Latest Posts
The public are invited to note the following dates and times for Councillors’ constituency meetings.
These meetings are an opportunity for you to meet with your district representative and raise any issues you might have.
You are encouraged to attend the meeting in the district that you live.
Constituency meetings will start at 7.30pm as follows:
| Date | Venue | Chairperson |
| Tuesday, 26 September | Jamestown Community Centre | Councillor G Brooks |
| Wednesday, 27 September | Harford Community Centre | Councillor Bargo |
| Tuesday, 3 October * | Kingshurst Community Centre | Councillor Midwinter |
| Wednesday, 4 October | Sandy Bay Community Centre | Councillor Turner |
| Wednesday, 4 October | Half Tree Hollow Community Centre | Councillor Coleman |
| Monday, 9 October | St Mary’s Church, Briars | Councillor Dr Essex |
| Tuesday, 10 October | Blue Hill Community Centre | Councillor Turner |
| Wednesday, 11 October | Levelwood Community Centre | Councillor Thrower |
Councillors look forward to meeting with you and hearing your views.
*Amended date
Legislative Council
18 September 2023
The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) has announced that Connect St Helena has presented a Tariff Paper to increase utility tariffs from the 1st October 2023. The water and wastewater tariffs were last revised in April 2021 and the electricity tariffs were last revised in 2016.
The Tariff paper recommends a 10% increase in water and wastewater tariffs, which relates to both the unit and standing charges, and the introduction of a standing charge on electricity (£45 for domestic and £60 for commercial, per quarter). In addition to these recommendations, a further option was included and considered by Connect St Helena, which was to increase electricity tariffs by 15%, but this was not recommended.
As part of the consultation process, Legislative Council Members were asked by the URA to consider this Tariff Paper. As per this request, Members met on Friday 8th September 2023 to collate and discuss what this formal response should contain. In principle, Members have urged the URA to seek further clarification from Connect St Helena on the information within the Tariff Paper, to determine whether further options could be explored prior to a substantive decision being taken.
Ahead of this meeting taking place, a decision was taken to launch a petition, supported by six Councillors, which focused specifically on the proposed increases for electricity. This was done independently and was not communicated to the entire Legislative Council. Councillors’ are entitled as individuals or District Representatives to take such action, however it cannot be done under the guise of Legislative Council.
We can confirm however, that the formal response to the URA has incorporated the views of the Council in its entirety, as requested.
Legislative Council
15 September 2023
The name “Captain Rodney Young Seamount” has been selected as the proposed name of the seamount that was mapped in St Helena’s waters by the RRS Discovery last year. The name was put forward by Sharon Wade of the Friar, Cleughs Plain. His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Phillips CBE, has submitted the proposed name to the International Hydrographic Office for their consideration and approval.
In her submission, Sharon conveyed that the sentiment for the proposed name for the seamount was “to remember the person who had portrayed the best about our Island to all who had travelled on the RMS St Helena whilst he was Captain – his hard work, dedication, professionalism, courtesy, compassion with a great sense of humour. He possibly had navigated the area of the new seamount many times without even knowing it existed. It would be fitting that we should remember someone who had been inspirational to others and their name will forever be seen on nautical charts.”
The late Captain Rodney Young, the first St Helenian Captain of the Island’s service ship, the RMS St Helena, was an active mariner. He was well loved and respected by the local community and was instrumental in the development of many maritime careers.
The Environment, Natural Resources & Planning Portfolio would like to thank all persons who took the time to make a submission to the competition.
A further update will be provided following consideration of the proposed name by the International Hydrographic Office.
#StHelena #smallislandBIGFUTURE #NametheNewSeamountCompetition #BlueBeltProgramme
SHG
14 September 2023
The Health Services Directorate is offering free testing for bowel cancer for anyone aged 50+ until Friday, 29 September 2023. Those who wish to take the test can call Grace Richards or Anna Bowers on tel: 25818 who will arrange for a test sample kit to be made available to you.
Everyone offered a test is strongly encouraged to take one. Early detection through testing helps to ensure you stand the best chance of receiving successful treatment where needed.
If you are not sure whether you wish to take the test, we suggest that you request the home sample kit and read the materials that come with it before deciding if you wish to take it. A short video with instructions on how to take the test is also being televised on the local TV Promo Channel.
