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HE Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook will depart the Island for overseas business on Saturday, 23 November, returning on Saturday, 7 December 2019.
During His Excellency’s absence, Head of the Governor’s Office, Greg Gibson, will assume the role as Acting Governor.
#StHelena #Governor #OverseasBusiness #FCO #HOGO
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SHG
21 November 2019
The Economic Development Committee will consider whether to endorse a final draft of the Labour Market Strategy (LMS) at its next meeting on Thursday, 28 November 2019. The final draft LMS has been published on the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/. Hard copies will be available at the Public Library and Customer Service Centre.
The final draft LMS reflects revisions made in response to feedback received during public consultations which occurred between 2 September and 11 October. A ‘Quick Reference Guide’ has been developed to summarise key points raised during consultations and the resulting changes to the LMS. This document can also be found at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/ and hard copies will be available at the Public Library and Customer Service Centre.
Questions can be directed to Senior Economist, Amanda Curry Brown, via email: Amanda.Brown@sainthelena.gov.sh by Wednesday, 27 November 2019.
#StHelena #EconomicDevelopment #LabourMarketStrategy #SEDP
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SHG
21 November 2019
Allen Cansick, was today, Wednesday 20 November 2019, sworn in as Attorney General for St Helena
Allen took the prescribed Oaths in the presence of His Excellency Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook and colleagues from the Attorney General’s Chambers in the Governor’s Office, The Castle, at 8.30am.
Allen’s appointment is effective immediately.
#AttorneyGeneral #SwornIn
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SHG
20 November 2019
ST HELENA WATER SITUATION REMAINS SERIOUS
St Helena’s water situation remains serious and, due to current hot weather conditions and lack of substantial rainfall, surface water flow has gradually reduced over the past week.
Consumption rates also remain an issue with the required rate of under 1000 cubic metres of water occurring only on Friday, 15 November, meaning consumption rates were above 1000 cubic metres for six of the seven days in the past week.
If daily consumption rates of above 1000 cubic metres continue and the stored water volume subsequently continues to decrease, further Island-wide water restrictions will be imposed.
Connect Saint Helena (CSH) continue to pump from Chubb’s Spring and Hutt’s Gate as well as from Fisher’s Valley and Warren’s Gut. They have also begun pump testing from Shark’s Valley each day, starting on Thursday, 14 November, yielding a daily abstraction of around 80 cubic metres.
With St Helena nearing the holiday period, and with warm weather patterns and no significant rainfall forecast, it is therefore very important that we all keep our water consumption to essential use only.
The public is reminded that we are currently under an Island-wide hosepipe ban. If you see anyone using water irresponsibly or notice a burst pipe or leak, then please inform CSH immediately.
Every drop counts, every action counts – save water now to be safe later
#StHelena #WaterShortage #EveryDropCounts
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St Helena Resilience Forum
20 November 2019
Following an urgent application from the St Helena Fisheries Corporation (SHFC) to Executive Council (ExCo), requesting additional subsidy to fund repairs to equipment in the Fish Processing Factory, Elected Members instructed the formation of a Fisheries Task Group. The Task Group was set up to undertake a review of the current fish processing and sales on St Helena, and present an alternative business model to ExCo on 29 October 2019. The key focus for the Group was to produce a model that curtails the crippling losses incurred by the SHFC with a view to reducing the subsidy provided to it by taxpayers.
Background
Over the last five years a total of £1,387,000 has been provided as operational subsidy by Government to the SHFC and the operation continues to report financial losses year on year. The SHFC’s business model has been broken for some time but masked by SHG paying out ever growing levels of subsidy to the fishing sector on an annual basis. This is money SHG can no longer afford. The fish factory has not made any profit for several years, it continues to build up ever-increasing losses, in the forlorn hope that it just might earn some cash from overseas sales to pay back the hundreds of thousands of pounds that have been sunk into the venture. In 2019 alone in nine months of the financial year the SHFC has used up a subsidy of around £450, 000 with nothing but even more losses to show for it.
The time has come for everyone, SHG, the SHFC, the St Helena Commercial Fishermen’s Association (SHCFA), all Fishermen and every resident of St Helena to realise that this cannot go on. A fundamental change in the system of fishing on the Island is needed with the adoption of a business model that, at the very least, has a fighting chance to break even. The SHFC and SHCFA have been asked repeatedly to propose, individually or collectively, a better way forward and to date neither entity has been able to produce a plan to address the serious losses.
