9 May 2018
The monthly meeting of the Economic Development Committee was held on Thursday, 3 May 2018, and the following is a summary of the main items discussed:
Enterprise St Helena (ESH) delivered a report for the month of March. The ESH Board approved in principle the exploration of the potential for a ‘category management’ expert from a reputable/ideal entity to facilitate up-skilling in the retail sector to assist improvements in procurement, receipt and adequate storage, rotation and distribution of stock items, with consideration of the new shipment climate. ESH facilitated the launch of the 2018 Agriculture Programme with the intent of creating awareness and generating interest and support to the industry under the theme of ‘Supply Local, Buy Local’. This programme is facilitated in partnership with the Agriculture & Natural Resources Division (ANRD) and industry stakeholders, with the Working Group meeting taking place in early April and the official launch event on Saturday, 28 April 2018.
At the end of March, 50 people signed up for stargazing training. Following the publicity of this product development, interest in providing tours was received from Stephen O’Meara and his wife who carries out stargazing tour packages. Stephen O’Meara is a well renowned Astronomer who writes for the Astronomy Magazine and is a descendant of Napoleon’s Doctor, Dr O’ Meara.
St Helena also exhibited at the ITB Berlin 2018 (the World’s leading Travel Trade Show) and during the show met with 43 different tour operators, marketers and advertising companies interested in selling St Helena tour packages including fly/cruise packages.
The Committee paid special tribute to Peter Bright, former Director of Commercial Development & Enterprise, who was attending his last meeting and had completed his contract with Enterprise St Helena. Members thanked Peter for his contributions over the last two years and wished him well for the future.
The Committee endorsed a paper from Corporate Finance for a review and proposed amendments to the Customs Ordinance. The amendments are related to changes in terminology and processes (and not fees/duties). A Grants & Subsidies Policy was also agreed and will be taken forward for discussion with all Elected Members and then to Executive Council for approval. The Policy shall guide the process for awarding SHG grants and subsidies to third parties on St Helena.
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SHG
9 May 2018