Country NotesST HELENA ISLAND

CONTENTS__________________________________________________________________________

The IslandThe People… … … … … Page 3The Economy and Government … … 4Access… … … … … … 4

Living on the IslandAccommodation … … … … 5Security … … … … … 5Public Transport, Hire Cars and Taxis … 5Communications … … … … 6Banking … … … … … 7Currency … … … … … 7Private Vehicles … … … … 8Healthcare … … … … … 9Education … … … … … 10Shopping … … … … … 10Restaurants and Eating Out … … … 11Leisure/Recreation… … … … … 12Religion … … … … … 12Animals/Pets … … … … … 12Employment … … … … … 13Miscellaneous … … … … 13

Moving to the IslandHousehold goods and baggage … … 13Clothing … … … … … 13Equipment … … … … … 14What to bring with you to the Island … … 14General … … … … … 15

(November 2016)

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Country NotesST HELENA ISLAND

THE ISLAND

St Helena is located 703 miles to the south east of Ascension Island, 1,200 miles from the West African coast and 4,901miles from the United Kingdom. The Island is small, about 120km² (47 square miles), with hills and contrasting landscapes. The Island’s volcanic origin means that the terrain is very steep and travel from one part of the Island, while not far in terms of direct distance, tends to take time because the roads are narrow, twisty and hilly.

The People

St Helena was first discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, and they used its natural resources to replenish their ships trading in the Indian Ocean. The Dutch then annexed the Island in 1633, but although they regarded it as their own, they did not establish a settlement, and left the door open for the East India Company to found the first official settlement – Jamestown - in 1659. This gave rise to some aggressive tactics by both sides, but after a short occupation by the Dutch in 1673, which lasted but a few weeks, the East India Company went on to hold the Island under charter until 1834, when it was brought under the direct government of the Crown.

The people of the Island are UK citizens and are known as “Saints”. They are of mixed origin, descended from settlers from Britain sent out by the East India Company and from employees or slaves from the East Indies and Madagascar, as well as a number of Chinese and Africans. The language of the Island has always been English.

There are currently around 4,500 people living on the island. Since the signing of the memorandum of understanding for the airport construction project in November 2011, there has been a noticeable inward migration of Saints returning to live and work on the island. As the Island sees an inward migration of the young, working age population, there has been an associated increase in the number of babies and young children on the island.

There are currently around 400 expatriates living on Island, these are predominantly South African and British workers, along with partners and families, associated with airport construction project or filling posts within government.

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The vegetation below 350m is very scant. Above that level, with higher rainfall and the proximity of water sources, the Island is green. This higher part of the Island consists mostly of pasture, land afforested with exotic trees and plantations of New Zealand flax. There are about 20 endemic flowering plants and ferns, one indigenous land-based vertebrate, the Wire Bird, and 10 species of fish peculiar to the Island.

The Island is largely free from insects harmful to man, although there are a number of poisonous spiders and centipedes which, fortunately, are extremely rare. There are mosquitoes, especially in the warmer parts of the island, but they are not malaria carriers. There are no snakes. The climate is moderate with warm summers and cool winters. The highest temperatures occur in the lower parts of the Island and there can be a 10 degree variation between different altitudes on any given day. Jamestown is the warmest area on the Island and can experience temperatures up to 30° C, with cooler areas averaging 14 – 22° C.

The Economy and Government

The Island is a UK Overseas Territory and part of a single territorial group consisting of St Helena and Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. The jurisdiction of the three Islands falls under the Governor, who is based on St Helena. The Government Service of the Island is headed by the Chief Secretary and there is an Executive Council and Legislative Council and a number of Council Committees. St Helena is dependent on UK and EU aid. However, the UK government is seeking to move the Island towards economic independence and to achieve this end is investing in a major air access project to underpin greater private sector economic activity in a range of areas, including tourism.

In November 2011 HMG agreed to fund an airport. Construction is complete but is not yet ready for commercial flights.

Currently, the public sector dominates the economy, accounting for two-thirds of income and a large proportion of employment. Private sector activities are limited and focused on agriculture, fishing, tourism and the provision of local services.

Access

Currently, main access to the Island is by the RMS (Royal Mail Ship) St Helena. The ship calls at the Island approximately every 2 weeks and travels between the Island, Cape Town, and Ascension Island. Travel to and from Ascension takes two/three days, and 5 days to and from Cape Town. You are advised to check availability of passages well in advance in order to secure these bookings.

