St Helena : Business News from St. Helena for 10/08 - 19/08/05
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 20.08.2005 (Article Archived on 03.09.2005)
Find out what has been happening with St. Helena Busi ness recently.
Air Access office needs a shipping officer
This item was published in St. Helena Herald
A few weeks ago, the Access office that is managed by Sharon Wainwright, Access Manager, advertised for a Shipping Officer. The Herald met with the very busy manager to find out why her office suddenly needs a Shipping Officer.
Sharon first explained to me that Air Access is her main priority but she also says that this is unfair as you need somebody to be dedicated to the shipping services as well- hence the reason for creating this new post. Sharon is currently working with Air and Sea Access issues and finds it difficult to do both. She could not devote her time to shipping as Air Access is developing so fast. “To handle the two jobs are very stressful and hard. It’s is a nightmare sometimes,” she adds. She went on to say that the interest for the post so far has not been so great and in fact only two people have applied so far. This surprises her especially as the post is graded at level 8. She goes on to say that whoever is successful in obtaining the job will work alongside her and will have direct liaison with St. Helena line as well as Andrew Weir who manages our local ship.
The Shipping Officer will also take issues through to EXCO. Air Access for St. Helena is planned for 2010 and therefore Sharon says that shipping still needs to be a priority. She also mentioned that the last time DfID visited St. Helena, SHG put forward a proposal to secure funding for a Marketing Manager for the RMS. She adds that funding for a Marketing Manager has been approved and when the post becomes available, the Marketing Manager will be exclusively dedicated to marketing the ship including improvement to tourist’s numbers. She goes on to say that the RMS has limited advantages one of them being that she is simply a passenger and cargo carrier and some tourists do not like to travel like this. This could be a problem for the Marketing Manager but they would still have to on to say that Jackie and his son were a tremendous help and this is what kept a lot of the costs to a minimum.
The trip to Walvis Bay and all repairs to his vessel were really expensive and he says that without access the market and see what can be done to entice more people to come to the Island, she adds. I mentioned to her the cost of passage fares aboard the RMS but she made it clear that the cost of fares is unlikely to drop because of the high subsidy that is used to run the ship. However, she feels that if the ship is marketed properly in the very near future and voyages are full every time, then you never know what could happen in terms of fares. AWSL took over the RMS as the new managers in 2001 and Sharon highlighted that their contract will expire in August 2006. I asked her if the present mangers will still manage the ship once the contrac thas expired. She replied and said that they are interested in continuing with the shipping service but knowing that air access will only come into effect in the next five years, it’s not much point in renewing the contract, but a negotiation of some kind will take place with AWSL. She says that it is quite a hard decision to make in terms of going out and finding somebody to run the ship particularly as they will have to go through a couple years of getting use to St Helena and knowing what we want and how to cater for our needs. By the time this happens the airport will be nearly here, she adds. She also told the Herald that there is not a huge amount of interest for the ship, so therefore it might be best to let AWSL carry on with the services. “Operationally they are very good, but it is recognised that there is still some more improvement to be made in the marketing and passenger side of things. We were aware of this but there was never any funding to make improvements,” she adds. Sharon is aware that many Tourism sectors on the Island can only survive if there is a constant flow of tourists visiting and staying on the Island. She was pleased to see the views about local hotels and how their managers have seen a difference in tourists since AWSL took over the RMS. However, to be fair to Andrew Weir, they do seem to be taking it on board.
The transhipment has been a pain in the neck, as people aren’t always getting their goods on time but AWSL are working on this as well, she adds. “They have some good points about them and we should enhance that and work on the bad points.”
The Results of Nomination Day
Nomination Centres closed at 12noon yesterday, and shortly after, it was announced that 16 people had been put forward to stand in the 2005 General Election. That is seven for the East Electoral Area, and nine for the West Electoral Area.
This means that those eligible to cast their vote will be able to do so on Polling Day, 31 August 2005.
The results of Nomination Day were:
For the West Electoral Area
Eric Gordon Andrews, of 901 Half Tree Hollow was proposed by Larry Charles George of 100, Half Tree Hollow and seconded by Peter James Robinson of No. 97, Half Tree Hollow.
