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In a Proclamation issued today, Wednesday 11 September 2019, Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook has announced that a Bye-election to fill the vacant seat on Legislative Council (following the recent resignation of Kylie Hercules on 31 August) will take place on Wednesday, 27 November 2019.

The public is reminded that to vote in the Bye-election or to stand for election to Legislative Council your name must be on the Register of Electors.

A window of opportunity is being given to members of the public whose names are not included in the Register of Electors dated 1 July 2019 to have their names added to the Register. Persons wishing to take part in the Bye-election and whose names are not yet on the Register of Electors, should make an application to the Registration Officer on the prescribed form by 4pm on Friday, 20 September 2019.

Forms can be obtained from the Registration Officer at the Castle (tel: 22470) or from the Post & Customer Services Centre. The forms can also be downloaded from the SHG website via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/forms/.

Remember – you can only apply to be registered if you are:

#StHelena #Bye-Election #RegisterOfElectors

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SHG

11 September 2019

St Helena’s water consumption levels on 3, 5, 6 and 7 September were less than 1000 cubic metres – the consumption rate required to sustain a safe level of stored water on the Island. All residents are praised for their efforts in reducing their water usage.

Despite some recent rainfall, the surface water runoff has not increased which means that very little or no surface water is entering the Island’s reservoirs. Isolated showers are forecast for the coming days, but this will not be enough to see the desired effects on the reservoir levels. At least two weeks of continuous meaningful rainfall is needed to make a positive difference in reservoir levels.

The raw water catchment at Osbornes in St Paul’s is completely dry and there has not been any surface runoff in this area since March 2019. This water catchment is one of the main sources of surface water for the Red Hill reservoirs, producing around 90 cubic metres per day. Osbornes has been known to produce water all year round, including during the summer period, but is now completely depleted.

Although there is water present in the Harpers 2 (H2) Earth Dam (see photos below), H2 is still classified as empty as the current water volume (dead storage) is under the outlet pipe.

Connect Saint Helena (CSH) continues to pump water from Chubb’s Spring and Hutt’s Gate to Red Hill to replenish stocks in this area.

With the St Helena Summer and peak season for visitors just around the corner it is important that we continue to cut down our water usage to essential use only.

Remember, 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.

Harpers 2 Earth Dam (September 2018)

Harpers 2 Earth Dam (September 2019)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#StHelena #WaterShortage #EveryDropCounts  

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St Helena Resilience Forum

11 September 2019

The monthly meeting of the Economic Development Committee took place on Thursday, 22 August 2019, and the following is a summary of the main items discussed:

Enterprise St Helena (ESH) presented their Progress and Performance Report for July 2019, and gave a brief update in relation to items in progress. In particular it was noted that ESH had been given permission to make public the DFID Annual Review Report, where they had received an ‘A’ rating for 2018/19. The revised Grants Policy had been endorsed by the ESH Board and the Business Development Team will be commencing a promotional campaign in relation to this in September. The ESH Board had also approved a funding proposal for further DNA testing of the Island’s bees, with a view to increasing future opportunities in this particular area of agricultural production. The Tourism Office staff had been undertaking local promotional activity relating to travel show attendance, in particular Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) in London. Work continues on the new Investor Prospectus and ESH had also been assisting Paul O’Sullivan, as noted in the recent joint press release between Saint Helena Corporation, Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc, and Enterprise St Helena. On the projects front, the pavement works behind the Canister were complete and design work was underway in relation to the next Zone to be progressed, which would include siting of the replica fountain.

The Environment Natural Resources & Planning Directorate made a presentation on a draft Fisheries Management Policies Statement and Fishing Licensing Policy.  These policies are being proposed to help ensure our fishing activities and the fisheries upon which such activities depend is managed within a sustainable framework that provides benefits for current and future generations. Fishing licensing is intended to bring fishing in line with other sectors benefitting through use of the Island’s natural resources. Licensing of all boat fishing and all spearfishing activities (including for inshore fish species) is being proposed with related fish catch limits, and is a key change to current fishing practices. Licensing is not being proposed for rock-fishing as this is recognised as being a traditional form of fishing activity which fisheries stakeholders would like to encourage in its current form, providing fish catches are for personal consumption and not for sale.

A reform of fisheries legislation is planned to provide a robust regulatory basis for management of the fisheries and both policies will help to inform and provide direction for the necessary changes to the legislation.

Associated targeted and public consultations for the policies were discussed and after much discussion and suggested amendments to the draft documents, the Committee approved the policies for public consultation.  A summary of all feedback received through this exercise will be provided to the Economic Development Committee for their consideration as part of the process of updating the policies and their adoption.

