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Returning Officer, Carol George, this afternoon, Wednesday 13 November 2019, announced the names of the five Candidates who will be standing for the Bye-Election to fill the vacant seat on Legislative Council.
The candidates are as follows:
Gillian Ann Brooks: of Upper Cow Path, Half Tree Hollow
Jeffrey Robert Ellick: of Police Quarters, Alarm Forest
Jeremy James Johns: of Nr. Harlyn, Half Tree Hollow
Elizabeth Knipe: of Perkin’s Gutt, Sandy Bay
Lionel George Williams: of ‘Brenville’, Nr. Half Tree Hollow, St Pauls
The list of nominated candidates, including the names of Sponsors, can be found in the Extraordinary Gazette Notice 94 – 13 November 2019, available on the SHG website via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/news/government-gazettes/.
Polling Day is set for Wednesday, 27 November 2019. Details on how and where to vote will be published in next week’s newspapers.
#StHelena #LegislativeCouncil #Bye-Election #Candidates
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SHG
13 November 2019
A new Export Sector identified in St Helena’s Sustainable Economic Development Plan (SEDP) 2018 – 2028 is Honey and Honey Bees.
Due to strict biosecurity restrictions on St Helena, local honey bees are free of the major diseases that cause significant damage to bee colonies as many other bee keeping Islands and countries experience. The genetic make-up or simply the disease free attribute of the St Helena bee makes our honey very valuable as one of the purest in the world.
The honey making industry on St Helena has developed in recent years but the scale and production is still small. One way of encouraging bees to increase honey is to plant more non-invasive flowering plants for honey bees to feed from.
The St Helena National Trust (SHNT), Beekeepers Association and Enterprise St Helena (ESH) has collaborated and created a brochure called ‘The Honey Bee on St Helena – How you can help them’ which provides information on the benefits of plants to bees and encourages people to buy or grow flowering plants which will help the Bee populations thrive. Plants include Coffee, Fruit Trees, Garden Plants and Herbs.
To help Honey Bees on St Helena and provide a Honey Bee friendly habitat, residents are also encouraged to:
- Grow native plants in their garden to increase the plant population
- Grow vegetables which will attract bees to your garden to help pollinate your plants
- Endeavour to have more garden variety for bees to feed on, we can reduce the invasive plant population which compete with our endemic and garden variety plant for space and nutrients
- Work with your employer, local community, schools, and others to enhance pollinator habitat
- As a land owner or manager, provide access to forage habitat to beekeepers for their honey bees.
Chief Economist, Nicole Shamier, said:
“We appreciate the excellent work that the National Trust has done to put this brochure together with support from ESH. As you told us when we were developing the SEDP, increased honey production starts with more bee food, so even if everyone help to grow just a couple of extra flowering plants each year, this can make a difference. Of course everyone is making best efforts to water plants with captured rain water or grey water during the drought, and this will be of great help to preserve a healthy ecosystem which in turn supports the livelihoods of our beekeepers.
“We haven’t started exporting honey yet, unlike Pitcairn Island which receives a healthy income from their exported jars, but the 10-year SEDP vision is to produce enough honey for both the local and the export market, targeting very niche high value suppliers, as we do with our coffee.”
#StHelena #LessImportsMoreExports #SEDP #Honey #HoneyBees #SHNT #ESH
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SHG
13 November 2019
CONSUMPTION MUST DECREASE
St Helena’s current water situation remains serious and has worsened over the past week with the Island’s stored water volume decreasing by 2% in just seven days.
Consumption rates also remain an issue with the required rate of under 1000 cubic metres of water occurring only on Sunday, 10 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) is continually exploring options to increase stored water levels. A burst pipe at Fishers Valley caused some disruption to pumping for a few hours last week, but the issue was promptly rectified and pumping recommenced.
Despite some light showers on Tuesday morning, 12 November 2019, the Island is still experiencing long dry sunny spells which is forecast to continue. The small amount of rain has had little to no impact on surface flow which remains very low.
With warm weather patterns and no significant rainfall forecast, it is therefore very important that we 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
13 November 2019
Executive Council met today, Tuesday 12 November 2019, to consider and advise whether the Currency (Amendment) Bill, 2019 should be printed, published and presented as Government Business at the next formal meeting of Legislative Council on 6 December 2019.
The amendments address two issues, namely:
- Deficit arrangements – that any deficit in any given Financial Year is covered by the General Reserve of the Currency Fund
- Distribution of Surplus in any given Financial Year, and related powers for Currency Commissioners.
Before considering the proposed amendments, Members noted that these were procedural and administrative changes to the Currency Ordinance and that the Currency Fund has not incurred a deficit in recent years but that it is prudent to ensure that provision is made in the legislation should a deficit occur in the future.
Members also noted that these amendments provide that the Commissioners are able to allocate as much of any surplus generated in the year to build the General Reserve and build financial resilience and security for the Currency Fund rather than the surplus having to be allocated to the General Revenue of St Helena Government (SHG).
Secondly, it will give the Commissioners the ability to contribute to the General Revenue of SHG, if it is deemed equitable to do so with the approval of the Governor, through a clear and unambiguous process.
