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The annual Remembrance Sunday Divine Service, in honour of those who lost their lives in the violence of war, as well as those who served and survived these wars, was held at the Cenotaph in Jamestown on Sunday 10 November 2024.
The Right Reverend Lord Bishop of St Helena, Dale Bowers, welcomed those in attendance which included His Excellency (HE) Governor Nigel Phillips and Mrs Phillips, the Honourable Speaker Cyril Gunnell, Honourable Chief Minister Julie Thomas, the Chief Secretary Susan O’Bey, Senior officials, Ex-Servicemen and Women, persons who served on the RMS St Helena during the 1982 Falklands War, the St Helena Veterans Association (SHVA) and other uniformed contingents.
Following the scripture readings by Bishop Bowers, the Governor gave the act of Remembrance before a two-minute silence was observed. The silence was signalled by the Last Post, played by members of the First Jamestown Scout Group.
During the the service, prayers were led by Deacon Edgar Crowie, Mr Gareth Drabble, Fr Clarence Roberts, Rector Darren Peters and Fr Griffith Moses.
A wreath was laid for St Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha by HE Governor with other wreaths being laid for the President of the French Republic, the Government of St Helena, St Helena Legislative Council, the Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force, the Merchant Navy, the Royal St Helena Police Force, the St Helena Fire and Sea Rescue Services and the SHVA. Members of the public and school children also laid wreaths.
A wreath was also laid by divers in the harbour, in commemoration of those who lost their lives on board the RFA Darkdale.
The national anthem was sung and the service was concluded with a blessing from Bishop Dale.
The island’s servicemen and women then proceeded with a march-past parade outside the Court House.
Alongside the service on-island, St Helena Government’s UK Representative, Mrs Kedell Worboys MBE, laid a wreath on behalf of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha at the UK’s Ceremony of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London.
Photos
The Divine Service took place at the Cenotaph in Jamestown
The Scouts led the musical procession
HE Governor Phillips, Mrs Phillips, Chief Minister and senior officials
The clergy and combined band
Wreaths laid in respect of those affected by war
SHG UK Representative, Kedell Worboys, laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in London
#RemembranceSunday2024 #StHelenaVeteransAssociation #Lestweforget
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SHG
13 November 2024
White Ribbon Day, observed annually on 25 November, is a global movement dedicated to ending violence against women. This year’s theme, “It Starts with Men,” emphasises the crucial role men play in preventing domestic abuse.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio is proud to join this important cause and encourage everyone on St Helena to participate. By wearing a white ribbon, we symbolise our commitment to a future free from violence.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviours used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. It can manifest in various forms, including:
- Physical Abuse: Acts of violence, such as hitting, kicking, or pushing.
- Sexual Abuse: Forcing unwanted sexual acts.
- Emotional Abuse: Using insults, threats, or intimidation to control and degrade.
- Economic Abuse: Controlling finances or limiting access to resources.
- Psychological Abuse: Manipulating or gas-lighting to undermine a victim’s self-esteem.
Breaking the Cycle
Domestic violence affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. It can have devastating consequences for victims and their families.
Join the White Walk
Join the White Ribbon Working Group for the White Walk on Monday 25 November 2024 at 11:30. The walk will begin at the General Hospital, proceed to Coleman House for a flag-raising ceremony, and conclude at the Castle Gardens with the planting of a white rose bush, symbolising hope for a brighter future.
Support Services Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Please contact the following organisations:
Royal St Helena Police Service: 22626
Domestic Abuse Service Lead: 25343
Equality and Human Rights Commission: 22133
Mental Health Team: 22593
Children’s Services: 23312
Let’s work together to create a safer and more compassionate community for everyone.
#StHelena #WhiteRibbonDay #ItStartsWithMen
SHG
13 November 2024
St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce that they have entered into a contract with MPAMOT Africa (PTY) Ltd from Cape Town, South Africa to develop wastewater solutions for Half Tree Hollow and Jamestown.
MPAMOT Africa is a multidisciplinary engineering and development consultancy with more than 27 years’ experience within the Infrastructure, Transportation, Energy and Advisory sectors. MPAMOT brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the project having been involved in a range of flagship projects (projects that contribute to the economy) within Africa.
The first stage of this Wastewater Management Upgrade Project is to undertake a detailed investigation of the current systems, evaluate what solutions are best suited to the unique conditions and landscape of St Helena and recommend the most viable and sustainable design options. As we progress with the design SHG remains committed to inclusive development and stakeholder engagement, and further information will be made available as the project progresses.
This project is part of the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) funded by the UK Government.
SHG is dedicated to improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices in St Helena.
SHG and MPAMOT Africa provides the opportunity for Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) to register their interest and provide comments.
Please register on the project database to confirm your interest to be informed of future opportunities to comment. Registrations (and, if desired, comments) can be submitted by completing the brief online form accessible at https://forms.office.com/r/Xg0nuK0Qbx. Alternatively, hard copy registration forms are available at Jamestown Public Library. Completed forms to be returned to a designated box at the library or emailed to engagement@mpamot.com.
#StHelena #EDIP #WastewaterManagement
A delegation comprising of Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Planning, Christine Scipio, and SHG UK representative, Kedell Worboys, MBE, will be representing St Helena at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
COP29, taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November 2024, is a vital platform for international collaboration on climate change solutions. As an Overseas Territory of the UK, St Helena will participate within the UK delegation from 16 to 21 November, ensuring a voice for the island on this critical issue.
The delegation will be actively engaged at COP29 by attending side events at various pavilions. These discussions will address topics directly impacting island nations like St Helena. Additionally, Minister Scipio will speak at an event titled “Response to Climate Change: The Special Case of Small Island UK Overseas Territories” within the UK pavilion and a discussion on “Islands, Ocean and the Climate: The role of Sub-National Island Jurisdictions” as part ofIsland Voices at @COP29. Minister Scipio will use this opportunity to connect with UK Ministers and senior officials.