Results from your test will be provided within four weeks, and you may be called in to speak to a doctor about these if necessary.
If you have any questions about this campaign please call the Hospital by tel: 25888. Alternatively, please speak to your GP.
Notes to Editor:
Bowel cancer is common on the Island and in most cases (9/10) is caused by polyps in the bowel. Bowel polyps are small growths on the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Bowel polyps are very common, and affect around 1 in 4 people aged 50 or over.
The Health Services Directorate can detect polyps by testing your poo for blood using a simple test. When detected early, bowel cancer survival rates are very high (around 90%), so getting tested is very important.
#StHelena #BowelCancer
SHG
13 September 2023
There have been a number of different viruses going around the community at different times over the past few months, notably human metapneumovirus and parainfluenza virus. Currently there is a further wave of respiratory tract virus infections circulating. SARS Coronavirus 2 (the virus that causes Covid) has been identified in a few cases. However no-one has needed to be admitted to Hospital, and the infections have generally been mild.
What are the symptoms of SARS Coronavirus 2?
Like many other seasonal viral respiratory tract infections, typical symptoms include blocked or runny nose, sore throat, a dry cough, headache and generalised muscle aches, sometimes with fevers.
What to do if you’ve got an infection
As with any other viral respiratory tract infection, most people do not need any specific treatment. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen for the headaches and fever as well as simple cough linctus for the cough. All of these should be available in the shops.
There is no need to come to the General Hospital to see a nurse or doctor with these symptoms. It is actually best to stay away from crowded places if you do have these symptoms as you risk passing the infection on to others, and especially so from the Hospital given you might pass your infection on to unwell people or medical staff.
Very rarely you can get a bacterial infection on top of the viral one. If your cough starts producing a lot of yellow or green sputum and you start to feel unwell with shortness of breath, chest pains and persistent fevers, it maybe that you have a super-added bacterial infection. In these cases you should get clinical advice as you may need antibiotics. However in most cases you should be back to normal within a few days.
Do I need to report a positive Covid case to the Hospital?
You are no longer required to report your positive Covid test results to the Health Services Directorate, as Covid is now being considered like any other virus and treatment is no different to any other respiratory viruses.
Do I still need to self-isolate for five days if I have Covid?
Self-isolation for people with Covid was in place to reduce the rate of spread. Now that Covid is being treated as one of a number of viruses that cause cold like symptoms, there is no need to self-isolate. However, you might want to consider staying away from crowded places, wearing a mask and maintaining good hygiene practices (e.g. washing your hands regularly, sneezing into the crook of your arm etc).
Can I repeatedly catch Covid?
Yes, just like it is possible to contract a cold or flu multiple times, although it is very unlikely that you will get a repeat infection within 6-12 months. However, immunity to most viruses is relatively short-lived, and wears off in a matter of months. The virus also mutates and changes over time, making future repeat infection common.
The best way to consider Covid now is as just another virus that causes a cold.
#StHelena #Covid #ViralInfections
SHG
13 September 2023
Over the last few years the Island’s prisoner population has steadily increased, recently peaking at 25 individuals. This increase has presented HM Prison and Offender Management Service with unique challenges. However, the community should be reassured that the service has been diligently planning for this situation, actively bidding for additional resources and developing comprehensive solutions to bridge the gap until the Island’s new prison facility becomes operational in the next few years. Other areas of St Helena Government (SHG) have been supportive, redeploying additional resources to assist in addressing and mitigating the associated risks.
Proactive Planning for Safety
In our ongoing commitment to maintaining the safety and well-being of our Island community, we have been closely monitoring and forecasting an increase in the prisoner population. This foresight has allowed us to plan ahead and put contingencies in place to address the situation.
Utilising Police Custody Cells
As part of our proactive strategy, we have initiated efforts to secure additional resources. One such measure is the potential utilisation of police custody cells at Police HQ Coleman House to temporarily house some prisoners. Coleman House is a new facility, with modern amenities. Whilst this has not yet needed to be activated, if deployed this approach will ensure that we can maintain humane and secure conditions, even if the number of prisoners rises further.
Collaboration for Success: Support from Fellow Overseas Territories
We have also sought support from our fellow Overseas Territories by calling upon highly experienced prison officers who can deploy to St Helena at short-notice for a fixed-term period. If deployed, this collaborative endeavour will play a pivotal role in supervising and caring for the growing number of prisoners, making the operation of two prison facilities feasible and safe, both for the general population and prisoners themselves.
