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Chief Minister Julie Thomas departed the Island on Saturday 29 April 2023 to travel to the UK. Whilst there she will represent St Helena at the Coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort and attend the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) of Overseas Territories.

In accordance with section 37F (6) of the Constitution, Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Planning, Christine Scipio, has been appointed Deputy Chief Minister. During this time, Minister Scipio has been granted the authority to act in the capacity of the Chief Minister to discharge the functions and responsibilities of the office of Chief Minister, as well as the Chief Minister’s Portfolio duties.

The Chief Minister is due to arrive back at St Helena on Saturday 20 May 2023.

#StHelena

International Drone Day is observed annually on the first Saturday in May, meaning this year it falls on Saturday 6 May 2023. It is a day used to celebrate and highlight all things related to drones.

What are drones?

A drone is a type of aircraft that is controlled by a pilot (operator) however the operator is not actually inside the aircraft, instead they control the aircraft remotely via remote control.

Drones are not only used recreationally around the world but also commercially to take aerial photographs and videos, surveillance, search and rescue, gathering data, delivering supplies, and monitoring property, amongst other uses. Advantages of drones include their flexibility and affordability, as well as their ability to reach areas that a human operator would be unable to physically access themselves. 

This year on St Helena, a few weeks are being dedicated to promote and raise awareness around the safe operation and legal requirements of these operating small unmanned aircraft (SUA’s), which are more commonly known as drones.

Drones have become increasingly popular globally by both hobbyists and professionals. Like the rest of the world, on St Helena the purchase and operation of drones is on the increase. On Island, drones are used for both private and commercial purposes. 

The use of drones across St Helena and its territorial waters is governed by the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order (AN(OT)O). 

Persons and or businesses using a drone in St Helena for commercial purposes (work for gain/  valuable consideration) are required to apply to the Island’s airport regulator, the Air Safety Support International (ASSI), and seek permission to conduct aerial in accordance with the AN(OT)O.

Why are drone rules important?

A drone operator is legally responsible for flying their drone safely. Therefore it is important operators fully understand their legal responsibilities, which are to be considered each time they are planning a flight.

Essentially, under the AN(OT)O a drone operator’s responsibilities are to:

Non-adherence to regulations set out in the ASSI AN(OT)O is a serious offence and will result in summary conviction and penalty.

More information

Guidance on the use of drones can be found on the St Helena Airport website http://sthelenaairport.com/pilots/drone/ and the ASSI website www.airsafety.aero/aircraft/small-unmanned-aircraft.

All drone operators, new or experienced, benefit from rules and safety tips to help them fly safe – Drone safety is the law. 

Have a question about Drone operations on St Helena? If so, information enquiries may be sent to SHG Civil Aviation via email address tessa.roberts@sainthelena.gov.sh, or by telephone on 22477. Alternatively these can be directed to St Helena Airport via email address operations@sthelenaairport.aero or the Accountable Manager Gwyneth Howell by telephone on 25175 / 63131.

Fly safely, stay in control!

#StHelena #InternationalDroneDay #DroneDay

Three public warning systems have recently been installed on St Helena and are located in Rupert’s and Jamestown.

The units are Tannoy speaker systems, intended to warn all persons in these areas of an impending threat by way of emitting a siren tone. They also have the capability to broadcast very basic voice messaging.

Jamestown and Rupert’s were chosen due to their dense populations and various strategic assets, such as key public or Island services.

The units will be operated by the Joint Emergency Control Centre located at the Royal St Helena Police Headquarters. The system also has the capability of being operated from other backup locations on the Island if needed.

The siren alert sound will be a wailing tone, similar to an air raid siren.

If you hear the siren sound in one of these areas please follow these instructions:

  1. GO IN – Go indoors (unless the message advised otherwise)
  2. STAY IN – Stay indoors (unless the message advised otherwise)
  3. TUNE IN – Tune in to your local radio station for more details and updates on the situation

Further guidance on what to do in an emergency when the sirens are sounding will be issued in due course.

