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St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to advise that Puma Energy (Aviation ) SA has been appointed as the Interim Fuel Management Contractor.

With effect from 1 October 2020, Puma Energy is responsible for all aspects of aviation fuel management on St Helena.  This includes the procurement and storage of aviation fuel together with refuelling operations at St Helena Airport.

St Helena Airport has become the 89th airport where Puma Energy is responsible for aviation fuelling operations. Puma Energy’s refuelling operations conform to Joint Inspection Group (JIG) standards.

Global Head of Aviation for Puma Energy, Seamus Kilgallon,  commented:

“We are delighted to partner with St Helena Government to deliver aviation fuel management services to the Island. We understand the strategic importance of the Airport to the Island community and we are committed to delivering safe and reliable refuelling operations.”

Note to Editors

Responsibility for ground fuels (diesel and petrol) using the existing BFI remains with Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc, on behalf of SHG.  Responsibility for the final design, mechnical completion and commissioning of the new fuel infrastructure in Rupert’s lies with the SHG Airport Directorate.  Plans are underway for a new management arrangement for both ground and aviation fuels to take effect upon commissioning of the new fuel infrastructure.

#StHelena #PumaEnergy #FuelManagement

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SHG
8 October 2020

Executive Council has agreed to extend the Business Support Initiative to 31 December 2020 for Tourism accommodation providers, Tour Operators (including both land and marine based) and other tourism related businesses. A reduced support package of 50% of the current level will be provided to qualifying businesses from 1 October. The aim of this support is to keep people in the hospitality sector on-Island in employment.

Each eligible business can make one application.  Where several businesses are under the same ownership, or operating out of one building, the funding is limited to one grant.

Hardship Support

Hardship Support is available to owners of companies and sole proprietorships for whom more than half of their annual income is earned in the following sectors:

The revised support is £250.00 for the first director and £162.50 for each employee and additional director.

Essential Cost Assistance Grants

Eligible businesses can also apply for an Essential Cost Assistance Grant of up to a maximum of £250.00 towards essential costs for business premises, i.e. rent, utilities, internet costs or business insurance.

Full details of both the Hardship Support Package and the Essential Cost Assistance Grants can be found on the SHG website at the following link: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/

Due to the evolving situation, SHG will continue to evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 response measures. SHG will reassess the need for continuing support beyond December. 

Financial Support Published

Financial support provided by St Helena Government (SHG) and Enterprise St Helena this year to reduce the burden on local businesses affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic included:

On 1 July 2020, Executive Council approved a second phase of hardship support for local businesses in the hospitality sector who continued to be impacted by COVID-19, with the aim of keeping the sectors most highly impacted by the disruption in scheduled commercial flights in business. Support packages were provided for:

A list of all businesses who have received financial support up until 28 September 2020 under the different schemes has today been published on the Public information, Policies and Reports page of the SHG website: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/. Here is an infographic of the total amount of support provided under each package.

#StHelena #COVID-19 #BusinessSupport

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SHG
8 October 2020

The Virtual Island Summit took place between 7 and 13 September 2020. The event was managed by Island Innovation, founded by James Ellsmoor.

This is the second year that the event has been run, but the first time that St Helena and the Falkland Islands have participated and had representation.

During the week, over 10,000 people registered and over 500 islands around the world were represented. Participants were able to listen to and engage in chatroom discussions with panel experts on a range of sustainable development issues from clean, innovative energy strategies and technologies to island responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. As well as local and global challenges faced by the UK Overseas Territories in adapting to the changes brought about by Brexit, island collaboration, planning for the future and education for sustainability.

Registration was free and enabled participants to engage in networking opportunities through events hosted via the Summit website to reach out and make contacts across areas of interest and explore opportunities for sharing innovation and experiences, and applying technology and learning to their own situation. 

The St Helena Research Institute (SHRI), working together with the South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI), the Falkland Islands Government (FIG), and Enterprise St Helena (ESH), promoted the event and coordinated engagement and participation in the summit, along with Summit Ambassadors Kirsty Joshua, The Honourable Teslyn Barkman MLA (FIG) and Tara Pelembe (SAERI).

