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The paramedic team from the Health and Social Care Portfolio taught life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) skills to 33 Year 9 students at Prince Andrew School on Wednesday 16 October, marking ‘Restart a Heart Day 2024’. This global initiative aims to raise awareness about cardiac arrest and the importance of early intervention.
‘Restart a Heart Day’ takes place worldwide every year on 16 October, encouraging as many people as possible to learn how to perform CPR and use an AED. Immediate action from bystanders during cardiac emergencies can more than double survival rates.
The paramedic team plans to deliver this CPR training annually to every Year 9 group, ensuring that young people across the island are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.
Special thanks go to Head Teacher, Phil Toal, and the teaching staff at Prince Andrew School for their help in organising the event.
In support of this initiative, the public are reminded of the locations of AEDs across the island:
| District | Location |
| Half Tree Hollow | Half Tree Hollow Clinic (Outside of the main entrance) |
| St Paul’s | The Pavilion (Green Shed) at Francis Plain |
| Levelwood | Silver Hill Shop (Outside) |
| Blue Hill | Blue Hill Community Centre (Outside) |
| Sandy Bay | Bamboo Hedge Shop (Outside) |
| Rupert’s | Sea Rescue Building (Outside the main entrance) |
| Longwood | Royal St Helena Police Post (Outside) |
| Jamestown | Customs Building (Near Immigration Office entrance) |
| Jamestown | Royal St Helena Police Service (Reception) |
If you need access to an AED, the code to unlock the cabinet can be provided by the Emergency Control Centre when you dial 999. Don’t worry if you are unsure about performing CPR – the emergency call handlers are trained to guide callers step-by-step through life-saving interventions.
For further information, please contact Emergency Operations Manager, Michael Gaga-Hale, at 22500.
Photos
A Year 9 student practising CPR on a dummy while using a training AED machine
Students practising the First Aid response procedure
Students receive a CPR training certificate
Year 9 students and members of the Emergency Response Team
A student receives her certificate from Emergency Care Assistant, Martin Andrews
Emergency Operations Manager, Michael Gaga-Hale, demonstrates how to use the AED machine
Emergency Medical Technician, Rae Dickie-Clark, explains the importance of CPR
Members of the Emergency Response Team demonstrate how to perform CPR while using the AED machine.
#StHelena #RestartaHeartDay2024 #AltogetherHealthier
Funding has been approved under the Tourism Development Project for the exterior painting of The Market in Jamestown. Ambledale Workshop Ltd will be carrying out the works, which are due to commence on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
The Market will remain open, therefore the public are asked to be mindful of the works being carried out and to adhere to the signage in place.
The MV Karoline is scheduled to arrive at James Bay on Monday 21October 2024 at 06:30. 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 Ruperts including the beach area, will be closed at this time, 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 is thanked in advance for their patience and co-operation.
SHG
18 October 2024
The Chief Minister has announced that SHG and the UK government (UKG) have reached a cooperation arrangement in relation to future migrants arriving on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)/Chagos Archipelago from 16 October 2024.
It was for the St Helena ministerial team alone to decide if they wished to offer the United Kingdom this arrangement. The Chief Minister has set out to the public the rationale for the decision.
The agreement will last for 18 months or until a UK agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago comes into force. At that stage, Mauritius will take responsibility for any future arrivals.
Existing migrants on BIOT are not included in this arrangement. There have been no new arrivals since 2022.
A key element of the ministerial decision was confidence in the ability to safeguard the internal security of St Helena.
The Constitution sets out that the Governor has special responsibilities for internal security. The Governor does not however deliver this function alone. Under a ministerial form of government, the Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs has executive responsibility for several key aspects, not least border control and migration. Accordingly, in considering how internal security might be safeguarded, the Governor has closely consulted Minister Ellick and the wider ministerial team on the measures required.
The following has been agreed regarding the maintenance of internal security:
- The UKG has committed to not knowingly sending to St Helena any migrant who would be incompatible with St Helena’s internal security provision.
- UKG, BIOT Administration and SHG will together pre-screen migrants. All migrants will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. SHG reserves to itself the right to refuse entry of any migrant.
- The UK accepts complete responsibility for the safety and lawfulness of relocating migrants from BIOT to St Helena. It has been a key principle that the Constitution of St Helena is upheld.
- UKG has undertaken to provide all necessary assistance for St Helena to receive any future migrants who arrive on BIOT.
- On their arrival, SHG will assume responsibility for the welfare of migrants. A key principle is that if migrants do arrive, it would not present a financial
burden to SHG. UKG will ensure St Helena has appropriate capacity and capability to implement the agreement.
- If after arrival any migrant presents a danger to the security of St Helena, SHG reserves to itself a right to refuse continued residence. Should this event occur, the UKG will support the urgent removal of any identified individual.
