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Returning Saint, Chris Peters of Half Tree Hollow, has taken up appointment as a Civil Engineer within the Environment & Natural Resources Directorate.

Chris originally graduated as a Civil Engineer in 2011. Following his graduation he took up employment with the Public Works & Services Department and Connect Saint Helena Ltd to assist with the design and management of various projects. These included new pipework upgrades, new water storage tanks and the implementation of efficient water monitoring, storage and distribution systems.

Moving on from Connect, Chris joined ENRD, again to design projects like retaining walls, reinforced concrete & steel structural elements and surface water management.

Chris then decided to move away from the Island to develop his career in Civil Engineering. In the UK, his work saw him manage a multi-million pound Highways Infrastructure Improvement Scheme. His role involved approving contractor works, managing public expectations and ensuring that work complied with the needs of the client and code of practice.

After developing further in his profession, Chris decided to come back to St Helena to once again join the team at ENRD.

Chris commented:

“I am a committed person and keen to see progress on St Helena. I strongly believe solutions are best achieved with team work and a proactive approach. I also look forward to being part of a skilled team that together will contribute to the development of St Helena through efficiency and innovation.”

Chief Secretary, Roy Burke, concluded:

“It is good news for SHG that Chris has agreed to return to St Helena to take up a key position in ENRD. Our technical capability has been below par for some time now and Chris adds much needed talent to the team. Not only that, this appointment demonstrates a continuing commitment to ensuring that senior roles in St Helena are occupied by qualified Saints.”

SHG
7 March 2017

Civil Engineer, Chris Peters

Nominations are currently being invited for the Certificate and Badge of Honour Awards, 2017.

These awards are available for the Governor to award to public servants 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.

The Certificate and Badge of Honour awards will be presented later this year.

Nominations are also invited for the Acts of Bravery Award, 2017.

Nominations should ideally be made to recognise Acts of Bravery that have taken place since the last call for nominations in February 2016.

For more information, or to request a nomination form for the 2017 awards, please contact the Corporate Services Executive Manager, Mrs Carol George, at the Castle on telephone number 22470 or via the following e-mail address: carol.george@sainthelena.gov.sh

Completed forms should be returned in a sealed envelope marked ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ to the ‘Executive Secretary, Honours Committee’ at the Castle by Tuesday, 14 March 2017.

SHG

7 March 2017

 

The public is advised that the Roads Section will continue rehabilitation works in the area from Phillip John’s Shop to Scotland Roundabout on the following days, from 9am to 3pm:

Despite the closure, Phillip John’s Shop will still be accessible from the White Gate direction on these days.

 Road closure and diversion signs will be in place and as normal Emergency Services will be granted access.

The Roads Section would like to thank the public in advance for their continued understanding and cooperation.

SHG
6 March 2017

TOBY’S LEDGE, BLUE HILL

The Agriculture & Natural Resources Division (ANRD) would like to advise the public that the road at Toby’s Ledge, Blue Hill, will be closed to all vehicles on Wednesday, 8 March 2017, from 9am until 12 noon.  This is to allow the safe felling of a tree in this area. 

Only Emergency Services will be granted access during this time.

Any inconvenience caused is very much regretted. The Forestry Section would like to thank the public in advance for their cooperation.

SHG                                                                                                                   

6 March 2017

 

‘YOU SAID, WE DID’

St Helena Police have been consulting with communities across the Island as part of their new Neighbourhood Policing programme. A series of meetings and surgeries were well attended and a vast range of subjects discussed in February 2017.

Concerns raised in various districts include:

Blue Hill

Concerns were raised on the sport of Paint Balling in the area of Burnt Rock, Blue Hill

 With the assistance of ENRD, Team One held a meet & greet with the Paint Ball business owner at the designated paint balling zone. The owner showed officers around the zone and explained that he would very much like to work with the community in establishing the sport that is gathering much interest from the public, both youth and adults alike.

The designated area at Burnt Rock is being kept clean and rules are in place to deal with anyone who misuses the property and the facilities available.

The owner hopes to continue to adapt the area, making it a fun and safe place for all who would like to participate in this new venture.

