Saint FM Community Radio Listen Again: Recent Episodes
Saint FM
This Podcast gives the opportunity for Listeners throughout the World that have an interest in St Helena to listen to Key Issues & events items discussed live on Saint FM Community FM for the 1st time or to Listen Again.
Gemma Osgood and Tom McClemence from Hugh James Solicitors talked with Mike Olsson and provide an update on the Dr Sato / Sergio Compensation Scheme at Saint FM on 10th June 2024
James Fanthom and Dennis Leo Visted Saint FM to give an update on the ST Helena's Enedemic National Bird - The Wirebird population and plans to increase this to 1000 in the coming years
Liz Roberts and her partner Mark from Falklands Radio are currently visiting St Helena and popped into the Saint FM Studio on Monday 12th February and talked all things Falkland's Radio and much more
A timely visit given it is World Radio Day on the 13th February
Listen to the update from Ruth & Issy of Hugh James Solicitors on the Dr Sato / Sergio Compensation Scheme provided at Saint FM on 6th February 2024
You can listen to the news item that was broadcast on Saint FM Community Radio explaining some of the details from the public meeting of 31st January that was chaired by the Hugh James representatives who are on island. This item contains some important information relating to the (Soto and Sergio) compensation scheme
The last official event for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was to open St Helena Airport by unveiling a plague at the entrance of the airport on Friday 26th January. The Duke then left the island aboard an RAF C-17 Transport plane, (the biggest aircraft that has landed at the airport).
Listen here to the speeches made by at the ceremony
On the 24th January 2024 The Duke of Edingburgh was officlally welcomed to St Helena on the Grand Parade by His Excellency, Governer Nigel Phillips and Chief Minister Julie Thomas.
The Duke responded with a generous speech.
Here what was said right here.
Neal joined Sharon Wade in the Saint FM Studio on the penultimate day of his 5th Visit to St Helena.
Neal discusses the background on how he fell in love with St Helena and a St Helenian woman following his path from working for AIS on Ascension to his 5th Visit to St Helena from his home in Florida.
Note: You will hear references to music that is played during the interview, but these tracks have been edited out, so as to not infringe copyright.
Anaïs Toro-Engel the Communications Director from the Catamaran Energy Observer talks about the mission onboard with Vince Thompson.
This is a discussion that took place on Saint FM community radio when Tony Leo spoke with one of the oldest full-time fishermen in St Helena.Peter Benjamin (Darkar) has been fishing on his boat the Helena Dorothy for 38 years.Errol Thomas on the other hand has also been working in the local fishing industry for most of his life and working as an observer at Sea around St Helena and Ascension Island.
In this Saint FM discussion, Tony Leo talks with David Price and his team about the Anti-social behaviour of young people in St Helena.
Why is this happening, how do we manage it?
Young people have great opportunities in this community organisations like New Horizons have been offering far more opportunities now over the last few months, including Friday and Saturday nights, and schools are doing surveys. Should the community have input to help us establish a solution?
Christian von der Ropp was one of the individuals who played a big role in getting the fibre optic cable connected to St Helena. On the 1st of October, St Helena was connected to the Google Equanio cable and the residents of St Helena enjoyed reasonable internet speeds for the very first time. SURE St Helena the internet provider connected the internal network to the cable on Sunday. This conversation with Christian explains his thoughts to Mike Olsson on the history of the journey and his involvement in raising awareness and human rights. of having internet in remote communities
Ruth said they have met several of the peoplethey have previously signed up to represent and it was good to talk face toface with their clients. Also, new people approached them to explaintheir own personal circumstances in connection with Sergio’s clinical treatment more here https://www.independent.sh
Simon Henry chair of the National Sports Association of St Helena joined Leigh Richards on Friday 23rd May 2023 to discuss the upcoming Island Games which take place in Guernsey from the 8th -14 th July 2023.
The National sports association of St Helena (nsash.org.sh)
This song was written by Colette Braaf. Music composed by Alex Vanguard to celebrate King Charles III coronation.
The song is a tribute to King Charles III with love from the people of St Helena Island South Atlantic Ocean, where the song was produced and recorded.
This song is written and performed by St Helena artists Alex Vanguard and Colette Braaf.
The song is a tribute to those who have lost loved ones throughouttheir lifetime either through death or by separation. The reality being that everyone hurts.
Music/keyboards/synthesizers:
AlexVocals: Alex & Colette.
The song was recorded at Saint FM on Tuesday 4th April 2023
Before she departed on October 29th, 2022, Alyssa Fischer International Implementation Team Co-Leader for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee spoke to Sharon Wade.