SHG will not pre-emptively begin any infrastructure works for reception of migrants as it is not possible at this stage to judge what may be required. However, it does need to prepare for the eventuality that it may need to process migrant applications if migrants to arrive on BIOT during the period the agreement is in force. To this end, the UK Home Office will in the immediate future train SHG Border Control officers on processing claims should it be necessary.
As a further demonstration of UKG’s intent to help St Helena protect its borders, the UK has also agreed to provide watchlist checks on behalf of St Helena of individuals intending to travel to the island. This check will allow SHG Border Control to make informed decisions on who to allow to enter St Helena.
And finally, both parties have agreed the arrangement may be terminated for any reason on six months’ notice in writing.
SHG
17 October 2024
Isaac’s Contractors Ltd has successfully achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing infrastructure improvement project by completing the installation of all concrete panels at the junction of Field Road and Side Path Road. This achievement marks a major step forward in enhancing the durability and safety of these vital thoroughfares.
The Field Road project is part of the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government.
Additional work remains before the roads can be reopened.
Photo
#StHelena #EDIP #FieldRoadUpdate #AltogetherWealthier
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The UK recently announced an agreement with Mauritius concerning the BIOT/Chagos Archipelago. The UK Government (UKG) and St Helena Government (SHG) have today reached a cooperation arrangement in relation to future migrants arriving on the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
No new migrants have arrived on BIOT since 2022, however, under this contingency arrangement, the UK will transfer future migrants who arrive on BIOT to St Helena where the SHG will assume responsibility for the migrants’ welfare.
This arrangement will apply to any migrants arriving on the BIOT/Chagos Archipelago from today. It will last for 18 months or until a UK agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago comes into force. At that stage, Mauritius will take responsibility for any future arrivals. Existing migrants on BIOT are not included in this arrangement.
SHG has made clear to UKG that the safety of the island community is paramount. To this end, the Chief Minister has today signed a Memorandum of Understanding that ensures this arrangement includes explicit measures to safeguard St Helena and to minimise any negative impact on St Helena’s community and internal security.
Although no new migrants have arrived since 2022, SHG will ensure the necessary safeguards are in place to facilitate the success of the arrangement if needed. In preparation for potential arrivals, the UKG has agreed to provide an upfront package of training for SHG Immigration and Customs staff.
This is a potential opportunity to raise St Helena’s profile and to leverage support for St Helena’s development. To this end the UKG has agreed to one-off funding of £6.65 million to accelerate the work we have started in health, education and internal IT, including funding to clear our current overseas medical referral waiting list. This is a win-win for both UKG and St Helena and is a clear demonstration of our enhanced partnership values.
The Honourable Julie Thomas, Chief Minister said:
“This arrangement presents a unique opportunity for a British Overseas Territory to be in a position to assist the UK, and we are pleased to be able to work in close partnership with the UK Government towards a mutually beneficial solution.”
“The additional support that will be provided from the UK Government as a result of this arrangement will further strengthen our border controls to manage incoming migrants, and will also present the opportunity to invest in core services and to build and maintain a coherent community underpinned by a vibrant economy, which over time reduces St Helena’s reliance on external aid”.
St Helena has always been forward leaning in supporting the UKG, in times of need, recognising that we are an integral part of the British family. This is another example of St Helena stepping up to the plate in the same way as we did in 1982 when our lifeline the RMS St Helena was utilised as a supply ship during the Falklands crisis.