The ship cannot dock at St Helena; disembarkation is by small boats, with freight being moved to the Jamestown wharf by lighter, before it is craned ashore.

Landing at the Wharf can be affected by the South Atlantic swell and this can result in delays in disembarkation/embarkation.We do have a certified airport but due to wind shear problems, only small executive jets can land here at present. Critical medical cases are medevac’d to Cape Town using this means of transport

It can be difficult to find one-way travel insurance for individuals coming to work on the island for a significant amount of time. Whilst no recommendations can be made we are aware of eight companies in the UK that might be of assistance:www.postoffice.co.uk www.uk.marsh.com www.expatfinder.com/Health-UK www.InsureandGo.uk www.cignaglobal.com www.holidayrisk.comwww.worldnomads.com www.imglobal.com

LIVING ON THE ISLAND

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Accommodation

St Helena Government (SHG) housing, available in a small residential area known as “’Piccolo Hill’ and located in Longwood, is managed by the Property Division. These predominantly three bedroom bungalows are substantial pre-fabricated dwellings, many of which are now cladded with block for extra insulation, and have good-sized rooms. There is a shortage of 4 (and above) bedroom houses in St Helena. The houses have electricity, water, drainage and telephone. If internet and/or television services are required, these can be installed by Sure SA Ltd, the only Communications and Media Service Provider on island. The kitchens are equipped with a cooker, fridge/freezer and washing machine. While the houses have all the basic furniture required for normal living, there is benefit in bringing personal items such as pictures, lamps, cushions, rugs and ornaments. A ‘transit kit’ is provided, containing crockery, pots, cutlery, bed linen and so forth, for use by officers until their own personal effects arrive. All power is 240 volts 50Hz, which is the same as the UK, and square pin UK plugs are also used on St Helena. An inventory is conducted shortly after arrival and prior to departure from the Island.

There is also private sector accommodation with much of it being let on short term contracts.

The Housing Section in the Environment and Natural Resources Directorate sources accommodation for incoming TC employees. TC employees may choose to move to other accommodation after a period of time; the onus would be on them to source this, keeping the Housing Section in the loop, and to inform their HR Officer of their new address.

The majority of rental properties, whether Government or private owned, are let furnished. Therefore, it is not usually necessary to bring furniture (see page 14 for further information on what you may wish to bring, but you should always ask to see an inventory just to be sure).

Security

Crime is relatively low level and overall the Island is much safer than most parts of the UK. However, when taking leave away from the Island, it is sensible to seek a house sitter or to ask a colleague or neighbour to keep an eye on the property, as is common practice elsewhere. For those in government housing, Corporate HR/Property Division Office should be kept informed of absences and provided with a contact address and telephone number. Insurance is available from Solomon & Company for house contents. You may wish to bring a small safe for valuables and money.

Communications

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Public Transport, Hire Cars and Taxis

There is a public bus service on the Island but services are limited and they vary considerably from area to area. A copy of the bus schedule can be obtained from the Tourist Office (enquiries@tourism.co.sh). Vehicle hire charges are approximately £12 per day for a car and £15-20 per day for a 4x4. Taxis are also available; it is recommended that you agree a price before hiring as these can be expensive.

The RMS St Helena brings all surface mail to the Island, with the main deliveries from the UK arriving by airmail via Ascension. Inevitably, this makes the flow of correspondence somewhat erratic and it is not unusual to have a gap of a month or more between deliveries. The cut-off time for accepting outgoing mail is sometimes before the incoming post has been distributed, so there can be significant delays in responding to air-mail correspondence. It is advisable to use your address with the addition of post code - STHL 1ZZ - and add the rider ‘via Ascension Island’ (if you live in the UK) so as to avoid mail passing through South Africa. There is no house-to-house delivery of mail, so the usual procedure is to collect it at the Post Office located in Main Street, Jamestown. Alternatively, you can ask for your post to be delivered to a local store if you live in a rural area, but advice on this should be sought at the Post Office. There are a limited number of PO Box numbers, which are kept in the Post Office building, but again, information on these is available at the Post Office.

Sure South Atlantic Ltd operates under exclusive licences granted by the St Helena Government to provide telecommunications, television and internet access on the Island.

