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In March 2021, Lord Michael Ashcroft KCMG, PC, made a generous donation of £300,000 to the British Napoleonic Bicentenary Trust to support the preservation of the built heritage on St Helena. One of the projects funded from this donation is the repair of Jacob’s Ladder.
A Working Group was established in March to lead on the Project and has been meeting monthly to progress works which aim to improve the safety of Jacob’s Ladder for users whilst preserving its historic character.
Public Consultations were held during the month of August to give an overview of the Project, seek public views and allow people to provide feedback. Separate meetings also took place with the Chamber of Commerce and St Helena Heritage Society.
As a result of the Consultation, the Working Group has been able to analyse the feedback and incorporate this into the Project plans.
The Working Group is also preparing tender documents which are planned to be issued in early November, provided that no further project delays are encountered.
Metal Structure
Following latest condition assessments of the metal structure, there is no requirement for any elements to be replaced. However, if during the rehabilitation works an element is found to be defective and is need of replacing, the new element will be decorated to match the existing structure as much as possible and where practically achievable.
Biocide Solution
The use of biocide solution has been included as part of the preliminary scope of works in liaison with the Historical Architect Advisor to not only provide a ‘clean’ working surface, but to remove bio-growth which has been a direct cause of cracking and disrepair in certain areas of the masonry structure.
Following the Consultations no adverse feedback was received, however the Working Group is still to agree upon the extent of the refurbishment.
Further updates will be provided as the Project progresses.
Notes to Editor:
The Working Group comprises of Press Officer, Jodie Scipio-Constantine, Heritage Society representative, Andrew Pearce, Project Assurance, Alfreda Yon, Project Manager, Kyle Shoesmith, Architect Advisor from Tulane University School of Architecture, Brent Fortenberry, Trustee of the British Napoleonic Bicentenary Trust, Kedell Worboys, Project Executive (Chair), Derek Henry and a Board Secretary.
#StHelena #JacobsLadder
SHG
22 October 2021
The St Helena Sea Rescue team participated in a RADAR (Radio, Detection and Ranging) training class on-board the HMS Protector on Saturday, 16 October 2021 (see photos attached).
The class covered the components of different Radar systems, the basic operation of Radar systems, the limitations of Radar, how other systems complement the Radar to build the mariner’s awareness picture, and how to tune a Radar for different ranges, weather states, and target sizes.
Emergency Planning and Sea Rescue Manager, Simon Wade, commented:
“Some members of the Sea Rescue team had undertaken Radar training in the past and it was great for them to refresh their skills, and for others, it was a great start to Radar operations as the navigators of our vessels.”
The Team was then able to visit the Bridge where they were given a demonstration and the opportunity to use a more powerful Radar system to track some of the local vessels using Jamestown Harbour – the team will take these basic skills learnt and apply them when operating the Radar systems on the Sea Rescue vessels.
The morning was finished off with a full tour of the ship which was enjoyed by all.
The Sea Rescue Service would like to say a huge thank you for a most enjoyable morning to the HMS Protector’s Officers and Crew, to Lt Paul Harsent who delivered the training and tour of the ship, and to the Governor’s Office for assisting in arranging the training.
#StHelena #SeaRescue #RadarTraining #HMSProtector
SHG
20 October 2021
During the week of Monday, 11 October, to Sunday, 17 October 2021, St Helena Police dealt with a total of 38 reports, resulting in two arrests.
One person was arrested for assault occasioning actual bodily harm – they have been bailed to return to Police, pending further investigations. One person was arrested for fear or provocation of violence – they have since been charged to appear before the Magistrates’ Court.
Other reports made related to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, theft, supplying a controlled drug, cultivating a controlled drug, anti-social behaviour, a road traffic collision, concern for safety, harassment, criminal damage, and incidents of a domestic nature – these are all under investigation. A report was also dealt with involving persons missing from home.
During the week, Police proactively carried out a number of community engagements as well as serving summons.