The JNCC is the public body that advises the UK Government and devolved administrations on UK-wide and international biodiversity and nature conservation.
Alyssa spoke about the team's visit to Saint Helena to understand the Islands priorities in relation to biodiversity and nature conservation and how best the JNCC can support those.
In an interview with SURE South Atlantic's CEO, Alistair Beak mentioned that it's very uncertain times for SURE in St Helena.
However, he speaks about the current setup and the great infrastructure already in place in St Helena. Alistair shares his digital lifestyle experience and how he uses fast internet in an identical place where he lives in guernsey.
Alistair talks a little bit about the timeline challenges to install a new fibre network on St Helena he also outline’s the benefits of using the existing SURE network.
He talks highly of the twenty-three staff employed on St Helena and how they could be utilised in the future, he also mentions the submitted internet package proposal of unlimited connectivity speed of 20 to 30 megs to the internet on St Helena which might be possible for around £50 per month once the cable is connected.
Did you hear the interview?
Share your views.
Last Friday a significant step forward in conjunction with the Fibre Optic project took place at Rupert’s Cable Landing Station.
On-site was SHG’s head of the cable Project Jerry Roberts and team member Lee-marc Yon along with Alcatel Submarine Networks Contractor and tester Marc Andre’ talking to Tammy Williams of Saint FM Community Radio.
Both Marc and Jerry signed the verification and commissioning document which is a sign-off on all test results and all acceptance test certificates.
The sign-off on these works means that St Helena has made another giant step in the lead-up to the Cable’s ‘Go-live date’
Listen to the very latest update on the Fibre Optic Cable project for St Helena which is expected to ‘Go live’ in the first quarter of 2023
Join Tammy Williams at Saint FM talking to the St Helena Government's Equiano Project Manager, Jeremy Roberts and Marc Andre the Engineer from Alcatel Submarine Networks who is currently on Saint Helena to undertake tasks in conjunction with the Fibre Optic Cable Project
The successful project is called 'Preparing for our Digital Destiny'.
Gareth Drabble (Chevening Alumni) along with Kerry Lane from the St Helena Governor's Office spoke to Tammy Williams at Saint FM Community Radio on the 19th August 2022 to talk more about this successful St Helena Chevening Alumni Project Bid for 2022–2023
His Excellency Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook will depart St Helena at the end of his term of office on Sunday, 19 June 2022.
Governor Rushbrook visited Saint FM one final time to share his experiences of life on St Helena.
A light hearted chat with Tammy Williams
The St Helena Government Ministers attended Saint FM on the afternoon of 28thApril 2022 to respond to the backbenchers concerns regarding security committee’s role in the new political system.
Prior to the main discussion & included in this podcast the Chief Minister & Chief Medical Officer announce changes to the Covid Quarantine and testing procedures for Fully Vaccinated persons from the next flight to St Helena and the rationale for those.
The discussion on Scrutiny hosted by Vince Thompson & Mike Olsson starts at 15 mins 56 secs.
Discussion around St Helena’s Minimum Wage starts at 1 hour, 8 mins, 17 secs.
All 6 Ministers Julie Thomas (Chief Minister), Jeffrey Ellick, Mark Brooks, Christine Scipio, and Martin Henry attended and participated.
Well worth a listen.
A group of 6 of St Helena's Legislative Councils Backbenchers visited Saint FM on Wednesday 27th April 2022 to discuss several issues.
The backbenchers were Dr Corinda Essex, Karl Thrower, Rob Midwinter, Ronald Coleman, Gilly Brooks, and Andrew Turner
The discussion was hosted by Vince Thompson & Mile Olsson.
During the discussion It has become apparent that the way ministers have used their power to decide what authority is given to the Scrutiny Committees could threaten the credibility of the newly created St Helena Ministerial System.
This is what Members of Legislative Council think about the Scrutiny Committees set up by the Ministers:
- The purpose of scrutiny committees is to hold ministers to account. Scrutiny involves, or should involve, investigation of the policies ministers introduces, the administration of Government they are accountable for and the effectiveness of the spending budgets they have allocated to each Government Department or Portfolio.
- Scrutiny Committees are, or should be, the flagship within the system of Government for transparency and accountability. After making changes to the Constitution to give more decision-making powers to the ministerial team, Scrutiny Committees are seen as the balancing authority given to other Members of Legislative Council.
- The whole purpose of Scrutiny Committees is to hold Ministers to account.