Information on services, charges and terms and conditions can be obtained from the Sure South Atlantic Ltd website: www.sure.co.sh. It is important to note that under the Service Tax Ordinance 2011, a rate of ten per cent will be levied on all chargeable amounts. The following charges are not chargeable amounts, namely – charges for the sale of hardware such as telephone handsets, modems and television Set-Top-Boxes (but charges for the rental of such items are chargeable amounts)

Sure also operates a mobile phone service. This is a new initiative and details on this can be found on the Sure website or by visiting their Customer Service office in Jamestown.

Visa, Euro and Master Cards are accepted for payment of telephone calls and other products purchased from Sure South Atlantic Ltd. There are no charges for the use of credit and debit cards.

Sure South Atlantic Ltd offers a credit facility on all accounts which must be paid in the following month. Customers will be required to fill out an application for services, which must provide also:

An On-Island Guarantor for payment. Bank Details and proof of banking arrangements. (Direct Debits etc.) A deposit for all monthly current rate charges required. An agreed deposit for estimate usage of the services. Services will be placed temporarily out of service

(TOS), when the credit limit has been reached. A further deposit will be required to release TOS. Information on contract expiry dates etc.

Services will not be provided until the credit vetting process has been completed and all deposits (of varying amounts) paid accordingly. Customers can contact Sure South Atlantic Ltd on telephone +290 22900 or email service@helanta.co.sh .

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Banking

Banking services on St. Helena and Ascension are provided by Bank of St. Helena Ltd. The following information will be useful when visiting the islands.

Currency (£) The currency in St. Helena and Ascension is the Saint Helena Pound (SHP), which is equivalent to the British Pound (GBP). The SHP and GBP Sterling are accepted on both islands. The note and coin denominations are also the same as their British equivalents.

Exchanging and obtaining Money A limited supply of South African Rand (ZAR), EURO and US Dollar currency, can be exchanged for St Helena Pound (SHP). However, this is subject to availability at the Bank. The rates of exchange used by Bank of St Helena for these currencies are advertised via the website, www.sainthelenabank.com and are set for a period of 1 week, effective from every Monday. Customers should note that a limited supply of GBP Sterling is also available and can be purchased at a charge of 2%.  Customers wishing to sell ZAR, EURO or US Dollar to the Bank should note that Bank of St Helena will only accept note denominations. Bank of St Helena branches on St Helena and Ascension can also advance cash against major Credit or Debit Cards in the following schemes:

Visa MasterCard Visa Debit MaestroCredit/Debit Card Services 5% is charged on the amount withdrawn, with a minimum charge of £2.50. Cards used in this service must have a verification number; this appears on the strip at the back of the card.

ATM s and ATM Cards There are currently no ATM Services available on St Helena and customers should note that ATM only cards are not compatible with Bank of St Helena Cash Advance Systems and are therefore not accepted.

Identification Signed, picture identification must be provided for the Credit/Debit Card Services usually in the form of a valid passport

 Customers are advised that Credit and Debit Cards are not widely accepted for payment on St. Helena or Ascension and it is therefore recommended that you have a supply of local currency. Cheque Book Services As an alternative to cash, Account holders with Bank of St Helena can apply for

Account Cheque Books. Bank of St Helena cheques are accepted island wide however St Helena is still predominantly a cash-based economy.

Some shops accept bank account transfers. However, you should note that there are no cashback systems after banking hours, with the exception of Thorpe’s Grocery Shop

Please note: Local currency, SHP notes and coins, are only accepted on St. Helena, Ascension and on board the RMS St Helena and foreign banks will not be able to exchange Saint Helena currency for local currency.

The Bank of St Helena has also introduced basic online banking facilities.Transfer of Funds between Countries Please see Annex 1.

Private Vehicles

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Coins in use have values of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2;

Notes in circulation have values of £5, £10 and £20.

The Island’s roads are rather bumpy and not very wide, but are suitable for most makes of car and there is a wide range on the Island. Some officers have opted for small/medium sized cars, while others have found 4x4’s useful, but this tends to depend on transport requirements and work/home locations. The more common the make, (Ford, Suzuki, Toyota, Rover, Nissan, for example), the more likely it is that there will be spare parts available and the vehicle can be more easily serviced. At present, diesel and unleaded fuel is available on the Island. The hilly terrain calls for a medium sized engine, i.e. 1400cc and over, with a good turning circle (power steering) to cope with the hairpin bends. It is advisable to bring along adequate general service spares, including brake pads and linings (which wear out relatively quickly), filters, bulbs and any special parts that may need replacing.

