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The deadline for submission of valid nomination forms for candidates in the bye-election was 12:00 today, 31 July 2024.
At 12:05 the Returning Officer, Carol Henry, announced that only one nomination form had been received, the candidate being Mrs Elizabeth Knipe of Bamboo Hedge, Sandy Bay.
As there is only one vacant seat on the Legislative Council and only one nomination received, the candidate was unopposed and a poll will not be required. Therefore, Mrs Elizabeth Knipe has been duly elected to serve as a Member of the Legislative Council for St Helena.
Formal notification of the result, will be issued as an Extraordinary Gazette Notice and published on the St Helena Government website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/news/government-gazettes/.
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#StHelena #Bye-Election2024 #LegislativeCouncil
The fishing company, Argos Froyanes, issued the following press release on the tragic incident involving their Fishing Vessel Argos Georgia, that occurred last week near the Falkland Islands.
Recently Chief Minister Julie Thomas received a letter from the newly appointed Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office with responsibility for the Overseas Territories, Minister Stephen Doughty.
In the letter Minister Doughty expressed his honour in overseeing the relationship with St Helena and emphasised the importance of mutual respect and inclusion in strengthening ties with the Overseas Territories.
He also extended condolences for the recent loss of a St Helena flagged fishing vessel near the Falkland Islands and pledges support for any investigation.
A response from Chief Minister Julie Thomas will follow shortly.
The full letter can be read on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/ST-HELENA-Minister-Doughty-to-Chief-Minister-Introductory-Letter.
#StHelena #ChiefMinister #BritishOverseasTerritories
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Through on-going communications with the Falkland Island Maritime Authority, it has been confirmed that 14 crew members have been successfully rescued and are now under care and protection in Stanley. Regrettably, the bodies of nine crew members have been recovered but four crew members remain unaccounted for, and their next of kin have been informed by Argos Froyanes.
It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the loss of lives following the tragic sinking of the FV Argos Georgia.
Due to adverse weather conditions posing risks to on-going search and rescue operations, these efforts have been temporarily suspended. However, plans are underway to resume a focused recovery mission to locate the missing crew members at sea as soon as conditions allow.
Having been registered in St Helena, the FV Argos Georgia falls under the Flag State responsibilities of the St Helena Government (SHG). In light of this responsibility, SHG is committed to ensuring a thorough safety and accident investigation is conducted.
To facilitate this process, SHG is actively liaising with the Marine Accident and Investigation Branch (MAIB) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to appoint the MAIB as the investigative body on behalf of SHG.
It is essential to clarify that the objective of the safety and accident investigation is to comprehensively understand and identify the underlying causes of this incident, including any systemic, human, or equipment factors, to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Our commitment to transparency and accountability remains paramount as we work diligently to address the issues identified and implement necessary corrective actions.
SHG extends grateful thanks and praise to the search and rescue teams and all involved. We also offer sincere condolences to the families of those lost and well wishes to those rescued.
We ask that the public respect that this is a difficult time for all.
#StHelena #MaritimeAuthority
We have over the past 48 hours learnt of the loss of the Fishing Vessel Argos Georgia south east of the Falkland Islands. As many of you will know, Argos has well established roots on St Helena and the vessel was flagged to Jamestown.
The South Atlantic Ocean can be unforgiving. The dreadful weather has added to an extremely challenging environment. Whilst several crew members have been saved, we know also there has been loss of life. Identities have yet to be confirmed, but next of kin have been informed by the company.
This is an incredibly sad time and we can only imagine the difficulties involved. I would however like at this time to pay tribute to all those who have been involved in the rescue operation. British Forces South Atlantic Islands, the Falkland Islands Government and all mariners who could respond are doing everything humanly possible. I have no doubt there have been acts of extraordinary bravery, much of it unremarked. Argos and the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are in direct support, as is the UK Government through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Other nations through the regional search and rescue network have also done everything possible.
St Helena is a nation surrounded by the ocean. The people of this island know the sea, its joys and its dangers. Together with the Government of St Helena and as the former Commissioner for South Georgia and Governor of the Falkland Islands, I know all of us want to express our deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones and those waiting for news. We give gratitude for those saved.