Stedson Graham Francis of Thompson’s Wood, Blue Hill, was proposed by Gordon John Pridham of Red Gate House, Blue Hill and seconded by Reginald George Clifford of Thorn Cottage, Sandy Bay.
Eric Walter George MBE, of Palm Cottage, Jamestown, was proposed by Gilbert Lester Legg, of Bamboo Grove, Sandy Bay, and seconded by Reginald Adrian Legg of Thorn Cottage, Sandy Bay.
Cyril Keith Gunnell of Cashem House, Napoleon Street, Jamestown, was proposed by Sylvia Jean Buckley of Cleugh’s Plain, St Paul’s, and seconded by Richard Charles Buckley of Cleugh’s Plain, St Paul’s.
Anthony Douglas Leo, of Ocean View, Sapper Way, St Paul’s was proposed by Edith May Timm of Cehilda, Crack Plain, St Paul’s, and seconded by John Carter Lawrence, of No. 7 Sapper Way, St Paul’s.
Victor John Lines, of Cleugh’s Plain, St Paul’s, was proposed by Arthur Robert March, of Spring Knoll, St Paul’s, and seconded by Myra Jane Young of Spring Knoll, St Paul’s.
John Reid of Luffkins, St Paul’s was proposed by Keith Gordon Brinsden of Stoney Broke, Lower Cow Path, Half Tree Hollow, and seconded by Coral Rose Yon of Pine Vista, Kunjie Field, St Paul’s.
Lionel George Williams of ‘Brenville’, Nr Half Tree Hollow, St Paul’s was proposed by Lionel Arthur Lawrence of Sapper Way, St Paul’s and seconded by Raymond George Williams of Clay Gut, St Paul’s.
Mervyn Robert Yon of High View Cottage, Nr. Red Hill, St Paul’s was proposed by Rodney James Benjamin of Pounceys, St Paul’s and seconded by Stephen Ambrose McDaniel of Nr Cleugh’s Plain, St Paul’s.
And for the East Electoral Area
Eric William Benjamin of ‘Marriots’, Market Street, Jamestown was proposed by Dale Arthur Bowers of Nr. China Lane, Jamestown, and seconded by Corinda Sebastiana Stuart Essex of Villa Ajaccio, Napoleon Street, Jamestown.
Rodney Garth Buckley of Viewlands, Alarm Forest, was proposed by Terrence Frederick Richards of 24 Barracks Square, Jamestown, and seconded by Carolyn Elizabeth Thomas of ‘La Carolita’, Alarm Forest.
William Eric Drabble of ‘Maaleesh’, Levelwood, was proposed by Margaret Anne Catherine Hopkins of Bryant’s Beacon, Alarm Forest, and seconded by Joan Mary Thomas of Fair View, Longwood Hangings, Longwood.
Stedson Robert George of ‘Utopia’ Alarm Forest, was proposed by Jean Esther Gough of ‘Wenlinsan’, Alarm Forest, and seconded by John Wainwright Newman of Gray’s Inn, Napoleon Street, Jamestown.
Brian William Isaac of ‘Elizium’, Nr Longwood Road was proposed by Herman Alfred Coleman of Longwood Road, Longwood and seconded by Marcos Stuart Henry of Bottom Woods, Longwood.
Bernice Alicia Olsson of Jamestown was proposed by Irene Maud Harris of Main Street, Jamestown, and seconded by Joycelyn Mavis Stevens of Fig Cottage, Jamestown.
Robert MacMillian Robertson of Terrace Knoll, St Paul’s was proposed by Dorothy May Crowie of Longwood Road, Longwood and seconded by Reginald George Crowie of Nr Longwood Clinic, Longwood.
The people of St Helena will now be able to vote for up to six of the candidates in each of the two electoral areas, provided their names are registered on the 2005 Register of Electors. Remember that you can vote for less than six, or for six, but no more. If you vote for more than six, your form will be invalidated, and your votes will not count.
As a reminder, the West Electoral Area comprises Blue Hill, Sandy Bay, Half Tree Hollow, and St Paul’s and, the East Electoral Area comprises Longwood, Levelwood, Alarm Forest, and Jamestown. A Polling Station will be set up in each of these eight areas.
There are a number of candidates to choose from and at the end of the day, St Helena needs 12 Elected Members to represent the people of the Island. The decision rests in the hands of the people. Remember to vote on Polling Day.