Car ownership is high, but traffic is generally light outside Jamestown. There is a second-hand car market, but these cars may be older and certainly more expensive than in the UK. It is recommended that individuals seeking to purchase a vehicle when they arrive should look to the expatriate community as an initial search area.

There is no VAT on the Island, but there is local import duty on a wide range of goods, for more information you should refer to the Customs (Tariffs and Exemptions) Regulations (http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/145-Customs-Ordinance-3107121.pdf).

Individuals with long term Technical Corporation contracts are allowed to bring in one vehicle free of import duty, for work purposes. Additional vehicles will be charged duty based on CO2 emissions. There is a six month duty free period for the importation of the first vehicle and other dutiable goods. If the car is sold at end of contract, the duty is required to be paid.

New vehicles that are brought to the Island may not require an MOT test, on the condition that supporting documentation can be provided; necessary approval must be sought from the Police Directorate, and the vehicle must be licensed. All other vehicles will require an MOT test. Every driver has to obtain a driver’s licence from the Post Office that must be renewed annually, although it is possible to use existing UK/EU licences for up to three months after arrival.

Vehicle insurance on island can only be obtained through Solomon & Company Plc. and may be cheaper than in the UK. If you bring more than one vehicle to the Island, the company requires a separate proof of an existing no-claims bonus for each vehicle. Vehicle insurance can be arranged prior to arriving on the Island (insuranceenquiries@solomons.co.sh).

Healthcare

Comprehensive health services are provided by the Government for those who are present in St Helena in fulfilment of a St Helena Government contract of employment for the duration of at least one year, and are charged at local

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rates. Visitors and non-residents are eligible for medical and dental attention, which will be charged at the visitor rate. The fees and charges for medical and dental care can be found on the St Helena Government website (http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/health-and-social-welfare)

As indicated above, dentistry is provided, but is limited. There are no facilities for crowns, metal dentures or fixed band orthodontic work. It is advisable that any dental work be completed prior to arriving on the Island.

There is no requirement for immunisation before you take up post, although it is recommended that a tetanus injection or booster is obtained from your GP. Your GP may also recommend other inoculations, although there have been no reported illnesses, such as yellow fever or cholera, on the Island. The St Helenian population has a high rate of diabetes, hypertension and cancer. There are outbreaks of flu a few times each year.

As indicated above, there is normally a complement of six doctors on the Island and, it is incumbent on you (and your family) to register with the Medical Records Officer in the Health Directorate as soon as possible after arrival. To make an appointment, you will need to contact the Appointments Clerk on telephone no: 22321, Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4pm. Visiting the General Hospital outside of scheduled clinics will incur a charge.

The Senior Medical Officer can be contacted on e-mail: smo@publichealth.gov.sh and further information can be obtained from the Director of Health on e-mail: darren.clarke@publichealth.gov.sh .

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The Health Directorate manages a 35-bed General Hospital, covering all areas of acute medical and surgical care, with a laboratory and dispensary, the only pharmacy on the island, an elderly care complex, a centre for the acute and chronically mentally infirm, a centre for the mentally and physically disabled and three outpatient clinics around the Island. There is a Senior Medical Officer, five Medical Officers and two Dentists. Other specialists make regular visits to the Island; an optometrist visits annually. However, major operations and medical treatment are normally undertaken in South Africa.

The General Hospital

If a family member has been prescribed a specific drug, it is advisable to obtain sufficient for the foreseeable duration of your stay on the Island. Alternatively, you could make contact with the Health Directorate to enquire if the dispensary has the medication in stock and that there is sufficient of it, prior to your departure from your home country. On request, the Senior Dispenser (pharmacist@publichealth.gov.sh) can make a special order for medication, but these will not be issued at prescription rates; special medication orders are charged for on a full cost recovery basis

Education

Education on St Helena operates with Primary and Secondary sectors, with a curriculum comparable to the English and Welsh National Curriculum. Schooling is compulsory for all children aged between five and sixteen.    There are 3 terms in each academic year, from September to December (4 week break at Christmas), January to April (followed by a 2 week break) and May to August (followed by a 3 week break).  In each term, there is also approximately one-week break for a half term holiday.  Compulsory schooling begins in September of the academic year in which children are 5 years old.  The three primary schools have a nursery class. Attendance at nursery is not compulsory but part time provision, mornings only, is offered to children from the term after their third birthday, providing there are places available. It is expected that, if a place is accepted, children will attend for five mornings a week. Provision is based on accepted good practice, based on the Statutory Framework of the English National Curriculum.