This is an interesting discussion, well worth a listen
St Helena Government Marketing Manager Emma Weaver & Photographer Craig Williams joined Tammy Williams on the Breakfast Show of the 23rd of March 2022 to discuss Craigs article in the latest edition of National Geographic's Traveller Magazine.
The article titled Why the island of St Helena is a photographer's dream has been well received. Craigs discusses his perspective on his home island of St Helena changed when he started snapping it from the air. He shares his passion for photography and the island he calls home.
The Friday morning Breakfast Show on Friday 18th March 2022 hosted by Tammy Williams welcomed three special guests.
Father David Musgraves of the Sacred Heart Catholic church, Julia Drozdowskij, citizen of Ukraine and locum primary school teacher and Gavin ‘Jack’ Thomas, Senior Manager and Public Guardian, and Acting Director of Children & Adults Social Care.
Friday 18th March establishes the launch of Safeguarding week which seeks to protect children and adults from exploitation on St Helena online, it was also a time to reflect on the children of Ukraine. According to UNICEF the Ukraine war is creating a child refugee every second. The radio program was to honour all children everywhere but in particular the children of Ukraine.
A heart felt discussion by the panel ending with a blessing by Father David.
Saint FM is proud to partner with all agencies on St Helena and around the world in protecting the rights of all children everywhere.
Join Tammy Williams as she talks to Acting Detective Inspector Liam Fuller and Rosie Flatman children’s safeguarding officer about this important topic.
Saint FM joins the campaign in protecting the community and in particular keeping our children safe online.
Safeguarding week is being launched on St Helena on Friday, 18 March 2022, with particular focus around online safety for both children and adults.
The internet is more accessible than it has ever been on St Helena and this will only continue with the Equiano Cable going live in the near future.
Throughout Safeguarding week, training sessions will take place around online safety of children and adults. A team of facilitators will also be conducting presentations to all four schools around keeping safe online.
Presentations will also be conducted for parents during three evening sessions. Parents and wider family members are welcome to attend any of the evening sessions.
John Carnfeild the petition organiser visited Saint FM on the morning of the 23rd February 2022 to launch the petition. You can listen to that interview with Tammy Williams here now
St Helena's Chief Minister Julie Thomas and Minister for Treasury Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Mark Brooks visited Saint FM to announce the decision on the proposed Delegate VIPP 4-5 Day visit live at 1415 GMT on Tuesday 8th February 2022.
The decision is a mutual agreement to work in facilitating this trip towards the end of 2022.
Listen to it here along with discussion on associated concerns around Quarantine in the coming months.
Chief Minister Julie Thomas, Minister Mark Brookes and Financial Chief Secretary Dax Richards visited Saint FM on the morning of 31st January 2022 to make a Statement regarding a potential what is being dubbed a 'VVIP 4-5 day visit' to St Helena in late March 2022.
The visit has been developed over the past 9 months by the trustees of the charity the Napoleonic Bicentennial Trust. The Group include some of the World's wealthiest & Philanthropic people. However, they can only afford to spend 4 or 5 days on the island and will need to employ special quarantine measures. A decision on whether the visit can go ahead or be rejected has to be made by Friday 4th February 2022.
The Government are seeking the views of the St Helena Community, to this end a meeting is planned for 7pm on Wednesday, 2 February 2022, at Prince Andrew School. All are encouraged to participate by providing feedback either through the meeting or by sending your views to: kerisha.yon@sainthelena.gov.sh.
There will also be a question and answer session on both Island radio stations on Wednesday, 2 February, commencing at 11am on Saint FM and 12.30pm on SAMS Radio 1.
Listen here to the complete Statement to be apprised of all the Pros & Cons of the Visit and the special quarantine & testing measures that the Group will employ. All These details can be found on the SHG Document of Two Page Document of Trip
After nearly 100 days in office the Minister for Health Martin Henry talks to Tammy Williams about St Helena's healthcare system, challenges, complexities, and logistics.
The Minister answered questions about staff retention, doctors, the health budget, the health of the nation and strategies to improve the services.
Hear first-hand thoughts from the Minster himself on what he sees as the greatest challenges facing healthcare and remedies sought.
Vanessa Thomas -Williams joined Tammy Williams on the Breakfast Show of the 5th January 2022 to discuss her MBE award in this years New Years Honours List.
Vanessa talks humbly about the notification process of the award and her plans to receive the actual MBE, how she started off in conservation, her time at Kew Gardens and how she was seconded back to St Helena in 2008 to conserve the endangered endemic species On Island, including the support of George Benjamin in the early years with many anecdote's. Then onto the type of work she has been conducting, including developing the next generation of conservationists.