The South Atlantic islands as a region was represented across a number of events. Chair of the Board of Directors of SHAPE, Lolly Young, joined the discussion on various projects across the Orkney Islands, showcasing how the local communities are shaping energy developments to solve problems and shine a light for island futures globally. Lolly provided an example, together with Humberto Vidal of the University of the Magallanes (Tierra del Fuego) and Ebrahim Jadwet, Secretary of the Nicobar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, of energy and innovation of three very remote and different islands, shining a light on the work of the innovative social enterprise project and noting the original concept for SHAPE had grown from an example in the Shetland Islands.

Feeding back after the talk Lolly said:

“I have had quite a few messages come in to say people enjoyed the presentation, some who had never heard of St Helena and others who are offering to help. It has been a great opportunity and we continue to get people contacting us at SHAPE, saying they saw our slot and wanting to network.”

The SHRI co-sponsored the panel discussion ‘Innovation and Sustainable Development in the South Atlantic’ with the Falkland Islands Government. The panel was aired on Friday, 11 September, day five of the Summit, and was moderated by Deputy Director Innovation, SAERI, Tara Pelembe. The speakers were: Executive Director (SAERI), Dr Paul Brickle, Environmental Officer (FIG), Denise Blake, The Honourable Mark Pollard MLA (FIG), Director of Education & Employment, St Helena Government, Wendy Benjamin, The Honourable Russell Yon, Member of Legislative Council, St Helena Government and Entrepreneur and Co-creator of the Inside St Helena App, Darrin Henry.

Panel Members. Photo Credit: Inside St Helena

The panel discussion was listened to by 457 people from over 84 countries and islands, including colleagues and friends on or associated with Tristan da Cunha, the Falkland Islands, Ascension Island, Montserrat and Anguilla. Questions were raised by the audience through a chat line and fielded to the panellists by Tara. Although it wasn’t possible to answer all the questions in the time available, the team is working through the outstanding queries and will be continuing these conversations with those who asked them. One of the people getting in touch was Ann-Marie Jonas who is based in New Jersey. Ann-Marie works to build sustainable development within organisations.

On St Helena, about 50 people were listening in from the St Helena Community College (SHCC), the Tourist Office, National Trust and other locations.

In the days after the event, The Honourable Russell Yon said:

 “It was challenging to ensure that the correct information was collated for the presentation and doing so in the limited time available, but now that it is all done and dusted the rewards are and will be monumental. Since this Summit I have received several interesting correspondence from individuals either interested in St Helena or our Renewable Energy programme or providing some form of advice. This kind of engagement would not have been possible if not for the Virtual Island Summit 2020.”

Wendy added:

“To participate in this event, although a little daunting at first, was an amazing experience.  I would never have thought that I would be a part of such a prestigious event whilst remaining on St Helena.  This was a fantastic way of sharing what we do here on St Helena to a global audience.  I have had positive feedback from people on-Island and off-shore and see the connections made as a way of developing education on St Helena.”

Darrin commented:

 “A flawless live video link-up from St Helena is no small achievement, especially one that ran over 90 mins. It was a real privilege being a part of the whole event and speaking alongside Wendy and Russell. I’ve had two LinkedIn connection requests from people who watched the talks, from Estonia and the US (Texas). I’ve also had two emails from people who watched and reached out – a geographer from Poland and someone working in sustainable industries in Argentina. Feedback on-Island has also been very good from people who watched, mostly from the SHCC but also from other locations.”

The Honourable Teslyn Barkman MLA (FIG) spoke on the panel discussion ‘Brexit and beyond: global and local challenges in the UKOTs’ held on Saturday, 12 October.

Coordinator, SHRI, Rebecca Cairns-Wicks, concluded:

“Remoteness no longer means isolation, through the internet as well as radio we can connect to a global family of islands and islanders who we share similar challenges and opportunities with and who want to share knowledge to help grow and support sustainable, resilient and prosperous islands. We have some excellent examples of sustainable development initiatives on St Helena and the Falkland Islands that put the South Atlantic on a global leadership platform and we also have much to learn from others advancing in many other ways. The people we have reached out to, and are reaching out to us, maybe future visitors, investors, ambassadors and collaborators in progress for prosperity. Thanks are extended to our sponsors ESH and Sure SA Ltd for enabling us to co-host the panel discussion and engage online, to the SHG IT section for their excellent technical support service, to the speakers both here and on the Falkland Islands, and to Tara and SAERI, our ‘sister’ organisation who we worked hand-in-hand with to coordinate this event. Finally, thanks to James Ellsmoor and the Island Innovation team for the opportunity to participate in this incredible experience.”  