Expansion of HMP Jamestown – Additional Accommodation
A tender request was recently issued for the expansion of accommodation facilities in HMP Jamestown. This initiative will see the conversion of HMP Jamestown’s prisoner workshop into additional accommodation, alleviating the pressure caused by the recent increase in prisoners. Whilst these measures will help in the short to medium-term, the long-term aim is to progress and complete the new prison project in Bottoms Wood. This state of the art facility is designed to meet the Island’s long-term custodial needs and is scheduled to be operational by 2026/7.
Collaborative Consultations
In addition to these efforts, HM Prison and Offender Management Service have maintained regular consultation with His Excellency the Governor, who is responsible for Island security, as well as the Safety, Security and Home Affairs Portfolio Director, Chief Secretary, Chief of Police, Government Ministers, prisoners and other key stakeholders. These collaborative discussions have allowed appropriate evaluation of all available options to navigate the current prisoner population challenges.
Improving Conditions and Training
Whilst we acknowledge the unique challenges that this increase in prisoner population presents, we remain confident in our ability to maintain operational effectiveness and resilience within HMP Jamestown, a prison which has served our small Island community and prisoner population well over the years. We have already achieved significant improvements, such as enhancing the conditions of our female unit, increasing prisoner education provisions, and delivering extensive training to the Prison Officer Team, all of which have yielded clear benefits. On top of that we have invested in new and improved prisoner and officer uniforms, along with PPE, to enhance safety and overall conditions.
Gratitude and Unity
HM Prisoner and Offender Management Service express heartfelt thanks to all who live, work and visit the prison for playing their part in maintaining the safety and security of our community and prison population.
We have diligently worked towards achieving key milestones from our Five-Year Strategic Development Plan, which includes the construction of the new facility, a full tender pack for which will be released shortly. Our recent inspection by the Overseas Territories Prison Advisor (OTPA) reaffirmed the need for a fit-for-purpose prison and underscored the progress we have made. The OTPA also recognised the pivotal role played by the current management, leadership and the excellent staff-prisoner relationships in the success of HMP Jamestown.
Community Engagement: PVC and Questions
The Prison Visiting Committee (PVC) remains committed to their role, ensuring high standards of welfare and treatment of prisoners. HM Prison and Offender Management Service remain committed to providing regular updates to the public, where and when possible.
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, in the meantime then please do not hesitate to contact Superintendent Jay Kendall directly through jay.kendall@sainthelena.gov.sh.
As we face this temporary surge in our prisoner population, St Helena stands united. Our proactive approach and collective resolve will see us through this period of adjustment, ensuring safety, security and justice for our community.
#StHelena #HMPJamestown
SHG
11 September 2023
Further to the Press Release issued on 30 August 2023, the Highways Authority has now approved the closure of Field Road from Monday 18 September 2023. This closure is to enable the rehabilitation works to begin.
Field Road will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic, including emergency vehicles, until the works are completed. This is expected to be in approximately nine months’ time. Access to Rupert’s Valley will be via the Haul Road for the duration of the Field Road construction works.
Further updates will be issued as the works progress, and will include advance notice of any short-term closures of Side Path Road. Such closures may be occasionally required to ensure the safety of road users when excavation works are being undertaken above Side Path.
#StHelena #FieldRoad #EDIP
SHG
8 September 2023
Between September 2023 and January 2024, the Health & Social Care Portfolio will be offering a range of accredited courses focusing on first aid skills, in partnership with the St Helena Community College. These courses will benefit the community by ensuring first aid can be provided in a timely manner, helping to preserve life during medical situations both within the workplace and the wider community.
The approved training centre is accredited by Qualsafe, a UK training regulator. All qualifications are UK recognised and will be delivered by experienced employees from the Health & Social Care Portfolio.
Training sessions for SHG employees, charities, child-minders/crèche and other voluntary organisations will be free of charge.
For all other individuals wishing to undertake a training session, costs are listed below.
Training courses available:
Principles of Safe Handling and Administration of Medication – £20.00pp
This qualification has been specifically designed for those working within a health and social care setting, such as support workers or care workers, and who have a responsibility for the safe handling and administration of medication. This qualification is also perfect for those looking to refresh their knowledge. Over this one-day course, learners will gain an understanding of the safe handling and administration of medication, current legislation and guidance, different types of medication, the storage and disposal of medication, and much more. Qualification valid for three years.