Kedell Worboys plays a key role as Chair of the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) Environment Group. Mrs Worboys has been instrumental in co-ordinating the participation of all Overseas Territories at COP29, including securing a dedicated side event in the UK Pavilion. This event will take place on Wednesday 20 November at 12:15 GMT.
Many of the side events will be broadcast live on the COP29 YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/UnfcccInt/playlists. UK Pavilion events will be broadcast live through the UK Pavilion Events Programme, at https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/14338/uk-cop29-events-programme/.
Small island nations like St Helena are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Participating in COP29 will provide a platform for the Overseas Territories to amplify their voices, forge partnerships, and showcase their efforts in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Minister Scipio will also have a bilateral meeting with Mary Creagh CBE MP, Minister for Nature in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) whilst in the UK.
Minister Scipio departed St Helena on Sunday 10 November, and will return on Saturday 30 November. During this time, Minister Henry will cover any urgent matters for the Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio. Minister Scipio will remain contactable via email through christine.scipio@helanta.co.sh.
#StHelena #COP29 #UNFCCC
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HM Customs & Immigration would like to advise the public they will be closed on Tuesday 12 November 2024 from 08:30 to 11:00. During this closure only consolidated cargo and the cashier services will be closed until 11:00, after which time normal operations will resume.
HM Customs & Immigration would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
The public are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
SHG
11 November 2024
In September 2024, 28 SHG and project / contract personnel embarked on an online Remote Pilot theory course with The UAV Academy.
The next phase in the course, delivered by The UAV Academy, involves practical training conducted on island which will complement their theoretical knowledge and aims to enhance the following skills involved in the use of drones: search and rescue, surveillance, surveying, mapping, inspection, monitoring, aerial photography and videography.
The public are advised that practical drone flight training will take place from Monday 11 November to Friday 22 November 2024. The exact location will depend on weather conditions, and the public are urged to exercise caution when flights are in progress.
Sectors represented include St Helena Fire and Rescue Services, Royal St Helena Police Service, Sea Rescue, Terrestrial Conservation, Technical Services, GIS, Marine Compliance and Enforcement, Tourism and Marketing, St Helena Research Institute, St Helena Airport, Trust Marine and the Cloud Forest Project.
By equipping staff with drone piloting skills, SHG aims to improve efficiency, safety, and decision-making in these critical areas.
#StHelena #DroneTraining #AltogetherSafer #Effective,EfficientandAccountablePublicSector
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St Helena Government’s Waste Management Services (WMS) has provided an update on the ongoing situation at the Green Waste Cell at Horse Point Landfill Site.
A fire broke out in the Green Waste Cell on Tuesday 5 November 2024. Since then, teams have been working diligently to contain the fire and minimise its impact. In co-ordination with the Fire Service, a strategy has been implemented to extinguish the remaining smouldering areas. This involves moving large quantities of earth within the cell to smother the fire.
The Landfill Manager Patrick Crowie, in close collaboration with the Fire Service, will continue to monitor the Green Waste Cell for any potential escalation. Should the situation change, necessary adjustments will be made in consultation with the Fire Service.
Environmental Risk Management has informed neighbouring businesses about the situation and assured them that the fire is being managed effectively.
WMS would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Fire Service for their swift response and continued support in implementing the firefighting strategy. A word of thanks are also extended to the Roads Section for their assistance in addressing this issue.
Due to the situation being active, updates will be provided as the situation progresses.
Photos
A view of part of the area affected
View from the Met Weather Station
Smouldering being monitored at the Green Waste Cell
#StHelena #WasteManagementServices #FireService #RoadsSection
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St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the arrival of two experienced education consultants from Hampshire Local Authority. These consultants will be on the island from Saturday 9 November to Saturday 23 November 2024, to provide invaluable support to the ongoing Education Review.
The primary focus of their visit will be to conduct a comprehensive Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Review. This review will assess the current provision for SEND learners and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, the consultants will deliver a series of continuing professional development sessions on phonics, inclusion, quality first teaching, and SEND.
This collaborative effort with Hampshire Local Authority builds upon the recent work undertaken by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). With the expertise of these education professionals, SHG aims to further enhance the quality of education on the island and move closer to achieving Council of British International Schools (COBIS) standards.
This initiative underscores SHG’s unwavering commitment to raising educational standards and providing the best possible learning opportunities for all students.
#StHelena #PrimaryEducationReview #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople
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The MV Karoline is scheduled to arrive at James Bay at 06:00 on Saturday 9 November 2024. Weather permitting the vessel will dock alongside Rupert’s Jetty and cargo operations will commence as soon as practicable.
The public are therefore advised that the Port of Jamestown and whole of lower Rupert’s including the beach area, will be closed from 06:00 on Saturday 9November 2024, until all cargo operations are completed.
These areas will be strictly prohibited and access will be limited to those who have made prior arrangements with St Helena Port Control.
Boat owners and operators are advised that mooring on the ‘span’ mooring rope near the landing steps at the Jamestown Wharf is prohibited for the duration of cargo operations.
The public are thanked in advance for their patience and co-operation.
SHG
7 November 2024
The Environmental Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP) Portfolio wishes to advise tenants that licences for their agriculture assets for the period 2024-2025 will be available for signing from Monday 11 November to Monday 9 December 2024 from 09:00 to 15:30
No licences will be sent out, therefore all tenants must visit the ENRP Office at Scotland to sign their licence.
For further information, please contact the Farmers Support staff on telephone 24724 or email martina-leo@sainthelena.gov.sh or frederick.green@sainthelena.gov.sh
SHG
7 November 2024