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St Helena Government proudly announces the successful conclusion of Mr David Butler-Trump’s transformative three-week deployment as the Overseas Territories Prison Advisor (OTPA) from the UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Overseas Territories Justice Programme which is funded through the UK Government Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) Overseas Territories Justice Programme.
During this period, Mr Butler-Trump held essential meetings with key stakeholders, including Governor Phillips, the Governor’s Office, Safety, Security & Home Affairs Portfolio (SS&HA) Director, Safety Heads of Service, Programme Management Office, Police, Probation, Prisoners and Prison Visiting Committee. The focus was on enhancing prison officer training, progress checking the new prison build project, and conducting a comprehensive inspection of HM Prison Service.
Mr Butler-Trump commented:
“HM Prison Jamestown has served the small Island community well over the years, however, the visit emphasised the need for a new prison facility and it was excellent to see detailed, well thought-out plans for a new prison and conduct a site-visit. The Prison Service are working diligently under challenging circumstances and the prison management have proactively implemented several of my recommendations already as part of their strategic development plan. It was encouraging to see initiatives such as joint working between HM Prison and Royal Saint Helena Police Service to share resources and expertise to improve Officer Safety.”
SS&HA Portfolio Director, Alex Mitham, and the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) would like to thank Mr Butler-Trump and his team for deploying and funding the visit to help enhance custodial outcomes.
Superintendent of Prisons, Jay Kendall, concluded:
“I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr Butler-Trump and the Ministry of Justice Overseas Territories Justice Programme for their invaluable assistance. The training sessions were exemplary, equipping our officers with cutting-edge expertise. Special recognition goes out to newly appointed officers Pedro, Blessing, and Karim, who excelled in the rigorous training programme. We eagerly await the inspection report and are committed to implementing recommendations to further enhance our capabilities, safety, security, and rehabilitation within HM Prison Service.”
#StHelena #AltogetherSafer #PrisonService #HMP #Custody #Teamwork #TrainingSuccess #Dedication #Congratulations #LawEnforcement #MoJ #SHG
SHG
4 August 2023
Over the past three weeks of updates on the Agricultural Production Project, focus has been on works undertaken at the ex-Agricultural Development Authority (ex-ADA) fields, securing pastures with appropriate fencing and clearing these of invasive and non-native species, along with pastures that had storage units and animal shelters constructed on them.
This week (the final week) works that have been undertaken thus far on the renovation and refurbishment of the Poultry Unit at Farm Buildings and Poultry and Brooder Units at Scotland, will be featured.
SHG owns the Poultry Unit at Farm Buildings and the Poultry and Brooder Units at Scotland. The Poultry Units and Brooder Unit at Scotland is in use but the Poultry Unit at Farm Buildings has been vacant for a few years.
All Units require extensive upgrade and refurbishment so that they are brought into full functionality to maximise the use of the assets.
Surveys of the Units have been undertaken and designs and specifications for the Units have been prepared and signed off by the Increased Agricultural Production (IAP) Project Board.
Renovation and refurbishment of the Poultry Unit at Farm Buildings
Following an open procurement exercise carried out in May/June 2023, SHG has entered into a contract with Ambledale Workshop Ltd to undertake the renovation and refurbishment of the Poultry Unit at Farm Buildings. The total value of this contract is £39,879.89.
Works commenced on site on the 24 July 2023 and are programmed to be completed in October 2023.
Renovation and refurbishment of the Poultry and Brooder Units at Scotland
A full planning application had to be submitted for the designs of the Poultry Units at Scotland as construction of a gabion wall and concrete ramp was being proposed. Planning permission for the proposal was approved on the 23 June 2023.
Following receipt of the Planning permission, tender documentation was finalised and an open procurement exercise commenced in July 2023. A site visit for possible tenderers was undertaken on the 01 August 2023 and the procurement exercise is due to close on the 11 August 2023.
It is expected that the renovation and refurbishment of the Poultry and Brooder Units at Scotland will take 4-5 months to complete.
All of these works will help to increase economic activities and productivity by developing the SHG agricultural estate.
All contracts advertised under this project, was carried out through open procurement and have only been advertised locally. The tenders have reached a wide range of the private-sector businesses.
SHG
04 August 2023
The following change is made to St Helena’s Marine Regulation, in accordance with the Fishing Control Notice:
With immediate effect there will be a temporary suspension on the catch and retention of Red Slipper lobster (Stump). This temporary restriction will continue until 1 January 2024, when a new fishing year will start on St Helena.
This suspension of Stump lobster catch and retention applies to all types of fishing, including spearfishing and lancing from a vessel or from the shore.
The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Stump in St Helena waters for each fishing season (1January to 31 December) is 500kg per year across all fishing types [see Notes to Editor section].
Fishing catch return analysis has shown that fishing activity for this lobster species to date has resulted in the TAC for this species having been reached. It is therefore necessary for a Fisheries Control Notice to be issued suspending the catching of Stump until the new fishing year starts.
A person who contravenes a Fishing Control Notice commits an offence under section 72 (2) of the Fisheries Ordinance, 2021 and is liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of £25,000.
