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St Helena Police are currently investigating a burglary at the Post & Customer Services Centre, Jamestown. This incident occurred between 1.30pm on Saturday, 22May, and 8am on Tuesday, 25 May 2021.

Entry was gained and property damaged. A Ford Transit Connect Van, registration number, SHG 42, was stolen from the premises and then returned at an unknown time.

Anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in this area or saw SHG 42 being driven between Saturday afternoon and Tuesday morning are encouraged to urgently contact the Police, regardless of how minor they may consider their information.

The Police can be contacted via tel: 22626 or email: emergencycontrol@helanta.co.sh.

The community is thanked for their assistance.

SHG

26 May 2021

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

The St Helena Research Institute (SHRI) is delighted to be working with Professor Rob Jackson of the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/bifor/index.aspx ) to study an emerging pest to the Island’s endemic cabbage trees. The cabbage trees on the Peaks have been dying from an unknown cause. Branch die back, leaf drop and sudden tree death have been witnessed across all of the cabbage trees (Melanodendron integrifolium, black cabbage; Pladaroxylon leucodendron he cabbage; Petrbium arboreum, whitewood and Nesohedyotis arborea, dogwood) in senile and mature specimens, both wild and planted. This study aims to improve disease management for their conservation and future forest health.


View of the Peaks taken from a drone by Ross Henry from the Environmental Management Division’s Darwin Project funded team controlling invasive plants amongst the tiny fragments of remaining habitat where old cabbage trees survive.

The cabbage trees are restricted to the Island’s upland cloud forest habitat, found only on the highest peaks and ridges where rainfall is high and the frequency of mist and fog maintains high levels of humidity all year round. All this water has resulted in St Helena’s cloud forest being incredibly rich in endemic biodiversity. It is an area of global conservation importance and one of the UK’s most biodiverse regions. We know that the area supports over 250 unique species that are restricted or almost entirely restricted to the area and it is likely that there are more species yet to be discovered. The cabbage trees are perfectly adapted to this high rainfall environment, their form and leaves provide a large surface area upon which water falls and condenses, dripping off leaf tips or channelled down along branches and trunks to the ground below. Rare ferns, liverworts and mosses grow along branches and on trunks. The Peaks cloud forest provides almost 40% of the Island’s water, 60% of which has come from mist. 

The doctoral study is fully funded by BIFoR which was established in 2014 at the University of Birmingham following a £15 million philanthropic donation. BIFoR aims to provide fundamental science, social science and cultural research of direct relevance to forested landscapes anywhere in the world. The two main foci are to investigate the impact of climate and environmental change on woodlands, and to study the resilience of trees to invasive pests and pathogens.

Professor Rob Jackson said:

“I joined BIFoR as a Director in 2020 and since then have been establishing my group to study tree diseases. I am interested in how pathogens cause disease, specifically in the mechanisms they employ to evade host resistance and cause disease, how they evolve and approaches to controlling the disease. I am delighted to have this opportunity to work with Dr Cairns-Wicks and SHRI to tackle this important problem. We will lay the foundations for future research and new management practices to improve the health and resilience of the trees.”

SHRI Coordinator, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks added:

“We’re really excited to be working with Professor Rob Jackson and BIFoR. We reached out to the British Society for Plant Pathology last year and were introduced to Rob through their President and UK Chief Plant Health Officer, Nicola Spence. As a result and within an incredibly short timeframe, Rob has secured the funding to support a doctoral study for which we are immensely grateful. We’re also hoping that the doctoral study will complement a wider project with Environment, Natural Resources and Planning and CABI https://www.cabi.org/ investigating the pathogens threatening not just our biodiversity but also our food security. The project has been submitted as an application to the Darwin Initiative. Moreover, we’re delighted to introduce Amy Webster who will be joining Professor Jackson’s team at BIFoR in September as the new doctoral student who will be conducting the study.”

Amy commented:

“Having recently graduated from the University of Southampton with an MRes in biological sciences, I am beyond excited to be moving forward in academia at the University of Birmingham with this fantastic PhD opportunity. I have always been intrigued by the weird and wonderful that nature has to offer and with it, my interest in understanding the various mechanisms that enable organisms and ecosystems to flourish, has grown. During my master’s degree, I explored the conservation of genetic resources provided by crop wild relatives and whether the potential genetic variation that wild crop relatives hold was at risk of being lost. I developed a risk scoring system which identified the likely resilience of each species and how to improve their management. This really spiked my interest in conservation, opening up many avenues to explore some of today’s biggest challenges, including climate change and the rise in invasive species. From this I realised that I wanted to further develop my understanding and skills in genetics and ecology to be a part of the fight against environmental deterioration. Being able to study the keystone species on St Helena and the biodiversity that they support, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I believe this will develop into a wonderful relationship with this Island and the fauna and flora that inhabit it, in which we can work towards the preservation of some of the UK’s most fascinating species.” 

