.
ExCo Report - 24 January 2012
A fairly weighty agenda today kept us busy from 9.30am to about 1.20pm; the longest EXCO meeting I have chaired here since I arrived.
News from St Helena Tourism
Tourism Update
UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) - 2 important updates for Overseas Territories.
(1) Defra Publishes paper entitled: The Environment in the United Kingdom’s Overseas Territories: UK Government and Civil Society Support.
(2) Defra provides funding for Overseas Territories.
News from St Helena Tourism
Tourism Update
‘In the Know with the MOU’ - Immigration
This week begins a four part series ‘In the Know with the MOU’ which aims to inform our readers about the progress made on each of the ‘big’ reform areas under the MOU; Immigration, Land, Economic Development and Institutional Arrangements.
Pensions Consultation
The St Helena Government is planning to change the pensions arrangements for staff who joined the service before 1 April 2010.
Public Access to Meetings of the Land Planning and Development Control Board
From January 2012 members of the public now have the opportunity to attend and speak at meetings of the Land Planning and Development Control Board when development applications are being considered.
ExCo Report- 10 January 2012
The first meeting of EXCO in 2012 was held this morning.
News from St Helena Tourism
Tourism Update
Where are we with the MOU?
First and foremost a Happy New Year to all of our readers!
Just how vital are statistics?
A Draft National Strategy for the Development of Statistics on St Helena is now available for public comment.
Sustainable Development Plan & Economic Development Plan available for comment
First drafts of the Sustainable Development Plan 2012/13 - 2014/15 and the Economic Development Plan 2012/13 - 2021/22 are now available for public consultation.
Airbridge flights
The allocation of seats on the airbridge operated by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is kept under constant review.
New Environmental Management Directorate!
An Environmental Management Directorate (EMD) has been formed within the St Helena Government (SHG), to bring together and enhance all environmental functions.
Message from Sir Alan Haselhurst
The following message was received from the Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MP, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association International Executive Committee on 23 December 2011:
December 2011
Councillor Buckley Returns from Overseas Visit
Councillor Rodney Buckley is back on the Island, having attended a range of meetings in the UK to discuss everything from Education to Climate Change.
Speaker of the House to Attend Conference
The Speaker of the House, Cathy Hopkins MBE, will leave on the RMS St Helena to attend a conference in Trinadad and Tobago.
St Helena, with Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, is first UK Overseas Territory to get funding approved from the 10th European Development Fund
On Thursday 8th December, the Financing Agreement in respect of EDF 10 funding for St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha was officially signed in Brussels.
ExCo Report- 6th December 2011
EXCO met this morning to address several important items on the agenda.
November 2011
Wharf opened to the Public
The Directorate of Access & Shipping would like to inform everyone that today, Tuesday 29th November, the Wharf will be opened to the public
News from St Helena Tourism - Main Street Jamestown Enhanacement Support
As part of the Main Street Jamestown tourism development - and in conjunction with the St Helena Development Agency - St Helena Tourism is supporting a number of enhancements especially for private businesses, individuals and civil society organisations located in Main Street.
Air Access Update
We wish to clarify any misunderstandings on the position of the proposed wharf in Rupert’s Bay under the air access contract.
Work at Lemon Valley
St Helena Tourism would like to advise the public that work is underway to finalise the landing area at Lemon Valley ready for the installation of the new landing stage.
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for Deputy Chief of Police
In recognition of 18 years of dedicated service to the St Helena Police, Deputy Chief of Police, Jeffrey Ellick, was awarded with his Colonial Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 17th November 2011.
Basil Read Team - Progression with Airport Developments
The first representatives of Basil Read Ltd, Island Director, Deon De Jager, Project Human Resources Manager, Charles Schwarz, and Financial Manager, Vanessa Sturgiss were welcomed to the island on Saturday 19th November 2011.
ExCo Report - 22 November 2011
EXCO met this morning and I welcomed two new members - Hon Brian Isaac and Hon Derek Thomas - who were successful in the LEGCO election held on 7 November
Governor Capes speech to the students of Prince Andrew School
The following speech was made by Governor Capes to the students of Prince Andrew School on Wednesday 23rd November 2011.
Announcement: Parking at the rear of the Musuem
Work will commence on Friday, 18 November, on the car parking at the rear of the Museum, as part of the Main Street project of the Tourism Development Project.
New Lands Executive now on St Helena!
A new Lands Executive is now on St Helena.
News from St Helena Tourism - Progress on Tourism Projects
Recent weeks have seen strong progress on many of the tourism projects, particularly in respect of Lemon Valley and Main Street Jamestown.
Councillor Buckley to Attend Key Meetings in UK
Councillor Rodney Buckley will be in the UK shortly to attend key meetings on behalf of St Helena.
Airport Announcement and Reception at Plantation House
Thursday, 3rd November 2011, marked the beginning of another chapter in St Helena’s history - one that many Saints have been waiting for.
