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Two Royal Navy vessels, Type 23 Frigate HMS Lancaster and fuel tanker RFA Gold Rover, arrived at St Helena this afternoon, Monday 12 October 2015 – preceded by a flyover by HMS Lancaster’s Wildcat helicopter over James’ Bay.

The Navy vessels are visiting the Island to take part in the bicentennial anniversary of Napoleon’s arrival to the Island in 1815. St Helena is looking forward to providing a warm welcome to the Royal Navy and a busy programme of events has been drawn up by the Governor’s Office.

Events planned include a call on the Governor by Commanders of both ships, a visit to the Hospital, various sporting activities and tree planting with the Millennium Forest Community Project. HMS Lancaster will host various activities on board including an invited evening reception and a capability demonstration.  Crew members from both ships will participate in bicentennial activities, including attendance at a reception at Longwood House and at the Briars Pavilion.

In addition to these events, there will also be tours onboard HMS Lancaster for schoolchildren, the media and French visitors. Royal Navy teams will also be competing in golf, football and basketball events, playing against Island teams.

As part of the commemorations, ships’ personnel will parade at a ceremony at Napoleon’s Tomb on Thursday 15 October 2015 at 10am – when the Commanders of HMS Lancaster and RFA Gold Rover, accompanied by HE Governor Capes, French Ambassador Jean Mendelson and Prince d’Essling – will commemorate the funeral of Napoleon with the laying of wreaths at the Tomb.

HMS Lancaster’s advanced maritime attack Wildcat helicopter will fly a number of operations on Wednesday afternoon, including deployment over Napoleonic sites, and landings at Francis Plain and St Helena Airport. In this way, HMS Lancaster’s Wildcat helicopter will become the second aircraft ever to land at St Helena Airport.

While at St Helena, HMS Lancaster will also support the St Helena Sea Rescue team with First Aid and Sea Rescue training exercises. Personnel will also be attending St Luke’s Night at St James’ Church on Thursday evening.

At 11am on Friday, HMS Lancaster will conduct a special high speed steam past, across James’ Bay, to bid farewell to St Helena.

RFA Gold Rover will depart the Island on Thursday evening at around 7pm, followed by HMS Lancaster on Friday, 16 October 2015.

SHG

12 October 2015

A Sub-committee of the Economic Development Committee has today been established to carry out an independent review of the current provision of media services on St Helena – assessing the market, viability and long term sustainability of the current offering. With their cooperation, the media services offered by South Atlantic Media Services Limited (SAMS Radio and the Sentinel newspaper), Saint FM Community Radio and The Independent newspaper, will naturally be incorporated into the review.

The Sub-committee’s membership is as follows:

The Secretary to this Sub-committee is Miss Anita Legg.

The group will meet approximately once each month, calling additional attendees and members of the Island’s media organisations as appropriate to draw on local expertise – seeking information and views on the current media services provided on St Helena.

The group will aim to produce its report within six months of appointment.  The Sub-committee is a ‘task and finish’ group, formed with just one task – to review the current viability and sustainability of the local media on St Helena. Once it has completed this task, it will be disbanded.

SHG

12 October 2015

 

 CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

 Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs.  Cancer sometimes begins in one part of the body before spreading to other areas – a process known as metastasis.  There are over 200 different types of Cancer, each with its own methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Spotting Signs of Cancer

Changes to your body’s normal processes or symptoms that are out of the ordinary can sometimes be an early sign of cancer.  For example, a lump that suddenly appears on your body, unexplained bleeding or changes to your bowel habits are all symptoms that need to be checked by a doctor.  In many cases, your symptoms won’t be related to cancer and will be caused by other, non-cancerous health conditions. However, it’s still important for you to see your doctor so that they can investigate your symptoms.

Reducing Your Risk of Cancer

Making some simple changes to your lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of developing cancer.  For example, healthy eating, taking regular exercise and not smoking will help lower your risk. Please contact the Health Promotion Team if you would like any advice or support (see contact details below).

Cancer Treatment

Surgery is the primary treatment option for most types of cancer, because solid tumours can usually be surgically removed.  Two other commonly used treatment methods are chemotherapy (powerful cancer-killing medication) and radiotherapy (the controlled use of high-energy X-rays).

This month, as part of the Cancer Awareness Campaign, we are focusing especially on Lung Cancer.

Lung Cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer.

There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of Lung Cancer, but many people with the condition will eventually develop symptoms including:

You should see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Who is Affected?

Lung Cancer mainly affects older people. It is rare in people younger than 40, but the rates of Lung Cancer rise sharply with age. Although people who have never smoked can develop Lung Cancer, smoking is the main cause (about 90% of cases). This is because smoking involves regularly inhaling a number of different toxic substances.  Lung Cancer is most commonly diagnosed in people aged 70-74 years. If you are interested in giving up smoking and would like advice and support, please contact the Health Promotion Team (contact details below).