#StHelena #SHRI  #BIFOR

https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

SHG
26 May 2021

‘World No Tobacco Day’ (WNTD) is on Monday, 31 May. Created by the World Health Organization (WHO), this year’s campaign focuses on ‘commit to quit’.  This international health awareness day aims to support 100 million people worldwide in their attempt to give up tobacco through various initiatives. This is of critical importance because tobacco is one of the world’s leading causes of premature death, disability and reduction in healthy life years.

Not only can tobacco use cause serious illnesses to individuals through diseases such as cancer, heart disease and lung disease, it also has detrimental effects to those around them, through exposure to second-hand smoke. Tobacco use also has wider impacts on society and the economy through loss of productivity and increased pressure on health and social care services.

To help protect the St Helena community from the harm tobacco causes and to ensure the wellbeing of our population now and in the future, tobacco control legislation will be implemented over the coming year. The legislation will:

Further publicity and information sessions will take place ahead of the ‘go live’ date to support the community and businesses to implement these changes.

To complement the implementation of the legislation and to help smokers quit smoking, the Health Service Directorate has been working to redesign the St Helena Stop Smoking Service (SSS), to ensure it can support as many people as possible to quit smoking.

The nicotine found in tobacco is highly addictive which not only creates dependency but the behavioural and emotional ties to tobacco use (having a cigarette when stressed, when drinking alcohol, etc.) make it difficult to quit smoking.  However, research has shown that smokers are twice as likely to quit when they access a professional service that offers behaviour change support from trained practitioners and pharmacotherapy, including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). The new SSS on St Helena will provide this ongoing support for smokers who wish to quit.  The SSS is currently in the process of being redeveloped and will launch later this year, but watch this space for more information about the launch of the new service.

Now more than ever is a great incentive to commit to quit as research has shown that smokers are more likely to develop serious disease with COVID-19, compared to non-smokers.

So why not make 2021 the year you commit to quit.

The Health Service Directorate will be promoting WNTD, to highlight the dangers of tobacco use, showcase the wider range of NRT products soon to be available on St Helena and talk about the new SSS. 

When: Monday, 31May 2021

Time: 9am – 1pm

Where: The Jamestown Market

We hope to see you there!

#StHelena #AltogetherHealthier #WorldNoTobaccoDay

SHG

25 May 2021

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is on Monday, 31 May. Created by the World Health Organization (WHO), this year’s campaign focuses on ‘commit to quit’. 

In recognition of WNTD, the Health Service Directorate will be holding a stall at the Jamestown Market between 9am and 1pm on Monday, 31 May 2021, to highlight the dangers of tobacco use, showcase the wider range of Nicotine Replacement Therapy products soon to be available on St Helena and talk about the new St Helena Stop Smoking Service (SSS). 

The Health Service Directorate looks forward to seeing you there.

SHG

25 May 2021

Being able to swim in the ocean is one of the major benefits of living on St Helena – more and more members of the community are taking advantage of open water swimming. 

With an increase in this activity, it is important to remember that the likelihood of an accident involving a boat and a swimmer also increases. Recently there have been reports of several near misses.

To help prevent any accidents in the water, here are some tips for swimmers and boat operators to stay safe.

If you are swimming in or near an area of boat operations remember:

If you are a boat operator or are in charge of a watercraft such as a Jet Ski remember:

#StHelena #SeaRescue #SwimmingSafetyAdvice #AltogetherSafer

https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

SHG
25 May 2021

A new monthly Public Transport route from Blue Hill to Jamestown and return is being trialled with effect from Thursday, 27 May 2021.  

This route will be in place for a trial period of three months and will operate on the last Thursday of each month, departing Blue Hill Community Centre at 9am and the return journey leaving Jamestown at 1pm.  The service will be operated by Colin’s Garage.

The introduction of this route is a result of feedback received from the Public Transport Service Questionnaire which was undertaken at the end of last year.

#StHelena #PublicTransport #Feedback

SHG
25 May 2021

Diversity is at the heart of St Helena

Today we celebrate St Helena’s Day. The special day in the calendar each year when we remember the discovery of the Island in 1502.  However, today should be much more than just a date. Throughout our long and eventful history, St Helena has built its distinct culture and traditions from the diverse range of peoples who have come here and made it their home. For centuries, arrivals from Asia, Hong Kong and China, Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern lands eventually found sanctuary and opportunity on St Helena, though not always at first. This diversity is one of the Island’s most enduring characteristics.

We know well the territory has not had a smooth history since the first settlers arrived. Life was often hard and intolerance towards some groups of people is well known. If time could be rolled back, with the knowledge we have today, many things would no doubt have been different. However, in spite of its remote location, over time, St Helena has endured and found its way. Inadvertently it developed perhaps one of the first multicultural societies, decades, if not centuries, before it became a modern-day phenomenon in many other places. 

