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THEFT OF LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT

The Royal St Helena Police (RSHP) are currently investigating the theft of rope from a Sea Rescue vessel that was moored in James Bay. The theft is suspected to have occurred between 2:30pm on Monday 02 October 2023 and 5:30pm on Wednesday 04 October 2023.

The Sea Rescue Service perform a vital and highly valued 24/7 role in keeping all that use the waters around our Island safe. The equipment on board these vessels is essential for the service to be able to successfully perform their role. The vessels carry this equipment so that service members are equipped to respond to a variety of emergencies and incidents. The removal and theft of this directly puts the public in danger, especially if the theft is not identified prior to the service being deployed in a live rescue scenario.  

If anyone has any information which may assist with this investigation, regardless of how minor it may seem, please contact a police officer by telephone on 22626, by email through cid@sainthelena.gov.sh, or in person at the Police Station in Jamestown.

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#StHelena #StHelenaPolice #AppealForInformation

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SHG
6 October 2023

UK Parliament Week is an annual event that promotes awareness of the role and functions of the UK Parliament. This year’s event will be held between 6–12 November. As British Citizens, people living in the British Overseas Territories can, and are encouraged to, engage with UK Parliament week.

The week’s activities hope to educate St Helena residents, especially young persons, on how they can get involved with Parliament through initiatives such as debates, resources for schools and digital engagement tools. You can sign up and claim your free parliament week kit at www.ukparliamentweek.org/en/sign-up/.

More information on UK Parliament Week can be found at www.ukparliamentweek.org.

#SHG #ParliamentWeek

SHG
4 October 2023

The prisoner population in St Helena has been steadily increasing over the past few years, recently reaching 25 individuals. Whilst this reflects authorities’ ongoing commitment to maintaining law and order on the Island, this increase in prisoners has presented unique challenges for the HM Prison and Offender Management Service.

With a rise in the prisoner population, comes an increased demand for cells to house prisoners, necessitating additional facilities to accommodate the growing number of prisoners.

While the long-term solution is the completion of the new prison facility in Bottoms Wood, it is important to note that this project is currently under development and not yet operational. The existing prison service has therefore had to implement temporary measures to bridge the gap until the new facility becomes operational.

The existing prison facilities were not designed to accommodate high numbers of prisoners, leading to concerns around overcrowding. Additional cells are essential to reduce overcrowding, which if not addressed, can compromise safety and security within the prison and negatively impact the living conditions of prisoners. By adding more cells, we can enhance the quality of life for prisoners, ensuring humane treatment and compliance with international standards.

Increasing capacity will also allow HM Prison Service to separate prisoners according to their classifications and needs, facilitating effective rehabilitation and security management.

In order to increase the number of cells, the workshop in HMP Jamestown has been converted. To ensure we continue to serve the rehabilitation and reintegration needs of prisoners and the local community through our regular outreach projects, the empty building known as the Pipe Store is being converted to become our new prisoner workshop and resettlement space.

The works undertaken to effectively manage the unexpected rise in prisoner numbers has been funded through the EDIP Micro Projects budget.

Building a New Prison

In order to meet the long-term custodial needs of St Helena, work is underway to design a new, fit-for-purpose prison. This is a significant undertaking. Designs are still to be finalised but SHG have completed the initial concept designs below.

 

This is an indicative concept design based on the current specifications, so may be subject to alterations before being finalised.

We have already sought expressions of interest for a design and build consortium to deliver this project. We hope to launch the tender documentation later this month to invite formal bids.

The new facility will be located in Bottoms Wood and is scheduled to be operational by 2026/7.

The state-of-the-art prison will feature modern amenities and technology to ensure the most efficient operation of the service possible, whilst also meeting international standards.

The facility will have a capacity for around 60 prisoners. This will mean it will be well placed to accommodate any further increases in the future prisoner population, reducing the need for temporary measures, such as utilising police custody cells.

We will be able to share more information, especially on timeframes, following receipt and evaluation of tender bids. However, quarterly EDIP presentations communicate regular information regarding this project so if you would like to know more in the meantime, we encourage you to attend.

