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The monthly meetings of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee (ENRC) and the Highways Authority (HA) took place on Thursday, 20 June 2019.

The Police were commended for reactivating their regular radio programme on local radio stations. The Highways Authority indicated that this would now enable them to get clearer messages concerning traffic issues across to the public.

During the recent Island-wide constituency meetings, several constituents raised matters relating to roads. These matters were discussed and the Roads Manager was able to provide information affecting the operations of the Roads Division, especially the funding from the recurrent budget that is used to procure materials including colas, aggregates, street lights, safety barriers, road side mirrors, signage and road paint to name but a few. He also advised how the budget is managed throughout the year to keep the Roads Team engaged and able to perform their work.

Current works to ascertain the best mix of slurry and areas of use on the Island’s roads are ongoing and although this is expected to cost more than the current method, it will evidently have a longer lasting output, should the decision be made to continue to use Island-wide. Using slurry to seal and rehabilitate the Island’s roads infrastructure will require additional funding but longer term will reduce the amount of repairs required. The majority of the roads on the Island are well over 50 years old and were not designed for the number and type of vehicles that use the roads today.

Introductions was made to the new Chief Planning Officer, Ismail Mohammed, who joined the Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Directorate (ENR&P) earlier in the month. Ismail spoke of some quick solutions which he believes could be made to rectify issues identified. These include improving the quality of plans, internal procedures and services provided, together with more openness and transparency of the application process.

Currently on-Island from Tristan da Cunha are Riaan Repetto and Kelly Swain who are both gaining valuable work experience with the Agriculture and Natural Resources Division. Both are being supported by Senior Veterinary Officer, Joe Hollins. Riaan is currently gaining experience working with Joe in the Veterinary Section and Kelly has been joining the teams in horticulture and hydroponics. They have also taken the opportunity to work with the private sector.

Acting Director of ENR&P Darren Duncan, together with the Chief Environmental Officer, Isabel Peters, and Terrestrial Conservation Officer, Lourens Malan, presented the draft Diana’s Peak National Park Conservation Management Plan for St Helena. This draft was compiled by Andrew Darlow and derived from work undertaken by various stakeholders including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and University of British Columbia, together with St Helena Government departments and non-Government Organisations.

Agreeing St Helena’s vision for the Diana’s Peak National Park, as outlined in the draft Conservation Management Plan, is key to being able to start raising additional funds for the Peaks. The Committee approved that The Diana’s Peak National Park Conservation Management Plan be put out for the formal 28-day public consultation as per the process required by the Environmental Protection Ordinance.

#StHelena #ENRC #HighwaysAuthority #MeetingSummary

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SHG

28 June 2019

 

Executive Council met today to discuss, debate and make a decision on three items on the Open Agenda.

A number of members of the public were present in the gallery to observe the discussions during the Open Session.

Development Application for the conversion of the Freight Terminal into Marine Offices, Lab and Marine Visitor Centre

Council, sitting as the Planning Authority, was asked to consider and advise whether full development permission should be granted, with conditions, to convert the Freight Terminal at the Jamestown Wharf into a Marine Visitor Centre, Marine Laboratory and Marine Offices as recommended by the Land Development Control Authority.

The Chief Planning Officer (CPO) joined the meeting to participate in this discussion. In his overview of the Development Application, the CPO advised that the current Freight Terminal building is ideally located for converting into Marine Offices, Lab and Marine Visitor Centre.

Members agreed that bringing the building back into use would enhance the character of the area and every effort should be made to do this as well as preserving the heritage of the building at the same time.

A small number of concerns were raised by Members on aspects of the Development Application, but they were reassured by the CPO that if the application is approved he would be reviewing and considering the planning conditions in more detail including whether alternative safety measures could be considered in relation to the proposed fencing of the area; consulting with key stakeholders like the St Helena Fire & Rescue Service, as part of the Building Control process; and ensuring that disabled requirements are met.

In summary, Council approved the application noting that donor funding had been received and it would be unfortunate for the Island to lose this funding. The project will add real value to the Island’s marine activity and is an important, albeit sensitive development for the Island.

Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) – 2020/21 to 2022/23 – Strategic Objectives and Policy Priorities

Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Strategic Objectives and Policy Priorities which will inform and direct the strategic planning and budgeting process for the three-year period 2020/21 to 2022/23 should be approved.

The Chief Secretary presented this paper and explained that MTEF is the process used to guide the annual strategic planning and budgeting for the organisation.  The priorities have been significantly discussed at Council Committee level and during Informal Legislative Council meetings.

As St Helena Government (SHG) works towards a three-year strategy and funding agreement, having an agreed set of Policy Priorities to guide this process is of significant importance.

Members commented that in agreeing these priorities the administration will need to ensure that adequate resources are available to deliver them during the three-year period and noted that the Workforce Planning that is currently taking place within SHG will be key. Members were reassured that this will be taken into account and that Council Committees will be involved at every stage of the process with their Directors.

Council was satisfied that the draft Policy Priorities were achievable and were content to approve them to progress including being placed in order of priority during the next stage of the process.

Proclamation of a new Cemetery at the Dungeon

ExCo was asked to consider and advise whether the Proclamation to declare the establishment of a new cemetery, in accordance with Section 2 of the Burial Grounds Ordinance, 1895, be approved.

Councillor Yon presented this paper. Members noted that the existing cemetery at the Dungeon is full and not having a cemetery for certain faiths will be problematic as no alternative sites are currently available for this purpose.

Members had no objections to this proposal and approved the Proclamation to be Gazetted, subject to a slight amendment being made to the wording.

The meeting ended at 1.15pm.

ExCo

28 June 2019

The 2019 Register of Electors has today been published in an Extraordinary Gazette. This Register is effective from 1 July 2019.

The 2019 Register of Electors is available on the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government-gazettes/.

Alternatively, hard copies of the Register will be available from the Assistant Registration Officers or from the following locations:

#StHelena #RegisterOfElectors

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SHG
28 June 2019

The final phase of the work programme – building the buttress wall near Sundale to further secure the section of rock in the upper Jamestown area – was recently completed (see photos attached).

Undertaken by the masonry crew of the Roads Section, assisted by the Rock Guards, the final work phase included:

Roads Manager, Deon Robbertse, said:

“I am very happy that this work is completed. Big thanks to all the guys that helped with this construction.”

Senior Engineering Geologist, Chad Douglas, added:

“That is an impressive job, great work from all involved!”

Notes to Editors

The Rock Guards, who carry out regular rock stability inspections, expressed concerns about a section of rock in the Upper Jamestown area on 21 June 2018. On 23 June, Senior Engineering Geologist, Chad Douglas, visited the Island to carry out an inspection of the area. His assessments indicated that there is no imminent risk of a rock fall and an appropriate work programme was put in place to further secure the area.

#StHelena #InfrastructureAndTransport #RoadsSection #RockGuards #ButtressWallConstruction #AltogetherSafer

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SHG
28 June 2019

 

The St Helena Community College (SHCC) hosted their Learning Opportunities Fair on Wednesday, 26 June 2019.

The aim of the Learning Opportunities Fair was to educate and encourage people on St Helena to take advantage of the wide array of training courses on offer at the SHCC to further develop their current skills and qualifications.

The Fair opened with a welcome speech by the Director, Wendy Benjamin. Wendy spoke about the mission of the Education & Employment Directorate, the purpose of the Learning Opportunities Fair, SHCC affiliations and encouraged all to utilise the opportunities provided by the Directorate.

Chairperson of the Education Committee, Councillor Christine Scipio, then gave some words of encouragement. Councillor Scipio said:

“Education is important for everyone at every level. St Helena Government, through the St Helena Community College, strives to ensure that every person on the Island has the opportunity to improve their academic and practical skills which is key to ensuring sustainable economic development for St Helena. 

“I would encourage every person to be ambitious and enthusiastic about their future, challenge themselves, continue learning and make good use of the educational facilities that will allow them to follow their chosen career. We are part of a changing world and we do not know what the future holds.”

Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook, in his speech, highlighted that education is a life-long journey and that continuing the pursuit of knowledge, skills and personal capabilities is vital for our territory, to build our opportunities and to stimulate more confidence, creativity and innovation.

Governor Rushbrook concluded:

“Nelson Mandela said ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ I would like to paraphrase that by saying: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon we have to change the lives and prospects of St Helenians.’ This Learning Opportunities Fair illustrates the opportunities for everyone to get involved, to improve your existing abilities or better still to learn new ones. I wish everyone, trainers and prospective learners, every success.”

Throughout the Fair, information was available on the Apprenticeship Scheme, a range of ICT courses, Skills for Success, level 2 and 3 courses, higher level education and community education. The new SHCC Prospectus was also published and many of those in attendance were able to obtain a copy and seek further information.

Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning, Angie Benjamin, said:

“The Learning Opportunities Fair 2019 was another successful event. It was a very positive and productive day and I would like to personally thank everyone who contributed to its success.”

The SHCC would like to inform all members of the community who may have any questions regarding training opportunities or who would like a copy of the Prospectus and application and/or registration forms, to contact the SHCC on tel: 22607 or via email: shcc@sainthelena.gov.sh.

#StHelena #SHCC #LearningOpportunitiesFair #AGatewayToOpportunity #OpportunitiesForAll #SomethingForEveryone

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SHG
27 June 2019

 

The St Helena Health Directorate has today received confirmation from the local authority for North Country Quality Foods (NCQF) that the North Country branded products sourced by an importer on St Helena can now be released and once again made available for sale.

The imported North Country branded products i.e. canned pork roll and chopped pork were not handled in any way by North Country Cooked meats but are produced in Denmark and sold through NCQF.

The relevant importer has been notified that they can now release these products for sale.

Notes to Editor

The St Helena Health Directorate was last week made aware by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office that a multi-agency investigation was being carried out into cases of Listeria infection in the UK.

The Listeria outbreak is linked to the pre-packed sandwiches made from ready-to-eat meat manufactured from the company North Country Cooked Meats.

The Environmental Health Section contacted the relevant importer on St Helena who sources products originating from North Country Cooked Meats. The importer was then advised to retain their North Country branded products i.e. canned pork roll and chopped pork, until further investigations were completed in the UK.

#StHelena #Listeria #AltogetherHealthier 

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SHG

26 June 2019

In accordance with Section 15(3) of the Immigration Ordinance, 2011, the following person has been granted St Helenian Status with effect from:

29 May 2019

#StHelena #SaintStatus #ImmigrationOrdinance

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SHG

26 June 2019

The Environment & Natural Resources Committee has approved a formal 28-day public consultation on the draft Conservation Management Plan for Diana’s Peak National Park, as per the requirements of the Environmental Protection Ordinance.

Diana’s Peak National Park is a much-loved wildlife hotspot that lies at the heart of St Helena Island. The Peaks have been voted one of the ‘Seven Wonders of St Helena’, is home to over 250 of St Helena’s endemic species, and is vital for the Island’s water supply as almost 40% of St Helena’s water comes from the Peaks.

St Helena Government is grateful to all those who have already provided comments on the draft Plan during a participative preparation process, and is now very keen to hear further comments from Peaks stakeholders, as well as from all and any members of the public who are interested in the future of the Diana’s Peak National Park.

A hard copy of the Plan is available from the Agriculture & Natural Resources Division (ANRD), Scotland, and Essex House in Jamestown. Electronic copies are also available on the Publications page of the SHG website: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/ or from Terrestrial Conservation Officer, Sasha Bargo, via email: sasha.bargo@sainthelena.gov.sh.

The deadline for comments is Friday, 26 July 2019, and comments should be submitted to the Acting Director Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Directorate, Darren Duncan.

Notes to Editors

In 2018, SHG commissioned a collaborative process to develop a Conservation Management Plan for the Peaks in order to fulfil the legal requirement of Section 31 of the Environmental Protection Ordinance, 2016, that National Conservation Areas have a plan to guide their conservation.