Emergency First Aid at Work – £20.00pp
The qualification is designed for those who have a specific responsibility at work, to provide first aid in a range of emergency first aid situations. It is also ideal for people who have a specific responsibility to provide basic first aid in voluntary and community activities. During this one day course, learners will develop the skills and knowledge needed to deal with a range of emergency first aid situations, including managing an unresponsive casualty, CPR, choking, shock, wounds and bleeding, and minor injuries. Qualification valid for three years.
Combined Paediatric Emergency First Aid and Emergency First Aid at Work – £25.00pp
Streamlined perfectly to avoid the duplication of topics, the combined course has been specifically designed for those who work in settings that require both First Aiders and Paediatric First Aiders. This includes places such as schools, sports clubs or other childcare settings. Over oneday, learners will develop the knowledge and practical competencies needed to provide effective first aid for adults, children and infants. Topics include CPR and AED use, choking, wounds and bleeding, unconscious casualty and more. Qualification valid for three years.
Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use) – £20.00pp
This qualification has been designed for anyone who wishes to learn basic life support skills for adults, children and infants. It is also ideal for those who are qualified in providing first aid and are looking to refresh or develop their existing first aid knowledge. During this half day course, learners will be given the opportunity to practise essential basic life support procedures, including assessing an incident, managing an unresponsive casualty, recovery position, CPR and choking. Qualification valid for one year.
First Response Emergency Care Level 3 (FREC3) – £100.00pp
The qualification is a regulated and is a nationally recognised qualification amongst ambulance services, ideal for those looking to work or volunteer as a first responder.
Among the first to arrive at a scene, first responders typically include police officers, firefighters, and those providing medical cover at events as well as those working in high risk environments. This can include places such as construction sites, power stations, agriculture and manufacturing.
This informative, hands-on five day course fulfils the competencies set out in the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical skills framework at descriptor level D. It provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to deal with a range of prehospital emergency care situations, such as administration of emergency oxygen, CPR and AED use, choking, wounds and bleeding, unconscious casualties, management of trauma patients, major illnesses and much more. Qualification valid for three years.
Venue/Application:
All training sessions will be held at the St Helena Community College or at the Health Directorate Training Centre. Participants are to arrive at 8.30am, with a view to start each training session starting at 9am.
Applications for the individual courses need to be made to the St Helena Community College using the relevant application or online at SHCC Online Registration Form (https://form.jotform.com/223255646842359). For more information please contact Carley Peters via email: carley.peters@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone on 22607.
Feedback and certification:
Following the completion of each course, participants will be required to complete an evaluation form and participants will receive a certificate confirming they have attended the individual training session. Each certificate number can be verified online.
Training Session Dates:
| Date | Course |
| 12/09/2023 | Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use) |
| 13/09/2023 | Principles of Safe Handling and Administration of Medication |
| 18/09/2023 to 22/09/2023 | First Response Emergency Care Level 3 |
| 23/09/2023 | Combined EFAW & Paediatric |
| 04/10/2023 | Emergency First Aid at Work |
| 05/10/2023 | Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use) |
| 09/10/2023 to 13/10/2023 | First Response Emergency Care Level 3 |
| 11/10/2023 | Principles of Safe Handling and Administration of Medication |
| 16/10/2023 | Combined EFAW & Paediatric |
| 28/10/2023 | Emergency First Aid at Work |
| 06/11/2023 to 10/11/2023 | First Response Emergency Care Level 3 |
| 14/11/2023 | Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use) |
| 15/11/2023 | Principles of Safe Handling and Administration of Medication |
| 28/11/2023 | Combined EFAW & Paediatric |
| 29/11/2023 | Emergency First Aid at Work |
| 13/12/2023 | Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use) |
| 14/12/2023 | Basic Life Support for Adults and Children (includes AED use) |
| 15/12/2023 | Combined EFAW & Paediatric |
| 18/12/2023 to 22/12/2023 | First Response Emergency Care Level 3 |
| 22/01/2024 to 26/01/2024 | First Response Emergency Care Level 3 |
For further information please contact Michael Gaga-Hale, Senior Paramedic, via email: michael.gaga-hale@sainthelena.gov.sh.
