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Per Mikael Olsson (Mike Olsson) took the Oaths of Office for his new role as an Elected Member on Thursday 24 March 2016 in the presence of Acting Governor Sean Burns at the Castle (photo attached).
Mike Olsson now serves on Legislative Council following his success win at the Polls on Wednesday 23 March.
Councillor Mikael Olsson commented:
“I am pleased to be elected as a Councillor. As mentioned previously, it was a poor turnout, but still I want to thank the people who voted for me and I am sure that they will be pleased with the outcome.”
Acting Governor Sean Burns added:
“I would like to offer my congratulations to Mr Olsson on his election and I look forward to working with him on Legislative Council.”
SHG
29 March 2016
The historic opening of St Helena Airport is planned for the morning of Saturday 21 May 2016 – St Helena’s National Day. It will be marked by a public ceremony at the Airport site, with Royal guest HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, in attendance.
All members of the public will be invited to attend this special event, ahead of the traditional St Helena’s Day entertainments in Jamestown.
As is usual, New Horizons will be organising the traditional programme of events for St Helena’s Day. But this year, this will be preceded by the Official Opening of St Helena Airport at the aerodrome organised by SHG, ESH, New Horizons & Basil Read – subject, of course, to prior certification of St Helena Airport.
Preparations for the Airport opening ceremony are ongoing and further details will follow in due course.
SHG
24 March 2016
So far it has been an exceptionally warm and wet year. The grass is flourishing and the livestock on the Island are as well. But this weather can also bring problems.
The Barber’s Pole Worm
A nasty and lethal gift from Africa, the Barber’s Pole worm is a tiny cotton-thread like worm that is armed with an arrow head to pierce the stomach lining and suck the blood. It is all over the Island. Sheep and goats are seriously affected.
- The Veterinary Service is seeing a large number of cases and some deaths as a result of the worm
- Animals die of severe anaemia and heart failure Diarrhoea is NOT a common symptom. Watch for ‘bottle jaw’, a jelly-like swelling under the jawbone. Best of all, pull down the lower eyelid and check the pinkness. A free colour guide can be provided by the Veterinary Service to help you monitor throughout the year
- While the warm weather lasts, treat sheep and goats for worms at least every 4 weeks
Army Worm
Another gift from Africa, the caterpillar of this moth is now booming and killing large patches of pasture.
- Be aware that the dead ‘army worm’ grass is highly poisonous to stock
- Be sure that sufficient good grass is available, so stock are not forced to graze it, and do not cut it as feed
Grass Staggers
Much of the Island suffers from Magnesium deficiency, and this is at its worst when the grass grows fast and lush.
- Mainly this deficiency affects cattle
- Signs are staggering, twitching, and sudden death due to heart failure
- Be aware that this deficiency can cause these animals to be aggressive and dangerous. Please do not put yourself at risk
- Prevention is difficult, but the Veterinary Service has a small stock of magnesium rich salt licks
Fly Strike
We are also experiencing an extremely high incidence of fly strike. This is when blowflies lay their eggs in the damp warm wool of sheep and the hatched maggots invade and consume the tissues of the animal, resulting in death.
- If flies seem to be present, part the wool and look deep for the maggots. Clip away the wool, remove and treat
- The freshly laid eggs look like clumps of fine cream coloured sawdust
For Magnesium & Iron licks and worming guides, contact the Veterinary Service at ANRD on 24724.
SHG
24 March 2016
Per Mikael Olsson (Mike Olsson) of Livery Stables, Jamestown, 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 the Polls for the Bye-Election held yesterday, Wednesday 23 March 2016.
The total number of votes cast for each candidate was:
• Per Mikael Olsson 214
• Lionel George Williams 104
The Count took place from 8pm to just after 8.45pm last night.
In total 318 people cast valid votes. This represents approximately 14.6% of those eligible to vote on St Helena.
There were 8 invalid Ballot Papers.
Compared to the Bye-Election in 2015, yesterday’s Bye-Election saw a drop of around 5% in the numbers who voted.
SHG
24 March 2016
REMINDER
The public is reminded that the Police Directorate has launched an initiative to provide free child car seats to families on St Helena – subject to household income – with funds provided by SHG’s Safeguarding Children Board. 150 car seats are available, together with additional booster seats.
Two types of car seats are available, one for children weighing up to 25kgs and one for children weighing from 9 to 36kgs.
The seats will be given free of charge to families with a total household income of less than £25,000. Families whose income exceeds £25,000 will be required to pay the full price for the seats, which cost from £42 to £65. The Vehicle Fleet team will also be available to members of the public who require assistance in fitting their car seats into vehicles.
Application forms will be available from Friday 1 April 2016 from Ogborn House and the Island’s crèches and Primary Schools. The seats will be issued from Saturday 9 April 2016, with priority given to those families earning under £25,000.
Further information can be obtained from Ryan Belgrove at Ogborn House, tel: 22622
Chief of Police, Trevor Botting
SHG
22 March 2016
On Saturday 19 March 2016, an historic event took place in the grounds of Plantation House, St Helena Island. Jonathan the Giant Tortoise – the oldest known living land animal on Earth and creakingly old national treasure at an estimated age of 184 years – was washed for the first time in recorded history by vet Dr Joe Hollins (pictured).