In a new Saint FM experiment Sharon Wade was live on the Bridge on the afternoon of New Years Eve 2021 interviewing people many of who were queuing at the Bank. Mike Olsson was the anchor in his Home Studio behind the Memorial Clock.
Sharon was able to capture many 'victims' and discussed very interesting subjects and for many a 1st time on the radio passing on their New Year wishes for Family & Friends on-Island overseas including those on Island for the Festive Period and their reflections of 2021.
Note: Music intermissions removed so just Saints speaking!
The 'Victims' were but not limited to:
Sylvia Henry
David 'Crocky'
Mark Cranfield
Keith Yon
Colin 'Mickey' Yon
Cllr Ronald Coleman
Llana Francis
Peter Thomas
Chief Of Police, David Price
Hayward Benjamin
Eric 'Tinny' Thomas
Anita Constantine
Trevor 'Brid' Stevens
Robert & Basil Young
Joy George
Peter ' Woman' & Charlene Young
Colin Plato
Roy, Coral, & Rayanne Thomas
Mia Henry
Sgt. Andy Burton
David Brookland
Patsy Brown
Chris 'Chrissy Sue' Henry
Brian Constantine
Andrew Williams
'Chef Roy'
JJ Buckley
Leroy Young
Michael 'Bimbo' Glanville
Mervyn Thomas
St Helena's Agriculture & Natural Resources Division (ARND) are producing Podcasts to increase the general awareness of Farming & Local produce providing tips and services available to the public from the Division.
In this edition Jonathon ' Joe' Hollins, the divisions Senior Vet, discusses the veterinary services available on the Island.
Ismail Mohammed joined Addie Thomas on the Now Show on December 9th to provide an Introduction to Islam.
Ismail Mohammed – St Helena's Head of Planning & Building Control joined Addie Thomas on the Now Show to talk about all things planning on St Helena. This includes large and small projects submitted for planning permission and the delicate balance between protecting the environment and progress.
Urs Steiner based in Switzerland runs a travel agency website called Ship & Train Travel.
He talks to Addie Thomas on his current 5th visit to the Island since the 1980's and:
- The various aspects of getting to the Island in that period.
- The impact of the pandemic on his dedicated St Helena destination website and tourism in general.
- The business environment within the pandemic.
- Inward Investment on Island.
Emma Weaver & Danni Thomas talk to Tammy Williams about the Earthbeat Impact Award at COP 26 for their 3 minute film on saving the St Helena She Cabbage on The Breakfast Show on Wednesday 10th November 2016.
The three-minute film, produced by Danni and Emma, was announced at COP26 as an Impact Award winner in a young persons’ film competition run by youth4planet/Earthbeat on Friday, 5 November 2021.
They talk about how the film was made & the team involved in the restoration of the Plant and the story being told of how St Helena is conserving rare species and the exposure for St Helena the film has generated globally and upcoming events to celebrate and share on Island.
The film was the only one from the competition to feature on BBC World Service Newshour. Friday’s (5th Nov) short interview with Emma focused on the Nursery Team’s aim to soon plant out some of the new She Cabbages within the Island’s Cloud Forest, and looked at why restoring endemics like the She Cabbage and planting them at the Cloud Forest is important in St Helena’s efforts to combat climate change.
There is more to see and hear on the internet regarding this award - just follow the links below:
The Film
Emma's Interview on BBC World Service Newshour - (Skip to 36 minutes and 33 Seconds to listen).
The Award Presentation at COP 26 - The Impact Award is at 2 hours, 11 minutes and 50 secs into the Video NOTE - Only Available until 29th November 2021
Prior to his departure back to South Africa on the next sailing of the MV Helena later this month, Father Allen Williams joined Sharon Wade on the Shine Show to talk about his time on St Helena.
Amongst other things Father Allen discussed:
- How he came to St Helena.
- Prayer Book Usage.
- Tailoring Sermons to St Helenian way of life.
- The values of the people of St Helena
- Next Steps.
- and parting message to people of St Helena.
On the morning of 1st November 2021 St Helena Chief Minister Julie Thomas Announced her Ministerial Portfolio Positions for the new St Helena Legislative Council. Julie retained the Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio.
Her announcement is followed by interviews with the New Ministers in this order
Mark Brooks – Treasury, Infrastructure, & Sustainable Development Portfolio
Martin Henry – Health & Social Care Portfolio
Jeffery Ellick – Safety Security and Home Affairs Portfolio
Christine Scipio – Environment & Natural Resources Portfolio
His Excellency Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook spoke with Tammy Williams in the Latest of his regular updates on Thursday 28th October 2021
This Update included:
- Review of the recent General Election and roles within the new Ministerial Government and support for the new Councilors.