In the absence of an alternative model from either entity, SHG’s Task Group in October, put forward a draft interim business model for a slimmed down fishing sector that has, as its first priority, sustaining a supply of fish to the domestic market. The draft model proposes an alternative interim business solution lasting between 6-18 months focusing on providing the local market with fresh and affordable protein and the possibility of fresh exports by air of premium grade tuna. The plan depicts options for alternative revenue streams and options for cost reduction.
ExCo recognised the draft business model was not perfect and improvements needed to be made if it was to be acceptable. ExCo requested the Task Group to engage with the SHFC and SHCFA, as well as individuals with an interest in fishing, to work together to see if the plan could be improved. Targeted consultation is being carried out with the SHFC (staff and members of Board), SHCFA and Fishermen. To date the Task Group have met twice with the SHFC Board of Management and are awaiting feedback as promised, they have also offered support to the SHFC Board of Management for staff engagement.
The Task Group is keen to meet with Fishermen to get their input, the Group would particularly like to understand from the Fishermen whether there are any alternatives to some of the assumptions proposed within the model. The Group recognises that the SHCFA is well-placed to work with SHG to help to build a more promising business plan for the future, however to date the Task Group has not been successful in securing a meeting with the Association.
The Task Group is now extending an invitation to all commercial fishermen to attend a meeting next Monday evening, 25 November 2019, in the Council Chamber at 5.30pm, to meet with members of the Fisheries Task Group, Councillor Lawson Henry and the Chief Secretary.
Copies of the draft Business Model are available from the Press Office and any Fishermen requiring a copy should contact: kerisha.yon@sainthelena.gov.sh or tel: 22368.
#StHelena #Fisheries #FisheriesTaskGroup #Consultation #AlternativeBusinessModel
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SHG
20 November 2019
The introduction of the fibre optic cable on St Helena offers a unique ‘one off’ opportunity to study change and development pre and post cable landing.
The St Helena Research Institute, in conjunction with St Helena Government and the Fibre Optic Cable and Satellite Ground Station Board, are seeking to attract research proposals from local and international researchers to encourage research which would contribute to this evaluation of a pre and post cable environment on St Helena. Specifically to help St Helena realise the social objectives of St Helena’s European Development Fund (EDF 11) 11th round project funding.
St Helena’s remoteness has forged and shaped the Island’s rich biodiversity, history and culture. Location has been the determining factor influencing opportunity for growth or impacting a downturn on the economy. St Helena now stands at the crossroads of a new and transformative digital future, connected to the world through a subsea fibre optic cable, bringing St Helena back on to the world stage on a digital highway, and engaging us in satellite communication and space technological advancement.
St Helena’s Digital Strategy aims to improve the Island’s health, education, economy and communications. The introduction of affordable, reliable and quicker broadband connectivity is key to the strategy and this is dependent on securing access to the subsea fibre optic cable that will enable the Island to have scalable connectivity, ranging from a few hundred gigabits per second up to multiple terabits as demand varies. It will open up new opportunities for education, business, research, helping to retain and attract St Helenians on and on to the Island and attracting a broader range of inward investment, visitors, digital nomads and researchers.
In June 2018, SHG secured €21.5 million European Development Fund, the majority of which is to support the delivery of the SHG Digital Strategy. The target is to deliver broadband to St Helena as early as 2021.
The proposals will be reviewed by the St Helena Connected Group and the St Helena Research Council and the research proposal which is considered to best support the EDF 11 social objectives, offering real benefits to the community and meets the Research Council criteria, will be awarded a grant of £5,000 to go towards the costs of travel to the Island or for local researchers, the sum of £5,000 to contribute to the costs of conducting the study.
Competition details are attached to this release. For an application form and for further information please contact: enquiries@sthelenaresearch.edu.sh
#StHelena #SHRI #Competition #BridgingtheDigitalDivide
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SHG
20 November 2019
The Education & Employment Directorate officially launched the St Helena Research Institute (SHRI) at dual events hosted on St Helena and in London on Tuesday, 12 November 2019.