Both the adaption implemented at HMP Jamestown and the long-term plans for a new prison are essential components of our commitment to maintaining safety, security, and justice for our community. These initiatives will not only address the immediate challenges posed by the rising prisoner population but also lay the foundation for a more modern and effective and humane prison service on St Helena.

#AltogetherSafer #HMP #Custody #Prison

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SHG

4 October 2023

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the United Kingdom is inviting nominations from St Helena for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships tenable from 2024. St Helena is invited to nominate one (1) candidate for consideration by the CSC for Master’sstudy. Note a nomination does not in any way guarantee selection or placement.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change and who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. 

The CSC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates.

The CSC is committed to supporting outreach activities and providing additional investment for scholarships for people with disabilities and in subject areas related to the rights of people with disabilities. For further information on the support available to candidates with a disability, please see the CSC disability support statement at: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/csc-disability-support-statement.

These scholarships are offered under six development themes:

1.         Science and technology for development

2.         Strengthening health systems and capacity

3.         Promoting global prosperity

4.         Strengthening global peace, security and governance

5.         Strengthening resilience and response to crises

6.         Access, inclusion and opportunity

Full candidate eligibility requirements are available at:   http://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/

Persons interested in a scholarship, should write an initial letter of application that identifies the developmental theme they wish to apply under, the type of study that they wish to pursue, their reason for pursuing it and its relevance to St Helena. In addition to this, the letter should include their professional aspirations and educational background including previous study undertaken and qualifications earned. Initial letters of application should be sent to the Head of Lifelong Learning, Education Learning Centre, or via email to: angela.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh  by no later than 09 October 2023.

The Scholarship Awards Committee is the official nominating body for Commonwealth Scholarships and will decide on a suitable nomination based on the set criteria.

The CSC will make the final selection of candidates. 

Candidates must apply using the CSC’s online application system which can be found on the CSC website. Each scholarship has a ‘How to apply’ section which will have information and guidance on the application process and the link to the online application system. The CSC is unable to accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system or after the closing date listed above.

SHG

3 October 2023

The public is advised that nominations are being invited for the:

Further information on these awards can be obtained from the SHG website via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/2023/press-releases/call-for-nominations-for-uk-state-2024-birthday-honours-and-st-helena-government-awards-2/ or from the Secretary, Honours and Awards Committee via email: linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh or alternatively from this week’s edition of the local newspapers.

Completed forms should be returned to the Castle in a sealed envelope marked ‘Confidential’, addressed to ‘The Secretary, Honours and Awards Committee’, by Tuesday, 31 October 2023.

#StHelena #BirthdayHonours #BadgeOfHonour

SHG

3 October 2023

Nominations are now being invited for the following awards:

UK STATE AWARDS

Honours are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement or for any service carried out over and above what normally is expected. This can include making a difference to the community or in a specific field of work, innovation and entrepreneurship, improving life for people less able to help themselves and displaying moral courage. Where possible, nominations should place emphasis on voluntary services and the service must be recent. Nominees must not be made aware they are being put forward for an award.

To find out more about the different types of Honours Awards please visit: www.gov.uk/honours.

CERTIFICATE AND BADGE OF HONOUR

This award is presented to public servants on behalf of St Helena Government for loyal and valuable service worthy of recognition or, in the case of other persons, for their loyal and meritorious conduct that has provided exceptional benefit to the people of St Helena. Nominees should be residents of St Helena, either being born on the Island or have been residing on St Helena for not less than ten years prior to the date of the award. 

ACT OF BRAVERY AWARD

This award is presented to individuals who have shown a clear display of moral courage and bravery in adverse situations.

THE BADGE OF ST HELENA

This award is available to both St Helenians and non-St Helenians. It is off a higher status than the Certificate and Badge of Honour. The Badge of St Helena recognises exceptional service provided by individuals or organisations who make significant contribution to St Helena’s development or by supporting and/or enhancing social, cultural, economic, environmental improvement or the understanding of St Helena internationally. 

FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF JAMESTOWN

This award is symbolic in nature and is the highest-level of local government award that can be conferred. It is awarded to both St Helenians and non-St Helenians whose achievements are significantly admirable and highly worthy of distinctive recognition. Those who receive this award will have made an outstanding contribution that is of huge national impact to St Helena and its citizens and will have served the best interests of the Island. 

Nomination forms for all of the above awards are available from Central Support Service at the Castle, Jamestown, or can be requested via email: linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Completed forms should be returned to the Castle in a sealed envelope marked ‘Confidential’, addressed to ‘The Secretary, Honours and Awards Committee’, by Tuesday, 31 October 2023.

SHG

3 October 2023

Since 18 September 2023 Field Road has been closed to enable the substantial road rehabilitation works to take place.

Setting out activities started immediately, enabling excavation of the hillside at the top of the road down towards Rupert’s to commence in Week 1. Spoil clearance, to transport excavated material to Upper Rupert’s, commenced the following the weekend.

In Week 2 the contractor began excavation of material from the existing road pavement at “the Saddle” (the top of Field Road). This work has begun ahead of schedule in the planned construction programme, and is an example of how all parties are looking for opportunities to accelerate the works whenever it is practicable and safe to do so.

To maintain the momentum of the contractor’s programme, plans are underway to commence hillside excavation from the Side Path junction up to “the Saddle” in Week 4 (beginning 09 October). This work is expected to take approximately six weeks, running until 18 November. To ensure the safety of road users on Side Path below where the works are taking place, Side Path Road will be closed during working hours. 

In order to minimise the disruption to road users, Side Path will only be closed from 09:00 to 16:00 on Mondays to Saturdays (inclusive) during this period. Road closure and diversion signs will be in place, with access to and from Jamestown still being available via Constitution Hill Road. As Side Path will always be open during the “rush hour” periods, the contractor will not be implementing any further traffic management measures.

There will be some days during this period when Side Path will be open to traffic, for example during visits by large cruise ships. The dates when Side Path will be open to traffic will be publicised in advance via local media.

For any questions regarding the Field Road site works, please contact the EDIP Site Supervisor, Mr Chris Williams, by telephone on 67424.

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#StHelena #FieldRoad #EDIP

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SHG

02 October 2023

At a meeting of the Executive Council on 27 September 2023, increases to Income Related Benefit (IRD) and Basic Island Pension (BIP) of 4% were approved.

With effect from 1 October 2023 the IRB will increase by £3.00 to £78.00 and BIP will increase by £3.10 to £80.60.

IRB and BIP rates are customarily increased at least annually and were last increased on the 1 October 2022 as part of the 2022 Cost of Living Package.

Following these changes IRB rates, including the proposed 2023 increases, will have increased by 55.5% and BIP rates by 55.9% since 2011. This increase is above the total inflation since 2011 of 32.9%.

The overall aim of IRB is to protect vulnerable groups of people from living in poverty in St Helena; it is an essential social protection mechanism safeguarding against abject poverty.

The BIP is intended to reward and support those aged 65+ who have completed at least 20 contributory ‘in kind’ years on Island and who lack an adequate financial work place pension. BIP persons on less than the full rate may also qualify for a top up on IRB.

IRB and the BIP (in the absence of alternative savings based pension schemes) provide social protection against the loss of income in the case of short or long term unemployment and ill health, for families with children under five years, and provide for those with either no pension or an inadequate one.

#StHelena #Pension #AltogetherWealthier

SHG

2 October 2023

As part of our Police and Crime Plan priority ‘Make our roads safer’, the Royal St Helena Police will be conducting a road safety campaign in October and again in December 2023. The ‘Could Have, Would Have and Should Have’ campaign will run across both St Helena and Ascension between Sunday, 1 October, and Tuesday, 31 October 2023, and again between Friday, 1 December, and Monday, 8 January 2024.

We will use our Road Safety Strategy to achieve:

The campaign is designed to assist in changing the mind-set of drivers. We want to reduce risky behaviours on the road, motivate positive changes in their conduct, and for them to be considerate and safe.

The main issues that we face are Road Traffic Collisions. Since April this year, on St Helena we have had 33 reported collisions and on Ascension five reported collisions. 