Diversity of thought, beliefs, ideas and experiences are at the heart of an open-minded and understanding society. The coming together of people with different backgrounds and origins are hallmarks of a dynamic and tolerant society. Everyone on St Helena has a part to play in acknowledging the benefits we receive from our wide mix of people. Visitors see it too, often telling others and writing about us as one of the most hospitable places in the world.

It is therefore very fitting on this National Day in 2021 we celebrate our diverse background in the theme of the St Helena float parade. A wonderful opportunity to showcase the distinctive combination of peoples, talents and beliefs that define not only the past but also the present and future of our Island.

Dr Philip Rushbrook

Governor of St Helena

21 May 2021

During the period of Monday, 10 May, to Sunday, 16 May 2021, St Helena Police dealt with a total of 38 reports resulting in four arrests.

One person was arrested for child abduction and is now on bail pending further investigations.

One arrest was made for theft and fraud and the person has been interviewed and is now on police bail for further inquiries to be undertaken.

One person was arrested for breach of the peace and was later released from police custody without charge. 

One person was arrested for breaching conditions of a court bail.  A special court took place and the person was remanded in custody.

Other reports dealt with were a harassment, breach of quarantine, and anti- social behaviour – all of which are under investigations.  There was also a concern for safety, which was dealt with by Officers. On one occasion a child was reported missing from their home but was later located and returned home safely.

Police Officers and other partnering agencies attended their Airport duties on flight days,  issued summons and court letters.

St Helena Police thank the community for their continuous support and would like to wish you all a happy St Helena’s Day tomorrow.

Until next time, have a good week and stay safe.

#StHelena #PoliceReport #AltogetherSafer

https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

SHG

20 May 2021

·  Executive Council will meet on Tuesday, 25 May 2021

· Police and Criminal Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to be discussed in the open agenda. 

Executive Council will meet on Tuesday, 25 May, 2021, at 8.30am, in the Council Chamber, to discuss the following Open Agenda item:

· Police and Criminal Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

This paper (ExCo Memo) is available online at the following link:

http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/councils/executive-council/.

Members of the public who would like to view hard copies of ExCo Memos should contact Clerk of  Councils, Connie Johnson, at the Castle on tel: 22470 or via email:

connie.johnson@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Elected Members serving on Executive Council are Councillors Anthony Green, Lawson Henry, Clint Beard, Derek Thomas and Cruyff Buckley. Non-voting members of ExCo are Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey, Financial Secretary, Dax Richards, and Attorney General, Allen Cansick.

SHG

20 May 2021

The monthly meeting of the Social & Community Development Committee (SCDC) took place on Wednesday, 12 May 2021.

The proposed small scale consultation on the draft Archives Lending Policy had been delayed, pending clarifications on a few issues. This will now be planned for the coming weeks and an opportunity for others to express a view will also be made available.

Following last month’s agreement for there to be annual reviews of the Minimum Income Standard (MIS) which will now inform the Minimum Wage, the Committee agreed to recommend that the Income Related Benefits (IRB) rate should be set at 61.22% of the Minimum Wage. Executive Council will have to give final approval and it will be subject to available funding. The Strategic and Social Policy Coordinator was present for this item.

The recommendations of the Elections Ordinance Review by a sub-committee of SCDC were finalised and approval was given for policy documentation to be drafted in relation to amendments to proxy and postal voting with the caveat that consideration of the latter would need to take account of practicalities. Other recommendations need further consideration in due course. The final report of the recommendations is available on the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/.

The draft Immigration (Amendment) Bill is anticipated to be presented to formal Legislative Council in either June or July 2021. 

The draft Public Access to Government Information Bill was discussed with Committee. The draft Bill had previously been considered by SCDC and Executive Council last year but at the request of ExCo, an independent appeals mechanism has now been included in the Bill. The draft Bill is currently out for public consultation and can be accessed on the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/Public-Access-to-Government-Information-Bill-2021-060521. Comments on the draft Bill need to reach the Clerk of Councils by Friday, 21 May 2021. 

The draft Social Care Strategy & Delivery Plan 2021-24 had been updated to reflect the new Portfolio system and the restructure of SHG. This plan will be made available on the SHG website shortly. 

The Committee also agreed for a working group under the new Council to be established to take forward work on identifying the requirements and potential implications of having Equality Legislation for the Island in place as requested by the Equality & Human Rights Commission.

The Draft Asylum Policy was endorsed by Committee at a special meeting on 26 April for legislative drafting. The Policy establishes the framework through which SHG will provide a high quality service that supports SHG’s commitment to meeting the obligations under the Refugee Convention whilst at the same time continuing to ensure effective border control.

A new Team Manager for Children’s Social Care – Paul Brown – arrived on the recent flight. Paul will be introduced to the Committee in due course.

The Committee and other Elected Members would be visiting the Princess Royal Community Care Centre (CCC) the following day, Thursday 13 May 2021, to understand the issues faced at the CCC in terms of the budget.

#StHelena #SCDC #AltogetherSafer  

https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

SHG
20 May 2021