Ann’s Place, one of the Island’s cultural gems which has already been the platform for the Island’s first two International Environmental Conferences, provided a fitting venue for the St Helena based launch. In the UK invited guests were welcomed by SHG UK Representative Kedell Worboys, MBE, at Alliance House in London.
Despite being thousands of miles apart the two events were co-ordinated to deliver a similar programme of speeches, to reach out and spread the message that we are here and open for business and looking forward to working with all parties to support, develop, fund and expand the research activities and opportunities on St Helena.
On St Helena, His Excellency Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook gave the opening address to around 80 guests. Governor Rushbrook said:
“This new Research Institute is a starting point for researchers on the Island, and those who come to our shores, to base their operations and be able to begin their important work as quickly and smoothly as possible. I have high expectations for the Institute to become a catalyst that encourages Saints to embark upon research of their own, to encourage researchers from around the world to see St Helena as a place of choice to conduct their work, and to be a gathering point for the many scientific studies undertaken here in past times. I hope too, that St Helena is now able to work in collaboration and share information with researchers around the globe.”
Director of Education & Employment, Wendy Benjamin, then described some of the background to the establishment of the SHRI (A full copy of Wendy’s speech is attached to this release).
In the UK, the SHRI was represented by Deputy Director of SAERI and a member of the SHRI Steering Group, Tara Pelembe, Chief Executive for Economic Development and a member of the Research Council, Dr Dawn Cranswick, and former Steering Group Member, Kirsty Joshua, now residing in the UK and working with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) InnovateUK.
45 guests attended the UK Launch and the Rt Honourable Andrew Mitchell gave the opening speech. He said:
“St Helena is one of the most extraordinary, fascinating and rewarding places to visit in the world. With the Island’s abundance of untouched resources and unique features it provides extraordinary opportunities for all visitors whatever their interests. The time is right for St Helena to reach its full potential as a prized destination.”
Summing up the event, Kedell added:
“A good cross section of people attended the launch in the UK, there was a positive vibe with people feeling excited about the possibility of working with the SHRI. The general comment was that the SHRI was a great initiative.”
Speeches by Tara Pelembe in the UK and Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks on-Island were co-ordinated to share the same presentation to celebrate the long history of science and Saint science on St Helena and academic achievement, past and present. And also, St Helena’s long history of international research collaborations, the growth of contemporary research and the growth of new collaborations.
Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks concluded:
“A big thank you to all the individuals and organisations who supported and worked tirelessly to establish the SHRI. We look forward to your continued support for SHRI and the UKOT research network as we move forward.”
The launch of the new Research Institute has given us an opportunity to celebrate achievements past and present and to encourage future enquiry. St Helena offers a wealth of potential research opportunities many needed to help us respond to island challenges: from natural capital and climate change, to health, history and culture, to tourism, the fibre optic cable, destination marketing, exports, import substitution and investment.
Copies of both Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook’s, and Education Director, Wendy Benjamin’s, speeches are attached to this release.
#StHelena #StHelenaResearchInstitute #SHRI
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SHG
19 November 2019
Executive Council will meet on Thursday, 21 November 2019, at 9.30am, in the Governor’s Office, to discuss the following Open Agenda items:
- The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Application) Order 2019
- Police and Criminal Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2019
- Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Bill 2019
- Financial Services (Amendment) Bill 2019
- Ownership Policy for Wholly Owned State Entities
These papers (ExCo Memos) are available online at the following link: http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/councils/executive-council/.
Members of the public who would like to view hard copies of the ExCo Memos should contact Clerk of Councils, Connie Johnson, at the Castle on tel: 22470 or via email: connie.johnson@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Elected Members serving on Executive Council are Councillors Anthony Green, Lawson Henry, Clint Beard, Derek Thomas and Russell Yon.
Non-voting members of ExCo are Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey, Financial Secretary, Dax Richards, and Acting Attorney General, Allen Cansick.
#StHelena #ExCoMeeting
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SHG
19 November 2019
Councillor Clint Beard departs the Island on Saturday, 23 November 2019, to attend the 68th Westminster Seminar on Effective Parliaments, hosted by the UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK) in London between 25 and 29 November 2019.
The Seminar is a five-day programme of theoretical and practical sessions which will allow delegates to learn about effective parliaments, using the Westminster example as a starting point, as well as being able to share views and experiences of their own legislatures.