All children from 5 – 11 years follow a curriculum designed to take account of local needs, whilst educating for the wider world.  This includes the National Curriculum (England and Wales) in Maths, Science and English (KS1, KS2 and KS3).  From 11 – 18 years, pupils study towards Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQ’s), (I)GCSE’s, AS and A Level examinations and the St Helena Certificate of Vocational Studies (CVS). 

A range of Distance learning courses are offered to increase the range of subjects offered at GCSE and AS level.   The majority of students reaching the statutory school leaving age of sixteen return to education for post 16 year academic studies, or to take up an apprenticeship which may incorporate vocational City & Guilds qualifications. A Community College has been established by the St Helena Education Committee and is managed by the Education & Employment Directorate. The college provides many opportunities for learning and development. Further information can be sought by emailing on the following email address: shcc@education.gov.sh.

If officers are bringing children to the Island, it would be beneficial for them to speak with other people who have children of a similar age, who have or are currently living on St Helena.  The St Helena Government’s UK Representative in London would be able to help make contact with other families who could give further information.   Obviously all children adapt differently to a new environment and many, particularly younger children, seem to thrive on the St Helenian lifestyle.  It should be noted that the Directorate cannot guarantee provision for ‘specialist’ educational needs. There are, at present, three crèches (private day care) on the island. These are in Half Tree Hollow and Jamestown. There is a mother and toddler group in Jamestown and in Half Tree Hollow; these meet weekly. There are currently fifteen registered child-minders. A register of these is kept at both the Education and Safeguarding Directorates; details will be provided on request.

Adventure playgrounds have been developed in schools as part of the ‘Spruce Project’.

There are other facilities available for children – swimming lessons at school, swimming coaching sessions, Scouts (Beavers through to Explorers), Girl Guides (Rainbows through to Guides), Football League (age 7+), and New Horizons (youth organisation for ages 11 – 21).

Some adult education facilities are available.  Further information can be obtained from the Director of Education & Employment, e-mail: director@education.gov.sh.

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Prince Andrew School

In many cases, prices will be higher when compared to those in some areas of the UK. A more appropriate comparison can be made with village shops or those found in small towns. The brands of foodstuffs are those of the United Kingdom and South Africa.

There are around 35 shops on the Island. Shop opening times are generally from 9:00 am to 5:00pm Mondays to Fridays and at varying times on Saturdays. There are also shops which open on Sundays. Most shops close on Wednesday afternoons and this includes the fuel stations. Some shops are happy to order goods on your behalf directly from overseas, but prices will obviously reflect freight costs and where appropriate, import duty/wharfage charges. Many people do internet shopping via Amazon or other on line shops. The goods would have to be delivered to a UK freight agency for forwarding to St Helena if they cannot be delivered direct to St Helena; not all freight agencies provide this service.

There are some restrictions on food imports, particularly honey and some meat products. Fresh vegetables are usually more readily available in shops on Thursdays and Fridays or they can be purchased from a private supplier. Stocks of imported vegetables and fruits will be highest directly after the arrival of the RMS from Cape Town, and residents will seek these out as they arrive in the shops. It is generally wise to stock up at such times. Fresh items such as fruit, including tomatoes can quickly become unavailable.

Produce, such as potatoes, carrots, bananas, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, beans and onions, can be found regularly, as they are grown on the Island. For local produce there is the farmers’ co-operative located in the Market in Jamestown. They are very helpful, with reasonable prices and will save items for you and tell you when particular items will be in stock. Fruit and vegetables are far more “seasonal”, so there can be a surplus of one type of produce, followed by long periods when they cannot be obtained, especially in the dry season.

Cheddar cheese is available all year round but a few other varieties are only available for a short time after the arrival of the RMS St Helena.

There is a good supply of local meat and fish. Many shops sell frozen chicken, beef, lamb and pork. There is a butcher in the Market in Jamestown, open only on Fridays and Saturdays that has fresh beef, lamb, goat meat and pork, and they will accept orders for meat. Solomon’s, The Star, also accepts meat orders. Fish is also available, from some shops. In addition there is a fish van that travels around the Island on certain days of the week with fresh and frozen fish. Fish can be ordered by calling Argos, for collection at the shop or from the van, and they can also advise on the delivery days and times of the van, but these vary so neighbours can be helpful in this regard.