Treating Lung Cancer

The treatment for Lung Cancer depends on the type of cancer, how far it has spread and how good your general health is.  If the condition is diagnosed early and the cancerous cells are confined to a small area, surgery to remove the affected area of lung is usually recommended. If surgery is unsuitable due to your general health, radiotherapy to destroy the cancerous cells may be recommended instead.  If the cancer has spread too far for surgery or radiotherapy to be effective, chemotherapy is usually recommended.

Outlook

As Lung Cancer does not usually cause noticeable symptoms until it has spread through much of the lungs or into other parts of the body, the outlook for the condition is not as good as many other types of cancer.  Overall, about 1 in 3 people with the condition will live for at least a year after they are diagnosed and fewer than 1 in 10 people will live for at least five years.  However, survival rates can vary widely depending on how far the cancer has spread at the time of the diagnosis. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.

Do remember though, as with all health problems, prevention is better than a cure and as stated above, eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking and taking regular exercise can help to prevent many cancers developing in the first place.

For further information, contact Marian Kanes, Health Promotion Trainer at hp.trainer@publichealth.gov.sh, or Marian Yon, Health Promotion Coordinator at marian.yon@publichealth.gov.sh.

Marian Kanes

Health Promotion Trainer

SHG

12 October 2015

FROM THE ARCH IN JAMESTOWN – SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER

The Highways Authority has given approval for the road to be closed from the Arch in Jamestown to the Seafront on Sunday 18 October 2015. This is to enable the Roads Section to carry out essential road rehabilitation and resurfacing work.

The road will be closed from 7am to 4pm.

Diversion signs will be in place and, as normal, only vehicles of the Emergency Services will be granted access.

Pedestrians will still be able to access the seafront via the terrace and steps adjacent to the Passenger Terminal.

The Roads Section would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused, and thank the public in advance for their continued understanding and cooperation.

SHG

12 October 2015

GREEN HILL TO PERKINS GUT ROAD CLOSURE

Waste Management Services advises residents, affected by the Green Hill to Perkins Gut road closure, that three brown wheelie bins will be placed at Sandy Bay Junction (near the telephone box) for their domestic waste disposal.

Residents are requested to use these bins for their domestic waste, which will then be emptied on the usual day for domestic waste collection in the Sandy Bay area, i.e. on a Wednesday.

Residents requiring further information can contact the Environmental Risk Manager, Mike Durnford, on tel: 24724 or via email mike-durnford@enrd.gov.sh.

SHG

12 October 2015

WHY DO WE NEED A FOOD LAW?

FAQS

Why change the food safety law?

Laws change to keep up with ever evolving changes and values in societies. Apart from food safety rules being non-existent and current laws being fragmented and incomplete, a variety of developments on St Helena have driven these changes. Food safety is vital – with worldwide outbreaks of food-borne disease, increasing globalisation of food production and the food trade, the future operation of our Airport and food establishments associated with it, and a greater demand for food – changes are inevitable.

What is food law and why have it?

Food law is the term generally used to apply to legislation which regulates the production, trade and handling of food which are important factors in food quality and safety. Food, after all, is a basic right and food safety implies the absence or safe levels of contaminants, bacteria, naturally occurring toxins or any other substance that may make food injurious to health.

How will food businesses be affected by the proposed new law?

Businesses are already required to produce food that is safe to eat, but where deemed necessary by the Senior Environmental Health Officer, businesses will need to have a food safety management system in place based on  documented ‘own checks’.

The type of system they need will depend on the type and size of business. Many small businesses will only need a very simple system.

What is there to help set up such a system?

Quite a few businesses will already have such a system, as a ‘Safer Food, Better Business’ concept and practical approach to food safety management is being developed on Island. The Environmental Health Section will gladly give assistance and advice as required.

Are there other main changes where proposed legislation differs from the current law?

As far as possible requirements will be applied equally to St Helena produced and imported food.  Where domestic production includes process controls – there must be the equivalent for imports. This will be done by certification from the exporting country.

It will cover food safety, traceability and the need to notify, withdraw and or recall products not conforming to the food safety requirements.

This will require those originally labelling the food, namely the manufacturer, packer or seller, to set the appropriate durability indication or date mark, together with the storage required to achieve this shelf life.

Will there be a consultation process before legislation comes into force?

The Health Directorate will be inviting comments on the proposed new Food Safety Ordinance, and once draft legislation is fully examined there will be meetings where advice will be given and views can be exchanged. People can also always contact the Senior Environmental Health Officer on Tel: 22500 (ext 217) who will gladly assist with any information needed.