We’ve observed a trend of motorists failing to stop, failing to report road traffic collisions and also of motorists fleeing the scene of collisions. Any motorist identified and taken to court for failing to stop or failing to report their road traffic collision could be disqualified from having or obtaining a driver’s licence.

The most common causes of collisions are:

During our campaign, we will be conducting:

  1. Driver’s Licence checks – Drivers will be asked to produce their driver’s licence. If not available at the time of the stop, the driver will be required to produce the license within five days.
  2. Safety checks of vehicles – Vehicles will be stopped and checks will be carried out on their brakes, steering and exhausts. If any vehicle does not meet the required standard, the driver will be issued with a Vehicle Defect Rectification form. For a minor offence, the driver will be given seven days to rectify the fault. However, if the vehicle is unsafe, it will be placed off the road until it is inspected by a vehicle inspector or, in the worst case, the vehicle’s licence can be revoked. We will also check our database to ensure that your vehicle is properly covered by insurance.   
  3. Monitoring of vehicles being driven at a safe speed and to the condition of the roads – Vehicles will be stopped if they are being driven carelessly, without due consideration to other road users, recklessly or dangerously.
  4. Breath Testing Drivers – If a police officer has reasonable cause to suspect that someone is driving, attempting to drive or is in charge of a vehicle on a road with excess alcohol, or that they’ve been involved in a road traffic collision, then they will be breath tested.

All competent drivers should know the St Helena Highway Code and the rules of the highway. Drivers and vehicle owners should ensure they have a valid and current driver’s licence for the class of vehicle they are driving. Drivers must ensure their vehicle licence is valid and the vehicle is insured.

Police Inspector, Jonathan Thomas, said:

“Our slogan for this campaign is ‘Could Have, Would Have and Should Have’. In life, with hindsight, we could have, would have, should have made different choices – don’t make that mistake and have regrets.

“We encourage our community on both islands to assist and to report any of the above issues to us, especially when driving standards fall below what is expected of a careful and responsible driver. This includes when drivers are driving in an anti-social manner and definitely when someone is under the influence of alcohol and attempting to drive or actually driving a vehicle.

“We hope that this campaign will act as a reminder of safe driving standards and that it isn’t too late for drivers to learn or change their mind-set, to take less risk and be safe and considerate drivers. Keep safe.”

SHG
29 September 2023

On Thursday 28 September, Chief Minister Julie Thomas remotely addressed attendees of the Virtual Island Summit (VIS) 2023. She spoke on ‘The way forward for St Helena with regards to Renewable Energy’.

During her address she noted that whilst St Helena currently generated 21% of its electricity supply through renewables (wind and solar), this Government’s goal is to deliver 80% of the Island’s energy demand from renewables by the year 2027/28, sooner if possible. To this end, last month the Executive Council endorsed a new Renewable Energy Policy for the period 2023-2030. The policy outlines the Government’s strategic direction on renewables and will now be shared with key delivery partners to establish a tangible plan for delivering its key aims before publicising the Policy.

SHG will be working with its Utilities Service Provider to design a renewables system for an external supplier to deliver and operate. At present the mix of wind and solar power that will make up the renewables infrastructure is not known, as research to inform the design feasibility element of the project continues.

The design and delivery of this project will be split into phases, to allow for use of different funding sources and approaches. Further external technical capacity is being sought through consultancy for specialist renewable energy input for final electricity demand modelling and design of a cost effective and reliable renewable energy hybrid solution for St Helena.  It is expected that consultancy services will be secured by the beginning of next year, with all necessary modelling and design outputs completed by March 2024. 

Work will then commence on the procurement process, with the expectation that a contract for delivery of the project will be signed before the end of 2024. It is anticipated that physical works would begin in the year 2025, with transition to 80% demand generation from renewables by 2027/28.

Notes to Editor

The Virtual Island Summit (VIS), which is organised by Island Innovation, represents a global network of over 500 islands in helping advance innovation and drive sustainable change across island communities worldwide. This year’s theme was “The Race to Renewables: Redefining the Potential of Economic Prosperity Through a Just Transition”.

#StHelena #VirtualIslandSummit # VIS2023 #RenewableEnergy

SHG

29 September 2023

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