For further information please contact Marine Enforcement Officer, Kelly Jonas, at the Port Control Office, the Wharf, Jamestown, on tel: 25947 or via email: kelly.jonas@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Notes to Editors
The Darwin Plus 077 Project entitled ‘Sustainable fishery management for St Helena’s lobster populations’ (which was implemented between 2019 and 2021) collected baseline data to understand both lobster species (Long leg and Stump) found in St Helena’s inshore waters. This work allowed lobster experts to estimate the stock of the species and understand their biology and ecology (such as their growth rates and reproduction). From this work a number of the current management and monitoring measures for lobsters was introduced and incorporated into fisheries licensing.
The results of this work estimated the maximum stock of Stump to be approximately 4.4 metric tonnes in any given year. It was recommended that the harvesting of approximately 10% of the maximum stock each year would be a safe and sustainable level of harvesting of the species. The TAC was therefore set at 500kg per fishing year and that Stump with a carapace length of more than 95mm could be harvested (this size restriction ensures that the Stump has had time to breed).
#StHelena #FisheriesManagement
SHG
3 August 2023
The Statistics Office has released a detailed report on the most recent Business Survey, conducted in 2022. The purpose of this survey was to collect information about the business environment, the labour market, and the economy on St Helena, to help guide policy-making and development.
The timing of the survey was planned to coincide with the ending of COVID-19 related travel restrictions and mandatory quarantine requirements, but this also meant that the survey period coincided with the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Unfortunately, this had an adverse effect on the number of responses. Nonetheless, useful data were collected, including information about the composition of the private sector workforce, and about occupations that are both hard to recruit for and which also have a significant impact on the operation of businesses.
Some highlights from the report include:
- Around one in six of all businesses which responded to the survey reported an increase in demand for their products or services, with just under one on four reporting a fall. In the combined sector of Finance, Insurance, Information, Communication, and Real Estate; three out of every four responding businesses reported a fall in demand, and in the Hospitality Sector (Accommodation and Food Services) one out of every two responding businesses reported a fall.
- Almost all responding businesses reported increases in costs, with almost 40% reporting that costs were increasing dramatically.
- However, 57% of responding businesses also reported increased opportunities for growth, with 24% reporting that their business is expanding.
- Around a half of responding businesses reported that they had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; unsurprisingly, the most affected industry was Hospitality (i.e. Accommodation and Food Services), with 88% of responding businesses in that sector reporting that they were affected.
- 56% of respondents reported that they expect the new fibre-optic cable to benefit their business.
- High costs, low demand, and staffing difficulties were the most prominent constraints or barriers to running a business reported by respondents, with the cost of fuel being mentioned specifically by several businesses. Other common issues mentioned were difficulties in procuring imported goods, due to disruptions in supply chains and high freight costs.
The Statistics Office thank all those businesses that responded to the survey. For more detailed results, you can access the full report at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2022-Business-Survey-Report.
#StHelena #Stats #BusinessSurvey
SHG
2 August 2023
In December 2020, the previous Government took the decision to test the market through an Expression of Interest (EOI) in respect of SHG’s shareholdings in Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc (Solomon’s).
Whilst this Government is committed to encouraging private enterprise and competition in St Helena, it must also consider the wider public interest when making decisions. Solomon’s is the largest corporate entity on the Island and is a conglomerate with interests in a wide variety of economic sectors. Given its size and economic scope, it was not considered appropriate that SHG should dispose of its shareholdings at this time.
As a result, Executive Council have requested that officials should undertake a full options analysis, with specialist support, to assess whether and how any future disposal of shareholdings should be considered. This will evaluate the risks and benefits, and what options might be available for full or partial disposal of shares. Once complete, the government will then be able to appropriately consider what course of action to take.
All of those who responded to the Expression of Interest have been written to and advised of this decision.
#StHelena
SHG
1 August 2023
In December 2020, the previous Government took the decision to test the market through an Expression of Interest (EOI) in respect of SHG’s shareholdings in Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc (Solomon’s).
Whilst this Government is committed to encouraging private enterprise and competition in St Helena, it must also consider the wider public interest when making decisions. Solomon’s is the largest corporate entity on the Island and is a conglomerate with interests in a wide variety of economic sectors. Given its size and economic scope, it was not considered appropriate that SHG should dispose of its shareholdings at this time.
As a result, Executive Council have requested that officials should undertake a full options analysis, with specialist support, to assess whether and how any future disposal of shareholdings should be considered. This will evaluate the risks and benefits, and what options might be available for full or partial disposal of shares. Once complete, the government will then be able to appropriately consider what course of action to take.
All of those who responded to the Expression of Interest have been written to and advised of this decision.
#StHelena
SHG
1 August 2023
The Programme Management Office (PMO) is pleased to advise that the following micro projects, funded through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), have been approved for implementation in 2023/24:
- Yacht Moorings – The number of yacht moorings will be increased to accommodate an additional seven moorings.
- Forest Recreation – Improvement and enhancement of the amenity area at Big Rock and the car park at Scotland.
- Jamestown Middle Steps – The existing steps will be refurbished, railings reinstated and new access/egress for swimmers installed.
