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Statistical updates for Arrivals and Departures and have been released on September 10, 2020 as follows:
Arrivals and Departures, up to August 2020
Additional statistical series and indicators are available at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/statistics/, and published statistical reports, including Statistical Bulletins, can be found on the statistics reports and publications page of the SHG website: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/statistics/statistics-reports-and-publications/. We welcome comments and suggestions on any of the statistics published by the Statistics Office. Please email: statistics@sainthelena.gov.sh, call tel: 22138, or visit the office in person on the first floor of the Castle, Jamestown
During the week of Monday, 14, to Sunday, 20 September 2020, Police dealt with a total of 60 reports, resulting in four arrests.
A report of a burglary was made and Police are currently investigating the matter.
A report of theft was made and this is currently under investigation.
Following the collection of evidence pertaining to an ongoing matter, a person was arrested for harassment alarm or distress. Pending further investigations they were bailed to return to Police at a later date.
Two persons were arrested following reports of sexual offences being committed. These persons have both been bailed to return to Police due to further investigations being required.
A person was arrested for failing to provide a sample of breath after they were suspected of driving whilst over the prescribed limit. However, it was ascertained that further investigations were required and the person was therefore bailed to return to Police at a later date.
A report of a vehicle being vandalised was made and this is under investigation.
A report of dogs worrying livestock was made, however no detailed information was given. Dog owners are reminded that they must have their dogs under the proper control. Dogs worrying livestock is a concern to the owners of the livestock as they can suffer a significant financial loss at times.
A report of a missing child was made as well as concern for a child’s safety. These two reports were linked to the same child. The child was found safe and well.
Two reports were made of threatening and abusive behaviour, this matter is being dealt with.
A report was made of a rubbish fire which was put out but then reignited. The St Helena Fire & Rescue Service was called to deal with the matter which required the assistance of a private contractor. The fire was extinguished and the area was made safe.
A report of criminal damage to a dwelling was made and this is being investigated.
The Sea Rescue team was requested to assist a boat out to sea, during the early hours, which was safely towed back to the moorings.
A report was made of a damaged bench in the Castle Gardens. Inquiries are being carried out as well as engagement with regular visitors to the Gardens.
A report of reckless driving was made and is being investigated.
A report of verbal abuse was made and is being dealt with from a multi-agency perspective in order to support the victim.
A report of loud music was made and was quickly dealt with.
A report of a vehicle obstructing a fire hydrant was made. The public is advised that obstructing a fire hydrant has serious consequences in the event the hydrant is needed. Parking in Jamestown is a recognised issue, however, as careful and competent drivers we must be responsible at all times and take matters such as this into consideration.
Following a separate matter it was established that a vehicle was being driven on the road without a valid licence. This matter is being investigated.
Police assisted in the controlled rock fall at Rupert’s on Wednesday, 16 September.
Due to poor weather conditions, three reports were made of rocks and debris on roads in various locations around the Island. The Roads Section dealt with this.
A boulder was seen obstructing the road in the Sandy Bay area. The Roads Section was contacted and dealt with the matter.
A minor road traffic collision was reported and resulted in no further Police action.
A report was made of a cat’s carcass in the road. The Veterinary Service was contacted to deal with this.
A report was made of an oil spill, which the Roads Section safely dealt with.
A report of a fallen tree at Halley’s Mount was made. The Agriculture & Natural Resources Division dealt with the matter.
In addition to nine summons being served, a community service order and a probation order was also served and community engagement was carried out.
Lastly, Police have in their possession some found property going back to February of this year. The items are an Apple IPhone and a motorbike top box. For further information, please contact Police Controllers on tel: 22626.
St Helena Police would like to take this opportunity to thank their partnering agencies for their assistance over the week, working to keep everyone ‘altogether safer’.
Should you have a report, please call Police Headquarters on tel: 22626. Controllers will take your report details and make an assessment, which will then be followed up by a Police Officer. Details are pertinent, therefore please be patient and understanding when you are asked for information.
Until next week – Stay Safe!
#StHelena #StHelenaPolice #WeeklyReports #AltogetherSafer
SHG
22 September 2020
Executive Council (ExCo) has agreed for St Helena Government (SHG) to continue with the tender process to determine the next Public Electronic Communication Networks and Services provider/s for the Island. The current exclusive public telecommunications licence with Sure SA Ltd will come to an end on 31 December 2022.
Earlier this year SHG tested the market for new service providers through the issuing of an Expression of Interest (EOI).
SHG will now proceed with the procurement process to request proposals. Indicative timelines are that the procurement process will commence at the end of October and will be complete in the first half of 2021, with the licence agreement/s issued within the six months thereafter.
Executive Council Members were keen to engage a partner/s that will maximise the benefits of the subsea cable and the funding from the EU. Through this procurement exercise, SHG is therefore seeking to secure a provider/s that delivers the promises of the Digital Strategy and longer term economic and social development for the Island.
