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During the week Monday, 11 January to Sunday, 17 January 2021, Police dealt with a total of 36 reports, resulting in three arrests.
One person was arrested for assault and was charged pending a court appearance.
One person was arrested for a sexual offence, they were subsequently bailed and this matter is being investigated.
One person was arrested for assault, threats to kill and criminal damage. They were interviewed and bailed pending further investigations.
Further reports included road traffic collisions, animals not being under proper control, fire alarms in the Jamestown area which were dealt with by the St Helena Fire & Rescue Service (SHF&RS) who later established they were false alarms, a concern for a person’s safety whereby the mental health team were called to support the individual, and a fire which was dealt with by the SHF&RS.
As per normal duties, Police carried out community engagement and served summons as well as court letters. In addition, Police assisted with the Titan Airways charter flight which arrived and departed safely.
Keep a look out for our new styles of community engagement coming soon.
Until next week – Stay Safe!
#StHelena #PoliceReport #AltogetherSafer
SHG
22 January 2021
Drive-through testing for persons currently in home quarantine will take place on Sunday, 24 January, and Monday, 25 January 2021.
On Sunday morning, drive-through testing will be carried out for arrivals from the UK currently in home quarantine, and on Monday morning for Ascension Island arrivals currently in home quarantine.
The individuals in question will need to make their way directly to Bradley’s Camp where they will be swabbed. They will then be instructed to return directly to their place of home quarantine.
There is no risk to pedestrians, or other drivers, as these individuals will be contained within their vehicles. A sign will be displayed in each personal vehicle used for drive-through testing purposes.
Where persons in home quarantine do not have their own vehicle, a bus service will be used to transport them to Bradley’s for testing.
#StHelena #DriveThroughTesting
SHG
22 January 2021
International Day of Education is commemorated annually on 24 January and is a day used to celebrate the role of education in the growth of peace and economic development. This year’s theme is ‘Recover and Revitalize Education for the COVID-19 Generation’.
In recognition of the day, we introduce you to the education system on-Island and how the system has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we’ll focus on education as a human right.
The Education & Employment Directorate is responsible for providing full time education to all children on St Helena who are of compulsory school age (five years to 16 years). There are four schools on the Island – three primary schools and one secondary school. Pilling Primary School is located in Jamestown, Harford Primary School is located in Longwood, and St Paul’s Primary School is located in the St Paul’s district. Prince Andrew School is the secondary school and is located in the central part of the Island at Francis Plain. The Island’s education provision includes Special Education Needs and Disability provision to ensure that all children are able to access education no matter what their ability or circumstances. This is managed by the Inclusion Service.
In addition to compulsory education, the primary schools also offer non-compulsory Nursery Education for three to four year old children and Prince Andrew School offers a Sixth Form Programme. Students also have an opportunity to apply for a placement on the Scholarship Programme which gives opportunity for students to access higher educational studies. All schools are supported by a Teacher Training Sector which focuses on the professional development and upskilling of all teaching staff.
The Directorate also provides educational opportunities for adults through services provided by the Lifelong Learning Sector. Further education and training is offered through the St Helena Community College (SHCC) and NVQ Centre. An Apprenticeship Programme for 16-18 year olds also exists to support their career choices and development.
The Directorate has a Research Institute which is responsible for the endorsement and monitoring of all research pertaining to St Helena. The Directorate also provides a Public Library Service.
Children on St Helena have been fortunate in that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused minimal disruption to education provision on St Helena. The biggest impact has been in relation to external examinations. The June sitting of last year’s exams (2020) could not take place as normal and teachers had to follow the procedures as directed by the relevant examination boards in order for students learning to be assessed and graded. Whilst procedures for the June sitting of examinations for this year (2021) are yet to be confirmed, the Directorate is currently working in line with last year’s procedures to be prepared with relevant information and evidence once the confirmed procedures are known.
COVID-19 has affected the Scholarship Programme. The cohort of scholarship students who were due to start university studies in September had to delay their start or undertake distance learning studies. It also negatively affected the cohort of scholarship students studying in the UK.
On a positive note, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about more on-line opportunities. Through the support of Sure South Atlantic Ltd, the Directorate has been able to upgrade and expand their provision, including virtual conferences, meetings, examinations, on-line learning and training through video conferencing.
Did you know that education is a human right?
Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility. The right to education is enshrined in article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration calls for free and compulsory primary education. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, goes further to stipulate that countries shall make higher education accessible to all. This goal has been met on St Helena with all young people up to the age of 16 having free compulsory education and the development of the SHCC.