Sessions will include Effective Parliaments; Our Roles and Responsibilities, Diversity within Parliament, The Political Scene Around International Trade, Public Engagement, Social Media and Democracy; A Balanced Approach, Communication, Privilege: Standards, Behaviour & Etiquette, Impact of Committees, Local Democracy and Effective models of scrutiny – The example of the London Assembly. Delegates will also have the opportunity to tour the Parliamentary Estate, visit the Parliamentary Archives or participate in a Focus Group to share their learning from the Seminar.
Councillor Clint Beard said:
“I am looking forward to representing St Helena at the 68th Westminster Seminar which will be attended by over 70 parliamentarians and clerks from all over the Commonwealth. I intend to pick up as much information as I can and gain valuable knowledge and relate to common issues that others experience and look at how others deal with these.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity and ability to network and also discuss politics happening all over the world and just see how unique our issues are. I believe the Westminster Seminar will be able to grow my political mind and benefit me in my future. I hope to achieve skills in parliamentary governance and procedures and effective leadership. I believe attending will also be a good way of promoting St Helena Island and engaging with people to show how wonderful our Island is and get them to spread the word to visit.”
The CPA UK’s Westminster Seminar provides a unique platform for participants to meet their counterparts from across the Commonwealth, build lasting relationships and explore the role and functions of parliamentarians/clerks in depth. The expected outcome from the Seminar is for delegates to have an enhanced understanding of how to effectively scrutinise, represent and deliver oversight in their respective parliaments.
Notes for Editors
The annual Westminster Seminar is CPA UK’s flagship capacity-building programme for parliamentarians and appointed procedural/committee clerks from across the Commonwealth.
Each year the five-day programme provides a unique platform for participants from across the Commonwealth to network and engage with counterparts, exploring approaches to parliamentary democracy, practice and procedure in the context of the Westminster System and drawing comparisons between Commonwealth legislatures.
#StHelena #68thWestminsterSeminar #EffectiveParliaments #CPAUK
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SHG
19 November 2019
‘Charlie Boar Seamount’ has been officially accepted by the sub-committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN) as the name for the newly mapped seamount 30 nautical miles South East of St Helena.
The name ‘Charlie Boar’ was put forward by Mia Henry of Jamestown, the winning entrant in a competition run earlier on the Island this year by SHG and St Helena Tourism. ‘Charlie Boar’ was the nickname of Mia’s Grandpa, a well-known seafarer on St Helena.
The proposed name was submitted to the SCUFN on behalf of the Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha on 4 March 2019 by Dr Martin Collins from the British Antarctic Survey, reviewed at the SCUFN32 meeting, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in August and officially accepted on Monday, 11November 2019. The seamount was mapped during a joint Blue Belt Programme/British Antarctic Survey of St Helena and Tristan da Cunha waters back in 2018. During the marine survey scientists also studied the biodiversity on the seabed floor using a camera system and collected biological specimens from the waters using scientific nets.
Mia said:
“There were a few people who had suggested that the seamount be given this name and in thinking about ‘Papa’s’ life, it felt right and writing my competition entry came easily. It helped to know that others were in support of this.
“The name itself could only be ‘Charlie Boar’ as this was how he was known, particularly within the fishing and boating community. Whenever somebody had a question about the sea; be it the conditions, fishing, land marks or history, they were referred to ‘Charlie Boar’, as everybody associated him with the sea.
“I spent a lot of my childhood ‘out in the boat’ with ‘Papa’ and one of my fondest memories is being a part of the flotilla that welcomed the RMS for the first time.I guess it was then natural for me to become a seafarer also.
“My family and I are very happy that the naming is now official and can’t wait to see it in black and white on the chart – a symbol of Charlie Boar’s love of the sea.
“We hope that the rest of the Island, and the team responsible for the discovery of, will share in our celebration of the Charlie Boar seamount.”
Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook added:
“The discovery of this seamount was a very special achievement and what better way could there be but to name it after a well-known seafarer from St Helena. His family and all on this Island are delighted by this international recognition.”
#StHelena #Seamount #CharlieBoar #StHelenaTourism #BlueBelt #BritishAntarcticSurvey
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SHG
18 November 2019