#StHelena #BritishIndianOceanTerritory
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
| Questions | Answers |
| Is the arrangement compliant with international law? | Yes, UKG has assured SHG that it is compliant. |
| Was St Helena Government forced into this arrangement? | No, the arrangement is the result of mutual agreement between SHG and UKG. SHG took the initiative on the drafting of arrangements to ensure that all necessary safeguards for St Helena and our people remained at the forefront of our discussions. |
| Will this affect St Helena’s aim to attract tourists? | St Helena is a great tourist destination and the UKG is already supporting SHG to develop tourism through a tourism development fund. We were upfront with the UKG regarding our desire to protect our integrity and reputation in the international arena. We do not see this arrangement impacting negatively on our tourism plans or our community. |
| What are the safeguards? | The UKG and SHG will screen all potential migrants prior to arrival on St Helena. UKG will provide upfront training and thereafter ongoing support to St Helena’s Border Control team. All arrivals will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and in line with St Helena’s Immigration Control provisions. Accommodation, including appropriate reception arrangements for migrants will be funded by UKG. |
| What happens if this goes wrong? | UKG will work with St Helena to address specific concerns and put in place appropriate mitigation and support. In the event of an unresolvable issue the arrangement can be terminated. |
| Can we turn people away? | The UKG and SHG will screen all potential migrants prior to arrival on St Helena. If SHG considers that a migrant presents a problem, or is a danger to the security of SH, they can refuse entry to such individuals. Furthermore there is provision within the current Immigration Ordinance for any migrant to be denied entry if their presence on island is not conducive to the public interest, or is prejudicial to the maintenance of public order or the interests of security. This will also apply to any migrant who has already entered St Helena and who subsequently presents a problem or is a danger to St Helena’s internal security. |
| How many people will this apply to? | These arrangements would only apply to any new migrants who arrive from the date of the agreement for the next 18 months or until the UK’s agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos archipelago comes into force and Mauritius takes responsibility for any future arrivals. No new migrants have arrived on BIOT since 2022. |
| Where will they be housed? | As far as possible, once migrants have been assessed and cleared, we would look to house them within our community. This integration will be funded by the UKG. |
| Why did we agree to the Contingency Plan, how will St Helena benefit from this arrangement? | St Helena is in a unique position to be able to help the UKG and this will go a long way to strengthening our reputation and enhancing our partnership within the British family. UKG will provide £6.65M: one-off funding to accelerate the work we have started on health, education and internal IT. This will include funding to clear the current Overseas Medical Referrals (OMR) waiting list. This is a win-win for both UKG and St Helena. This arrangement may further benefit St Helena by increasing the economically active population. |
| How will this be funded? Does this mean that our recurrent budget will now have to cover potential migrants? Do we have the capability to cope? | Any migrants who arrive under this arrangement will not present an additional cost for St Helena. We are developing our capability with the support of UKG. We are not preparing to accommodate migrants until it becomes necessary to do so. If the need arises the UKG will then provide support to cover all requirements. |
| Will our essential services (health/education/law enforcement) cope with an influx of people? | Specific to this arrangement, the UKG has committed to providing support including additional resource if required for providing essential services. Our essential services are currently under threat due to the increasing number of people leaving the island. This outward migration is negatively impacting our ability to provide critical public services at an acceptable level. Addressing our population decline is the only way to change this trend. |
| Will this attract migrants from other countries? | It is possible that other migrants might be attracted to St Helena however we will be better equipped to cope with such as a result of this arrangement. |
The Post and Customer Services Centre (PCSC) would like to inform customers that its offices will close at 14:30 tomorrow, Wednesday 16 October 2024.
The PCSC will reopen for normal business at 08:45 on Thursday 17 October 2024.
Thanks are extended in advance to our customers for their understanding and support.
ENRP will be undertaking works to trim the bougainvillea at the entrance to The Castle on Monday 21 October to Wednesday 23 October 2024.
To facilitate this work, car parks from the Terrace steps through to the Public Works Yard will be closed from 18:00 on Sunday 20 October to 16:00 on Wednesday 23 October 2024.
During this period, persons wishing to access The Castle should use the Terrace entrance, as access via the main entrance will be permitted to Emergency Services only.
The public are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
Representing Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, Senior Clerk Liam Laurence Smyth, concluded his week-long visit to St Helena earlier today. This visit provided a valuable opportunity for St Helena to learn from Mr Smyth’s expertise of the UK’s parliamentary system and to strengthen bilateral relations.
During his stay, Mr Smyth held productive discussions with Elected Members, Ministers, Legislative Council, and senior officials within the Public Service. These discussions focused on a range of topics, including parliamentary procedure, governance, and best practices in legislative drafting.
Mr Smyth also visited Prince Andrew School, where he engaged with students in a thought-provoking talk. His insights into the workings of the UK Parliament provided the young people with a unique perspective on the democratic process.
In recognition of his visit, a reception was held in Mr Smyth’s honour at Plantation House. The event was attended by members of the Legislative Council, government officials, and representatives of the Youth Parliament. This provided a valuable platform for Mr Smyth to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders and share his experiences.
Additionally, Mr Smyth participated in a World Mental Health Day “Tea and Talk” event with members of the Legislative Council Office on Thursday 10 October 2024. This event highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and provided a supportive environment for open discussion.
Speaker Cyril Gunnell commented:
“On behalf of the Legislative Council and SHG, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr Smyth for his visit and his valuable contributions to the island’s parliamentary development. His expertise and insights have been invaluable in strengthening St Helena’s democratic institutions.”
Photos
Speaker Cyril Gunnell and Senior Clerk of the House of Commons, Liam Laurence Smyth
Mr Smyth meeting with Legislative Council in Council Chambers, The Castle
A reception was held in Mr Smyth’s honour at Plantation House on Thursday 10 October 2024
Mr Smyth in discussion with representatives of the Youth Parliament, Zac Bargo and Hannah Beard
#StHelena #LegislativeCouncil #HouseofCommons
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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 the Public Library, Jamestown. Completed forms to be submitted to the box labelled ‘Wastewater’, located at the library, or emailed to engagement@mpamot.com.
#StHelena #EDIP #WastewaterManagement
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