Until next time, have a good week and stay safe.
#StHelena #PoliceReport #AltogetherSafer
SHG
19 October 2021
HE Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook hosted a reception at Plantation House on Tuesday, 12 October 2021, to celebrate achievements made in the Education, Skills & Employment Portfolio.
In attendance were staff of the Education, Skills & Employment Portfolio who recently achieved professional and academic qualifications over the last two years.
In his welcome remarks, Governor Rushbrook said:
“It is an outstanding achievement to meet 27 members of the teaching staff in the Education Portfolio who have received over the past two years additional professional and academic qualifications. These have been obtained by the hard work of studying late into the night, meeting deadlines when writing assignments and being available for lectures outside of their busy working day. This evening here at Plantation House is a celebration of your achievements and a recognition of the support from your family and friends. Your qualifications continue the very important process of building up the body of expertise and specialist knowledge on St Helena so that the Portfolio can continue to deliver the good quality education our community rightly expects.”
In her address to awardees, Director of the Education, Skills & Employment Portfolio, Wendy Benjamin, said:
“Today is a celebration to show that all of the hard work that our staff have put in has now been rewarded. You all deserve this recognition.
“I am proud to say that thanks to the hard work of the teaching staff in this room, we now have three quarters of our local teaching population qualified to at least level four, and I think that is a major achievement.”
During the reception, the Governor presented certificates to three staff members – Sharon Peters, Amber Isaac, and Lynette Joshua – who achieved their Cambridge Certificate in Teaching & Learning – Lynette passing with a distinction. Gavie Williams was also recognised as the first St Helenian teacher to have gained a Diploma in Teaching & Learning. Congratulations were extended to the other teaching staff who had already received their certificates.
Congratulations are extended to all awardees!
#StHelena #PlantationHouse #StaffSuccess
SHG
18 October 2021
St Helena has once again achieved a Credit Rating of BBB-/A-3 stable, from global credit-rating agency Standard & Poors (S&P). The credit rating is ‘investment grade’ meaning that St Helena is a low risk destination to invest relative to other countries.
S&P regularly updates their credit ratings for all countries. Through subsequent research into risks and vulnerabilities to St Helena’s economy, they have preserved St Helena’s credit rating at BBB-/A-3 stable. This means there has been no change, and the Island continues to possess an ‘investment grade’ credit rating.
St Helena Government’s Chief Economist, Nicole Shamier, said:
“The stable outlook for this rating is largely thanks to the ongoing financial support provided by the UK, the Government’s balanced budget principles and absence of debt. Many countries have had their credit rating downgraded or have been given ‘negative outlook’ status during the pandemic; so we reflect that maintaining the rating and being granted ‘stable’ status is significantly positive.
“However, the report, by S&P forecasts that real GDP will contract 3% in 2021-2022, stemming from travel restrictions and limited flights to the Island, muted consumer demand, and fishing operation restrictions during the factory upgrade. S&P see potential for an economic growth rebound to 2-3% growth in 2022-2024, in part tied to the completion of the Equiano Cable.”
Gaining a Credit Rating is an action outlined in the Sustainable Economic Development Plan. The rating assists the recognition of the St Helena jurisdiction amongst the International Banking and Finance sector. It helps external investors understand more about the investment environment which includes political, financial, legislative and environmental factors. And finally, it provides an independent assessment of the state of play of St Helena’s economy compared to the rest of the world.
#StHelena #CreditRating #InvestmentGrade #SEDP
SHG
14 October 2021
During the period of Monday, 20 September 2021, to Sunday, 10 October 2021, St Helena Police dealt with a total of 124 reports, resulting in four arrests.
One person was arrested for cultivating drugs, one person was arrested for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage and two persons were arrested for affray.
Other reports made related to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, theft, anti-social behaviour, a road traffic collision, driving without the valid licence and insurance, persons missing from home, concern for safety, harassment, fraud, breach of the peace, neighbour dispute, and a disturbance on a licensed premises.
