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The Environment & Natural Resources Directorate would like to advise the public that applications can now be made for funding for District and Community roads.  Funding is limited, but for every successful application, a grant of up to £2,500 can be provided. Residents will be expected to take responsibility for organising individual road improvements.

Community roads are defined as those that serve a minimum of three households.  A District road is defined as a road serving six or more occupied properties (and may have previously received funding as a Community road).

The priorities for District and Community roads include the number of existing dwellings served and the current condition of the road.

Application forms are available from Essex House and should be completed and returned by noon on Tuesday 30 June 2015.

All applications received will then be assessed, scored, and prioritised accordingly.

SHG

1 June 2015

 

 

The public is invited to make comment on the draft Social Security (Amendment) Bill, 2015.

The Bill seeks to amend the Social Security Ordinance, 2010, to allow years after age 65 as qualifying years for purposes of determining the Basic Island Pension.

The draft Bill is available on the Public Consultation section of the SHG website https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/publications/

Members of the public wishing to comment on the draft Bill should do so to the Chairman of the Social Community and Development Committee, Councillor Les Baldwin, by no later than 4pm on Friday 5 June 2015.

SHG

29 May 2015

 

 

 

The Marine Conservation Section held a short presentation on Tuesday, 26 May 2015 at 12noon at the Canister in Jamestown, launching their newly published book ‘Marine Life of St Helena’.

A short overview was given to various guests by the Head of Environmental Management Ben Sansom, on the origin of the book, followed by Marine Conservation Officer, Elizabeth Clingham extending a big ‘thank you’ to all those who made it possible for the book to be published.

Elizabeth also read an email sent from author of ‘Marine Life of St Helena’, Dr. Judith Brown, who has recently completed her two year contract on-Island. She said:

“It was an absolute pleasure to spend two years on St Helena and explore the treasures that lie beneath the waves. Working alongside a fantastic group of people in the marine team as well as Islanders, divers and fishermen of the Island has made this book a possibility.  I hope this book provides everyone with an insight into the lives of the amazing marine animals and plants, and that the photographs highlight the beauty and uniqueness of this very special Island.”

It has taken two years for the book ‘Marine Life of St Helena’ to be put together, and the design is similar to that of previous books launched by the St Helena National Trust, such as ‘Flowering Plants and Ferns of St Helena’, authored by Phil Lambdon.

On this special occasion the book was being sold for £15, and within an hour 45 copies were sold. From today the book’s retail price will be £15.50 and can be bought from the St Helena Nature Conservation Group in Jamestown.  Other retailers such as the Museum will also have copies to sell on-Island.

Elizabeth commented:

“I’m very excited about the launch of our book, and I’m very impressed with the final version.  My team are also very proud to be a part of this achievement. I think this book is the grand finale of all the marine awareness we have been doing over the years and this wouldn’t have been possible without Judith.

“I think the book will be popular as it is targeted to a varied audience. The book also has beautiful and colourful photos of marine life which makes it even more attractive.”

Two pictures are attached to this release.

SHG

27 May 2015

 

 

The St Helena Archives would like to inform the public that they will be closed tomorrow Wednesday, 27 May 2015, due to a Staff Development Day.

Opening hours for the Archives will resume as normal on Thursday, 28 May 2015.

Any inconvenience caused is very much regretted.

SHG

26 May 2015

PROPOSED NEW RULES AND REGULATIONS

Safe Use of Personal Water Craft (PWC)

The Port Control Section invites members of the public to attend an open discussion on the proposed new rules and regulations regarding the safe use of PWC in St Helena waters.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 27 May 2015 at 4pm in the Passenger Terminal/ Customs Building at the Wharf.

Port Control encourages as many stakeholders or interested persons to attend. Your input and ideas will be most welcome.

For a copy of the draft rules & regulations please contact the Deputy Harbourmaster, Steve Kirk, on telephone 22287 or email deputy.harbourmaster@hmrc.gov.sh

SHG

26 May 2015

The St Helena Police Service will soon be patrolling wearing new ‘body worn cameras’ (photo attached). The cameras have been introduced following a recommendation in the Lucy Faithfull report from September 2013, and as their use are considered best practice across policing in other parts of the world. The use of the cameras have a number of potential benefits including a reduction in complaints against police, greater accountability of police activity and a rise in the number of guilty pleas at court through the availability of the camera footage as evidence.

The cameras record sound and vision and their use is supported by a guidance document. The cameras are not permanently switched on and the intention is not to record every conversation the Police Officer has with the public. The cameras will be turned on when Police Officers are deployed to incidents or when something happens spontaneously whilst they are on patrol.

Any footage obtained by Police Officers is either retained as evidence or automatically deleted after 30 days. The system the video footage is retained on is protected by password access and no officer will be able to view the footage without an operational reason. Routine checks will be made as to who is accessing the system and why.

Some consultation regarding the cameras has already taken place as part of their introduction to policing on the Island and, in addition, members of the public, media and Elected Members are invited to an ‘open evening’ where the cameras will be available for viewing and a demonstration of their use and storage will be available. The Chief of Police, Trevor Botting, and Sergeant Matt Breeze who has led their introduction will be available to discuss any concerns or answer any questions. The open evening will be held at Ogborn House on Tuesday 2 June from 5-8pm.

Chief of Police, Trevor Botting, commented:

“The introduction of body worn cameras will enhance what evidence can be gathered during an incident which is likely to lead to an increase in guilty pleas at court. This can save the courts time and increase the efficiency of the criminal justice system. In addition, the cameras will make the St Helena Police Service more accountable to our community as well as providing protection to my officers when dealing with public disorder or situations of conflict. I would encourage anyone with any questions or concerns about the use of the cameras to come along on the evening of 2 June and speak to Sergeant Breeze and I about the cameras and their use.”

