St Helena’s first Certified Port Facility Security Officers
On the 29th June 2004, Governor Hollamby and the Ascension Island Administrator, Andrew Kettlewell, were notified by the Transport Security Directorate (TRANSEC) that the Port Facility Security Plan for Georgetown and Jamestown had been approved.
Yesterday 2nd August 2004, our 3-person team received their Port Facility Security Officers Certificates as approved by the Department of Transport (DOT). Barry Williams, Port Manager/Harbour Master, Keith Brinsden, Senior Customs Officer and Clarence Roberts, Training Officer from the Police Department, attended the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Training Session on Ascension, and after successfully completing the course, have now become certified Port Facility Security Officers.
The team embarked on an intensive training course, which involved both practical and written work and was assessed by a written examination. They have since been busy with tightening security at the wharf, and other security matters, which need to be addressed in order to remain in compliance with the ISPS code.
Barry, Keith and Clarence all feel honoured to have had the privilege to embark on the training course as they have learnt a lot and are now given the opportunity to put their training into practice. The team along with others involved, will strive to improve and maintain security standards in order to keep our port and vessels safe.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
4 August 2004
Educational Psychologist - Monica Ludwig.
Ms Monica Ludwig an Educational Psychologist arrived on St Helena on 25th July 2004. Ms Ludwig will be working with the Education Department’s Special Needs provision until her departure on 16th August 2004.
In 1996 it was acknowledged that there was a need for an Educational Psychologist to assist the Education Department in its special needs provision. Educational Psychologist Professor Ron Davies visited the Island in 1997; during his visit he carried out screening tests, advised the Education Department and other departments on necessary follow-up work and submitted reports to the Education Department including diagnosis and recommended actions.
The key factor in most of the cases seen in 1997 was curriculum-related; therefore it was not necessary to have annual visits. Focus was placed on improving literacy and numeracy especially at primary levels and intensive remediation work was agreed as the way forward. As more than five years have gone by since Professor Ron Davies visit, there are areas which need updating, such as new assessments and statementing for students with special needs for accessing National tests and Public Examinations.
A strategy for Primary Schools released by the UK Department for Education in September 2003, gives notice of Standardised Attainment Tests (SAT’s) “P” scales for all-inclusive assessment, that is for children including those with moderate to severe learning difficulties. This strategy if implemented will also have implications for determining levels of special educational needs.
Ms Ludwig is a practicing Educational Psychologist and works with the Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Educational Psychology Service. Prior to this she has covered a variety of special needs work with students and provided teacher training in the UK and abroad.
During her time on St Helena Ms Ludwig will be reviewing existing special needs cases within the system as identified by Professor Davies, attending new cases which have come into the system since 1997, and carrying out any further screening as required. Ms Ludwig will also be liasing with other agencies and parents as necessary, and providing advice and reports on individuals to the Education Department to recommend follow up action, including the need for any future visits.
The visit is being funded through the DFID aided Education Support Programme through the Education Support Provider. Ms Ludwig has a full schedule of work in schools, accompanied by Mrs Valerie Yon - an experienced, and qualified Special Education Needs Teacher. She has completed work in the primary schools and is currently in the process of working with students at Prince Andrew School.
The expertise of an Educational Psychologist is much appreciated on St Helena as every child has the right to a good education regardless of ability. As Number 2 on our list of Strategic Objectives is to improve the standard of Education for the people of St Helena this demonstrates that we continue to move forward with our Strategic Objectives in mind.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
4 August 2004
SHG UK Representative Mrs Kedell Worboys visit to St Helena.
The visit of the RMS on 25th July saw the arrival of Mrs Kedell Worboys SHG UK Representative. During Kedell’s visit she will be meeting with Heads of Department and other officials, and while on the Island she will be taking the opportunity to have some leave.
As there are a lot of areas to cover during the visit, Kedell’s initial programme was extended to allow additional time to be allocated for discussions on key issues such as the Technical Cooperation Training Programme, Tourism and Health. During the week Kedell has already spent on the Island she has met with ten of the thirteen Heads of Department, and some non-government officials such as the Bank Manager. As a result of some of these meetings Kedell will be following up on certain issues on her return to the UK.
Kedell has agreed to have a follow-up meeting with the Bank Manager Richard Winch when she returns to London after her visit. It is hoped that as the Bank of St Helena becomes linked with Lloyds TSB and modernises banking operations, St Helenians in the UK will also use The Bank of St Helena. Kedell has agreed to promote The Bank of St Helena by distributing flyers at the next Reading Sports.
Kedell said that this visit is also a good opportunity for her to see how some of the Government officials recruited in the UK, which she assisted in interviewing, are settling into their jobs on St Helena.
There are also plans for Kedell to meet with the St Helena National Trust, the Tourism Association and attend an informal meeting of Legislative Council.
Kedell said she is looking forward to discussing the Tourism Marketing Strategy for St Helena and to have an agreed way forward before she leaves for the UK.
We all know in today’s world with e-mails, telephones and faxes there is no such thing as being out of touch, but Kedell firmly agrees that it is important to talk with people face to face on issues that are important for St Helena, which is probably one of the biggest advantages of this visit.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
4 August 2004.
