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Following the allocation of space outside of the Malabar building for a bus stop, there has been an increase in the number of people waiting for transport in front of SURE South Atlantic Ltd’s Customer Services Centre at Bishops Rooms.
Whilst it is understood people must wait on their buses, SURE is concerned about the safety of their customers and personnel. When people crowd the office steps, especially with shopping, it can become difficult to manoeuvre up and down safely.
The Highways Authority would like to remind the public that there are benches in front of the Canister for people to use when waiting on transport or to take a break. The steps in front of Bishops Rooms should not be used as a waiting area.
SHG
8 March 2017
Benches at The Canister
Further to previous updates provided on the RMS St Helena, SHG and St Helena Line would like to advise the public that an indicative schedule for Voyage 254 has been produced (see attached).
This schedule is subject to amendment, depending on sea conditions and other factors.
Further updates will be provided shortly on plans for the forward schedule beyond Voyage 254.
SHG
8 March 2017
As part of improving their service to the public, the Police have introduced an ‘Every Contact Counts’ support initiative for all victims reporting a crime.
Detective Chief Inspector, Wendy Tinkler, said:
“As a Police Service we want to ensure that our Communities are confident in our abilities and satisfied with the work we conduct. Being a victim of crime can make people feel extremely vulnerable and we want to ensure that they feel supported through this process. As a victim they will be provided with the opportunity to receive updates within timescales agreed between the officer in charge of the investigation and themselves.
“We want to encourage our members in the community to come forward and report crimes and reassure them that they can expect to be treated with sensitivity and respect.
“Our Officers understand the importance that ‘Every Contact Counts’ and even if there is no update to provide to a Victim they will at least be reassured that their investigation is progressing and they haven’t been forgotten about.”
This initiative will therefore ensure that victims or persons aiding a police investigation are treated with fairness, dignity and respect. These persons will be kept informed about progress on their case or advised if the Police aren’t able to take their case forward with an explanation of the reason for this decision. They will also be given clear and relevant information about their case with agreed timescales.
Once an investigation has been concluded Police may follow up with victims or persons helping a case to seek understanding of how satisfied they were with the service provided.
An informative poster on Every Contact Counts detailing more about this initiative is attached to this press release.
SHG
8 March 2017
Commonwealth Day is celebrated throughout the Commonwealth and is marked each year on the second Monday in March. This year, Commonwealth Day will be celebrated on Monday 13 March 2017, with the theme ‘A Peace-Building Commonwealth’.
The main celebration on St Helena will take place at the Cenotaph, Jamestown, in the form of a special service. The service will begin at 9.45am and will include the Commonwealth Day message from HM Queen Elizabeth II – which will be read by Her Excellency, Governor Lisa Phillips, and a message from the Commonwealth Secretary General – read by Guide Commissioner, Mrs Alice Phillips.
The service will include a reflective moment when Mrs May Young will recall life on St Helena in the post-world war days. There will also be the peace greeting, which will be followed by a symbolic release of white pigeons.
At 10am, the Commonwealth flag will be raised, as will be done in many places in the Commonwealth.
In the lead up to Commonwealth Day, Island schools have organised a poetry and essay competition based on the Peace-Building theme. The winning poem, along with an excerpt from the winning essay, will be read during the service. Special Commonwealth Day assemblies will also take place in the schools.
Assistant Chief Secretary (Support), Gillian Francis, said:
“Peace and security on St Helena is no doubt taken for granted. This year’s theme serves as a reminder that this is not the case for many people across the world. In uniting many nations, the Commonwealth advocates the importance of peace building to ensure progress and prosperity for everyone.”
In the UK, St Helena will also take part in ‘A Peace-Building Commonwealth’, where St Helenian student Louis Youde will be representing the Island at the Commonwealth Day events held in London.
The importance of celebrating the Commonwealth will continue next year when the UK hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Minister for the Commonwealth and the United Nations, Rt Hon Baroness Anelay of St Johns DBE said:
“At a time of unprecedented global challenges, I believe that the Commonwealth matters more than ever. It is up to us to use our hosting of the Commonwealth Summit in 2018 to demonstrate the organisation’s relevance in seizing opportunities and tackling global challenges.”
SHG
7 March 2016
In today’s Executive Council meeting, two issues were considered on the Open Agenda.
The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2017 makes provision to amend the application of Investment Tax Credit (ITC). It was recognised that there had been significant local investment amounting to over £3.5 million, but the current policy meant significant under recovery in revenue which will have consequences for the sustainability of SHG revenue streams in the current and future financial years. The proposal would replace the current ITC with an Investment Tax Deduction scheme. Council approved the draft Bill to be published and presented as Government Business at the formal Legislative Council meeting on 24 March 2017.
Council then considered the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2017. Following a significant period of consultation, Council agreed that the following provisions should go forward to Legislative Council on 24 March 2017:
- The minimum age to vote will be reduced from 18 years to 17 years
- Only persons with St Helenian Status will be allowed to register to vote
However, persons who are already on the Register of Electors who do not have St Helenian status will be allowed to remain on the Register until 2020, by which time it was expected that the individuals will acquire St Helenian status.
Councillors were generally in favour of compulsory registration to vote, but not if it meant that the register of voters would be used to select people for jury service. They were in favour of compulsory jury service however but wished to de-link voting and jury service by using an alternative list. It was agreed that further work will need to be undertaken on this matter.
The Governor informed Members that she is planning to leave the Island on 21 March for a period of overseas leave and business. The Governor will return to the Island on 16 May 2017, via Ascension Island.
The meeting ended at 12.30pm.
ExCo
7 March 2017
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:
- Tuesday, 14 March
- Wednesday, 15 March
- Tuesday, 21 March
- Wednesday, 22 March
- Tuesday, 28 March
- Wednesday, 29 March
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