Public Relations/Information Office: Office of the Chief Secretary, 17 August 2005
IMPORTANT SHIPPING NOTE FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELLING
VIA SOUTH AFRICA TO ST HELENA
Our UK Representative has advised us that some people are experiencing difficulties when trying to board flights from London to South Africa en route to St Helena. The difficulties have arisen when these passengers have not been able to produce the required travel documentation during immigration checks. As a result, people have been stopped from boarding their intended flight and have had to remain in Britain whilst the UK Representative resolves the situation.
To avoid repeats of this happening, it is important if you intend travelling to St Helena via South Africa that you take note of the following:
The airline concerned, because of fines levied on them by the South African Immigration Authority, will not allow you to board a flight to South Africa unless you can show them proof that you have also booked a ticket out of that country. i.e in addition to your valid flight ticket to South Africa, you must also show your RMS ticket confirming your outward booking from South Africa to St Helena. You will also be required to show proof of your outward booking, i.e. your RMS ticket, when you arrive in South Africa or you will be stopped from entering the country.
The RMS ticket, issued by either Solomon’s or Andrew Weir, is printed on A4 paper and shows passenger and accommodation details, a booking reference and should have the word ‘TICKET’ printed below the Andrew Weir logo. An arrangement is being put in place by Andrew Weir whereby the ticketing agent will over stamp your ticket with a green stamp stating “Original Ticket”. Additionally all clients will be provided with a second copy stamped “Client’s copy of Ticket” Please ensure that you have this copy in your possession throughout your travel to prevent any unnecessary delays. Please call the Solomon’s Shipping Office on telephone 2523 should you have any queries.
When you arrive in South Africa you must declare on the Immigration arrival forms how long you intend to stay You must also check before leaving the Immigration Hall that a date has been entered into your passport which is beyond the date on which you will be leaving South Africa (either on the RMS to St Helena or to another destination like the UK). If you do not do this then you will be fined up to 1000 Rand if you overstay the allotted time in South Africa
Sharon Wainwright
Access Project Manager
16th August 2005
German Tour Operator Visits St Helena
A German Tour Company is keen to sell package tours to Africa with St Helena on the itinerary.
The Company, “Afrika Reisen Exklusiv” offers luxury tours and safaris to Africa, and it is now looking to expand so as to include St Helena and Ascension as part of the overall package.
The tour operator, Paul Friedrich visited St Helena earlier this year to discuss his proposal with Director of Tourism, Pamela Young and other interested stakeholders. Pamela was able to talk about the activities and services St Helena could offer, and she said the tour operator feels that the outcome of his visit is promising, and that the Island would appeal greatly to the clientele the company caters for.
There is a lot which St Helena can offer tourists including Scenic Island tours, a walking tour of Jamestown, a traditional dinner, visits to Diana’s Peak and a coffee plantation, astronomy evenings, dolphin tours together with other specialised tours and a relaxed way of life.
With the German proposal, the main stumbling block is that St Helena is not well known in Germany. Therefore, it will be necessary for personnel from the German press to visit St Helena in order to experience first hand what St Helena has to offer and then write about it in order to raise awareness about the Island.
Pamela said it is likely that this proposal will take the tour operator a few months to put together, but if it works, it will be a positive step for St Helena’s tourism industry.
The proprietor of “Island Holidays” visited St Helena last year for the same purpose, and Island Holidays has already advertised St Helena as part of their package. Earlier this year Island Holidays successfully held their first Ascension only tour.
Public Relations/Information Office: Office of the Chief Secretary, 10 August 2005
Festival of Running Starts Next Week
The Festival of Running will begin next week with 38 runners arriving on the RMS from Cape Town.
This is the third such festival for St Helena, and in comparison to the last run, the number of overseas participants has increased by 14. Director of Tourism, Pamela Young, said: “ I am very excited about this event and it seems to be growing each time.” She added: “We welcome the Festival of Running because it is a great event for St Helena where visitors and Saints come together to participate.”
Pamela feels that the increased numbers could be as a result of the advertising that was carried out in South Africa. The Festival was advertised in Runner’s World magazine in November 2004, and Andrew Weir Shipping distributed thousands of flyers at some of the major marathons in Cape Town last year to promote the event.
