St Helena : Advisers’ Visits to St Helena
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 17.10.2010 (Article Archived on 31.10.2010)
In my last report, issued in early June, mention was made of the expected visit of Mr Keith Munns, the FCO Prison Adviser. Mr Munns was on Island from 14 to 22 July to review progress since his earlier visit in February 2009. The report on his latest visit has been received and is being considered by the relevant officials.
Advisers’ Visits to St Helena
In my last report, issued in early June, mention was made of the expected visit of Mr Keith Munns, the FCO Prison Adviser. Mr Munns was on Island from 14 to 22 July to review progress since his earlier visit in February 2009. The report on his latest visit has been received and is being considered by the relevant officials.
Ms Suzanne Holiday, a representative from St Helena’s UK-based PR agency ‘Keene PA Ltd’, visited the island on a familiarisation visit between 3 and 11 August 2010. Keene is working to increase awareness, understanding and interest in St Helena as a tourism destination. This is done by raising the profile of St Helena and the RMS via the travel trade and media. Ms Holiday experienced a taste of St Helena’s tourism products; offered an opportunity for local tourism stakeholders and businesses to have one to one sessions with her; and delivered a workshop covering latest travel trends and the changing demands and expectations of travellers.
Shipping Consultant, Mr Julian Morris, made a fact-finding visit from 3 to 11 August. Mr Morris undertook a review of current shipping arrangements and is required to make evidence-based recommendations to guide decisions about the continued use of, scheduling and financing of the RMS St Helena for the period between January 2012 and March 2016. During his visit, Mr Morris met with Councillors, the Access and Transport Committee, senior Government officials, the Chamber of Commerce, SHDA, businesses and other groups and individuals. His visit included two workshops and a public meeting. His report is currently awaited.
Arriving on 11 August was Mr Alan Thompson, Welfare Finance Adviser. Alan was on-island earlier this year, looking at our Social Security System and advising on how it can be improved to meet the needs of the Island. Alan is continuing with this work.
Mrs Janet Shankland, Sales and Marketing Executive made a familiarisation visit between 10 and 26 August when she met tourism stakeholders and various representatives from non-government organisations. In addition, she held one-to-one sessions with private tourism businesses. Mrs Shankland will be selling holidays to potential wholesale operators in the UK and is a part-time member of staff with the St Helena Tourism Department. She will be based in the UK and will work with our local team to increase the number of sea-borne tourists staying in St Helena with a view to these people arriving, on the RMS and by promoting the Island to expedition and cruise ship operators, international yachting associations and yacht charter companies.
In addition to the visit of advisers, there were several visits made by trainers.
The Education Department saw the visit of Ms Lucie Humphries, Primary Maths Trainer from 14 July to 5 August. The focus of her training was on the professional development of primary mathematics teachers and other relevant personnel.
Visiting from 3 to 11 August were Mr David Groome and Ms Melanie Jenkins who were engaged by AVES to provide Database training to some 15 Government, corporate and private individuals. The training focused on Microsoft Access at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and included a train-the-trainer element.
Arriving on 3 August too, for a stay of about three weeks, was Ms Lyn Leventhorpe who was also engaged by AVES to provide Arts and Crafts Development training. The training focused on product development, marketing techniques and exploring new markets.
8 October 2010
Gillian Francis, Acting Chief Secretary
|