The Committee also endorsed the draft Labour Market Strategy to be issued for public consultation. The consultation period will run from 2 September to 11 October 2019 and will include meetings for employers and the general public.

#StHelena #EconomicDevelopment #MeetingSummary

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SHG

11 September 2019

As part of the Children & Adults Social Care Directorate’s ‘CARE’: Caring And Respecting Everyone Campaign, an open-door recruitment event will be held at the Princess Royal Community Care Centre (CCC) on Friday, 20 September 2019, from 11am-2.30pm.

This event will allow interested persons to talk with Directorate staff, learn more about working in Social Care, and explore a typical day in the life of a Carer and Support Worker. Interviews will take place on the same day.

Quality Assurance & Policy Lead, Gavin (Jack) Thomas, said:

“This is our third consecutive recruitment event in recent months. We take this opportunity of thanking everyone who has supported the CARE Campaign since its launch. We are also very encouraged by the numbers of people who have been appointed as a result of recent recruitment events; we wish them every success, along with established staff, in building and sustaining our vision for providing person-centred care and support.

 “Anyone who is empathetic towards people’s feelings, is passionate about making a difference, and willing to work as part of a team, should come along and find out more about current and future vacancies in Social Care.”

If you are unable to attend the open-door recruitment event but would like to make an appointment to discuss career opportunities in Social Care, please contact Lisa Thomas at Brick House on tel: (00 290) 22713.

 

Notes to Editor

The Children & Adults Social Care Directorate has various vacancies across residential services supporting older people, services for adults with additional needs, sheltered housing services, and community services. The CARE Campaign aims to recruit local carers for the residential services, and for individuals requiring support in maintaining a degree of independence and quality of life both in sheltered services and in the community.

#StHelena # Children&Adults #SocialCare #CARE #CCC

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SHG

10 September 2019

The monthly meeting of the Education Committee took place on Wednesday, 21 August 2019.

Returning Scholarship students – David Clarke, Jordan Clingham and Kyle Shoesmith – who had all passed their degree programmes with first class honours were invited to the meeting where they gave feedback to the Committee on their experiences while studying in the United Kingdom.  All three highly commended the opportunity awarded to students to study abroad through scholarships and also highlighted some areas for possible improvement. The Committee was informed that there was no real incentive for students to return to the Island after completing university except that they were bonded. It was recommended that a road map outlining progression prospects at work on the Island for university graduates be developed. The students urged the Education Committee to encourage graduates to take the option of spending an extra year in the United Kingdom upon completion of degree programmes in order to gain work experience, which is an essential component to their career development and work delivery on the Island. They also felt it was important for outgoing students to be practically exposed to their chosen field of study on the Island prior to leaving for university, urging the Education Committee to assist students to get this exposure within local companies.

The recently recruited Educational Psychologist, Margaret Banks, made a presentation to the Committee highlighting some of the methods she intend to employ in working with children and young people on the Island to improve their socio-economic outcomes. Margaret will start work next term at Prince Andrew School and comes at a time when the Directorate is in great need of her expertise.

#StHelena #Education #MeetingSummary

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SHG

10 September 2019

St Helena Government is currently seeking views from the public on a Policy Statement for Management of St Helena’s Fisheries and a Policy for the Licensing of Fishing Activities in St Helena’s Waters. Public Consultation closes on Friday, 13 September 2019.

Two consultation meetings targeted to the different stakeholder groups will take place as follows:

Canister Conference Room (upstairs) on Wednesday, 11 September 2019, at 4.30pm

Essex House Conference Room on Thursday, 12 September 2019, from 3pm to 6pm

Electronic copies of the draft policies can be found on the Publications page of the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/.

Hard copies are also available from the Scotland and Essex House Office Receptions. Further information can be obtained from the Senior Fisheries Officer, Gerald Benjamin, on tel: 24724 or email: gerald.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Please send your comments to Gerald Benjamin via the above email address by 4pm on Friday, 13 September 2019.

A summary of all feedback received through this exercise will be provided to the Economic Development Committee for their consideration as part of the process of updating the policies and their recommendation for adoption.

 SHG

9 September 2019

https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh

In recognition of the United Nations International Youth Day, the Children & Adults Social Care Directorate will be celebrating young people on St Helena in a special event at the Mule Yard on Friday, 13 September 2019.

International Youth Day is celebrated each year on 12 August but due to the Island schools being closed on this day, St Helena’s celebration is being held a month later.

The event will run from 10am – 4pm for Year 9 and 10 students of Prince Andrew School.

The programme for the day will include:

Young people not wanting to participate in specific events will be able to take part in other games in the Mule Yard.