The Royal St Helena Police (RSHP) are seeking the public’s assistance in an unsolved case involving the death of an infant girl later named by health professionals as Nina Kaye.
On Saturday 23 July 1983, a member of the public discovered an abandoned baby in the Jamestown run around 08:25. The infant was found alive but sadly passed away later that day at the hospital.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, the RSHP were unable to identify Nina’s parents.
Detective Constable (DC) Lisa Winterburn of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is now reviewing the case and is urging anyone with information, new or previously shared, to come forward.
DC Lisa Winterburn commented:
“Any detail, no matter how small, could be crucial in helping us identify Nina’s family. We understand this may be a sensitive topic, and we are committed to providing any necessary support throughout this process.”
The public are encouraged to contact DC Lisa Winterburn by telephone on 22626, quoting “Nina Kaye”, or via email through cid@sainthelena.gov.sh.
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SHG
23 July 2024
Reminder of Deadline for Submission of Nominations
The public are reminded that the last day and time for receiving nominations is 12:00 on Wednesday 31 July 2024. All nominations should be delivered within this time to the Returning Officer, Carol Henry or any of the Assistant Returning Officers Anita Legg, Connie Johnson or Gillian Francis at the Castle, Jamestown.
If more than one nomination is received, a poll will be take on Wednesday 14 August 2024.
Only those persons with their name on the Register of Electors, dated 1 July 2024, will be eligible to participate in the bye-election, with those who are 21 years of age and over being able to stand for election.
Nomination forms are available from the Customer Services Centre, Public Library and Castle Reception and on the SHG website via https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/public-information/elections/.
#StHelena #ByeElection2024 #Nominations
The Falkland Islands Maritime Authority was notified yesterday afternoon of a distress situation involving the fishing vessel FV Argos Georgia, approximately 200 nautical miles east of Stanley, in the Falkland Islands.
The vessel, carrying 27 individuals, encountered difficulties and was subsequently abandoned after taking on water.
A search and rescue operation was launched immediately, utilizing both air and sea assets. These efforts are on-going at this time.
The FV Argos Georgia is managed by Argos Froyanes Ltd and is registered in St Helena.
SHG is in communication with relevant stakeholders. We are closely monitoring the situation and extend our heartfelt support to all involved in the on-going rescue efforts. Our thoughts are with the crew, their families, and the search and rescue teams during this challenging time.
#StHelena #MaritimeAuthority
On behalf of the Legislative Council of St Helena, Speaker Cyril Gunnell extended his heartfelt congratulations to Sir Lindsay Hoyle on his re-election as Speaker of the House of Commons, on Tuesday 9 July 2024.
Speaker Gunnell acknowledged Sir Lindsay’s proactive approach in organizing the Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers Conference (COTSC), which addresses the unique problems and challenges faced by these territories.
Speaker Gunnell expressed hope that face-to-face COTSC meetings will continue, reflecting on Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s official visit to St Helena earlier this year and his inspiring address in the House of Legislative Council. He also recognised Speaker Hoyle’s passion for involving youth within communities, noting that St Helena’s democracy has progressed with the re-establishment of a Youth Parliament.
The letter can be viewed here.
Two development applications have been referred to Executive Council sitting as the Planning Authority, in accordance with the Direction to the Chief Planning Officer, by Executive Council dated 14 June 2022.
An open session meeting will take place on Tuesday 23 July 2024 commencing at 09:30 where Executive Council will consider the following applications:
- Retrospective Application for the Installation of a Fence at the St Helena Coffee Shop
- Amendments to the Rupert’s Container Handling Facilities, Lower Rupert’s, Rupert’s Valley
Documentation for this meeting is available on the Executive Council page of the St Helena Government website via: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/executive-council/.
Members of the public who would like to view hard copies of the documents should contact the Acting Secretary to Executive Council, Crystal Maggott, at the Castle by telephone on 22470 or via email through crystal.maggott@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Executive Council sitting as the Planning Authority comprises of Governor Nigel Phillips as Chair, Chief Minister Julie Thomas and Ministers Christine Scipio, Martin Henry, Mark Brooks and Jeffrey Ellick. The Attorney General is a non-voting member of Executive Council.
#StHelena #ExecutiveCouncil #PlanningProposals