Bread is available from The Star supermarket in Jamestown and the Supermarket in Half Tree Hollow and can also be ordered through local shops around the Island. There is no wide variety of breads and many people use a bread maker.

Alcohol is imported, mostly from South Africa. The selection of wines is limited, but growing. Alcohol is expensive, due to transport costs and local excise duty. Soft drinks, both sweetened and unsweetened, are also available. Bottled water is generally available.

There is usually more choice in the period before Christmas when, for example, it is possible to buy boxes of chocolates that tend not to be available during the rest of the year. Fresh milk is not available but long life milk is.

If you have any special dietary needs it is best to research the availability of this on-island so that you can decide whether to bring a small stock with you. It may be possible to order in further supplies through one of the freight agencies.

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Shopping

You will find the economy of St Helena is primarily cash based. Some shops will accept credit cards but will charge for doing so.

There is a limited range of beauty products/brands available on the island and these can be expensive. If you use anything specific you should bring sufficient supplies with you. Suntan lotion and insect repellent are essential on the island and whilst available, stocks sometimes run out, so it is advisable to bring some initial supplies.

Restaurants and Eating Out

There are few restaurants on the Island and it is advisable to book in advance as some will not open if they do not have bookings. Most are not open on Sundays and Mondays. These are some of the restaurants:

Ann’s Place, Castle Gardens. A friendly, relaxed and informal eating place with a limited menu and reasonably priced.

The Sunflower Cafe situated in the Alarm Forest area which is on the eastern side of the island and provides good home cooking, Meals must be ordered and there is a limit to the number that can be accommodated.

The Orange Tree offers an oriental menu which is a different style of food to that available elsewhere on the island. It is however, generally more expensive than other eating places.

Consulate Hotel requires booking in advance for the restaurant. There is also a coffee shop in the Mule Yard which serves hot food and cakes but which is not open every day of

the week. Harris’s Guest House serves tasty meals, using island recipes and home grown products; bookings are required

in advance. Farm Lodge restaurant near Rosemary Plain, also require bookings in advance. SanRay’s Bistro, adjacent to Donny’s Bar at the Seafront Tasty Bites Bistro, located in the ESH Business Park at Ladder Hill The Inkwell, situated in Market Street, Jamestown, opens four days per week [not Wednesdays] from 10am to

2pm Get Carters at the Mule Yard opens from 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from noon on Saturdays Ocean Wave at the Seafront Blue Lantern in Jamestown Island Images also provide take away lunches from the Market and the basement of Association Hall, which is

next door to nos 1,2 and 3 Main Street There are also several snack bars in Jamestown that provide lunches and refreshments.

Details can be found on the St Helena Tourism website: www.sthelenatourism.com.

Leisure/Recreation

The Island offers a range of outdoor recreational activities including cricket and football leagues. There are tennis and squash courts and gym facilities. Golf is also popular. Volley ball is played indoors at Prince Andrew School, as is badminton and indoor football.

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There are a number of walking trails, but some can be challenging - proper footwear is essential - and others are potentially dangerous so a guide is advisable. More recently added, was St Helena’s first mountain bike trail. The Island has a good outdoor swimming pool and there is a 9 hole golf course at Longwood.

Sea fishing is available; there is also a diving club and yacht club and dolphin and whale watching trips can be organised. There are a few small beaches with black sand which are popular during weekends and holidays. Swimming in the sea is possible off the Wharf in Jamestown, at Rupert’s Bay and Lemon Valley Bay, but in other areas it is considered dangerous due to the currents and strong seas. Diving lessons are readily available at a reasonable charge.

Television services are provided by Sure SA Ltd, for which a set top box is required and there is a monthly charge. A TV guide can be downloaded from the Sure website, which will give a good indication of available programmes.

There is no cinema on the Island, but there are a number of DVD hire shops available throughout the Island.

There are two local radio stations; SAMS (South Atlantic Media Services) and Saint FM. They run a radio service which broadcasts local programmes including news, announcements and advertisements and relay BBC World Service programmes. They also compile weekly newspapers, the “Sentinel” and “The Independent” which contain local news, advertisements, etc.

There is a Public Library in Jamestown.

Whilst new books are purchased from a very limited budget, books are also donated from time to time.