Trevor Botting, Chief of Police

26 May 2015

Councillor Derek Thomas returned from Sabah Malaysia on 9 May 2014, having attended the mid-year Executive Committee Meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) which was hosted by the Sabah Branch.

The Executive Committee Meeting commenced on Tuesday, 28 April with introductions, confirmation of minutes and matters arising from the previous meeting.  This was followed by the official opening ceremony which was led by the Chief Minister of Sabah and included  a display of attendee’s national flags and colourful traditional dance.

Councillor Thomas was elected to serve on the Finance sub-committee group, which was chaired by the Hon Request Muntanga, Treasurer of the CPA.

Councillor Thomas explained:

“As an act of independence the CPA had appointed an Independent Chairperson to audit the accounts, who then presented the accounts and reported that he was pleased with the outcome that 60% of agreed activities had been completed. The remaining 40% would be progressed and monitored by the audit sub- committee.”

The Executive Committee covered topics including CPA’s reserves, funding to member branches, and relocation of the CPA’s premises in London. Reports for discussion included the Chairman’s Report, Membership Report and the membership of the Executive Committee.

The format and topics for the CPA Small Branches Conference due to be held in Islamabad from 2-3 October 2015 were also discussed.  St Helena recommended some of the topics and will be expected to lead on at least one at the next Conference.

Councillor Thomas also attended a one-to-one meeting with the Acting Secretary General on how St Helena can best benefit from being part of the CPA and the difficulties currently faced in terms of its isolation and budgetary constraints.

Councillor Thomas said:

“I found the session to be of real benefit.  It has given me a much clearer and comprehensive understanding of the CPA and it is an honour to be a part of the Executive Committee.”

The next meeting will be held during the annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Islamabad, Pakistan in October 2015.  As a member of the CPA Executive Committee, Councillor Thomas will be expected to attend.

SHG

26 May 2015

In July 2014, as part of the lead up to air access to the Island, the need for an Island map showing the new Airport and Access Road was identified. The existing map is now 25 years old, and even excluding the extensive changes to the Airport site at Prosperous Bay Plain, there have been enough developments on the Island during this time that the map is out of date and unsuitable for purpose.

As part of the map update, the GIS Section is reviewing what else might have changed, what is new and what might be missing.

An Open Day was held in March allowing the public to contribute to these amendments, asking opinions on changes and showcasing some potential designs. Following feedback, the consultation period has been extended until the end of June, and if anyone has any suggestions on amendments or additions to the map, please get in contact with the GIS Team. The team are particularly interested in any historical and potential near future changes. A further consultation period will be held around September when the first draft appears.

To get in contact, call Essex House on 22270, post suggestions to Essex House, or email samantha.cherrett@enrd.gov.sh or murray-henry@enrd.gov.sh

SHG

19 May 2015

 

A Commemoration of Napoleon’s Death on St Helena took place at Napoleon’s Tomb on Saturday, 2 May 2015, at 10am. A short film will be shown on Local TV Channel 2, covering the ceremony led by Father Dale Bowers.

During the Commemoration, the UK and French National Anthems were sung, along with a musical recital.  Wreaths were laid on behalf of the French Nation, La Fondation Napoleon and for the Island of St Helena.  .

Broadcast times on Local TV Channel 2 are as follows:

• Wednesday 20 May – 19:00
• Thursday 21 May – 19:00
• Friday 22 May – Broadcast after the SAMS News Bulletin at 19:00
• Saturday 23 May – Broadcast after the SAMS News Bulletin at 19:00
• Sunday 24 May – 19:00

SHG

19 May 2015

St Helenian student, Rebecca Lawrence of Half Tree Hollow (photo attached) has recently achieved a First Class (BVMedSci) Degree in Veterinary Medical Sciences at The University of Nottingham.

Rebecca’s Degree lasted three years, but forms a part of her five-year veterinary qualification.  In order to qualify as a Veterinary Surgeon, Rebecca has to complete a further two years of study and clinical experience.

Over the last three years Rebecca has covered ‘pre-clinical’ aspects of veterinary science, including normal animal anatomy and physiology, husbandry and practical techniques. Rebecca’s final year consisted of completing a dissertation, where she focused on the effects of essential oils on influenza virus infection.

Rebecca explained:

“I enjoyed this project a lot, it allowed me to work in an area I was very interested in, structure my own work routine, and take responsibility for producing results.”

On the back of her dissertation, Rebecca has also been recognised for having the highest thesis marks in her Year Group.

Chief Secretary, Roy Burke, said:

“Rebecca has achieved something truly outstanding in a very demanding subject.   Our sincere congratulations and best wishes for the next phase of her programme.” 

During her time in the UK, as part of the requirements for her course, Rebecca undertook work experience.  In years one and two she completed 12 weeks of Animal Husbandry EMS (Extra Mural Studies), which involved working on several farms including a sheep, dairy and pig farm, and horse yard.  She also spent three weeks in France studying animal behaviour with llamas.  In the next two years, Rebecca will complete the 26 week requirement of Clinical EMS in various veterinary practices, applying the knowledge and skills learnt in Vet School.

Rebecca commented:

“Thank you to everyone at home who have been very supportive up to this point, my friends and family in the UK, especially my sister Laura who has been invaluable during the last three years, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, whose scholarship enabled me to undertake this course; and to Mrs Kedell Worboys MBE and her Office.”

After passing her third year, Rebecca immediately began her fourth year, with year five to begin in May 2016.

SHG

19 May 2015