- Financial constraints & difficult decisions facing the Island of the coming months and years.
- Where can St Helena 'earn' More Money - either taxes or Inward Investment.
- Covid Quarantining - Political Decision.
- Booster Vaccinations.
- Ongoing Projects and how have been funded.
- Christmas Fayre at Planation House - last weekend of November
James Kellett, St Helena Airport Compliance Manager (Safety, Quality & Commnications) joined Addie Thomas on The Now Show (Thursday 28th October) to discuss St Helena Airport's current activity, challenges, opportunities and much more.
James has been on Island for 8 years and worked in numerous roles within the Airport environment.
Mikhail Harris talked to prospective candidates Jeffrey Ellick & Christine Scipio both running in this year’s General Election.
Tammy Williams talked to prospective candidate Russell Yon running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Clint Beard running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Russell Yon running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Donald Thomas running in this year’s General Election.
Addie Thomas talks to Alex Mitham who has recently arrived on the island to take up his post as Director of the Safety, Security & Home Affairs Portfolio (SSHA)
Alex has spent time on Tristan De Cunha and the Falklands Islands in various roles.
Alex discusses his previous assignments and his aspirations for Saint Helena's (SSHA).
Tammy Williams talked to prospective candidate Damien Thomas running in this year’s General Election.
Tammy Williams talked to prospective candidate Martin Henry running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Melissa Fowler running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Ronald Coleman running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Julie Fowler running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Dr Corinda Essex running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Julie Thomas running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Elizabeth Knipe running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Andrew Turner running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Derek Thomas running in this year’s General Election.
Stay tuned to Saint FM and follow all the latest developments leading up to the elections on all associated platforms.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Cruyff Buckley running in this year’s General Election.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Karl Thrower running in this year’s General Election.
Stay tuned to Saint FM and follow all the latest developments leading up to the elections on all associated platforms.
Saint FM News editor Mike Olsson and the St Helena Independent newspaper editor Vince Thompson talked to prospective candidate Rob Midwinter running in this year’s General Election
Stay tuned to Saint FM and follow all the latest developments leading up to the elections on all associated platforms.
During The Now Show on Thursday 2nd September Addie Thomas was joined by a distinguished panel to discuss Progress, Aspirations and Development on Saint Helena
The Panel Guests were:
Tara Wortley
Christine Thomas
Lawson Henry
Jackie Leo
Alan Bennett
The Panel discussed their optimism for what is to come, including change and challenges across a range of subjects.
A historical moment captured of the Google Equiano cable landing on St Helena today - This is the first landside cable delivery that is connected to the new undersea fibre optic cable owned by google. The Cable laying ship Teliri made her way into position at the crack of dawn ready to deliver the cable to the team on the beach at Ruperts today.
James and Hannah Herne and their family share the delights of their home – Gift Cottage with Tammy Williams
Surrounded by an Orchard and located at Sandy Bay St Helena, Gift Cottage offers child-minding services, carpentry & joinery and a beautiful nursery with all sorts of botanical wonders!
A heart-warming story from an amazing family
The St Helena Fibre Optic cable project is heading into the next momentous stage which includes the arrival of the cable ship Teliri on Wednesday 25th August 2021. This will be the 1st Landing of the new Equiano cable.
Tammy Williams was joined by SHG’s Equiano Project Manager Jerry Roberts who was accompanied by 2 engineers for the project - Vaughan Burrows and Andy Lawes to provide an update on the project and its next steps.
Now that St Helena's Legislative Council has been formally dissolved, the St Helena Government Administration is now preparing for a General Election within the next three months.
The next election will be an historic one as it will be the first under a ministerial system of government.
Governor Rushbrook and Councilor Tony Green give next steps on what to expect over the coming weeks.
Damien Burns, Head of St Helena's Sustainability Development Office discusses the Offices Roles & responsibilities with Addie Thomas on Thursday 15th July 2021's Now Show.
The Sustainability Development Office has taken over the responsibilities of Enterprise St Helena, plus responsibility for Civil Aviation Development and delivery of the Fibre Optic Project.
Damien provides details on his background and hopes for the future and some interesting visitor spending data
The Head of St Helena Governments IT Department and Undersea Cable Project lead Jerry Roberts provided an update to listeners as to the progress of the Project on the Breakfast Show on 30th June 2021.
Works on the cable are progressing well, two Engineers from Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) who arrived in May 2021, to undertake the installation of the Power Feed equipment and all associated telecoms equipment left on Saturday after successfully completing their tranche of the works.