#StHelena
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SHG
22 September 2020
As a result of recent consultations with the public and the Chamber of Commerce regarding the R2 Project, the Programme Management Unit (PMU) will be holding site visits and walkthroughs of Side Path and Field Roads, and Napoleon Street.
Interested contractors are invited to attend a site visit of Side Path Road and Field Road on Tuesday, 29 September 2020, and should meet at the bottom of Field Road by 10am.
Members of the public are invited to attend a site visit of Napoleon Street on Thursday, 1 October 2020, and should meet on the Brow by 10am.
SHG
22 September 2020
The Titan Airways October charter flight will operate between the United Kingdom and St Helena during the week beginning 26 October 2020.
Passengers considering travelling on this flight are asked to register their interest by 9am on Thursday, 24 September 2020. 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.
Interested persons should register their name with the St Helena Tourist Office by contacting: christina.plato@tourism.co.sh or calling + (290) 22158.
Persons based on Ascension Island should register their interest through the Shipping and Travel Office by contacting: kitty.george@ascension.gov.ac or by calling + (247) 66244.
Availability of both inbound and outbound seats on all charter flights will continue to be assigned on a priority basis. The passenger capacity of the October flight is not yet known and will be dependent on passenger demand and the chosen aircraft type.
SHG
18 September 2020
St Helena Government (SHG) has recently changed its Command Structure, following a review by the Emergency Planning Department of the current arrangements for managing the Island’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the new structure Executive Council now becomes the new Incident Executive Group (IEG). A Gold Commander, supported by Emergency Planning, will report directly to Executive Council on matters needing a strategic or political steer.
Tactical decisions will continue to be carried out by Silver Commands in the areas of Command Support, Contingencies, Health management, Communications, Economy, Business continuity and Resources. Each of these areas are supported by Bronze Commanders who are responsible for the operational duties required.
St Helena Coronavirus Strategy
The St Helena Coronavirus Strategy has been slightly modified to reflect the changes in the Command Structure.
The Strategic Objectives (delivered through effective preparedness and response plans) ratified by Executive Council, are as follows in priority order:
- To be prepared to respond in a practical way to minimise the risk of COVID-19 reaching the general populous of St Helena
- To maintain clear communication with the organisations and people who provide key public services, those who use them and the wider general society
- To minimise the effects of COVID-19 on the Island economy, assess long-term effects, sustainability of resources available and plan for future
- To minimise the risk of exposure and transmission of the virus to key workers and the wider community
- To minimise the risk of serious illness or death caused by COVID-19.
These Strategic Objectives will be achieved by tactics set by the Silver Commands. Bronze Commanders will be responsible for the operation of these tactics. These objectives will be reviewed, updated, ratified and disseminated if there is a change in any circumstance relating to the Island or COVID-19.
To deliver these objectives, there is an Action Plan around four phases (Prevention & Planning; Contain & Control; Delay & Eliminate; Return to Normal). The different phases, types and scale of actions depends on how the course of the pandemic unfolds over time. SHG monitors medical advice and international data continuously to model what might happen next, over both the immediate and medium time periods.
#StHelena #CommandStructure #CoronavirusStrategy #COVID-19
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SHG
18 September 2020
The monthly meeting of the Education & Employment Committee took place on Wednesday, 19 August 2020.
The Senior Economist gave an update on the Career Access St Helena (CASH) Scheme. It was explained that whilst funding was approved for CASH, the restructuring of St Helena Government (SHG) and the freeze on recruitment meant a temporary person would be recruited until the end of the year to progress this work. It was noted that whilst CASH would be linked to the Benefits Office, it should not sit directly under it. Regarding the online registry, it was agreed that in going forward, wider promotion, specifically more engagement within the school environment, is needed. The Senior Economist would provide Policy support to the Committee on issues relating to employment.
The Chief Secretary was asked to give an overview of the Committee responsibilities which recently broadened to include employment. She explained that these would now include responsibility for the Education Ordinance, 2008, Employees Compensation Ordinance, Cap. 121, Employment Rights Ordinance, 2010, and Pensions Ordinance, 2012. The Director had a query regarding any potential change of roles and staff responsibilities resulting from employment coming under the Education Directorate. The Chief Secretary advised that initially this will need to be incorporated into the Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning role. A review is planned for the next Financial Year and this would inform if there would be need for additional resources.
Policies within Prince Andrew School (PAS) were discussed and it was also noted that a Directorate Policy Register is now being developed. The Homework Policy was developed due to ongoing issues with homework in PAS. It was decided to make this a formal process, so the current Homework Guidelines were adapted. The Head Teacher of PAS explained to members that the Policy detailed the reason why students do homework, the expectations, the procedures if homework is not completed, roles and responsibilities, and sample letters. It was noted that the Anti-Bullying Policy was due for review. It was reviewed by the Student Council during Anti-Bullying Week but there were no suggested changes. Members asked if the front page could be consistent with the other Policies and also asked if this Policy is working.