SHG
7 September 2023
Senior Clerk from the House of Commons, Chloe Freeman, is currently on-Island and working with the Legislative Council. She has primarily visited to help to ensure that the recently established Select Committees are fully operational.
For the seven Elected Members of Legislative Council that are not Ministers, part of their remit is to examine and scrutinise the performance of various sectors of government through Select Committees. This includes scrutinising the decision making of Ministers, and in doing so help to ensure public funds are used effectively.
Whilst on Island, Chloe is also meeting with Councillors, Ministers and SHG staff to discuss Private Members Bills, the upcoming work of the Select Committees, including their policies and procedures and the work of Legislative Council more generally, to ensure their processes are working for the people of St Helena.
Chloe has already shared a range of information and advice on how to write reports, minute taking, organisation, asking good questions and picking the best enquiries.
Chloe commented:
“It has been really interesting to see how the new ministerial form of government is working on St Helena and observe the practices of the Legislative Council. I am confident that the Select Committees will effectively and sufficiently scrutinise the work of the government. Its been great to meet and work with all the Elected Members and SHG staff to improve democracy in St Helena.”
Chloe will depart St Helena on Sunday, 10 September 2023.
Legislative Council
7 September 2023
On 27 June 2023 Executive Council approved the Marine Regulations (Tourism and Interaction with Marine Life), 2023, which will be brought into force on 1 November 2023.
These new Regulations govern tourism and the interaction of persons with marine wildlife in the Marine Protected Area (MPA). Primarily, they aim to minimise any impact from such activities on the marine environment. They introduce the concept of ‘regulated activities’ within St Helena’s MPA and a requirement for a licence in order for someone to conduct or facilitate certain activities where these are for payment or reward.
Regulated activities include:
- Scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and freediving
- Scenic or coastal touring and wildlife viewing by boat
- Wildlife interaction by boat
Any person wanting to obtain a licence must hold a valid accreditation certificate. These certificates are awarded following attendance at the Marine Tour Operator Environmental Accreditation Certification Scheme training, which is provided by the Environment, Natural Resources & Planning Portfolio’s Marine & Fisheries Conservation Section.
The Marine Tour Operator Environmental Accreditation Certification Scheme training intends to create an environmental consciousness amongst local marine tour operators, and has been designed to focus on safeguarding marine habitats and the flora and fauna that live there. In order to obtain certification persons attending the training must pass a multiple choice and oral exam at the end of each session.
In preparation for the issuing of licences for the upcoming marine tourism season, the Marine & Fisheries Conservation Section have arranged certification scheme training sessions over the period 19 – 28 September 2023. Sessions have been arranged by category and each one is offered twice over the two weeks to offer some flexibility for attendance.
All sessions are free of charge and will take place at the Marine Centre at Jamestown Wharf, as follows:
| Date | Time | Session | Notes |
| Tuesday, 19September | 5pm – 7pm | Interaction and viewing species session | Prior booking required |
| Wednesday, 20September | 5pm – 6pm | Diving session | Prior booking required |
| Thursday, 21 September | 5pm – 6pm | Recreational users information session on Best Practice Guidelines | No booking required |
| Tuesday, 26 September | 5pm – 6pm | Recreational users information session on Best Practice Guidelines | No booking required |
| Wednesday, 27 September | 5pm – 7pm | Interaction and viewing species session | Prior booking required |
| Thursday, 28 September | 5pm – 6pm | Diving session | Prior booking required |
Anyone interested in becoming a marine tour operator, or a dive leader, tour leader, skipper or boat crew for a marine tour operator, is encouraged to attend.
Recreational users do not need to hold a licence but it is recommended to attend the information session on Best Practice Guidelines (to be held on 21 and 26 September) which outline the rules for interaction with wildlife. This will ensure that you are comfortable knowing you will not commit any offences whilst undertaking any recreational activities, such as SCUBA diving or freediving.
Where prior registration is required for the training, please contact kirsty.jones@sainthelena.gov.sh for an application form. Application forms need to be completed and returned by Friday, 15 September 2023.
If you have any queries regarding the accreditation certification scheme, please contact leeann.henry@sainthelena.gov.sh. For general queries regarding marine regulations and licensing, please contact Isabel.Peters@sainthelena.gov.sh.
#StHelena #MPA #MarineRegulations #smallislandBIGIMPACT
SHG
7 September 2023