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Cruyff Buckley of Half Tree Hollow has been duly elected to serve as a Member of the St Helena Legislative Council.
Returning Officer Gillian Francis last night announced the results of Polling Day for the Bye-election, held yesterday, Wednesday 7 September 2016.
The total number of votes for each candidate was:
Cruyff Gerard Buckley 170 votes
Anthony Arthur Green 138 votes
Clint Richard Beard 125 votes
The count took place at the Castle from just after 8pm to around 9.20pm.
In total 433 people cast valid votes. This represents approximately 20% of those eligible to vote.
SHG
8 September 2016
As part of their ongoing Community Engagement Programme, the St Helena Police Service has been asking members of the public to take part in a questionnaire on how they might improve their service to the community.
One of the reoccurring issues, highlighted in the very useful feedback received, has been parking in Jamestown.
Police Inspector Jonathan Thomas said:
“Parking in Jamestown is an ongoing problem. Some drivers are not respecting the two hour parking rules and also ignoring the yellow lines – this then poses problems for other drivers. These restrictions are in place for valid reasons and we want to ensure that people respect them.
“It is hoped that plans for a paid parking scheme in the future will alleviate some of the problems and thus reduce the need for Police-led enforcement. However in the interim, on certain days, the Police will devote extra resources to conduct checks of the parking areas, with the first day being Friday.”
On Friday, 9 September 2016, Police will be monitoring the two hour car parks and yellow lines. The public will be given notice and informed of a planned parking exercise.
Drivers are asked to please be considerate. Your cooperation and compliance with the parking restrictions is appreciated.
SHG
7 September 2016
Today St Helena goes to the Polls in the 2016 Bye-election.
Persons on the Register of Electors (dated 1 July 2016) are today able to elect a new Member to fill the vacant seat on Legislative Council. Candidates to choose from are: Clint Richard Beard of Cow Path, Half Tree Hollow, Cruyff Gerard Buckley of ‘Amourville’, Half Tree Hollow, and Anthony Arthur Green of ‘Oltonia’, Knollcombes, St Paul’s.
Polling stations are open from 10am at the Blue Hill Community Centre, Half Tree Hollow Community Centre, Harford Community Centre, Judges Lodge Alarm Forest, Kingshurst Community Centre, Levelwood Clinic, Jamestown Community Centre, and Sandy Bay Community Centre. Stations will close at 7pm sharp – do not leave it for the last minute to cast your vote.
Remember you can only vote in the Polling District in which you are registered.
If you care for your Island and your future, then exercise your right to vote. We look forward to seeing you today!
SHG
7 September 2016
Executive Council met today with four items on the Open Agenda.
The first item related to a request for ExCo to support an initiative to start working on a Freedom of Information Bill, Data Protection Bill and a Public Records Bill as part of an ‘Open Government’ programme that provides for citizens to have access to public records, and to facilitate Government accountability. Noting that legislation will build on the existing Code of Practice for Public Access to SHG Information, Members agreed that legislation should be drafted and that it be taken forward by a sub-committee of the Social & Community Development Committee, with a view to enactment during the first half of 2017.
For the next three items Executive Council sat as the Planning Authority to consider three applications for Development Permission. The Senior Planning Assistant was in attendance to provide Members with the relevant background and planning considerations.
The first application was for full Development Permission for the construction of a sewerage treatment plant at Rupert’s. Members had previously visited the site and following some discussion, Council was able to approve the application for full Development Permission with conditions, for the construction of a chamber to house two treatment plants adjacent to Rupert’s Lines between the bridge leading to the Argos building and the toilets/entrance to the beach area.
The second application was for outline Development Permission for expansion of the solar farm. This application had come to Council in an earlier meeting and had been deferred pending a site visit by Members. Whilst the original application had sought outline permission for phases 2, 3 and 4 of the solar farm, Council agreed only to proceed with phase 2 which would see the installation of additional solar panels to increase the current renewable energy supply from 30% to 40%. It was noted that a power generation feasibility study would be undertaken to see what other renewable energy solutions could be implemented across the Island. ExCo approved the application with conditions.
The third application concerned the relocation of a steel building from Jamestown to the Farm Buildings complex. It was noted that this application had also been presented at an earlier meeting and that Members had attended a site visit. Following discussion, Members agreed that further clarity was needed and that the applicant’s attendance was required. Council therefore agreed that the matter be adjourned for two weeks when additional information would be available to enable Council to make a better informed decision.
In the Closed Session, Council was provided with an update on progress against the Performance Improvement Programme for the Capital Programme. It was noted that targets for 31 August 2016 had generally been met.
The meeting closed at around 1.15pm.