ExCo Report - 2nd November 2011
This morning I Chaired my first EXCO meeting on St Helena.
Public Notice: Consultation The Immigration Points Based System
The Points Based System is open for public consultation between 7th November and 21st November.
Questions and Answers on the Proposed Points Based System for Working Migrants
Airport to be built on St Helena!
United Nations fund another project in St Helena
The Directorate of Corporate Procurement received notification on Monday 31st October 2011 that the United Nations has approved funding to implement yet another project in St Helena.
Mark Capes sworn in as Governor of St Helena
Amidst clear skies, with the RMS St Helena in the harbour and the steady hum of people gathering to watch the Inauguration Ceremony in Jamestown, Mark Capes was sworn in as the Governor of St Helena on Saturday 29th October 2011
MOU Update - LDCP last week of consultation
We are entering the last week of the twelve week consultation period on revisions to the Land Development Control Plan (LDCP).
October 2011
Acting Governor hosts dinner for the St Helena League of Friends
In support of the St Helena League of Friends a formal dinner for 24 paying guests was held at Plantation House on Saturday 22nd October 2011.
MOU Update - Land Development Control Plan - FAQs
In this week’s update on the Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) we would like to focus on some of the Frequently Asked Questions coming out of the consultation so far.
Celebrating 100 Years of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association - A Double Celebration for St Helena
A historic occasion was celebrated on Monday with the birth of St Helena’s first ever Youth Parliament.
Formal Legislative Council Meeting to take place on 7 November 2011
Councillors will discuss a range of issues at their next formal meeting.
New Governor arriving on Saturday
Mark Capes, the new Governor for St Helena will arrive on Saturday 29th October, accompanied by his wife Tamara.
ExCo Report - 18th October 2011
This is my third, and probably my final, ExCo report; and I am sorry for delivering it a day late.
Here to be heard, represented, and supported! Prince Andrew School Student Council 2011
“A bright light for the future of St Helena’s democracy” were the words of Acting Governor, Ken Baddon as he spoke of the 2011 Student Council at a specially hosted lunch at Plantation House on Wednesday.
Stewardship of the Nation's Heritage: considering National Protected Areas
This week’s article regarding the Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) considers the network of National Protected Areas
Joint Press Release between St Helena Police Department, Bank of St Helena and St Helena Development Agency
That which glitters is not always gold!
Be aware of e-mail and internet scams!!
ExCo Report - 11th October 11
We had another a short but useful meeting, completing the business in a little under an hour and a half.
MOU Update - Land Development Control Plan (Boundaries)
In this week’s update on the Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) we would like to focus on one of the frequently asked questions during the consultation.
The CPA celebrates 100 years
To commemorate 100 years of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the St Helena Branch will be celebrating with a focus on the inaugural meeting of the St Helena Youth Parliament on Monday 24th October 2011.
What affects you and your family about how land is used on the Island?
The way land is used on St Helena affects everyone and with the draft Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) currently out for public consultation, it is important that as many views, from as many people as possible are voiced and heard.
Lands Executive Appointed
SHG is pleased to announce that Tony Earnshaw has been appointed to the post of Lands Executive to drive forward and oversee the land reforms
Proposed components of the Phase 2 Wharf Development Programme
The summary below is drawn from the description of the components contained within the Development Application and Environmental Impact Assessment Report.
SHG Consults with Staff on Pensions
The St Helena Government is consulting with its staff on pension reform.
MOU Update - 'Big Thinking' for St Helena's Future
The second part in a visioning exercise for St Helena’s future took place on Friday 30th September.
Outline Description of Proposed Phase 2 Wharf Development Works
As there has been considerable previous publicity and consultation regarding the proposed Phase 2 Wharf works, the outline description given here will not be new to many readers but is designed to refresh memories and provide some additional information.
September 2011
MOU Update - Land Development Control Plan (Social Infrastructure)
The draft revised Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) is now available for comment and public consultation. This week we focus on Social Infrastructure.
Outcome of MOU Assessment
Leaving the island on Friday 23rd September 2011 were Tom Kelly Head of DfID’s Overseas Territories Department and Eric Arnold, a Private Sector Consultant.
ExCo Report - 27th September 2011
Welcome to my first ExCo Report - which deals with a short but productive meeting.
Head of new Environmental Management Department
As part of the MOU reforms, the St Helena Government is rationalising and strengthening its institutional arrangements for environmental management
Foreign Office invites Public Views on Overseas Territories Strategy
The Foreign Office has launched a public consultation on a new strategy for the Overseas Territories.
Ken Baddon sworn in as Acting Governor
The Attorney General, Ken Baddon was officially sworn in as the Acting Governor of St Helena on Saturday 24th September at 10.30 am.
Governor Gurr’s four years on St Helena
Governor Andrew Gurr left the island on Friday 23rd September on completion of his term of office.
