Hutt’s Gate Reservoir was officially opened this afternoon, Thursday 24 August 2017, at 1pm. The official opening was attended by HE Governor Lisa Phillips, Connect Saint Helena Ltd staff, invited guests and members of the public.

In his opening speech, Connect’s CEO, Barry Hubbard, welcomed everyone and thanked those involved in the creation of the new reservoir, making special mention of the person who many years ago had the foresight to secure the site for future development of this reservoir. He stressed the importance of a structured approach to the Island’s development, which will require optimal sites to be identified and earmarked for new utilities infrastructure in the future.

Connect’s Operations Director, Leon de Wet, highlighted the need for the reservoir development programme to be further supported by SHG and other stakeholders in order to address the raw water needs of the Island – making it more resilient towards both short-term and longer-term drought events.

Hutt’s Gate reservoir holds 11,200 cubic metres of water and is five times larger than the existing one at the Hutt’s Gate water treatment works. With normal consumption, the water in this new reservoir will last for about 40 days. The design for this reservoir, along with a number of other reservoirs, commenced in April 2015. The procurement process commenced in April 2016, with works beginning in November 2016.

Invited guests, Connect staff and members of the public then proceeded to the reservoir itself to witness Her Excellency, Governor Lisa Phillips, turning off the valve feeding water into the full reservoir, and the handover certificate being presented from the project team – Isaac’s Construction – to Paul Duncan, who is responsible for water operations.

Three photos are attached to this release.

#StHelena #ConnectSaintHelenaLtd #HuttsGateReservoir

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SHG

24 August 2017

 

 

 

Airlink’s Embraer E190-100IGW aircraft departed St Helena Airport at 3.11pm this afternoon, Tuesday 22 August 2017, having carried out a successful proving flight to St Helena. The aircraft is on its way to Johannesburg, South Africa.

The proving flight was for Airlink to demonstrate to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) operational proficiency in terms of ETOPS (Extended Range Twin Engine Operations) requirements. This is a routine exercise for new air services, and part of the preparations for introducing an air service on a new route.

A two-day programme was prepared to cover training and audits at St Helena Airport as well as various discussions with key stakeholders on-Island. During their visit, Airlink was able to assess Air Traffic Control, communications & navigation systems, emergency services, Rescue & Fire Fighting Services, Ground Handling Services, Passenger Assistance, terminal building facilities, and security.

As part of the training programme, Airlink carried out a total of 13 flight trials at St Helena Airport on Monday afternoon. These included ‘circuits and bumps’ – where the aircraft circles the runway, comes in to land, touches the wheels to the runway, and immediately takes off again for another circuit.

Head of Operations at St Helena Airport, Gwyneth Howell, said:

“The audits and training on Airlink’s systems and procedures at the Airport have gone very well over the past couple of days and the Basil Read Airport Operations Team is excited and ready for Airlink’s scheduled flights to commence.”

Alongside the training and audits, there has been a great deal of work underway on the practical planning for the commencement of the air service and the opportunities for tourism development that the air service will bring.

Airport Director, Janet Lawrence, said:

“The proving flight has brought together the different specialisms from SACAA, Airlink, St Helena Airport, potential tour operators and those working in the tourism sector.  My thanks to everyone who made the visit a success.  The reality of a regular scheduled air service and the opportunities it will offer the Island is fast approaching.”

It is anticipated that ticket fares and the commencement date for air services to St Helena will be announced shortly.

 #StHelena #StHelenaAirport #Airlink

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SHG

22 August 2017

At a reception held at Plantation House yesterday evening, Governor Lisa Phillips welcomed to St Helena personnel arriving on Airlink’s proving flight to the Island.

Guests at the reception included the CEO of Airlink, Rodger Foster, members of Airlink’s marketing and ground operations team, the two flight crews that will operate the St Helena route, representatives from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, tour operators New Frontiers and African Ample Assistance, and Mantis.

In HE’s opening speech, Governor Lisa said:

“The proving flight is a precondition for the scheduled commercial air service to St Helena and today moves us one step closer to Airlink commencing flights to the Island.

“I hope that we will not only ‘prove’ to colleagues in the South African Civil Aviation Authority that the Airport operation is technically very capable.  But also that we will ‘prove’ what a special place St Helena is. 

“We are very keen to start passenger services as quickly as possible, though recognise this cannot happen until all the regulatory approvals are in place.  To the tour operators and marketing managers, we are looking to you to bring us the ‘right’ people.  This means tourists who will appreciate what we have and who will tell their friends.  St Helena needs investors who have ethical approaches and who will consider what they can put into the Island, not what they can take out.

“I’m sure this will be the start of many successful partnerships.  There is palpable enthusiasm on the Island for the next step in St Helena’s history – one that will ultimately bring a better standard of living and a better future for everyone who lives here.” 

Rodger Foster thanked Governor Lisa and all on St Helena for the warm welcome to the Island. He spoke of how pleased he was with his team and the teams at St Helena Airport and within SHG and St Helena Tourism for their hard work in preparing for yesterday’s flight.

Rodger was positive about the air service that Airlink would provide for the Island and was hopeful that there would be an announcement shortly regarding a commencement date for scheduled air services and ticket fares.

#StHelena #StHelenaAirport #Airlink

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SHG

22 August 2017

 

 

REMINDER

A new Sustainable Economic Development Plan is currently being developed for St Helena. The objectives of the Plan are to:

The previous Sustainable Economic Development Plan focused on using tourism as the mechanism by which to grow the economy. Whilst that approach is still very valid, it is now time to widen the focus to other sectors.

A survey has been produced to find out what residents think the future for sustainable economic growth will be on St Helena. Please help us by filling in the survey before, Sunday, 10 September 2017.