White Gate

Speeding and other moving traffic offences continue to be a concern for members of the public across the Island

Police are constantly monitoring hot zones within their remit. One of the areas of great concern is from Three Tanks to White Gate. Officers will be engaging the public in a speed campaign. These will highlight issues such as the Law & You, Road Safety and What to do in the case of an accident.

Longwood

Tree obstructing junction at entrance to Harford Primary School   

Putting in place speed bumps near the entrance of Harford Primary School      

Having a sign near the junction at Harford Primary School to indicate that a school is there

Have road markings near the Junction at Longwood Supermarket to indicate who needs to ‘give way’ to oncoming traffic   

All issues have been sent to the Highways Authority and the ENRD Roads Section for consideration.

Speeding in Longwood areas, including Colt Sheds 

Officers continue to monitor speeding along with conducting high visibility patrols, it is hoped that this will be linked to a speed campaign.

 The public is concerned about persons having loud music in vehicles whilst driving

Officers will continue to monitor this, with a view to identifying the offenders.

Vehicle obstruction at junction near Hutt’s Gate Store opposite Hutt’s Gate Vicarage   

An email was sent to the Highways Authority, this has been referred back to Police for action, however the Roads Section will be invited to visit o suggest a solution. 

Levelwood

There are still concerns of speeding outside of Silver Hill Supermarket

This has been monitored and officers have spoken to drivers concerned, police will continue to show a presence in these areas with a view to combating this problem.

Loud music in vehicles, including party buses

Officers have identified this and drivers have been spoken to, this will be continuously monitored.

Having a traffic mirror near the Kingdom Hall junction to improve road safety                                                                                                                       

Information has been passed on to the ENRD Roads Section for this to be considered.

Sandy Bay

Rubbish on Sandy Bay Beach                                                                 

An email has been sent to the relevant agency to address this issue and perhaps provide more litter bins.

Having better toilet facilities at Sandy Bay Beach for both locals and tourists                                                                                                                          

An email has been sent to the relevant agency to address this issue.

Jamestown

Blind spot on corner of B & M’s store, Market Street, needs a mirror fitted

This will be passed to the Roads Section for their views and attention.

People having cones and signs outside of their properties in order to preserve the parking space for their return, blocking out other road users

All concerned persons were spoken to in relation to them having cones/signs in front of their property so that they will have a park near their residence. They were informed that unless they had permission from the Highways Authority then they could not do this. All persons seen were happy with this action, this will now be monitored.

A shelter promised by Councillors outside of the library

This matter has been sent to the Highways Authority.

Lines need to be painted on the bend behind St John’s flats

This will be passed to the Roads Section for their attention.

Beat surgeries for March have been announced and the public is encouraged to use these surgeries to raise any concerns. However, consultation is not limited to these events and can be raised and discussed personally at Police Headquarters, in writing, or with any Officer.

There are still some concerns being addressed and once completed the community will be informed.

SHG                                                                                                                                         

6 March 2017

 

 

 

ATTORNEY GENERAL ADVISES REPEAL OF ORDINANCE

On 6 December 2016 the Attorney General issued a press release in respect of Friendly Societies, inviting anyone aware of any Friendly Society still active to contact the Attorney General before Friday 23 December 2016. 

The Attorney General has confirmed that he has not received any submissions or information from the public either before or after the deadline and as a result he will advise Legislative Council to repeal the Friendly Societies Ordinance, 1939.

SHG

6 March 2017

TUESDAY 7 MARCH 2017 

Executive Council will meet tomorrow, Tuesday 7 March 2017, at 9.30am in the Council Chamber for the following Open Agenda items:

 Executive Council Members are: Pamela Ward Pearce, Derek Thomas, Brian Isaac and Christine Scipio-O’Dean. Cruyff Buckley is a temporary Member of ExCo while Councillor Lawson Henry is on overseas business.

Non-voting members of ExCo are: Chief Secretary Roy Burke, Financial Secretary Dax Richards and Attorney General Angelo Berbotto.

