21 August 2014 | Comments
The Quarterly Statistical News Bulletin, published in August 2014, covers the period April to June 2014 and contains updates for the annual rate of inflation of the Retail Price Index, Income and Imports, Estimated Population, Migration and Vehicles on St Helena.
Annual inflation of the St Helena Retail Price Index (RPI) stood at 1.9 per cent in Quarter 2 2014 – up by approximately 1 per cent from the previous quarter. The major upwards pressure on annual inflation of the RPI was a result in the increased price of purchasing and importing a vehicle to St Helena. Other notable price increases included electricity tariffs, local fish and fizzy drinks – a result of the soda tax introduced in May 2014. The decrease in the cost of broadband internet services and the pump price of petrol compared to the same period last year continue to act as downwards pressures on the rate of annual inflation.
In the second quarter of 2014, the number of people on St Helena averaged 4,500 and the average St Helenian population stood a little over 4,000. This is an expected seasonal decline and both the resident population and the resident St Helenianpopulation both continue to grow in comparison to the same period in any year since the 2008 population Census.
In the second quarter of 2014, there were 40 fewer passenger arrivals than the same period in 2013, a reduction of 5.1 per cent. An increase in the number of business and transit visitors partially offset reductions in the number of excursion visitors (the traditional St Helenian “tourist” base) and Saints retiring from overseas employment or visiting family and friends. In the second quarter of 2014, there were 120 additional passenger departures from St Helena compared to the same period in 2013. The increase in passenger departures is a result of a more mobile St Helenian population with an increase in the number of Saints travelling overseas for both recreational and medical purposes.
Statistician, Dr Paula McLeod said:
“The data we are collecting continue to show a growing St Helenian population and economy. The consistent, steady growth in both of these indicators is positive – we are seeing gradual and persistent changes, rather than erratic variation.”
The Statistical News Bulletin, along with other statistical reports, is available for download from the SHG website www.sainthelena.gov.sh/statistics
If you have requested a copy of the Quarterly Statistical News Bulletin via email and have not yet received it, please contact the office on 22138 or by emailing statistics@sainthelena.gov.sh
SHG
19 August 2014
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