Visitors will be on Island for seven days, and they have all pre-booked accommodation, mostly in self-catering. Some have also booked hire drive cars.
A photojournalist will be travelling with the team to give publicity to the event. The Journalist has also undertaken to prepare articles about St Helena for three leisure magazines. The magazines target readers who would be interested in outdoor adventure holidays which includes activities such as walking and scuba diving.
Public Relations/Information Office: Office of the Chief Secretary, 10 August 2005
DFID Advertises for Crown Counsel
The Department for International Development has advertised for a Crown Counsel to work in the Legal, Lands and Planning Department. The closing date for applications was 14 July 2005 and Chief Personnel Officer, Barbara George said there are five short listed candidates to be interviewed on 15 August.
The last Crown Counsel for St Helena was Edwin Goldsborough who completed his contract in 1995. Reinstating this post is seen as a positive step.
The post was reinstated by DFID because the demands on the Legal, Lands and Planning Department have increased greatly in recent years and will continue to do so as the Island develops.
Duties of the post will include prosecuting, undertaking civil litigation brought by, or against the crown, providing legal advice to Government Departments, and drafting contracts, agreements, and other legal instruments.
The successful applicant will also have to be available for consultation by Members of Legislative Council before Bills are presented. This is so that he or she can deal with queries and clarify where necessary.
Another important task will be to assist with legislative drafting. This will include ensuring that the revised edition of laws is brought up to date and revised on an annual basis.
The post holder will also be involved in public or other consultative processes on legal issues, and will generally provide assistance to the Attorney General. It is also likely that the Crown Counsel will take on the duties of Acting Attorney General when the substantive post holder is on leave.
SHG is hoping to have someone in post as soon as possible. Attorney General, Ken Baddon and the Chief Personnel Officer, Barbara George, have assisted DFID with sifting through the applications that were received so as to shortlist applicants.
Public Relations/Information Office: Office of the Chief Secretary, 10 August 2005
Nomination Day Approaches
The 2005 General Election will take place shortly. Nomination Day is set for 16 August, so now is the time to nominate a person or persons to be your representative on Legislative Council.
St Helena needs six councillors for the East Electoral Area and six for the West. However, it is hoped that more persons will be nominated, so that the people of St Helena will go to the polls and vote on 31 August. If there are only 12 people nominated, this means there will not be “a Polling Day” as all 12 will be returned unapposed and will be declared councillors for St Helena.
Returning Officer, Ethel Yon said: “please do not wait until Nomination Day to fill in your forms, or to choose your candidate, or for that matter to make your own interest known to stand as a candidate. If you are 21 years or over, and your name has been entered on the 2005 Register of Electors, then you could put yourself up to be nominated and who knows you could very well be a councillor for St Helena! The Island is going through an exciting period and we do need a Legislative Council to represent you, the electorate, to have a say in taking St Helena forward.”
Nomination Day will take place at the Jamestown Community Centre for persons living in the East Electoral Area which consists of Jamestown, Alarm Forest, Longwood and Levelwood, and at the Kingshurst Community Centre for persons living in the West Electoral Area which consists Half Tree Hollow, St Paul’s, Blue Hill and Sandy Bay.
The Nomination Centres will open at 10am and close at 12noon sharp. The Assistant Returning Officer, Carol George, will be at Jamestown Community Centre and the Assistant Returning Officer Jacky Lawrence will be at the Kingshurst Community Centre to receive your nominations. The nominated person will be allowed into the centre between these times along with his or her Proposer and Seconder and one other person selected by the nominated person. No other persons will be allowed into the Nomination Centre.
The Nomination Form can be handed in by either the candidate, the Proposer or Seconder.
It is important to remember that the Nomination Form must be accompanied by the Candidates written consent to stand for election.
The Returning Officer has said that it would be advisable for people to hand in Nomination Forms as early as possible, after 10am, so that if there is something wrong on the form this can be corrected before the nomination period closes at 12noon.
SO, DELAY NO LONGER. APPROACH THE PERSON OR PERSONS OF YOUR CHOICE AND PERSUADE HIM OR HER OR THEM TO STAND FOR ELECTION, THUS REPRESENTING YOU AND OF COURSE THE WELL BEING OF YOUR ISLAND.
Public Relations/Information Office: Office of the Chief Secretary, 10 August 2005
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