During this period Police also proactively carried out a number of Community Engagements as well as serving summons.
Until next time, have a good week and stay safe!
#StHelena #PoliceReport #AltogetherSafer
SHG
14 October 2021
Hospital Staff Nurse, Anna Thomas, has recently achieved a Level 6 in Chemotherapy – Enhancing Practice in Cancer Care. Anna started her course with Teeside University in January of this year and completed in September.
The online course assessments consisted of two components. The first was a Portfolio of Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT) essential evidence and the completion of the SACT Competency Passport. Anna will be required to renew the Competency Passport annually in order to remain on the United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society’s Safe Handling and Administration Accreditation Register. The second component of the course was an assignment on the chosen statement ‘Side effects of Chemotherapy cause significant morbidity and mortality’.
Anna said:
“I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to study and complete this course. It was very beneficial to my professional development in nursing and has broadened my knowledge on the safe administration of chemotherapy and how to provide holistic care to our patients and their families. I can now confidently implement all that I have learnt into practice and I look forward to progressing within this specialised field of nursing: I am now qualified to administer chemotherapy treatment.”
Health Services Director, Janet Lawrence, added:
“This is the first time that one of our local nursing team has pursued a chemotherapy pathway in nursing. Chemotherapy is a relatively new service for the Health Services Directorate and this is an
extremely promising start to further developing that service.”
Congratulations are extended to Anna on her achievement.
SHG
14 October 2021
Returning Officer, Carol George, this morning, Thursday 14 October 2021, announced the results of Polling Day for the General Election 2021 and has accordingly declared that the following candidates have been duly elected to serve as Members of the St Helena Legislative Council:
Rosemary June Bargo: of Half Tree Hollow
Gillian Ann Brooks: of 25 Barracks Square, Jamestown
Mark Alan Brooks: of 2 Fullers Flats, Jamestown
Ronald Arthur Coleman: of Silver Hill, Levelwood
Jeffrey Robert Ellick: of No 76 Wirebird Drive, Half Tree Hollow
Corinda Sebastiana Stuart Essex: of “Villa Ajaccio”, Napoleon Street, Jamestown
Martin Dave Henry: of Cow Path, Half Tree Hollow
Robert Charles Midwinter: of “Vasco Da Gama House”, Tern Drive, Half Tree Hollow
Christine Lilian Scipio: of Blackfield, Longwood
Julie Dorne Thomas: of Gordon’s Post, Alarm Forest
Karl Gavin Thrower: of The Flag, Levelwood
Andrew James Turner: of Burgh House, Barren Ground, Blue Hill
The Count took place from just before 10pm last night to just after 6.30am this morning.
The votes awarded to each candidate were as follows:
Leslie Paul Baldwin: 260
Rosemary June Bargo: 456
Clint Richard Beard: 369
Keith Gordon Brinsden: 315
Gillian Ann Brooks: 561
Mark Alan Brooks: 533
Cruyff Gerard Buckley: 299
Ronald Arthur Coleman: 678
Gavin George Ellick: 279
Jeffrey Robert Ellick: 688
Corinda Sebastiana Stuart Essex: 827
Julie Christine Fowler: 194
Melissa Kim Fowler: 368
Martin Dave Henry: 750
Elizabeth Knipe: 65
Paul Laban: 376
Robert Charles Midwinter: 485
Christine Lilian Scipio: 532
Damien Shaun Thomas: 187
Derek Franklin Thomas: 394
Donald Eric Thomas: 65
Julie Dorne Thomas: 888
Karl Gavin Thrower: 611
Andrew James Turner: 834
Helene Virginia Williams: 308
Lionel George Williams: 67
Patrick Arthur Williams: 40
Russell Keith Yon: 450
Peter Anthony Young: 410
In total 1296 people cast valid votes. This represents approximately 60% of those eligible to vote – compared with 49% in 2017, 55% in 2013, 58% in 2009, and 47% in 2005.