ExCo
6 September 2016
Chevening Scholarship applications for 2017/18 are still open until Tuesday 8 November 2016. These Scholarships offer financial support to study for a Master’s Degree at any UK university and are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds.
There are more than 1,500 Chevening Scholarships on offer globally for the 2017/18 academic cycle. These scholarships represent a significant investment from the UK Government. Those who are selected for a Chevening Scholarship become recognised as leaders belonging to a global network of influencers. They are empowered with a strong sense of pride and responsibility.
For further information on the eligibility criteria and award specifications please visit www.chevening.org/faqs or contact Manager of the Governor’s Office, Sandra Sim, on tel: 22308 or e-mail: sandra.sim@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Eligible persons who meet the criteria can apply for a Chevening Scholarship via www.chevening.org/apply.
More information is available at www.chevening.org.
SHG
6 September 2016
The St Helena Sea Rescue Service was kept busy yesterday, Sunday 4 September 2016, with two call-outs for emergency assistance.
The first call at 07.15hrs was for a fishing boat with four persons onboard. The boat had lost its propeller whilst trying to collect two fishermen from the rocks, and was drifting towards the rocks upper side of Long Ledge. Sea Rescue One was launched and, on arrival, took the boat under tow to safer water near Lemon Valley Point, the tow line was dropped and the two fishermen were collected from the rocks. The tow line was then retrieved and the fishing vessel towed back to its moorings in James’ Bay. All persons involved were returned to shore safely with no injuries.
The second call was at 11.30hrs to a yacht that was taking on water and sinking at its moorings. Sea Rescue One was again launched and, on arrival, started pumping out the water from inside the yacht. The yacht was then towed to the end of the Wharf where it was lifted by crane onto the Wharf.
SHG
5 September 2016
The St Helena Police Service has recently been receiving calls from mobile phones on their emergency number 999, for medical emergencies. It appears that when 911(the number for medical emergencies) is dialled from some mobile phones, the default system in the phone automatically dials 999, this then connects the caller with Police Emergency Control, and the caller, thinking they have misdialled, have ended the call.
The Police Service therefore advises anyone trying to call 911 for a medical emergency and who are instead connected to Police Control to not end the call, but pass on your details to the Police Controller. The Police Controller will then inform the Hospital to ensure you get the medical assistance you require.
SHG
5 September 2016
Don’t forget that this coming Wednesday, 7 September 2016, is Polling Day.
St Helena will go to the Polls to elect a new Member to fill the vacant seat on Legislative Council. Candidates for the 2016 Bye-election are: Clint Richard Beard of Cow Path, Half Tree Hollow, Cruyff Gerard Buckley of ‘Amourville’, Half Tree Hollow, and Anthony Arthur Green of ‘Oltonia’, Knollcombes, St Paul’s.
Polling stations will be at the Blue Hill Community Centre, Half Tree Hollow Community Centre, Harford Community Centre, Judges Lodge Alarm Forest, Kingshurst Community Centre, Levelwood Clinic, Jamestown Community Centre, and Sandy Bay Community Centre.
Only those named on the Register of Electors dated 1 July 2016 will be able to vote in the Bye-election and you must vote in the Polling District in which you are registered.
Polling stations will open at 10am and will close at 7pm sharp. Do not leave it for the last minute to cast your vote.
To inspect the current Register of Electors you may contact the Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officers or Assistant Registration Officers. Copies of the Register are also available at the Customer Service Centre, Public Library and on the SHG website.
If you care for your Island and your future, then exercise your right to vote. We look forward to seeing you on Polling Day!
SHG
5 September 2016
The public is advised that, weather permitting, the Roads Section will continue the resurfacing of Main Street, Jamestown, on the following days from 7am to 4pm:
- Sunday, 11 September 2016
- Sunday, 18 September 2016
- Sunday, 25 September 2016
Resurfacing works will take place from the Canister to the Arch. Diversion signs and traffic management will be in place and car parks in these areas will be unavailable.
The Roads Section thanks the public in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
SHG
5 September 2016
The Environment & Natural Resources Directorate (ENRD) advises the public that limited funding has now been allocated for improvements to Community & District Roads.
Regrettably not all applicants could be catered for in this round but every effort is being made to secure additional funding for the next round.
Successful applicants are responsible for arranging the works themselves. However, the Roads Section may be contacted on telephone number: 23765 if guidance is required on how best to undertake the works.
Successful applicants must also immediately contact the Acting Director of ENRD, Mr Derek Henry, on telephone number: 22270 or email derek-henry@enrd.gov.sh, as the money must be spent before 31 March 2017.
If you are unable to use this Grant please inform the Acting Director of ENRD as soon as possible so that the money may be reallocated.
SHG
5 September 2016