CEO & Commissioner of the Equality & Human Rights Commission, Catherine Turner, commented:
“Without inclusive fair and quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, countries will not succeed in achieving equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind. This is true for St Helena too, Saints cannot benefit from the economic growth we hope will come in post COVID-19 world if they are not able to take on the jobs and start the businesses needed.
“The Equality & Human Rights Commission believes that SHG and the people of St Helena should ensure that education and lifelong learning are given the highest priority in the post COVID-19 recovery to form the foundations for the transformation towards a more inclusive, safe and sustainable society.”
#StHelena #EducationDay #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople
SHG
22 January 2021
Executive Council will meet on Tuesday, 26 January 2021, at 9.30am, in the Council Chamber, to discuss the following item on the Open Agenda:
- Merchant Shipping Bill, 2021
These papers (ExCo Memos) are 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.
#StHelena #ExCoMeeting
SHG
21 January 2021
The following is a Public Announcement from the Police Directorate:
St Helena Police will be carrying out firearms training at the Police Range, Cox’s Battery, on Tuesday, 26 January 2021, from 9am to 2pm.
Red flags, signs, and barriers will be in place. Walkers in the Cox’s Battery area should not approach the Range vicinity as live firing will be in progress.
For further information, please contact Support Officer – Firearms and Procurement, Garry Henry, on tel: 22626, mob: 62441 or via email: gary.henry@sainthelena.gov.sh.
SHG
21 January 2021
The public is advised that the St Helena Community College (SHCC) is the venue for sitting online exams.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, examination boards have chosen to use alternate exam methods such as remote proctor – which has become a more dominant method of sitting examinations. However, the requirements of these types of exams cannot always be accommodated by the SHCC.
If you are studying a course for which you have not registered through the SHCC, then you are advised to check with the SHCC whether such exams can be facilitated before confirming your course enrolment.
For more information or to submit a request for undertaking online exams, please contact Assistant Director Lifelong Learning, Angela Benjamin, via email: Angela.Benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh or Training Coordinator, Cherilee Thomas-Johnson, via email: cherilee.johnson@sainthelena.gov.sh.
SHG
20 January 2021
Two further charter flights, operated by Titan Airways, has been commissioned by St Helena Government (SHG) to fly to St Helena in February and March 2021.
February
The revised provisional flight schedule for February is as follows:
| Date | Flight No | Departure Time LOCAL/UTC | Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time LOCAL/UTC |
| 26/02/21 | ZT7241 | 0015 | London Stansted EGSS / STN | Accra DGAA / ACC | 0715 |
| 26/02/21 | ZT7241 | 0800 | Accra DGAA / ACC | St Helena FHSH / HLE | 1210 |
| 27/02/21 | ZT7242 | 1000 | St Helena FHSH / HLE | Ascension Island FHAW / ASI | 1210 |
| 27/02/21 | ZT7243 | 1410 | Ascension Island FHAW / ASI | St Helena FHSH / HLE | 1620 |
| 28/02/21 | ZT7244 | 0900 | St Helena FHSH / HLE | Accra DGAA / ACC | 1300 |
| 28/02/21 | ZT7244 | 1345 | Accra DGAA / ACC | London Stansted EGSS / STN | 2055 |
Passengers considering travelling on this flight are asked to register their interest by 9am on Monday, 1 February 2021. This strict deadline is necessary to allow the aircraft and flight arrangements to be made. Late requests will only be considered on an exceptional basis.
March
New variants of coronavirus have been identified in the UK and South Africa. Both countries have made changes to their domestic and international travel restrictions to combat the spread of these new variants. These restrictions include a curfew in South Africa and a suspension of direct flights between South Africa and the UK.
These new restrictions make it impractical for the scheduled Airlink service to resume at present. Therefore, SHG has commissioned a further charter flight with Titan Airways between St Helena and the UK to ensure access to St Helena is maintained.
The target date for this flight is 24-26 March 2021 and will operate via the same route as the February charter flight.
Travel requests
Travel requests for both the February and March flights can be submitted now. Availability of both inbound and outbound seats on these charter flights will continue to be assigned on a priority basis.
Travel requests should be submitted to the St Helena Tourist Office via email: christina.plato@tourism.co.sh or tel: (290) 22158. For those based on Ascension Island, or wishing to travel to or from Ascension Island, please contact the Shipping and Travel Office via email: flight.bookings@ascension.gov.ac.
Customers wishing to book commercial or governmental airfreight for carriage on the February and March Titan charter flights are advised to use an appropriate freight forwarding agent to make the necessary arrangements.