Eight engineers from MCC, along with four members of Alcatel’s Submarine Networks Installation and Testing Team are now expected to arrive towards the end of July, their visit is expected to coincide with the arrival of the cable landing ship schedule to arrive in Ruperts Bay on 20th August 2021
The next stages of the work will include Equiano’s shore end landing, testing of the MCLS’s Power Feed Equipment and working towards the station’s completion date which has been forecasted towards September/October 2021.
On 17th June 2021 Tammy Williams on Saint FM conducted in her own words an inspiring and humbling interview from two Saint men, working behind the scenes and really making a huge contribution to our community - Geoffrey Benjamin BEM & Patrick Henry BEM
In the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours Awards Overseas and International Honours list on 12 June 2021 Geoff & Pat received the following:
· British Empire Medal (BEM) to Geoffrey Eric Benjamin, Senior Biomedical Scientist for Services to the COVID-19 response on St Helena.
· British Empire Medal (BEM) to Patrick George Henry, Chairman and Coach of the Jamestown Rifle Club for services to sports on St Helena.
Geoffrey Benjamin
Geoffrey Benjamin is being recognised for the significant role he played within the Health Services Directorate for the implementation of COVID-19 testing on the Island in May/June last year. Geoffrey was the laboratory specialist lead person and through his knowledge and innovation modified the existing laboratory at short notice and with limited resources to allow for testing in line with Public Health England (PHE) standards. He was also the dedicated lead on the procurement of specialist laboratory equipment and with there being no other specialists on-Island at the time, Geoffrey worked remotely with manufacturers in the UK volunteering many of his evenings and weekends to ensure that equipment underwent strict validation to certify the safety and accuracy of testing. In demonstrating further diligence, Geoffrey made himself available at all hours of the day when requests for testing of new arrivals from maritime vessels, charter flights and quarantine facilities were made and he worked tirelessly to ensure that all testing was carried out on time.
Geoffrey has played a major role in St Helena’s COVID-19 response plan. His expertise, professionalism and devotion to implementing effectively this new and important testing regime, meant that the Island went from no capability to full capability in just six weeks and gives the assurance of further protection to the community of St Helena.
Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry is being recognised for his commitment and dedication to motivate and train individuals to their highest ability in the sport of shooting on St Helena. He is also recognised as the driving force for the upgrade and renovation of the Jamestown Rifle Club to a safe training environment with modern equipment and has invested a lot of his personal time into the upkeep of the Club.
Patrick is not only a shooting coach, but also the only archery coach on St Helena. He actively encourages the youth to take part in this renowned sport and has volunteered a huge amount of his time in training individuals for international shooting games such as the Commonwealth Games and NatWest Island Games that took place in 2014, 2015 and 2017. As a testament to his dedication and skill, under his management of the 2015 Island Games, the shooting team attained two medals in Jersey, and under his management in Gotland, 2017 participants attained seven medals including two gold medals.
Patrick continues to dedicate much of his time in training of individuals in this sport and promoting it amongst the youth, and is always looking for ways to improve the Jamestown Rifle Club and bring it up to international standards as far as resources will allow, making it a place to be enjoyed by all.
His Excellency Dr Philip Rushbrook visited Saint FM on Friday 11th June 2021 to provide his regular update on territory events.
The Govenor provided updates on:
- Constitutional Amendment
- St Helena General Election
- Latest Covid control changes and reengagement with the World
- Legislation Backlog
- Bureaucracy and Committee overkill
- Digital Footprint and Business opportunities
- International recognition for St Helena
Arriving on St Helena 6 years ago from the USA, James shares his experiences of life on St Helena and the joy of music with Tammy Williams
James leaves St Helena next week but promises to come back after being an important part of the music scene on island
James is a classically trained guitarist and the interview contains 3 original compilations with James and local St Helenian song writers and singers, Paul Crowie and Barry Francis and Christian Castell including an unplugged with James himself.
James is the son of Neil & Debbie Fantom
In 1659 on 5 May Captain John Dutton arrived on St Helena with the first Colonist which is the birth of our Community as a people.
The Community of St Helena also played a vital part in the eradication of the Slave Trade and Slavery during the 19th Century.
A service to commemorate the birth of our Community as a people and to give thanks to God for our participation in the eradication of the slave trade and slavery during the 19th Century will take place at St Michael’s Church, Ruperts on Sunday 9 May at 4.30pm”
Bishop Dale Bowers talks in detail with Sharon Wade
St Helena Governor His Excellency Dr Philip Rushbrook visited Saint FM on March 26th 2021 to provide an update on a number of items:
In this 30 minute interview Dr Rushbrook provides his:
- Impression of the UK's Lockdown from his recent visit.