The creation of a Conservation Management Plan is a key tool to conserve the Peaks for future generations, and is also a vital prerequisite for St Helena to be able to seek international funding to restore Peaks habitats for both their wildlife and to increase water capture. It is a separate document to that required under the Land Development Control Plan (LDCP), which mandates that National Conservation Areas develop a management plan for planning and built development purposes.

A three-day multi-stakeholder workshop therefore took place at ANRD, Scotland, in December 2018 to start developing the plan with input from all involved in the Peaks. As well as representation from multiple sections of SHG, there were also representatives from local conservationists, landowners, businesses and Non-Government Organisations. International experts in attendance included staff from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, University of British Columbia, as well as international environmental consultants Ben Sansom and Dr Roger Key.

Following this successful workshop, local consultant, Andrew Darlow, was commissioned to write up the workshop conclusions and produce a first draft of a Conservation Management Plan on behalf of SHG. He conducted three separate rounds of informal consultation on the draft Plan between February and May 2019, working alongside SHG staff and circulating it to the workshop participants in order to ensure as participative a process as possible. The draft has now been completed and was formally submitted to the Environment & Natural Resources Committee for consideration on 20 June 2019.

#StHelena #DianasPeak #Consultation #ANRD #AltogetherGreener

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SHG

26 June 2019

As part of St Helena Government’s (SHG) continuous improvement drive, Corporate Finance with the support of directorates undertook to explore introducing the local debit card service in specific frontline areas to make it easier for the public to pay for services provided by SHG.

This resulted in the local debit card service being made available at HM Customs at the Wharf in Jamestown and at St Helena Airport from June 2018, followed by at the Post & Customer Services Centre from November 2018 for all transactions there including customer accounts, licensing and postal services.  And, now since May 2019, the Pharmacy at the Hospital accepts payments via local debit card for most health fees and charges including laboratory and dental fees.

Deputy Financial Secretary, Nicholas Yon, said:

“We hope that with the introduction of the local debit card service at these key cash points in SHG it will make it easier for the public to access services and to do business with government.  We continue to explore ways that will streamline our processes and we hope to implement further improvements that will benefit the public in the future. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the different teams involved in implementing this service, specifically, the service areas themselves, Corporate Finance, Corporate IT and the Bank of St Helena Ltd.” 

#StHelena #LocalDebitCard #ContinuousImprovement

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SHG

26 June 2019

The management at HM Prison Jamestown is delighted to welcome two trainers – Colin Moore and Martin Hamilton (see photo attached) – from the UK Prison Service to develop and deliver a type of self-defence and safe restraint training programme for local Prison staff. The training will continue up until Friday, 28 June 2019.

Prison Manager, Heidi Murray, said:

“Whilst violent incidents are extremely low within the Prison here on St Helena, in such a confined and restricted area, things can sometimes occur without warning, and can escalate extremely quickly.  As a responsible employer, SHG has a duty of care to its staff, and to prisoners in our care. It is a requirement for those trained as instructors to renew their training annually, and having this expertise on-Island will allow them to sustainably train all prison service staff, police officers and other SHG frontline departments.”

Martin added:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for both myself and Colin to assist in the development of the skills of the dedicated staff of HMP Jamestown.”

The programme was agreed with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office through the Conflict Stability and Security Fund.

Heidi would like to express her sincere thanks to Colin, Martin and their managers in the UK for giving up their time to help in delivering this training programme.

Notes to Editors

Colin Moore has been working in the UK Prison Service for 30 years.  For 25 of these years he has been a Use of Force (the system adopted by the UK for dealing with non-compliant and refractory prisoners) Instructor, delivering training and support all over the UK and overseas.  For the past 13 years he has been part of the National Tactical Response Group, who is the Prison Service’s advanced team specialising in all aspects of Use of Force. Colin has worked in numerous Prisons within the UK.

Martin Hamilton has 17 years’ experience working within the UK Prison Service and has worked in numerous establishments.  He has been teaching Use of Force for 13 years, and for the last 10 years, has been involved in delivering all aspects of Use of Force to the UK Prison Service, and other Justice Sector Agencies. 

#StHelena #HMPJamestown #Training #AltogetherSafer #CSSF #FCO

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SHG

25 June 2019