Governor's Farewell
Being your Governor for the past four years has been not only an honour, but it has also been a pleasure.
MOU Assessment making progress
Currently on the Island are Tom Kelly, Head of the DFID Overseas Territories Department and Eric Arnold, a Private Sector Development Consultant. Eddie Palmer, DFID Representative on St. Helena, is supporting the DFID team.
Public consultation period regarding Phase 2 Wharf Development proposal now underway
The public consultation period regarding the Phase 2 Wharf Development proposal is now underway.
MOU Update - Land Development Control Plan (Infrastructure)
The draft revised Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) is now available for comment and public consultation.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Responds to the Petition
ExCo Report - 20th September 2011
This is my 83rd EXCO report and I think that anyone who has heard all 83 probably deserves an award.
Another key milestone relating to the proposed breakwater and associated Phase 2 wharf works reached and more related activities!
An Application for Development Permission for the proposed construction of a breakwater and associated slip-way, short jetty, quays and supporting works at Jamestown Wharf has been submitted.
Public Announcement - Salavaged items from Sunken Yacht "QueeQueg"
Members of the public are reminded that persons who have removed and/or taken possession of any items that were recovered from the sunken yacht “QueeQueg”, must notify the Harbour Master in accordance with Section 10 of the Harbours Ordinance, Cap 47. Items taken without the permission of the owner must also be returned to the Harbour Master.
ExCo Report - 13th September 2011
This was a full-blooded EXCO with good debate and a wide range of issues. The agenda revealed 14 items, which is well above average.
MOU Update - Land Development Control Plan
The draft revised Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) is now available for comment and public consultation.
Governor Gurr’s Departure
His Excellency, Governor Gurr will depart the Island on Friday 23rd September 2011 on completion of his term of office
New Chief Secretary arrives next week
Arriving on Thursday 15th September will be the new Chief Secretary, Owen O’Sullivan accompanied by his wife and young family.
Development Project Facilitator achieves Accounting Level 3 Diploma
In January of this year, Mrs Zoe George started studying Accounting Level 3 via distance learning with Stonebridge College.
MOU Update - Land Development Control Plan
The draft revised Land Development Control Plan (LDCP) is now available for comment and public consultation.
DfID MOU Assessment Team visiting next week
Arriving on Thursday 15th September will be Tom Kelly, Head of the DfID Overseas Territories Department and Eric Arnold, a Private Sector Development Consultant.
Public Safety - Navigational Lights
Further to the Public Safety Announcement aired throughout this week regarding the Navigational Lights at Butter Milk Point, the Directorate of Access & Shipping along with the Fire & Rescue Service made the necessary adjustments to the lantern yesterday evening.
Councillor Thomas returns from CPA Conference
Having attended the 57th Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference 2011 in London, Councillor Derek Thomas recently returned to the Island
August 2011
ExCo Report - 30th August 2011
This EXCO was not one of our longer meetings as most of the issues were routine.
Works are planned to trim back the bourgainvillea tree adjacent to the main entrance to the Castle.
Over the past few years the bourgainvillea tree adjacent to the main entrance to the Castle has grown considerably and this is now causing a problem to the structure and fabric of the Castle as well as harbouring pests
Public Safety - Navigational Lights
The Directorate of Access & Shipping would like to inform the public that the navigational light at Butter Milk Point has been replaced by a modern solar powered lantern.
Appointment of Acting Governor
Governor Gurr today announced that the Attorney General, Ken Baddon, will be Acting Governor during the coming interregnum following his departure on 23rd September and prior to the arrival of Mark Capes on 29th October.
Special meeting of Legislative Council
A formal meeting of Legislative Council will take place on Friday 2nd September at 10am, at the Court House in Jamestown, and will be broadcast live via Radio St Helena.
Reform of School Allowances
In April 2011 SHG committed to a strategy for reforming untargeted subsidies across the public service
Implementation of policies on siting of containers, siting of polytunnels and the colour of roofing materials
Following public consultation in May, the Land Planning and Development Control Board have now implemented the three new planning policies on: • the siting of containers • the siting of polytunnels • the colour of roofing materials
ExCo Report - 9th August 2011
This session of Executive Council turned out to be a long one as we had two very important matters on our agenda - a video conference with the UK concerning the airport, and a discussion regarding untargeted subsidies.
St Helena Tourism again welcomes Janet Shankland
St Helena Tourism will again be welcoming to the island its Sales and Marketing Executive, Janet Shankland, when the RMS arrives this week.
Medical Officer for Health and Social Welfare Directorate
Dr Solomon Lebese has recently been appointed as Medical Officer - Anaesthetics to work within the Health & Social Welfare Directorate on a two year contract.
Visiting Gynaecologist for Health and Social Welfare Directorate
Currently working in the Health & Social Welfare Directorate is Dr Mary Packer.