SHG

12 October 2015

OVERSEAS LIST

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office invites nominations for the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Persons wishing to submit nominations for the 2016 Birthday Honours are reminded that the overriding principle is that honours are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement or any service recently carried out over and above what normally is expected.   Where possible, nominations should place emphasis on voluntary services.

It should also be noted that age is not a factor in awarding honours and younger members of the community who have made an outstanding contribution or have given exceptional service, should not be overlooked.  It is important that all nominations are kept confidential and that nominees are not made aware that they are being proposed for award of an honour.

Nomination forms are available from Corporate Services at the Castle and can also be requested by e-mail from Mrs Carol George, via e-mail: carol.george@sainthelena.gov.sh

Completed forms should be returned to the Executive Secretary, Honours Committee, at the Castle, in a sealed envelope, marked Confidential, by Monday 9 November 2015.

SHG

12 October 2015

 

The team from Flight Calibration Services Limited (FCSL) and TAB Charters – who made the first ever landing at St Helena Airport and carried out a series of calibration flights between 15 and 23 September 2015 – has now submitted their preliminary findings and Basil Read is in the process of undertaking corrective actions.

As is normal after initial calibration testing of navigational aids, there are corrections which Basil Read will now make. The majority of these are minor tweaks to equipment, but in a few cases some redesign and relocation work might be required.  This includes the Localiser and DVOR. Basil Read is working with Thales and FCSL to carry out modelling work to inform the design and determine the extent of the rectification work.  FCSL will return to the Island, possibly in the latter part of 2015 or early 2016, to recalibrate the NavAids following the rectification work.

Basil Read Island Director Deon de Jager said:

“Calibration work generally results in the need for corrective action and the teams in Basil Read and Thales are currently working on solutions.  Calibration is an ongoing requirement to maintain Certification and is of the utmost importance in ensuring the accuracy and effective functioning of the NavAids. 

“The calibration flights are serving their purpose in helping us to achieve a world class facility for St Helena. In operating the Airport, safety and security will always be our primary concern.”

Further details on the second calibration flight will follow in due course.

SHG

9 October 2015

Governor Mark Capes has appointed the following members to the Commission for Equality & Human Rights:

Mrs Margaret Anne Catherine Hopkins MBE (Chairperson)

Ms Janine Elizabeth Egan (Deputy Chairperson)

Miss Cherie Dillon

Mrs Tamasine Tanya Williams

These appointments are effective from Tuesday 6 October 2015 and will run for a period of two years.

The role of the Commission for Equality & Human Rights is to promote the understanding of human rights, equality and diversity and create awareness and understanding of rights on St Helena.

SHG

9 October 2015

Ascension Island Government (AIG) and St Helena Government (SHG) are pleased to announce that Comair Limited has been selected as the preferred bidder for the provision of air services between Ascension Island and St Helena.
Comair has recently been awarded the contract for return flights between Johannesburg and St Helena. The service to and from Ascension will be an extension to this service – initially on a frequency of once every four weeks and for a trial period of one year.

Comair will utilise a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, configured for economy and business class, for the weekly Saturday service from Johannesburg to St Helena. Under the new arrangement, on one Saturday in four, the service will be extended to include a flight from St Helena to Ascension Island. This flight will take approximately two hours, with an overnight stay on Ascension Island. The flight will then depart Ascension Island on Sunday morning for St Helena Airport – and then on to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport.

AIG is grateful for the strong support given by Governor Mark Capes, Executive Council, Enterprise St Helena and officials on St Helena.

Governor Capes said:

“I am delighted to confirm that we plan to extend the Comair service to Ascension. A direct link between Ascension and St Helena will benefit Saints on St Helena, Ascension and the Falklands. It will allow families to stay in touch, Saints to continue to take up employment opportunities across the South Atlantic and it recognises the close ties between the two islands, which of course form part of one Territory. This is good news for St Helena, for Ascension Island and for the wider South Atlantic Community.’’

AIG and SHG will be holding detailed discussions with Comair over the coming weeks with a view to formalising a service contract that meets the requirements of both islands. Subject to these discussions, AIG and SHG hope to make a more detailed announcement in the near future.

The air service will be subject to Comair securing the required Government and regulatory approvals and obtaining the specific consents and licences associated with the agreed terms of the service agreement.

An air link between St Helena and Ascension Island will reinforce existing cultural and economic ties, offering fast and easy travel for those wishing to return home to visit friends and family, including from the Falkland Islands.
It will also provide a convenient service to tourists who wish to visit both islands during their time in the South Atlantic, and AIG is working with St Helena Tourism to strengthen a joint tourism offering.

A general Q&A document can be found at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/

AIG/SHG
9 October 2015