The presentation of medals and badges and speeches will take place at the Mule Yard at 3pm. Members of the community may join for the closing speeches.

#StHelena #UnitedNations #InternationalYouthDay  

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SHG

4 September 2019

St Helena’s water consumption levels on 30 and 31 August and 2 September reduced to less than 1000 cubic metres. On 2 September, the water consumption levels were 865 cubic metres. This is the consumption rate that is required to sustain a safe level of stored water on the Island and all residents are commended for their efforts in reducing their water use to reach this target.

To preserve our precious resource it is important that we continue to cut down our water use to essential use only. Despite some recent rainfall, surface water runoff has not increased, meaning there has not been enough rain to runoff into the reservoirs. At least two weeks of continuous meaningful rainfall is needed to make a positive difference in reservoir levels.

St Helena’s winter period is between June and September and this is normally the time when the Island experiences the most rainfall.

The total rainfall for August 2019 was 35.4mm compared to August 2018 when there was 106.0mm. The total amount of rain for this August is also below the August monthly average of 59.0mm for the past 19 years. NB: All data collected is specific to Bottom Woods, MET Office.

It is forecast that there will be further showers for the next few days but it will become mainly dry by the end of the week with no heavy or prolonged rain in the coming weeks.

Connect Saint Helena (CSH) continues to pump water from Chubb’s Spring and Hutt’s Gate to Red Hill to replenish stocks in this area.

Remember, 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 – everyone must save every drop of water possible.

#StHelena #WaterShortage #EveryDropCounts  

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St Helena Resilience Forum

4 September 2019

The UK Government’s global Chevening Scholarship Programme for study in the UK in 2020/2021 is now open for applications until Tuesday, 5 November 2019. 

To apply, candidates must meet certain criteria including:

Further information and guidance on eligibility can be found at: www.chevening.org/scholarships/who-can-apply/eligibility.

For the 2020/2021 programme, courses will commence in September 2020. The scholarship offers full financial support and allows candidates to gain access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

Further information about the Programme can be found on the Chevening website: www.chevening.org, through which applications should also be submitted.

Manager of the Governor’s Office, Kerry Lane, is able to provide advice and support locally. For more information, please call Kerry on 22308 or email her via: kerry.lane@sainthelena.gov.sh or Kerry.Lane@fco.gov.uk

Chevening Scholarships are the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.  The Chevening Programme makes awards to outstanding individuals with leadership potential from around the world to study postgraduate courses at UK universities.  These are usually one year long master’s degree courses.

#StHelena #CheveningScholarships #FCO

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SHG

3 September 2019

St Helena Government is seeking views from the public on a Policy Statement for Management of St Helena’s Fisheries and a Policy for the Licensing of Fishing Activities in St Helena’s Waters.

For many in the community, eating seafood or catching their own fish is traditional to the St Helena way of life.  Our fisheries are important contributors to the Island’s economy and creates local employment opportunities and a supply of fresh local produce.  Fisheries resources play a vital role for commercial fishing enterprises and is important for customary recreational boat and spear fishing and sports fishing. Implementation of Fisheries Management and Fishing Licensing policies are planned to help ensure our fishing activities and the fisheries upon which such activities depend is managed within a sustainable framework that provides benefits for current and future generations.

Fishing licensing is intended to bring fishing into line with other sectors benefitting through use of the Island’s natural resources. Licensing of all boat fishing and all spearfishing activities is being proposed with related fish catch limits. Licensing is not being proposed for rock-fishing as this is recognised as being a traditional form of fishing activity which fisheries stakeholders would like to encourage in its current form, providing fish catches are for personal consumption and not for sale.

A reform of fisheries legislation is planned to provide a robust regulatory basis for management of the fisheries and both policies will help to inform and provide direction for the necessary changes to the legislation.

Consultations are being targeted to the different stakeholder groups during the consultation period and dates for the public are as follows:

Canister Conference Room (upstairs) on Wednesday, 11 September 2019, at 4.30pm

Essex House Conference Room on Thursday, 12 September 2019, from 3pm to 6pm

Electronic copies of the draft policies can be found on the Publications page of the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/. Hard copies are also available from the Scotland and Essex House Office Receptions. Further information can be obtained from the Senior Fisheries Officer, Gerald Benjamin, on tel: 24724 or email: gerald.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh

The closing date for responses is 4pm on Friday, 13 September 2019.  Please send your comments to Gerald Benjamin via the above email address.

A summary of all feedback received through this exercise will be provided to the Economic Development Committee for their consideration as part of the process of updating the policies and their recommendation for adoption.

#StHelena #Fisheries #SEDP #EconomicDevelopment

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SHG

2 September 2019