The emergency services will be testing the sirens in the near future. This will be an opportunity for all in the area to hear the wailing tone the siren emits. More information will follow with regards to when these tests will take place.

Maintenance testing will also be conducted each month to ensure the siren system is operating correctly. These test will be carried out on the first Tuesday of each month between 12:00 and 12:30. During these tests the sirens will emit a different sound to the alert tone. This is to reduce confusion between an actual alert and a scheduled maintenance test, whilst still allowing authorities to test the system effectively.

#StHelena #EmergencyPlanning

SHG

28 April 2023

The Emergency Planning Department would like to advise the public that two additional Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed at the following locations following approval of the necessary planning permission.

What is an AED and when and how are they used

Defibrillators are devices that send a safe electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat when someone is not conscious and not breathing (i.e. they are in cardiac arrest).

A defibrillator may also be referred to as a DEFIB, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator). Statistics show that if a defibrillator is used on a patient within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, they have a 60-70% chance of making a full recovery. 

The type of AEDs placed around the Island are designed so that they can be used by anyone, without specialist training. Once turned on they will instruct the user through voice commands on exactly how to use the device safely, for both the patient and the operator.

If you require access to an AED, the code to the cabinet can be requested from the Emergency Control Centre when dialling 999.

A reminder of all locations

AEDs have now been placed in the following locations:

DistrictLocation
Half Tree HollowHalf Tree Hollow Clinic (Outside of the main entrance)
St Paul’sThe Pavilion Area (In the Green Shed) at Francis Plain
LevelwoodSilver Hill Shop (Outside)
Blue HillBlue Hill Community Centre (Outside)
Sandy BayBamboo Hedge Shop (Outside)
Rupert’sSea Rescue Building (Outside the main entrance)
LongwoodRoyal St Helena Police Post (Outside)
JamestownCustoms Building (Near the entrance to the Immigration office)

There are also other AEDs located in Jamestown at the Royal Saint Helena Police HQ reception and at HM Prison.

#StHelena #Defibrillator #AED

SHG

28 April 2023

Students, parents and invited guests gathered at Prince Andrew School (PAS) Hall to celebrate the annual Certificate and Awards Ceremony today, Thursday 27 April 2023.

The Ceremony, to award students their certificates for exams that were taken in May/June 2022, began with an inspirational speech by Acting Governor, Greg Gibson.

The first round of presentations were to award former year 9, 11, 12 and 13 students their certificates in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), Vocationally Recognised Qualifications (VRQ), Foundation Certificate of Secondary Education (FCSE) in French, Advanced Subsidiary, and A-Levels.

Shortly after, presentations were made for individual achievements:

AwardAwardee
Jean Beadon Art AwardHathaikan Sawangwong
The Governor’s Award for Excellence at Key Stage 3Blane Bennett and Bobbi Clingham
The PTA Student of the Year AwardVivienne Ponsford (Year 11) Katie-Raye Williams (Year 13)
SURE Sponsorship AwardsVivienne Ponsford (Year 11) Jacob Williams (Year 11)
The Jeanette Williams Maths AwardsJacob Williams (Year 11) Kirsten Augustus (Year 13)
The English Language AwardsVivienne Ponsford (Year 11) Katie-Raye Williams (Year 13)
Eliza Mary Lloyd Trust Agriculture AwardBlake Benjamin-Peters
Bishop Houghton AwardKaelyn Thomas
The Joy George Award (recognising outstanding work at KS3)  William Caswell, Diederik Robbertse and Jayann Fowler

In addition, Year 12 student, Ashlie Thomas, was awarded a certificate from the Royal Saint Helena Police Service for undertaking an act of courage and bravery and for being an outstanding member of the Student Council and bravely supporting a vulnerable student.

The Ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Student President, Stefan Thomas, and Vice Student President, Rianne Joshua, and closing remarks from Chief Minister, Julie Thomas.

Prince Andrew School Head Teacher, Penny Bowers, concluded:

“Well done to all awardees today, and especially those who achieved special awards – your dedication to your studies have paid off!  We are very pleased for all of our students who have worked hard and achieved their certificates. We wish them all well from PAS as they embark on the next stage of their journey!”

#StHelena #Awards #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople

SHG
27 April 2022

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

Further information on these awards can be obtained from the Press Releases page of the SHG website via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/2023/news/call-for-nominations-for-uk-state-2024-birthday-honours-and-st-helena-government-awards/, or from the Secretary, Honours and Awards Committee 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 the extended deadline of Friday, 12 May 2023.

#StHelena #BirthdayHonours #BadgeOfHonour

SHG

26 April 2023

Nominations are now being invited for the following awards.

UK STATE AWARDS – 2024 BIRTHDAY HONOURS 

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 2024

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 2024

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 the extended deadline of Friday, 12 May 2023.

SHG

26 April 2023

The Health Services Directorate is offering free testing for bowel cancer for anyone aged 50-74 years over the next twelve months. The testing is being offered in age order.

From Monday, 1 May 2023, those who were born between 1948 and 1955 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. The sample kit has full instructions on how to use it.

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.

The Health Services Directorate will continue to call groups of people for testing in age order, and will publish a public announcement when the test kits for your age group are ready to be distributed.

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

25 April 2023

In accordance with section 37H (1) (b) of the Constitution, Councillor Gillian Brooks has been appointed the temporary Minister for the Safety, Security & Home Affairs (SS&HA) Portfolio with immediate effect until 5 June 2023, while the substantive Minister for Safety, Security & Home Affairs Portfolio, Jeffrey Ellick, is off-Island.

The appointment of Minister Martin Henry as the temporary Minister for Safety, Security & Home Affairs Portfolio has therefore been revoked with immediate effect, but he will continue his role as the Minister for the Health & Social Care Portfolio.

Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, said:

“On behalf of my Ministerial team, I wish to extend my congratulations to Councillor Brooks on her appointment as Minister for SS&HA. We are looking forward to working with her and will do all we can in supporting and assisting her in this role. I do hope that Councillor Brooks finds this appointment interesting and fulfilling as we work together in taking steps to achieve our Ministerial goals and objectives.”

#StHelena

SHG

24 April 2023

For the first quarter of 2023 the RPI has been measured at 114.8 (Chart 1). This is an increase of 5.4% from a year ago, when the RPI was 109.0, and it means that retail prices have, on average, increased by 5.4% over the twelve month period. This annual inflation rate for Q1 2023 is a slight fall from the annual rate measured in the previous quarter (Q4 2022), when it was 5.7%.

Chart 1. St Helena Retail Price Index Q1 2016 to Q1 2023 (Q1 2018=100)

The index uses 203 representative items to measure price changes in nine different categories of household spending; since a year ago, 89 items increased in price, 19 items decreased in price, and the price of 95 items remained unchanged.

Notable changes in prices over the past three months include petrol and diesel, which fell from £2.01 and £2.16 a litre in Q4 2022, to £1.90 and £2.01 a litre in Q1 2023. The highest increase over the last quarter was in the Alcohol and Tobacco category, where prices rose on average by 3.4%. Food prices also rose by 1.6% on average compared to Q4 2022, contributing to a 6.1% annual price inflation rate for Food, the highest since Q4 2017.

The full Statistical Bulletin and a detailed data file can be found on the St Helena Government website at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/statistics/the-economy/.

Notes to Editors

Please note that the Q1 2023 inflation rate calculations do not include any changes to prices that may have occurred since the arrival of the Maria da Paz cargo ship in late March. Where applicable, these will be included in the Q2 2023 calculations, scheduled to be released in July 2023.

SHG
21 April 2023