- Lobbying UK Government departments in support of St Helena's Budget.
- Reflections on his 4 week visit on Ascension Island - Runway repair progress & Island's prospects once the air bridge is reinstated.
- Viewpoint on direct flights to UK Post pandemic.
- Views on the recent Governance Consultative Poll.
- Hopes for the Fit For purpose reorganisation commencing 1st April.
- Future aspirations for the economic well being of the Island post pandemic.
Bob and Colin, two engineers, from American Manufactured Structures and Services (AMSS), contracted by SHG to construct the Modular Cable Landing Station and facilitate the installation of the Cable Landing Station modules chatted with Tammy Williams on the Breakfast Show on the 24th March 2021 about their long 3 day journey from the USA to St Helena.
During their stay on-Island, the AMSS Engineers worked in conjunction with locally recruited contractors for the modular assembly process.
Listen into the St Helena's Marine Team and his Excellency The Governor Dr Philip Rushbrook provide an introduction and overview of the Marine Team Responsibilities and what is available for the public to get involved with during Marine Awareness Week. This years event focuses of the Blue Belt programme.
Memo: Poor Audio in some of the Marine Team pieces
The complete St Helena Marine Team joined Tammy Williams on the Breakfast Show of 12th March 2021.
They provided an overview of the St Helena Marine Awareness Week which runs from the 15th-20th March and an very informative background of each of their roles are within the Marine Team.
This years event focuses on the Blue Belt Programme.
Liz Clingham & Leanne Henry joined Tammy Williams to provide an introduction to St Helena's Marine Awareness Week, which this year focusses on the Blue Belt Programme.
Liz & Leanne discuss how the Blue Belt works on St Helana since St Helena was granted a Marine Protection Area in 2016 and other British Overseas Territories (BOT's) and how St Helena could be used as a model for those other BOT's
Marine Awareness week runs from 15th-20th March as is centered at Ann's Place in Castle Gardens.
To celebrate World Radio Day Mike Olsson joined Sharon Wade on the weekend Shine Show to discuss the formation of development of Saint FM.
Mike also discusses the formation of Independent Media on St Helena and the difficulties & roadblocks in getting that off the ground - The Saint Helena Independent & Saint FM at the same time.
A great listen about the history of Saint FM / Saint FM Community Radio & The St Helena Independent including getting a transmitter to Tristan da Cunha for rebroadcast there in the early days and how poor internet and weather conditions brought that to an end.
Background on Saint FM / Community Radio & The Independent
Saint FM 94.7 was a radio station serving the South Atlantic island of Saint Helena. The station's studios and administration offices were located at Association Hall, Main Street, Jamestown. It was the only independent radio station broadcasting on Saint Helena and was also the island's only FM station.
The station also broadcast via the Internet and was relayed by stations in Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands. The organisation also produced a weekly newspaper, the St Helena Independent which continued despite the closure of Saint FM.
The radio channels vacated by Saint FM were been taken over by Saint FM Community Radio. Also Saint Fm 94.7 closed down on 31 April 2018 at midnight. Saint FM Community Radio is a radio station serving the South Atlantic island of Saint Helena. The station is owned by Saint FM Community Radio (Guarantee) Limited, a charity company legally registered in St. Helena and limited by guarantee. The station's studios and administration offices are located at Association Hall, Main Street, Jamestown.
To celebrate World Radio Day 2021, St Helenian Radio stalwart Tony Leo joined Sharon Wade on the Shine Show to talk about the early days of his career and the shaping of ST HELENA GOVERNMENT BROADCASTING STATION (Radio St Helena) in the early days after his appointment in April 1973. Tony revisits how he became to be appointed the Stations 1st Full time Member.
They then discuss the progression in programming and how the team worked both in the studio and the many outside broadcasts and the strict procedures they had to follow, including the records that were banned from transmission: French Kiss; Leap up and down with your knickers in the air; Push it; My Ding-A-Ling; Je t’aime'
A bit of background on Radio St Helena
Radio Saint Helena (call-sign: ZHH) was a local radio station serving the South Atlantic island of Saint Helena. Broadcasting on an AM frequency of 1548 kHz (194 m), the station was audible within a range of about 100 km from the island.
Radio St Helena also broadcast internationally on one day each year – on 11.0925 MHz shortwave – using the call-sign ZHH-50. Many of the station's regular presenters took part in this event, known as "Radio St Helena Day", thereby enjoying the experience of broadcasting to audiences all around the world.