These proposals had been previously endorsed by the Economic Development Committee and Members accepted the proposed amendments and changes therein.
Council viewed this as a tidying up exercise of the legislation and fully supported this pragmatic approach.
ExCo
12 November 2019
St Helena Police Support – Firearms & Procurement Officer and Police Armourer, Garry Henry, has recertified as an Armourer having recently completed a recertification training course in the UK.
Initially certified as an Armourer in 2015, Garry undertook the Armourer recertification course in Nottingham with Heckler & Koch, a German defence manufacturing company. Here Garry learned how to take apart the MP5, G36, 417, and Baton guns. He was also tasked with identifying and fixing faults on these weapons.
As part of his recertification training, Garry sat both a written and practical exam. In the Heckler & Koch written exam Garry had to identify and name each individual part of a weapon. The practical exam put Garry’s skills to the test as he had to disassemble 12 Glock guns and find the fault in each one before reassembling them again, with just seven minutes allowed on each weapon.
Garry said:
“Both the practical and written exams were difficult but doable and I am happy I was able to use all I have learned during my initial certification training, and the recertification training, to test and prove my abilities as an Armourer.”
As Armourer for the St Helena Police Force, Garry is in charge of the Armoury and responsible for the maintenance and servicing of all Police firearms. He is also in charge of the Police shooting range and has the authority to remove anyone from the range that he feels are not conducting themselves in a safe manner.
Gary concluded:
“I am proud to be the Armourer for the St Helena Police Service and take my duties very seriously. Now that I am recertified, I will continue to regularly service the Police Artillery to ensure, as far as possible, the safe operations of the St Helena Police Service.”
During his time in the UK, Garry also undertook a work placement with the Leicestershire Police Service and had the opportunity to police a football match alongside former St Helena Chief Inspector, Steve Riley.
#StHelena #StHelenaPolice #PoliceArmourer #AltogetherSafer
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SHG
12 November 2019
To recognise White Ribbon Day 2019, the UN Development Programme Safe Haven Project and the Children & Adults Social Care Directorate will be running an awareness raising campaign, starting on Monday, 18 November, and ending with a final event on Monday, 25 November 2019. The theme for this Campaign is ‘SOSU’ for Domestic Abuse– Speak out, Stand up for Domestic Abuse’.
Around the world, White Ribbon awareness focusses on men taking a stand against domestic violence. The White Ribbon Day Committee has chosen to change the focus from targeting males and decided that the aim and vision would be to use the voices of the male and female population of St Helena to encourage all on the Island to ‘Speak Out and Stand Up’ against all kinds of abuse, irrespective of gender and age.
Campaign activities can be found here.
#StHelena #WhiteRibbonDay2019 #StandUpAndSpeakOut
SHG
12 November 2019
To recognise White Ribbon Day 2019, the UN Development Programme Safe Haven Project and the Children & Adults Social Care Directorate will be running an awareness raising campaign, starting on Monday, 18 November, and ending with a final event on Monday, 25 November 2019. The theme for this Campaign is ‘SOSU’ for Domestic Abuse– Speak out, Stand up for Domestic Abuse’.
Around the world, White Ribbon awareness focusses on men taking a stand against domestic violence. The White Ribbon Day Committee has chosen to change the focus from targeting males and decided that the aim and vision would be to use the voices of the male and female population of St Helena to encourage all on the Island to ‘Speak Out and Stand Up’ against all kinds of abuse, irrespective of gender and age.
Campaign activities are as follows:
| White Ribbon (WR) Campaign Programme (18 – 25 November 2019) | ||
| White Ribbon activities includes purchasing T-Shirts (donations made to a registered charity), distribution of White Ribbons, signing of Pledges, and gathering for group photographs. | ||
| Date | Event | Time |
| Monday, 18 November | Launch of White Ribbon Campaign via the local media. | 8am – 9am |
| White Ribbon activities for private sector organisations and the community at the Market, Jamestown. | 9am – 12pm | |
| Tuesday, 19 November | White Ribbon activities for private sector, government organisations and the community as follows: CCC (9am-10am) Joshie’s (10am-11am) Children Services/Ebony View (11am-12pm). | 9am – 12pm |
| Wednesday, 20 November | Media Radio Interview on the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the rights of the child. | 8am – 9am |
| All Schools: 30th anniversary of the Convention on the rights of the child assemblies and White Ribbon Formation. | 9am – 2pm | |
| 30th anniversary of the Convention on the rights of the child Reception held at Plantation House (invited guests) | 5pm – 7pm | |
| Thursday, 21 November | White Ribbon activities for SHG Directorates and community at the General Hospital, Jamestown. | 9am – 12pm |
| Friday, 22 November | White Ribbon activities for SHG Directorates and community at the Castle Courtyard. | 9am – 12pm |
| Monday, 25 November | March from Napoleon Street to Castle Gardens for Closing Ceremony. The Closing Ceremony Programme includes a rose tree planting and an inscribed stone laid in honour of survivors and victims of domestic abuse, and a number of speeches. | 11am – 12.30pm |
#StHelena #WhiteRibbonDay2019 #StandUpAndSpeakOut
SHG
12 November 2019
A Remembrance Day Flag Ceremony, to mark the moment in World War 1 when the guns fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and to honour all who have served, was held at Plantation House today, Monday 11 November 2019.