Religion

A number of religions are represented on the Island, including the main Christian denominations: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist and Salvation Army, together with Baha’i, Seventh Day Adventist, New Apostolic, Jehovah’s Witness and Two by Two’s. Generally, most Islanders celebrate Easter and Christmas.

Employment

Individuals coming to Saint Helena on a fixed term contract of more than 30 days and whose salary will be taxed by the St Helena Government need to contact their local HMRC office to advise and obtain the relevant documentation for completion, in order to avoid being taxed on this income by the UK also.

There may be opportunities for partners to be employed (at local rates, which are considerably lower than you would expect in the UK). In occupations where there is a shortage of skills, such as teachers and nurses, employment may be possible, again at local rates. There are many opportunities for voluntary work, for example, in schools, with people with disabilities and the elderly. There is also a chance to become involved with one of the Island’s many non-government organisations, for example the St Helena National Trust or Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). It is advisable that those considering employment, obtain criminal record clearance (Disclosure and Barring in the UK) preferably enhanced if expecting to work with vulnerable groups, prior to their arrival on island.

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The Golf Course Post Box WalksArts & Craft

Animals/Pets

The island has a veterinary practice with a resident vet as well as an animal welfare organisation, the SPCA.

The range of pet supplies is limited but tinned and dried food is available.

If you intend to bring a pet to the island an import permit is required from the island authorities, and an export health certificate from DEFRA in the UK. The latter involves a range of tests and should be applied for well in advance. The direct importation of pets from countries other than the UK and the Republic of Ireland is currently prohibited for reasons of certification and biosecurity, although indirect importation via the UK is possible. Carriage of pets aboard passenger aircraft servicing the island is expected to be routine when the airport become operational. For further details and relevant forms contact the Veterinary Service on +290 24724.

Miscellaneous

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MOVING TO THE ISLAND

Household goods and baggage

The RMS St Helena transports all persons, household goods and freight to the Island. Goods normally are transhipped via Ascension Island or South Africa. When the RMS is decommissioned when the airplane service comes on line, freight should still be able to by sea but the actual service and its frequency is as yet unknown.

The RMS St Helena allows each passenger cabin baggage of a maximum two suitcases, bags or packages weighing no more than 20 kilos each and in addition to the above up to 1 cubic meter of hold baggage. As the RMS cannot dock at St Helena or Ascension, any hand baggage should be small, containing only necessary documentation and personal items. Hand baggage needs to be capable of being carried on the shoulders allowing both hands to be free for disembarking and arrival at the wharf. Flat sensible footwear - no sandals or flip flops permitted though - is also necessary for disembarking and is recommended for wear when moving around the ship. It is recommended not to ship items of great financial or sentimental value as there is a risk of loss or damage/breakage en route.

Clothing

Dress on the Island is generally casual but there will be some functions where more formal attire is appropriate. Government employees will be expected to dress in smart attire and according to the nature of their work. During the summer months it gets very hot in Jamestown, so thinner fabrics are best at this time of year. Not all men choose to wear a necktie.

The evenings can be very cool, especially in the higher areas of the Island, and a variety of clothing is advisable, such as might be suitable in spring or autumn in the UK. There is limited clothing and shoes available on the Island and it is recommended that you bring most of the items you need with you. There is a 20% import duty on clothing

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There are a few hairdressers in Jamestown. Costs vary from salon to salon but are generally a lot cheaper than the UK. There are also a few hairdressers in the Business Units near Ladder Hill.

There is also a beauty salon, “Essence” inJamestown which provides various treatments;body massage, pedicure, manicures, etc.

and mail order is available, which allows you to deduct UK VAT. Children’s clothing and shoes can be bought on the Island, but some sizes can be difficult to find, particularly for children’s shoes.

Equipment

If you are buying new equipment to bring with you, it is worth bearing in mind that reliability is the most important concern. The facilities for repairs on the Island are very limited and sending overseas for parts or repair services is costly and time-consuming.

Stereo equipment, TVs, DVD player etc. can be brought in as well as a range of other smaller electrical equipment, however some choice is available on the island, but such items are usually expensive. St Helena uses 240v with square pin plugs just like the UK.

Richard James International (RJI) operates a catalogue shop on the Island. The company is based in the UK and goods can be ordered through the Island shop in Market Street, Jamestown, or by e-mail direct from the UK head office at richard@richard-james.co.uk. Another company operating a freight service to the island is Sainttrading, which is run by Michael Stevens, a St Helenian who is currently resident in the UK, and who can be contacted on michael@sainttrading.com or mfjz@btinternet.com. A new UK company ‘Twintastic’ has just recently been set up (shirl_twintastic@yahoo.com) and also RC Suppliers in South Africa (roselie@rcsuppliers.co.za).

