A New Chief Engineer will be arriving on St Helena in January 2004 to work with the Public Works and Services Department.

The post was recently advertised and a total of 59 persons applied. The successful applicant is Bill Scanes who is currently residing on the Falkland Islands.

Interviews took place in the UK and along with personnel from the Department for International Development, Robert Ellick, Manager for the Public Works and Services Department, and SHG UK Representative Kedell Worboys sat on the interviewing panel.

In speaking about the successful candidate Robert said: "As one of the main stipulations of the Terms of Reference for the new Chief Engineers post was for applicants to be qualified/experienced in both, Electrical and Civil Engineering disciplines the interviewing panel was very happy that Mr Bill Scanes fully met the criteria. Bill has been spending some time with DFID in the UK and is looking forward to taking up his appointment and also, to becoming a member of both the PW&SD team and the island community."

Bill was last working as the Works Manager for the Public Works Department of the Falkland Islands Government. His main areas of responsibility included electrical, plumbing, sewage, drainage, Heating, Ventilation & Air-conditioning, carpentry, roofing, painting and decorating, landscaping, plant and Heavy Goods Vehicle(s) operations and more. He has also worked as an Electrical Engineer, a Senior Project Manager and a Building Service Manager. In addition to working on the Falkland Islands, he has worked in Kenya, Southern Africa, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea.

Bill will arrive on St Helena on 8 January along with his wife and three children. His contract will last for a period of two years and the post is being funded by DFID, under the technical cooperation budget. Bill will replace the previous Chief Engineer, Moraig Baird and he will report to the Manager of the Public Works and Services Department.

As Chief Engineer, he will focus on the technical and engineering aspects of the department, which will cover the Energy, Technical Services, Transport, Water, and Works divisions.

In speaking about his appointment Bill said: "It has long been my desire to work in Saint Helena and my family and I are looking forward very much to our imminent arrival. We have had the pleasure of meeting several Saint Helenians during our stay in the Falklands and formed lasting friendships. I feel sure we shall settle-in quickly and trust that my input to the Public Works and Services Department will prove to be a valuable addition".