It was stated that there may be a need to look at tougher sanctions in view of persistent bullying, an action which will be followed up. This review will take place as a part of PAS Anti-Bullying Week in November 2020. The Student Council Policy has been worked on by the President and Vice President of the Student Council. They wanted to work on the Policy to scale down the number of student representatives on the Council to make it a more effective body. The Policy was explained to members, with queries and amendments suggested. Members agreed all Policies were acceptable but gave the condition that parents be consulted on these also. The Head Teacher advised that all three Policies will be consulted on with parents during the Annual Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Meeting and then revised accordingly. They will then be referred back to the Committee for final approval. The aim is to publish all approved Policies on the SHG Website for parents to access and download if required. The School Behaviour Policy missed the submission deadline, therefore the PAS Head Teacher advised that she would also take this Policy to the Annual PTA Meeting and will include as an agenda item for October’s Committee meeting.
Committee was asked for their opinions on the management of the Apprenticeship Scheme budget for this year. The President of the Student Council at PAS had had a discussion with the Director and stated that students were open to the idea of a flat rate if it meant that more students could have access to an allowance. Documentation was sent prior to the meeting with discussions held regarding the wording in the legislation with regards to what constitutes employment. It was noted that legal advice would be needed. Committee was in agreement for the Directorate to use the current allowances. Various discussions were then held by members which included gaining other sponsorships for the Apprenticeship Scheme. There are some departments who have offered to sponsor an Apprentice for this year. This will continue to be worked on for the future.
#StHelena #EducationandEmploymentCommittee #MeetingSummary
SHG
17 September 2020
The charter flight which arrived at St Helena Airport yesterday, 16 September 2020, departed this morning at 8.16am for Ascension Island with 16 passengers onboard. The flight is scheduled to return to St Helena at 3pm today (subject to change) with 26 passengers onboard.
Passengers arriving from Ascension Island will now be able to quarantine at home or in other properties that have been assessed and approved as suitable locations for quarantine by a Proper Officer.
Relevant information and guidance have been provided to the passengers involved and assurance processes, including daily phone calls, are in place.
The same procedures have been followed for two families and an individual who arrived from the UK. They have also been directed by a Proper Officer to quarantine in properties that have been assessed and approved as suitable locations for quarantine. This follows a risk assessment by the Children & Adults Social Care Directorate, which advised that quarantine at home or in a property within the community is more appropriate for children under the age of 10 years old than at Bradley’s Camp. This is part of an ongoing process for St Helena in dealing with the COVID-19 situation as it evolves.
#StHelena #CharterFlight #HomeQuarantine #Coronavirus #COVID-19
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SHG
17 September 2020
The Peaks Project Development Group (PPDG) held a public information session on the Peaks Project – ‘Restoring St Helena’s Internationally Important Cloud Forest for Water Security and Wildlife’ – at the Museum of Saint Helena on Tuesday, 15 September 2020.
The session started at 7pm with a welcome by HE Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook. HE said:
“The Peaks Implementation Plan is a comprehensive and determined approach to support the restoration of our natural environment on the Peaks. An important element will be the programme proposed to reintroduce our indigenous species to re-create more of the lost cloud forest and retain more freshwater for the Island. The Governor’s Office is working closely with St Helena Government administration and non-governmental organisations to secure funds from the UK for a multi-year project.”
A presentation followed with background information on the Peaks National Park and its importance to St Helena for biodiversity, water security and as a socio-economic resource and the progress made with developing a fully costed Implementation Plan to support the delivery of the Peaks Management Plan. The presentation was led by Chief Environmental Officer, Isabel Peters, with input from the PPDG members, Vanessa Thomas-Williams (Environmental Management Division), Martina Peters (Saint Helena National Trust), Rebecca Cairns-wicks (St Helena Research Institute), Lawrence Muranganwa (Connect Saint Helena Ltd), Melissa Fowler (St Helena Tourism) and Stephen Coates (Education Directorate).
Attendees were then able to view a number of displays and talk to members of the PPDG and the staff who work at the Peaks.
Attendees were also invited to post their thoughts on ‘what the Peaks mean to me’. Responses ranged from “It’s the Island’s lifeline” to “A valuable resource” and “The Peaks represent our past, our present and our future”.
Chief Environmental Officer, Isabel Peters, concluded:
“The session went very well, it was a great opportunity to promote the Peaks National Park and the work that is going on there and to promote the work that the PPDG has been doing to develop the Peaks Management Plan’s Implementation Plan”.
#StHelena #PeaksProject #AltogetherGreener
SHG
16 September 2020
After a two-day delay due to poor weather conditions on St Helena, the charter flight, operated by Titan Airways, arrived at St Helena Airport today at 1.18pm, with 53 passengers on-board, including eight passengers who are transiting to Ascension Island.
The flight will operate a shuttle service to Ascension Island on Thursday, 17 September, returning to St Helena the same day. The flight will overnight on St Helena before returning to the UK via Accra on Friday, 18 September, departing the Island at 8am (local time/UTC).
#StHelena #CharterFlight
SHG
16 September 2020