His Excellency Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook gave a welcome speech, and Mrs Marjorie Harding (Ex-Army), HE Governor and Mr Jack Horner (Ex-Royal Navy) each read verses from the poem ‘For the Fallen’ by Robert Laurence Binyon.
The Right Reverend Lord Bishop of St Helena Dale Bowers invited those in attendance to pray, before observing a two-minute silence, signalled by the Last Post which was solemnly played by Mr Graeme Beckett. During the two-minute silence, the Governor’s Flag was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect. This was followed by a reading of Siegfried Sassoon’s poem ‘Everyone Sang’ by Mr Stephen Biggs (Ex-Merchant Navy). The Ceremony concluded with a Blessing from Bishop Dale.
Ex-service personnel and Island representatives were then invited to stay for a short reception.
Mr Stephen Biggs (Ex-Merchant Navy) 
Governor’s Flag lowered to half-mast 
The Right Reverend Lord Bishop of St Helena Dale Bowers 
Mr Jack Horner (Ex-Royal Navy) 
His Excellency Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook
#StHelena #FlagCeremony #RemembranceDay #WeWillRememberThem
SHG
11 November 2019
The annual Remembrance Sunday Divine Service, in honour of those who lost their lives or had been injured during active duty, was held at the Cenotaph in Jamestown on Sunday, 10 November 2019.
His Excellency, Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook, arrived at 10.55am, and the Right Reverend Lord Bishop of St Helena Dale Bowers invited the many in attendance to pray, before observing a two-minute silence, signalled by the Last Post.
Wreaths were laid for the Territory by HE Governor Rushbrook, for the French Republic by Michel Dancoisne-Martineau, for the Royal Navy by Mr Jack Horner, for the Army by Mr Barry Stroud, for the Royal Air Force by Mr John Reid, for the Merchant Navy by Miss Mia Henry, for the St Helena Police Service by Mr Garry Henry, and for the St Helena Fire & Rescue and Sea Rescue Service by Mr Kyle Yon. Several schoolchildren also laid wreaths.
Prayers were led by Canon Clive Duncan, Father David Musgrave, Major Priscilla Ziqubu and Deacon Edgar Crowie. During the Service, hymns were sung, including ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’, ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ and ‘O Valiant Hearts Who to Your Glory Came’.
The Act of Commitment was made and acts of peace were then offered. The Service concluded with the National Anthem and Blessing, followed by the traditional March-Past outside the Court House.
Alongside the service on-Island, St Helena Government’s UK Representative, Mrs Kedell Worboys MBE, along with Tristan da Cunha Government’s UK Representative, Mr Chris Carnegy, attended the UK’s Ceremony of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in London where a wreath was laid by Kedell on behalf of St Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha
#StHelena #RemembranceSundayService #WeWillRememberThem
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SHG
11 November 2019
MONDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2019
The formal opening of the St Helena Supreme Court took place at 9am today, Monday 11 November 2019.
The opening commenced as His Lordship, the Chief Justice, Charles Ekins Esq, entered the Courthouse accompanied by the Sheriff of St Helena, Mrs Ethel Yon OBE, Bishop Dale Bowers, and Chief Magistrate, Nicholas Aldridge (see photo). Lawyers, Justices of the Peace, officials, and members of the public were also in attendance.
Acting Attorney General, Allen Cansick, welcomed the Lord Chief Justice and introduced members of the Attorney General’s (AG’s) Chambers, the Public Solicitor’s Office, Lay Advocates and the Probation Service to the Supreme Court.
This was followed by an address from the Chief Justice. In his address the Chief Justice acknowledged today being a day of remembrance. He spoke about remembering the Rule of Law and its importance.
The Chief Justice said:
“In essence the Rule of Law is the guardian of any civilised society. Everyone in this community is innately connected to the Rule of Law and has a role in upholding it. It is, I think, sometimes a concept that we take for granted, but, as I say, at this time of remembrance, it is worth acknowledging the central role that it plays in our society and giving thanks, therefore, for those who have enabled its preservation.”
The Chief Justice then spoke directly to members of the AG’s Chambers, Public Solicitors Office and Probation Service. He welcomed Crown Counsel (Civil Litigation) Bianca Huggins and Crown Counsel (Criminal) Amanda Bailey to their first sitting of Supreme Court before acknowledging the important role of Catherine Williams as the new Legislative Drafter within the AG’s Chambers. The Chief Justice then said it was a pleasure to see Assistant Crown Counsel, Alwyn Thomas, back within the AG’s Chambers before stating his disappointment that Legal Officer, Nikita Crowie, would be leaving. Finally, His Lordship welcomed Kylie Hercules to the Public Solicitor’s Office and Laura Aston to the Probation Service and said he looked forward to the continuing assistance of the Probation team.
The St Helena Supreme Court will continue until Friday, 29 November 2019.
#StHelena #ChiefJustice #SupremeCourt #FormalOpening
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SHG
11 November 2019