If you have any additional comments on what should be included in the next Sustainable Economic Development Plan, please send them in writing to Assistant Chief Secretary (Performance), Paul McGinnety, The Castle, Jamestown or via email: paul.mcginnety@sainthelena.gov.sh

The survey is available online at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7PKGJFY

#StHelena #SEDP #EconomicDevelopment

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SHG

22 August 2017

 

REMINDER 

The Chevening Secretariat is accepting applications for UK Government scholarships to study in the UK in 2018/2019. Applications for Chevening Scholarships are now open until Tuesday, 7 November 2017, with applications to be submitted via: www.chevening.org/apply

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural events.

There are more than 1,500 scholarships on offer globally for the 2018/2019 academic year, representing a significant investment from the UK Government towards developing the leaders of tomorrow.

For more information on the eligibility criteria and award specifications, please visit www.chevening.org/apply/guidance or contact Kerisha Stevens on tel: 22368 or email: kerisha.stevens@sainthelena.gov.sh

Further information is also available at www.chevening.org

#StHelena #Chevening #ChosenforChevening

SHG

22 August 2017

 

 

The Airlink Embraer E190-100IGW aircraft landed successfully at St Helena Airport at around 11.34am this morning, Monday 21 August 2017.

There were 34 persons onboard, the majority from Airlink.  The team includes:

The aircraft landed on Runway 20 at St Helena Airport after a six hour journey from Johannesburg, South Africa, incorporating a fuelling stop in Windhoek, Namibia.

A two day programme has been prepared to cover training and audits at St Helena Airport as well as various discussions with key stakeholders on-Island.

As part of the training programme, Airlink will carry out a series of flight trials at St Helena Airport this afternoon and tomorrow morning, Tuesday 22 August.  The trials will include ‘circuits and bumps’ where the aircraft circles the runway, comes in to land, touches the wheels to the runway, and immediately takes off again for another circuit.

The flight is expected to depart St Helena tomorrow afternoon.

#StHelena #StHelenaAirport #Airlink

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SHG
21 August 2017

DEADWOOD ROAD

St Helena Police are asking the occupants of the vehicle that drove along the Haul Road in the direction of Rupert’s between 2.15am and 2.45am on the morning of Saturday, 12 August 2017, to please come forward and speak to them.

Acting Detective Inspector David Honan, the senior investigating officer involved in the investigation, said:

“I am appealing to the occupants of this vehicle to come forward. I understand their reluctance to do so – they were driving on an un-adopted road – but they have my assurance that they will not face any police action as a result of this. I am urging them to come forward and speak to me.”

If you have any information or wish to speak to an Officer please call: 22626 or email: cid@police.gov.sh

#StHelena #StHelenaPolice

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SHG

18 August 2017

Weather permitting, Airlink will carry out a ‘proving flight’ to St Helena on Monday, 21 August 2017, using an Embraer E190-100IGW aircraft. The flight is expected to arrive at St Helena Airport at 10.30am (local time).

The aircraft will be carrying around 35 passengers – a mixture of Airlink Senior Management and representatives from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

This proving flight is for Airlink to demonstrate to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) operational proficiency in terms of ETOPS (Extended Range Twin Engine Operations) requirements. This is a routine exercise for new air services, and part of the preparations for introducing an air service on a new route.

Working with the team at St Helena Airport, Airlink are assessing Air Traffic Control, communications & navigation systems, emergency services, terminal building facilities, and security.

St Helena Airport will open to the public on Monday, 21 August, from 9.30am-4pm. The restaurant and other facilities will be available and members of the public will be able to view the flight’s arrival from the viewing deck.

Other parking/viewing options on the day include:

There will be no access to Mole Spider Hill.

A bus will also be provided to accommodate Park & Ride if required, from Bradley’s.

The flight is expected to depart St Helena on Tuesday, 22 August 2017. St Helena Airport will not open to the public on this day.

 #StHelena #StHelenaAirport #Airlink

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SHG

18 August 2017

Assistant Chief Secretary (Support), Gillian Francis, was today, Tuesday 15 August 2017, sworn in as Acting Chief Secretary (see photo attached).

Gillian took the prescribed oaths in the Governor’s Office and will begin her role immediately following the departure of Chief Secretary Roy Burke on overseas leave. Roy is due to return on 1 October 2017.

Governor Lisa Phillips said:

“My thanks to Gilly for Acting as Chief Secretary. She has already done a great job preparing for and participating in the first ExCo meeting in which we agreed new ways of working with the public and improved transparency.”

Corporate Services Executive Manager, Carol George, will take on Gillian’s responsibilities as Assistant Chief Secretary (Support).

Gillian’s appointment will run until Friday, 15 September 2017.

#ActingChiefSecretary #SwornIn

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SHG
15 August 2017

 

NOMINATIONS REMINDER

The public is reminded that the Safeguarding Directorate has this year launched the first ever St Helena Care Awards. These annual awards will pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work across the Social Care Sector.

There are eleven award categories available for nomination, representing all areas of the Social Care Sector – whether it be community, specialist services, residential or home care.

A list detailing all eleven award categories and their criteria can be found on the Publications page of the SHG Website at: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications. Alternatively, hard copies along with posters detailing how to make a nomination can be found in various places of public interest including: The Castle, Public Library Customer Service Centre and at Brick House in Jamestown.

The deadline for nominations is Thursday, 31 August 2017, with the Awards Night scheduled to take place at Plantation House in September.

For more information or for assistance in making a nomination, contact David Vago on tel: 23343 or via email: NO.LD@helanta.co.sh.

A poster containing further information and the full list of awards is attached to this release.

SHCA Poster

#StHelena #StHelenaCareAwards #Nominations

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SHG
15 August 2017