Joe explained that the reason for bathing Jonathan came after he cleaned – and transformed – the shell of one of the female tortoises at Plantation House. Joe consulted a tortoise specialist to establish the method of cleaning, which includes gentle, circular scrubbing using non-abrasive materials.
Joe commented:
“It is purely for aesthetic reasons. We want visitors and tourists on the Island to witness the tortoises in their true form, without the obstruction of moss and lichen on their shells. There is so much interest in Jonathan, St Helena’s most famous animal resident, and we want all who visit him to see him at his best.”
Joe, who has built a close relationship with Jonathan through hand-feeding him his diet over the past few years, added:
“He responds to my voice so we have a special bond. I give him a weekly check-up and feed him fresh vegetables and fruit, just to make sure that our very special old gentleman is getting adequate nourishment and fluid.
“As a vet, it has been an honour having Jonathan under my care, looking after the oldest known animal in the world. I love animals and caring for Jonathan and his fellow tortoises at Plantation House has been a unique experience in my career.”
The life expectancy of a Giant Tortoise is estimated at 150 years, a figure Jonathan has already exceeded by around three decades.
SHG
21 March 2016
Early last week, the Police Directorate held its annual Police Awards Ceremony at Plantation House to recognise the efforts and achievements of outstanding individuals in the Police Service.
HE Governor Mark Capes and Chief of Police Trevor Botting emphasised that the work of the emergency services is all about protecting individuals in the community, which can be a very difficult, but rewarding, job.
Governor Capes said:
“It is a real pleasure to be able to say thank you to all of you, for all that you have done, and continue to do, for St Helena and for the community that you serve. Your Chief is an excellent Chief and we are lucky to have him – he has done a superb job right from day one. He has the experience, the energy, and the commitment to make the Police Service and the Police Directorate an excellent unit.”
During the awards presentation, Police Officers, Prison Officers, Fire & Rescue and Sea Rescue personnel and members of the Administration Team were honoured with Long Service awards and Certificates of Merit, which recognise professionalism and good work.
Long Service awards went to Police Constable Christopher Joshua, who has served 25 years, Prison Officer Winson Henry, who has served 10 years and Prison Officer Claire Duncan, with 5 years in the service. Deputy Sea Rescue Manager Craig Scipio was also awarded for serving 10 years.
Chief of Police, Trevor Botting commented:
“This is a really important ceremony, and Plantation House is a fitting venue for acknowledging all the hard work that has gone on within the Directorate in serving the community here on St Helena.
“I am very proud to lead the Directorate, and even more so at events like today when we get the chance to recognise and acknowledge the achievements of officers and the staff and what they contributed to the service of the people of St Helena.
“Thank you for the work you do, thank you for the way you have embraced the developments and changes as we seek to improve our service to the community – and thank you for your dedicated service to this community.’
Four pictures accompany this release.
SHG
21 March 2016
On Friday 18 March 2016, Head of the Governor’s Office, Sean Burns, took the Prescribed Oaths as Acting Governor in the presence of the Sheriff, Mrs Ethel Yon OBE, and other witnesses, in the Governor’s Office at the Castle (photo attached). Mr Burns’ appointment was immediately effective on Friday.
HE Governor Capes departed the Island on Friday 18 March 2016 for France and Corsica on official business. He will return to the UK during April at the end of his term in office.
SHG
21 March 2016
24 MARCH 2016
As in previous years on Thursday 24 March 2016 there will be certain restrictions in place to enable members of the public to enjoy their fishing on the Wharf safely.
Access for vehicles will be restricted, unless authorised by Port Control. Pedestrians will only be able to access the lower Wharf area.
The lower Wharf will need to be kept clear of vehicles in case of an emergency.
Members of the public will be permitted to drop off and pick up fishing equipment etc, before returning their vehicle to the allotted car parking area adjacent to the Customs Building.
Port Control would like to take this opportunity to thank the public in advance for their cooperation.
‘HAPPY FISHING’
SHG
21 March 2016
DEADLINE 10am MONDAY 21 MARCH 2016
The electorate is reminded that if they are ill, physically incapacitated or off-Island and cannot make it to the Polling Station on Polling Day – Wednesday 23 March 2016 – there is provision to vote by Proxy.
To vote by Proxy you must obtain advanced permission from the Returning Officer, Gillian Francis, at the Castle. To get permission, you must complete and return the relevant application form to the Returning Officer by no later than 10am on Monday 21 March 2016 (any applications received after this time will not be accepted).
Application forms are available from the Assistant Returning Officers around the Island and also on the SHG Website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/Proxy-Forms
If you wish to vote by Proxy, your Proxy must be on the current Register of Electors dated 19 February 2016 and in the same Polling District in which you are registered.
An elector cannot be proxy for more than one person.
The Candidates for the Bye-Election to be held on Wednesday 23 March 2016 are as follows:
- Per Mikael Olsson of Livery Stables, Jamestown
- Lionel George Williams of ‘Brenville’, Nr Half Tree Hollow, St Pauls
SHG
18 March 2016