SHG 

6 March 2017

 

Further to recent updates on the RMS St Helena, SHG and St Helena Line (SHL) would like to advise the public that further investigations, into the problem with the Starboard propeller on Saturday, have revealed that the problems with the shaft are greater than originally predicted. A dry dock is required, but is not available at this time.

In light of this and following consultation with Lloyds Register, a decision has been taken by SHL, AWSML and SHG for the RMS to depart Cape Town today on one engine once cargo operations have been completed.

This will in effect increase the duration of the entire voyage by around five days. The voyage leg to St Helena will therefore take seven days as opposed to the usual five.

In the meantime, planning for repair work is underway and details along with a revised schedule will be advised over the next few days.

SHG
5 March 2017

The MET Station at Bottom Woods has announced that recorded rainfall for the month of February 2017 is the highest it’s been since February 2011.

The data collected last month saw recorded rainfall amount to 115.2mm – just 5.6mm less than was collected six years ago when the recorded number stood at 120.8mm.

The 115.2mm recorded this year is the sixth highest monthly rainfall collection in the Island’s history – the highest being back in February 1979 at 141.6mm. It is also the third highest that has ever been recorded during the month of February.

The MET Station at Bottom Woods has been collecting climatic data regularly since it was established in October 1976.

All data collected is specific to the MET Station and does not reflect on other Island locations.

SHG
2 March 2017

Councillor Lawson Henry attended the first UK Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council on European Negotiations (JMC OT EN) on 7 February 2017, with Kedell Worboys MBE, the SHG UK Representative, in London, to discuss the implications of Brexit on the OTs and their priorities for negotiations.

Councillor Henry represented both St Helena and Ascension Island at the meeting (see photo attached).

In his intervention, Councillor Henry called for the Department of Exiting the EU (DEXEU) to recognise the impact of Brexit in OTs. He spoke about the drop in value of the Great British Pound against other currencies, like the South African Rand, and the impact it has on the cost of living on St Helena and Ascension who rely heavily on imports. Councillor Henry added that due to the devaluation, the value of the allocation of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) would significantly decrease, which would have an adverse impact on the Islands in terms of projects to be implemented.

Councillor Henry also mentioned the potential of St Helena with regards to international trade, using coffee and fish as examples of exports that could grow our economy. He also touched on our Tourism Industry, referencing France as an important market due to the Napoleonic connection.

Under the 11th EDF, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha have been allocated €21.5m (£18.3m). St Helena’s allocation has been earmarked to improve telecommunications connectivity to the Island in the form of a marine cable. Councillor Henry highlighted the importance of the EDF for Ascension as this is the only external source of funding available to them.

Councillor Henry commented at the meeting:

“In view of the significant impact of the EDF allocations, Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) is asked to continue to provide the same level of funding when the EDF ceases. HMG is also asked to confirm that OTs would continue to have a first call on UK Aid budget to meet their reasonable needs and therefore be treated as a priority for aid.”

It was agreed that the next political meeting would be held in June and meetings at official level would continue.

Following the JMC OT EN, Lord Foulkes hosted a reception, sponsored by SHELCO, with many Lords and Members of Parliament in attendance. Vince Thompson played a key role in organising the event.

MP for Sutton Coldfield and Chair of the St Helena All Party Parliamentary Group, Andrew Mitchell, attended the reception. He gave a heart-warming speech – speaking positively about St Helena Airport and his continuing support for the project and the Island.

Kedell, along with St Helena Tourism’s Helena Bennett and Juliette Williams, were also able to engage with MPs and promote the Island.

In his key note speech at the reception, Councillor Henry spoke about the positive progress St Helena has made in line with our rebranding as ‘The Secret of the South Atlantic’ – focusing on History & Heritage, Adventure, and Natural Beauty.

Councillor Henry expressed his disappointment on the delay in commercial flights to the island but stated that the decision by HMG to fund the Airport project is still the right one. He also commented on the continued preparation of St Helena ahead of the anticipated increase in Tourism.

Councillor Henry concluded his speech:

“Much development has taken place and much progress has been made on St Helena, but we still have some way to go. I look forward to your continued support.”

SHG
1 March 2017

Councillor Henry at the JMC OT EN – credit www.bvi.gov.vg