Latest Posts
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE SERIOUSNESS OF OUR WATER SITUATION
Despite recent rain showers, St Helena’s reservoir levels remain at around 11% of total storage capacity. Until the reservoirs reach at least 50% full, St Helena remains in a critical situation.
Island Reservoir Levels
Over the last week, four days out of seven have seen consumption creep back up to over 1000 cubic metres per day – equivalent to 12,500 full bath tubs.
The target for consumption, to balance what is going into the system, is 800 cubic metres or 10,000 full bath tubs per day. We therefore need a saving of 2,500 bath tubs or 40,000 five litre water bottles per day across the Island.
While we still have water coming out of our taps in our homes, it is easy to forget just how serious our situation is. The reality is that:
- Our reservoirs are virtually empty
- Livestock are struggling to find sufficient natural food
- Water to farmers is being restricted once crops have been harvested
As a community we must continue to cut our consumption and keep it down in everything we do, every single day. Every drop saved now contributes towards conserving our Island’s water reserves a little further.
Every drop counts, every action counts – please do your bit.
Jamestown Swimming Pool
Unwanted water from the Jamestown Swimming Pool has been put to good use by the St Helena Landscape & Ecology Mitigation Programme (LEMP). 
The LEMP, which is responsible for restoring or compensating for habitats and landscapes lost to the Airport footprint, have been using the Swimming Pool water to support ongoing work.
LEMP have used their large water bowser to pump water from the Swimming Pool to transfer around the Island where needed, including to the ANRD and Environmental Management Division’s Nursery and for other agricultural use.
St Helena Resilience Forum
17 January 2017
The St Helena Constitution requires that the Legislative Council be dissolved not later than four years after the date of its first meeting, and that a General Election be held not less than six weeks (nor more than three months) after the date of Dissolution.
HE Governor Lisa Phillips has informed Elected Members that she proposes to dissolve Council with effect from 31 May 2017 and that Election Day will be end-July. The timing means that the new Legislative Council can play a full part in setting plans and budgets for the following financial years. Elected Members agree with this schedule. Until 31 May, all Government business continues and Executive Council and Council Committees can still meet after that to deal with essential business.
HE Governor Lisa Phillips encourages everyone to ensure they are registered on the Electoral Roll and exercise their right to vote
Further information on the upcoming General Election will be issued over the coming months.
SHG
17 January 2017
A Beechcraft King Air aircraft operated by TAB Charters is expected to arrive at St Helena Airport tomorrow, Wednesday 18 January 2017, at around 14.00hrs, weather permitting.
On board will be the team from Flight Calibration Services Limited (FCSL) for the purpose of undertaking routine Calibration Flights in connection with the navigation aids at the Airport.
Depending on weather conditions, the flight is expected to spend 3-4 days on-Island conducting the various calibration flights on the communication and navigation systems.
SHG
17 January 2017
A meeting of Overseas Territories Coroners and their staff took place on Ascension Island between Monday 9 January and Friday 13 January 2017 (photo attached).
Representing St Helena at the meeting were St Helena and Ascension Island’s Chief Magistrate and Chief Coroner, John MacRitchie, and Clerk to the Coroner, Amelia Gough.
John and Amelia were joined at the meeting by the Ascension Island Coroners and their clerk, the Senior Magistrate/Coroner and Head of the Court Service from the Falkland Islands, the Senior Coroner and a Coroners’ Officer from Oxford (which includes Brize Norton Airport), a Forensic Pathologist from Glasgow University, and local Lay Advocates, medical and police officers.
Discussions held throughout the week highlighted the unique problems and challenges that the territories coronial systems experience, due to each Island’s size, relative isolation and limited resources.
John MacRitchie said:
“Areas of mutual cooperation between the territories and the UK were agreed. These will go some way to overcoming issues which may otherwise have arisen in the future.”
St Helena’s representation at the meeting was funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, as part of their commitment to engage with and support the Overseas Territories.
SHG
17 January 2017
SIDEPATH ROAD – FROM THE BROW TO FIELD ROAD
SEALES’ CORNER TO THE BROW, NAPOLEON STREET
The Roads Section would like to advise the public that Sidepath Road (from the Brow to Field Road) and Seales’ Corner to the Brow, Napoleon Street, will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians on Wednesday 25 January 2017 from 1.30pm to 4pm.
These closures are necessary to enable the Rock Guards to remove loose rocks and secure the area above Sidepath Road.
Diversion and road closure signs will be in place and as normal only Emergency Services will be granted access.
There is a diversion route for cars and small vans only via Constitution Hill. Larger vehicles will have to divert via Ladder Hill and across country.
The Roads Section would like to thank the public in advance for their continued understanding and cooperation.
As soon as the area has been made safe, the roads will be reopened.
Harris’ Flats, Carnarvon Court, and Connect Saint Helena Ltd
During the works, residents in Harris’ flats and staff from Connect Saint Helena are requested to evacuate their properties from 1.15pm to 4pm. Please ensure that all vehicles are removed from their stationary position. This is a precautionary measure as the Rock Guards will be working in the area.
The section of the Run in this area will also be closed to members of the public.
The Salvation Army Hall in Jamestown will be open from 1pm as a reception centre for any residents who wish to go there during the period of the evacuation. Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.
Residents requiring assistance to move on the day can either contact the Emergency Planning Department on tel: 25052 or email Ian.johnson@sainthelena.gov.sh or Simon.wade@sainthelena.gov.sh. Alternatively residents can contact the Police on tel: 22626.
Residents will be informed at the earliest opportunity when work has been completed or if there has been any delay.
Emergency Services thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
SHG
17 January 2017
USING THE INTERNET SAFELY
The St Helena Safeguarding Children’s Board last week launched a four-week campaign to raise awareness among parents and children of the dangers of the internet, and how to use the web safely.