A big thank you to Paul Blake and Saint FM who produced a podcast of the four speakers from St Helena and relayed that through the local radio and also made available online on the Saint FM ‘Listen again’ page and linked from there to Facebook and Twitter.

If you would like further information please contact: rebecca.cairns-wicks@sainthelena.gov.sh

#StHelena #VirtualIslandSummit #VIS2020

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SHG

7 October 2020

World Teachers Day, also known as Teacher Appreciation Day, is celebrated annually on 5 October. This year’s theme was ‘Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining the Future’.

On St Helena, the four Island schools celebrated World Teachers Day with special assemblies where students performed acts, read messages of thanks, sang songs and danced to show their appreciation to their teachers.

In honour of the day all teachers also received a voucher entitling them to an additional day of annual leave for the remainder of the school year.

A cake representing each of the School’s colours was presented at each school along with a ‘Thank-you’ card.

Director of Education, Wendy Benjamin, commented:

“Whilst we appreciate our staff all year round, Teacher Appreciation Day gives us the opportunity to extend an extra special message of thanks and show our appreciation to all of our teaching staff. It is fitting that all of these special people receive due recognition for their hard work, dedication and valued contribution to improving education for all young people on St Helena.”

#StHelena #Education #EducationAwarenessWeek #TeacherAppreciationDay #WorldTeachersDay

SHG

6 October 2020

During the week of Monday, 28 September, to Sunday, 4 October 2020, Police dealt with a total of 35 reports. There were no arrests during this period.

A search warrant was executed whereby a small amount of cannabis was seized. This resulted in a person being interviewed and given a Police caution.

There were four reports of road traffic collisions, three of which resulted in no further Police action and one is currently being investigated.

A report of dangerous cycling was made and is being investigated.

A report of harassment was made and dealt with.

The Sea Rescue team returned a boat to the moorings after they found it adrift. The owner later reported that the boat was damaged. It appears that this was a malicious act, which is now under investigation. Although the owner had done everything they could to secure their boat, all boat owners are advised to have their vessels securely tied with a primary and secondary line and to different fixings on the vessel (making it 100% resilient) and check the vessel as often as possible. Boats are the lifeline to many fishermen and damage or destruction could be detrimental to their livelihoods. Furthermore, should anyone have any information concerning damages to boats or any suspicious activity taking place around the moorings please contact St Helena Police.

A report of cows roaming on the highway was made and dealt with. Owners are reminded that cattle wandering unattended on the highway is an offence which could result in a fine.

Police assistance was requested for a traffic concern which was safely dealt with.

A report of a nuisance call was made, whereby advice was given to the caller informing them that should their behaviour continue further action could be taken.

An official request for the Coroner’s Office was made and dealt with.

Six summons were served, community engagement was carried out and parking in Jamestown was monitored during the busy periods.

Should you have a report, please call Police Headquarters on tel: 22626. Controllers will take your report details and make an assessment, which will then be followed up by a Police Officer. Details are pertinent, therefore please be patient and understanding when you are asked for information.

Until next week – Stay Safe!

#StHelena #StHelenaPolice #WeeklyReports #AltogetherSafer

SHG

6 October 2020

International Day for Older Persons (IDOP) is recognised each year on 1 October. The IDOP is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of ageing in today’s world.

On St Helena, IDOP was recognised with a special ‘Dance for Dignity’ party for residents of the Princess Royal Community Care Centre (CCC) and their family and friends on Thursday, 1 October 2020. The party comprised of line dancing, singing and an afternoon tea. Musical entertainment was provided by Mr Vince March’s Band.

Manager of the CCC, Rosalie Brown, commented:

“International Day for Older Persons is an opportunity to highlight the important contribution that older people make to society and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of ageing they face worldwide. It pledges that no one will be left behind and that every older person shall have the opportunity to fulfil their potential in dignity and equality, which is why we celebrated by ‘Dancing for Dignity’ at the Community Care Centre.”