- HM Prison – The Prison will be expanded to allow up to an additional six prisoners to be accommodated.
The EDIP Review Group approved these projects following an assessment against the agreed criteria.
Project works will now progress during this financial year.
Notes to Editor:
All projects are assessed against the criteria which was approved in 2019 by the Executive Council. This approval was for an annual budget of £150,000 to be made available from the EDIP for ‘micro projects’. These are considered to be projects that can be implemented relatively quickly by the local private sector, with a total cost of £50,000 or less and have maximum direct benefits to the wider public. The micro projects budget is intended to support projects that are linked to SHG’s and EDIP’s strategic priorities.
#StHelena #EDIP #MicroProjects
SHG
1 August 2023
Further to the recent announcement published on 4 July 2023 regarding the rehabilitation of Field Road, the Programme Management Office (PMO) would like to advise that significant quantities of crushed rock aggregate, to the required project specifications, will be required for these works.
The specifications are the same as were used successfully to rehabilitate Side Path Road. The provisional quantities required for Field Road are:
- Sub-base 1,500m3
- Concrete 1,700m3
As these are significant quantities in the context of the local construction sector, the PMO are providing this information in advance of signing the construction contract with the preferred tenderer who, following construction contract signature, will be responsible for all the construction works.
This information will enable the private sector to gear-up and plan their production accordingly, for providing the materials required for Field Road (e.g. to procure appropriate explosives, and blast as necessary to produce sufficient aggregate stockpiles etc).
The PMO will be arranging follow-up discussions with the private sector as necessary.
SHG
31 July 2023
Over the past two weeks of updates on the Agricultural Production Project, focus has been on securing pastures with appropriate fencing and clearing these of invasive and non-native species, along with pastures that had storage units and animal shelters constructed on them.
This week we’ll be looking at works that have been undertaken at the ex-Agricultural Development Authority (ADA) fields.
The ex-ADA fields are made up of 56.5 acres of land which are leased to ten individuals. 2.83km of track runs throughout the site.
Three activities were identified to be undertaken at the ex-ADA fields as part of this project. These were:
- Construction of a toilet facility
- Upgrade of 0.5km of access track
- Protecting 15 acres of land from rabbits
Construction of Toilet facility
No toilet facility was available for tenants to use. This meant they needed to go home or go to the nearest public toilet to use a restroom facility, therefore decreasing the time spent on site and reducing productive man hours
S.Doy Construction was awarded the contract to construct a new toilet facility at a cost of £12,422.00.
Upon connection of the toilets to the main water and wastewater branch the total cost of this activity came to £12,963.57. Toilets became operational in December 2022.
0.5km of access track upgraded
Approximately 0.5km of the track was identified for upgrade. This was done to improve accessibility to the site in all weather conditions and also mitigate against the amount of dust settling on produce, allowing for continuous operations within the estate.
A contract was awarded to S.Doy Construction for this work at a total cost of £15,066.00.
The track was reopened in April 2023.
15 acres of land protected from rabbits
15 acres of land was identified to be protected from rabbits by installing new rabbit-proof fencing or repairing the existing fence.
These works where broken down into four separate contracts:
| CONTRACTOR | PARCEL NO | TOTAL | COMPLETED |
| Jason Bennett | LWN0256 | £1,144.90 | March 23 |
| Robert Mittens | LWN0365 | £865.00 | March 23 |
| Robert Mittens | LWN0268,452,453 | £1,525.00 | April 23 |
| Robert Mittens | LWN0467 | £985.00 | March 23 |
All of these works will help to increase economic activities and productivity by developing the SHG agricultural estate.
Next week, focus will be on the refurbishment of the Poultry Units at Farm Buildings and Scotland.
It should be noted that all contracts advertised under this project, was carried out though open procurement and have only been advertised locally. The tenders have reached a wide range of the private-sector businesses.
#StHelena #EDIPProjects #AltogetherWealthier
SHG
28 July 2023
The Land Development Control Authority has given approval for tree topping works to take place in both the Castle Gardens and Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Playground. These are planned to begin during the week beginning Monday 31 July at the DoE Playground and works will continue at the Castle Gardens up until the end of September.
This year, works at the DoE Playground will focus on the tree located in the lower playground, while at the Castle Gardens the two trees either side of the main entrance will be addressed. This work is required to address risks identified in these areas. Specifically the risk of personal injury, property damage, current tree growth pattern and the ability to provide tree management activities under these current growth patterns.
In both cases the works will focus on bring the tree canopies down to a more manageable height, through a practice known as topping. This will see the removal of tree limbs at various points to reshape or resize the trees canopies. This will be effective in reducing the overall height and spread of the existing canopies.
The topping will increase public safety in key recreational areas in Jamestown by reducing the risks identified, increasing overall tree health and stability, and enhancing the overall appearance of public areas.
For further information please contact the Crown Estates Officer, Gina Henry, via email through gina.henry@sainthelena.gov.sh.
#StHelena #TreeTopping #CastleGardens #DukeOfEdinburghPlayground
SHG
28 July 2023