Week two of this campaign focuses on Using the Internet Safely and provides advice on how to get the best out of the World Wide Web, while ensuring that you remain safe online.
Acting Director of Safeguarding, Paul McGinnety, said:
The World Wide Web is a true phenomenon that has changed the way we live our lives. However, we also know that there are hidden dangers and we want to highlight these dangers to children, young people, and their families, to enable them to stay safe, as part of this campaign.”
Various radio interviews will continue on local stations and posters will be published in both newspapers and issued to schools and youth groups on the Island.
Telecommunications company Sure SA Ltd is supporting the campaign, and local business, Gigabyte IT Solutions, will be providing useful advice on its weekly tech show on Saint FM.
A poster on Using the Internet Safely is attached to this release.
Internet Watch Foundation Portal
The public is also reminded of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) portal which allows web users to report images and videos of child sex abuse safely and anonymously (https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/uk-ots-join-forces-with-the-internet-watch-foundation/)
The Reporting Portal can be accessed at www.report.iwf.org.uk/sh
Any reports of suspected online child sexual abuse imagery generated in St Helena will be assessed directly by one of IWF’s analysts, respected globally for their experience.
SHG
17 January 2017
Another successful emergency aero-medical evacuation from St Helena Airport took place on the weekend to transfer three patients, accompanied by a St Helena staff member, to Cape Town.
The Falcon 20 aircraft, operated by Guardian Air, arrived at St Helena Airport at around 11.25hrs on Sunday 15 January 2017. Everything went as planned and the flight departed for Cape Town at 07.50hrs this morning, Monday 16 January 2017.
The flight takes four hours and the estimated arrival time in Cape Town is 11.50hrs (St Helena time).
SHG
16 January 2017
An emergency aero-medical evacuation from St Helena Airport will take place on Sunday 15 January 2017 to transfer two patients from St Helena to Cape Town.
This flight is due to arrive at approximately 11.30hrs St Helena time (weather permitting), departing the next day, Monday 16 January 2017, between 6.00 and 6.30hrs.
SHG
13 January 2017
A new Director of Safeguarding, Matt Ansell, has been appointed (photo attached). Matt will take up his post on St Helena on Friday 17 March 2017.
As Director of Safeguarding, Matt will be responsible for the integrity and quality of social services on St Helena, ensuring that services are provided in the most cost effective and ‘joined up’ way and, so far as possible – at a common standard, with a focus on prevention. This will include promoting collaboration across services, including those to children and young people, for those with learning disabilities, and other services such as residential provision.
Matt said:
“I was attracted to the role on St Helena as I have a strong belief in community-based social work and believe this role presents an interesting and unique opportunity to work in an amazing part of the world, and to also learn about a new culture and way of life.
“While I have never been to St Helena, I have done my best to read and learn about the Island and its people, and I am really looking forward to arriving and spending time to listen and understand from the community about its strengths, and areas which require further development.
“I look forward to arriving and starting work with the community to ensure children and their families are supported and live safe and happy lives.”
Acting Director of Safeguarding, Paul McGinnety, added:
“We are delighted that Matt is joining our team after a period of rapid Safeguarding progress on St Helena. Matt and his family arrive at a very exciting time for the Island and he will be welcomed by dedicated staff across the Safeguarding Directorate, other agencies and NGOs.”
Matt has an extensive background in Social Care and for the last 20 years has worked in a range of roles and different environments. Matt started his career working in residential services for adults and then subsequently children. Alongside of this work, Matt also studied for a Social Work Degree, and qualified in June 2000.
Since qualifying, Matt has predominately worked in Children Services for local authorities in the UK. He has occupied a range of social work roles in many diverse and interesting community settings. Matt has also gained experience in Mental Health & Adult Social Work during this time which has enabled him a strong understanding across all disciplines.
Matt has been Social Care Manager for the last 10 years and his current role is Senior Operational Manager for Children Services in West Sussex County Council.
Matt is moving to St Helena with his wife and three children.
SHG
13 January 2017
Six St Helenian trained nurses – Annabel Clifford, Donna Clingham, Jayne Adams-Duncan, Latoya Williams, Robyn Bennett and Sue-Ellen Henry – have now successfully passed their first University module, having embarked on a BSc (Hons) Nursing Degree with Derby University in the UK, on Monday 26 September 2016.
The course, studied via distance learning, enables the nurses to select the course content from modules including, Care of the Surgical Patient, Asthma, Diabetes, Leadership & Management in Health & Social Care, Minor Injuries, Advanced Concepts in Palliative Care, Infection Control, and Partnerships in Dementia Care.
Passing the first module – Access onto the Nursing Degree Pathway – demonstrated that the students are able to write academically at the appropriate level required for the course. It also gave them the tools needed to conduct research and present evidence in a specific way.
All students will now progress onto the full Degree pathway which is another four modules, plus a dissertation.
Due to personal circumstances, two of the nurses are deferring for a semester to ensure they have the best support to continue on the course. This is fully supported by the Health Directorate and the University, and will not in any way hinder their progression.
Hospital Nursing Officer, Lisa Rhodes, said:
“I would like to congratulate all students. They have worked incredibly hard, while maintaining full time employment, and have dedicated a huge amount of their own time to completing this work.
“Although it has been difficult for them, with a few stressful nights and tears, each one has absolutely earned their pass mark. We are all over the moon and very happy for them. It just goes to show with hard work and determination anything is possible.”
Thanks are extended to Practice Development Nurses, Heide Drysdale and Wendy Herne, who have been pivotal in the training, education, support, and guidance of these students through this first module.
SHG
13 January 2017