Service users of Cape Villa also commemorated IDOP on Thursday, 1 October, with a tea party and the service users of Deasons Centre enjoyed a lunch on Friday, 2 October.

If you are an elderly member of the community or know of an elderly person needing advice or assistance, please contact the duty team on tel: 25353. The team will make an assessment to ascertain what level of support you may require.

#StHelena #IDOP #AltogetherSafer

SHG

5 October 2020

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office invites nominations for the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Persons wishing to submit nominations for the 2021 Birthday Honours are reminded that the overriding principle is that Honours are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement or any service recently carried out over and above what normally is expected. This can include making a difference to their community or field of work, innovation and entrepreneurship, improving life for people less able to help themselves and displaying moral courage. Where possible, nominations should place emphasis on voluntary services.

It should also be noted that age is not a factor in awarding Honours, and younger members of the community who have made an outstanding contribution or have given exceptional service should not be overlooked. It is important that nominations are kept confidential and that nominees are not made aware that they are being proposed for award of an Honour.

To find out more about the different types of Honours Awards please visit: www.gov.uk/honours.

Nomination forms are available from Corporate Services at the Castle, Jamestown, or can be requested via email: linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Completed forms should be returned to the Castle in a sealed envelope marked ‘Confidential’ addressed to ‘The Executive Secretary, Honours Committee’, by Monday, 2 November 2020.

#StHelena #FCDO #BirthdayHonours

SHG

5 October 2020

St Helena Government has received news of the sad passing of the wife of former Governor Francis Eustace Baker CBE OBE. Mrs Connie Baker had accompanied her husband on St Helena during his term as Governor of the Island between 1984 and 1988. 

Mrs Baker passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 30 September 2020, aged 87 years. She is survived by her husband and their four children. 

During her time on St Helena, Mrs Baker was very active in the community.

SHG extends sincere condolences to Mrs Baker’s family at this sad time.

#StHelena

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SHG
5 October 2020

International Translation Day 2020 – a day used to highlight the important work of translators, interpreters, and others in the language service industry – was recognised on 30 September 2020.

In recent years on St Helena a language service has been offered through Schools, the Community College and to different Island organisations.

French is currently being taught to students and adults from beginner level all the way up to GCSE and A-Level. In addition to the classes at Prince Andrew School, there are also nine weekly classes in the three Island Primary Schools – St Paul’s, Pilling and Harford.

French Teacher, Jennifer Ratcliffe, commented:

“In addition to teaching French, I also help Primary School pupils to understand where words come from and support them with their grammar and spelling in both English and French. I have been very impressed with the attitude, enthusiasm and progress made, especially with my Primary and adult classes.”

A French language course is currently ongoing at the St Helena Community College.

Attendant of the French lesson, Linda, said:

“I attended French classes some years back but wasn’t able to complete the course for a number of reasons, so I was pleased to learn that the course was being offered at the St Helena Community College again and decided to give it another shot. Learning French is fun and challenging and I hope, at the end of the course, I’ll be sufficiently competent and confident to at least have a basic conversation in French.”

French is also being taught to staff of St Helena Tourism, Biosecurity, Immigration and St Helena Airport Ltd teams to allow frontline staff to greet visitors.

CEO of St Helena Airport Ltd, Gwyneth Howell, said:

“It is important that Airport staff learn other languages so that they can communicate with travellers who do not speak English.”

Immigration Officer, Carol Youde, concluded:

“In Immigration we often meet people of varying nationalities who speak little or no English, which requires us to find alternative ways of communicating. Basic greetings in French, learnt from sessions with French Teacher, Jennifer Ratcliffe, proved to be really beneficial to me when dealing with a recent French visitor who spoke no English at all.”

SHG

2 October 2020

The Programme Management Unit would like to advise the public that, following refurbishment works, Longwood public toilets have been re-opened with immediate effect.

The refurbishment works were completed ahead of schedule in mid-September.

Improvement works to the facility, undertaken by Mr Arnold Crowie, included the installation of new anti-vandal sanitary ware, new lighting and windows, and other works.

  • Before
  • After
  • Before
  • After

#StHelena #RefurbishmentWorks #LongwoodPublicToilets

SHG

2 October 2020