#StHelena #FlightsUpdate #TitanAirways #CharterFlights
https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG
20 January 2021
- Alexia Lawrence achieves registration with the UK HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist
- Alexia secured an honorary contract with South West London Pathology after achieving a first-class honours degree in Biomedical Science
- Alexia completed the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio and successfully achieved the IBMS Certificate of Competence
Alexia Lawrence of St Paul’s has achieved registration with the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist. This is a legally protected title that may only be used by individuals who demonstrate that they meet the HCPC Standards of Proficiency through a combination of academic qualifications and clinical laboratory training.
After achieving a first-class honours degree in Biomedical Science at Kingston University, Alexia secured an honorary contract with South West London Pathology within the Medical Microbiology Department based at St George’s Hospital – one of the most advanced in the UK with the most up-to-date and cutting-edge technology.
Alexia undertook clinical laboratory training in bacteriology, virology and molecular diagnostics. Alexia also undertook training to carry out work within Containment Level 3 Laboratories. These laboratories are used for the isolation and identification of high-risk hazard group 3 organisms. She also worked with the virology team at the forefront of COVID-19 testing in South West London. During this time, Alexia completed the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Registration Training Portfolio and successfully achieved the IBMS Certificate of Competence culminating in her achieving registration with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist.
Alexia Commented:
“It has been a truly unique experience. I was prepared for an intense period of training, but no one foresaw this pandemic, and I never imagined that I would find myself working at the heart of the battle against COVID-19. It has been intense and exhausting, but it has also been a privilege to have been a part of such an incredible team of professionals working tirelessly to provide a critical service. The whole experience has been rewarding both personally and professionally, and I am very pleased to have earned my position as a Biomedical Scientist during these unusual and challenging times. I owe a debt of gratitude to the SWLP Medical Microbiology team for their commitment to my training, to the SHG UK Representative Mrs Kedell Worboys for her unwavering support and encouragement, and to SHG for their investment into my career development.”
SHG UK Representative, Kedell Worboys MBE, commented:
“It has been a long journey involving hard work and personal sacrifices for Alexia to get registration as a Biomedical Scientist – huge congratulations to her. It is a clear example of SHG investing in people and great to see another young St Helenian who will return home fully qualified.”
On behalf of the Health Directorate, Senior Biomedical Scientist, Geoffrey Benjamin, concluded:
“I would like to congratulate Alexia on her excellent achievements. She has worked extremely hard through some difficult times and can now reap the rewards in becoming a registered Biomedical Scientist. I look forward to having Alexia back in the Lab on St Helena.”
#StHelena #Health #Education #SaintSuccess #BiomedicalScientist
https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG
20 January 2021
A Population and Housing Census will be conducted on St Helena on Sunday, 7 February 2021.
The Census is a complete count of all persons and dwellings on the Island, and those who live on St Helena but are temporarily away. It is the most important statistical exercise undertaken on the Island – forming the basis for policy-making, planning, and resource allocation for the years ahead.
The Statistics team have worked closely with the GIS (Geographic Information System) team of the Infrastructure and Transport Directorate to produce the maps needed to identify where people live on St Helena. Enumerators have been selected and will be assigned to an area to deliver Census questionnaires to each household, and to assist with the completion of forms if needed.
Delivery of the questionnaires will take place from Saturday, 30 January, and during that week to ensure all households can complete the questionnaires on Census Night.
Forms will be collected by Enumerators during the following week from Monday, 8 February. The deadline for all census forms to be returned to the Statistics Office is Monday, 15 February.
If you have not received a form by Saturday, 6 February, please contact the Statistics Office on telephone 22138 and they will arrange to have one delivered.
The participation of everyone on St Helena in this important exercise is greatly appreciated.
#StHelena #Statistics #PopulationAndHousingCensus2021 #CensusNight
https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG
20 January 2021
The Rock Guards of the Infrastructure & Transport Directorate will be carrying out a controlled rock removal on the hillside of Ladder Hill, above the Museum of Saint Helena, between 1.30pm and 4pm on Wednesday, 20 January 2021.
In the interest of public safety, the area from Church Lane to West Rocks, including HM Prison, the AG Chambers, the Rickmers Building, the Museum of Saint Helena, New Horizons, Sanrays Bistro, the Coffee Shop, Donny’s Bar, and the Sand Yard, will need to be evacuated by 12 noon on Wednesday, 20January, to allow works to commence. The parking area on the Grand Parade, near the Cenotaph and behind the Museum of Saint Helena will also be closed. Vehicle owners are requested to vacate this area by 12 noon on Wednesday.
Narra Backs Road will remain open and the public is asked to exercise caution when driving or walking in this area. Appropriate signage and marshals will be in place.
The Rock Guards would like to thank residents and the public for their cooperation.
SHG
18 January 2021