Some people do shop on-line, but there is no provision for transportation of chilled, frozen or any goods that do not have a very long shelf life due to the time it takes from ordering to arrival for personal orders to an overseas supplier. A special order for frozen items may be possible via Solomon & Company, The Queen Mary Store and WA Thorpe & Sons. Duty is payable on most items.

What to bring with you to the Island

Import duty is levied on a range of items and a full list is available at the Customs Ordinance link provided on page 8. Some items imported within the first six months of your arrival will not be charged duty. As stated before, there is no VAT on the Island.

Currently, there is no dry cleaning service on the Island and this should be taken into account when deciding what to bring. You are strongly advised to bring supplies of any medicines, allergy treatments, special creams and supplements.

Specific items to bring will depend upon: personal needs; what is provided with the accommodation; the balance between limits on shipping volumes and costs; and what is available on the Island. The following items should be considered, although the majority can, subject to availability be purchased on the Island:

Linen, Towels, ToiletriesKitchen equipment, Crockery, Glassware, CutleryStereo, TV, Video/DVD player, Videos/DVDs/CDs, particularly if you have childrenPictures and ornaments, Books/games, Children’s toysCoffee Maker, Kettle/Jug, Microwave OvenElectric Dehumidifier*, Heater*Toaster, Iron, Food Processor/BlenderCamera (digital as limited processing)IT Equipment (e.g. laptop, memory sticks, external hard drive, webcam, headphones)Sports equipment e.g. golf clubs, racquets, swimming/diving gearHiking boots and walking sticksTools

Also useful to bring and only limited availability on the Island:

Second Fridge or Freezer, especially if you wish to buy in bulkWater Filter Jug & Cartridges Yoghurt Maker, Bread MakerMulti-Point Adapters

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Vacuum Cleaner, Tumble Drier, Clothes AirerBBQ Stand

*These items would be needed if officers live in a property in the higher, more damp parts of the Island.

Although a fridge is provided in most accommodation, some have found a second fridge/freezer to be of use, particularly as most fruits and vegetables are only available at irregular intervals and it is useful to have plenty of space to store these commodities.

Contact lens wearers will need supplies of solutions etc. However, ophthalmic and medical opinion is that the use of contact lenses on the Island is not recommended, as there are risks of contact lens wear, due to the dust in the atmosphere, and there is a difficulty in providing emergency eye care treatment. Despite that opinion, there are many people who do wear contact lenses.

It is recommended that spectacle wearers bring an additional pair of glasses as repairs to lenses are not available on the island, although there is a local gentleman who repairs the frames if they are not too badly damaged.

Consideration should be given to such things as birthdays and Christmas, as the choice of goods can be limited. Toys are sold on the Island, but the choice is, again, limited and availability varies. Books are available from the little bookshop at the front of The Inkwell in Market Street, as well as a few other shops.

General

Information about St Helena is also available on the Internet. The following sites contain helpful information about the Island etc.:

The Bank of St Helena www.sainthelenabank.com Andrew Weir Shipping/Freighting Agents www.aws.co.uk Richard James International (Purchaser & Freight Carrier) www.richardjamesinternational.co.uk Sainttrading - Purchaser & Freight Operator www. sainttrading .com Enterprise St Helena www.investinsthelena.bizSt Helena Government www.sainthelena.gov.shSure South Atlantic Ltd www.sure.co.sh St Helena National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.sh St FM Community Radio www.saint.fm South Atlantic Media Services www.sams.sh Solomon & Company Plc www.solomons-sthelena.com Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.fco.gov.uk Tourism www.sthelenatourism.comThorpe’s retail www.thorpes.shState of the Island paper www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/State-of-the-Island-2015.pdf2008 Census Report http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Census-Report-2008.pdfGeneral Background Information http://sainthelenaisland.info/

You may also wish to take the opportunity to Skype/Facetime/email colleagues well in advance of departure from your home country and speak to persons with up to date information and who may have different experiences. Corporate HR can provide you with contact details.

It may also be useful to review the Facebook pages in particular the St Helena bring and buy as this gives a good feel for what you can and cannot get on island. Interesting blogs are also updated by Paul Tyson.

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Annex 1

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