There were five invalid Ballot Papers.
#StHelena #GeneralElection2021 #TheResults
https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG
14 October 2021
St Helena Authorities have received a request from fishing vessel Madre Josefa Uno for medical assistance for a sick crew member. This is not COVID-19 related and there is no indication of COVID-19 or any symptoms amongst crew members on board the vessel.
The vessel does not have appropriate medical facilities on board and, as per the Island’s SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) obligations, St Helena will assist as the nearest port of call.
The Madre Josefa Uno’s last port of call was Mindelo, Cabo Verde which she departed on 27 September and has been fishing since then. By the time of her estimated arrival at St Helena at 9am on Thursday, 14 October 2021, the vessel will have been at sea for 18 days.
All COVID-19 protocols and procedures, as per the Island’s Standard Operating Procedures for arriving vessels, will be strictly adhered to and all crew members will undertake a PCR test on arrival.
Pending sea conditions the vessel will berth alongside at Ruperts Jetty where it will be boarded by relevant personnel: If sea conditions are unfavourable the Senior Medical Officer will continue to remotely engage with the vessel to monitor the patient’s condition. As long as there is no immediate threat to the patient, the operation will be delayed until the vessel can come alongside. PPE requirements will be complied with whilst the vessel is alongside.
The patient’s condition will be assessed by medical staff and a decision taken on whether they can receive medical treatment on board the vessel or whether they will need to come ashore for further medical assistance and evacuation. If the patient needs to come ashore they will only be treated at the General Hospital if test results from all crew members are negative. If there is a positive test result from any crew member, the patient will be treated at Bradley’s Hospital under quarantine conditions.
The Madre Josefa Uno will continue on its journey following the medical assessment and advice from Health officials.
#StHelena #SOLAS
https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG
13 October 2021
With Polling Day just around the corner on Wednesday, 13 October 2021, candidates running in the General Election and people planning to vote are reminded of the following offences under the Elections Ordinance, 2009:
Treating
The offence of treating is committed by any person who corruptly by himself or herself or by any other person either before, during or after an election directly or indirectly gives or provides, or pays wholly or in part the expenses of giving or providing any food, drink, entertainment or provision to or for any person –
(a) For the purpose of corruptly influencing that person or any other person to vote or refrain from voting at such election; or
(b) On account of such person or any other person having voted or refrained from voting at such election.
An elector who corruptly accepts or takes any such food, drink, entertainment or provision commits the offence of treating.
Undue Influence
The offence of undue influence is committed by any person who directly or indirectly by himself or herself or by any other person on his or her behalf makes use of or threatens to make use of any force, violence or restraint, or inflicts or threatens to inflict by himself or herself or by any other person any injury, damage, harm or loss upon or against any person –
(a) In order to induce or compel such person to vote or refrain from voting: or
(b) On account of such person having voted or refrained from voting at an election.
Any person who by abduction, duress or any fraudulent contrivance impedes or prevents the free exercise of the franchise of any elector or thereby compels, induces or prevails upon any elector either to give or refrain from giving his or her vote at an election commits the offence of undue influence.
Bribery
Bribery is one of a number of corrupt practices that, in connection with a election, is an offence under the Elections Ordinance.
Bribery covers a range of conduct, either before, during or after an election and whether done directly or indirectly.
That range includes offering money, offering other things of value and offering or promising office or employment to induce an elector to vote, or not to vote. The offence may also be committed by making gifts, loans, payments, arrangements or otherwise providing finance to be expended in bribery or receiving or contracting for such payments or promises connected with voting.
The penalties for each offence as per section 25 of the Ordinance is a fine of £2,000 and imprisonment for 18 months, or both.
A person convicted of a corrupt practice may not, for seven years after the date of the
conviction, be registered as an elector or vote at an election of a Member or be elected a Member, or if elected before conviction, retain his or her seat as a Member.
#StHelena #GeneralElection2021
https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG
11 October 2021