The station began official broadcasting on 14th October 1967, relaying programmes from the BBC World Service and with ‘Variety Hour’ on Saturdays from 5pm-6pm presented by Rex Duncan.
Radio St Helena closed down at midnight on Christmas Day, 25 December 2012. This, following the earlier closure of Saint FM on 21 December, left Saint Helena with no broadcast radio service at all until Saint FM was relaunched on 10 March 2013 as Saint FM Community Radio.
Listen to Saint FM Voluntary Producer and Presenter Paul Blake talking to Johnny Clingham on his recent experiences of fighting back after being hospitalised with Covid-19 which was broadcast on Saint FM 1st February 2021. Now Available via the Saint FM Website Listen Again Page
Acting Governor Greg Gibson and Karan Garcha, the Economic Development and Prosperity Advisor both from the Governor’s office and representatives of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development office talk to Tammy Williams about Covid-19, governance, economic development and ideas around building St Helena back better.
An interesting discussion which concludes by highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnership working
St Helena's Printech's Christian Castell & Simon Green took time off to join Tammy Williams on Wednesday 13th Januarys Breakfast Show to talk about Men not showing their emotions.
A lively discussion where both Christian & Simon open up about how they display their emotions. Christian also discusses Hunky Dory's next Song release and performs a powerful acoustic song about emotions.
St Helena IEG Members Derek Thomas, David Price, Dr Kumar Tanyan and Janet Lawrence, provided an Update on Covid 19 strategies.
Key Points:
- Testing arrangements for the Arriving & departure of January's repatriation flight
- Roaming Security arrangements for Home Quarantine effective from 11th January
- MV Helena false positive results
- Potential Yacht breaches over Christmas Holiday period
The Governor His Excellency Dr Philip Rushbrook Christmas Message to the people of St Helena Island, Ascension Island & Tristan da Cunha - 25th December 2020. - Exclusive to Saint FM.
Cllr Derek Thomas & Dr Kumar Tanyan joined Sharon Wade of the Breakfast Show on the 22nd December to provide an update on Covid-19 arrangements for Covid-19 control:
Key Points:
- Change of Januarys flight from Charter to Repatriation - changes to priority list considering the UK's Essential Travel advice following the discovery of a more transmissible strain of Covid-19 in the UK.
- Home Quarantine will remain for January Flight.
- Further flights in 2021 will be subject to change - IEG will preplan but can change based on pertinent information at the time.
- Known information on the new strain incubation period, vaccine & testing implications.
- Arrangements for tests on arrival fand for those who test Positive for Covid-19.
Members of the St Helena Incident Executive Group (IEG) Cllr's Thomas & Buckley along with Chief of Police David Price visited Saint FM at 1558hrs on Monday 14th December 2020 - to provide a statement on Covid-19 Home Quarantine (HQ)Processes reviewed at the IEG on the 14th December.
After review, it was stated that from the January 2021 flight, all arrivals to St Helena will be allowed to Quarantine in a property that has been pre-approved by a Proper Office.
The IEG review focused on three principal areas:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
- Overall Risk Assessment
- 24-hour Roaming Security Monitoring
A Key part of SOP's are that entry to St Helena will be limited to 96 people per flight as pre recommendation by Health Service - based on Testing capabilities and resource availability. Neighbouring Properties informed on of HQ, Signage and
An Updated Risk Assessment on Bradleys vs. HQ Quarantine will be published on SHG Website Covid-19 Page along with Press Statement once Legislative Council has reviewed
A further Press conference will be held Prior to the January Flight
Outline Specifications for Roaming 24 hr Security have been issued and a good response received. A more detailed specification will be developed and negotiated with potential suppliers of the service.
The Full Process of HQ will be issued to the Public prior to the January as part of the HQ Information campaign.
Members of the St Helena Incident Executive Group (IEG) joined Tammy Williams on the Mid-Morning Show of Thursday 10th December 2020 to provide an update on the proposed Covid-19 Home Quarantine processes from the January 2021 flight.
IEG members present were Cllr's Derek Thomas, & Clint Beard, Chief of Police David Price, Senior Medical Officer Dr Kumar Tanyan and a member of the Proper Officers Team Geogina Young.
Key Points:
- Risk Assessments
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Rationale for Home Quarantine (HQ), How Covid-19 is transmitted, how St Helena's HQ, PPE processes are stricter.
- Public Information - Lack of communication - Communications Officer appointment
- Police HQ processes, request for factual reporting, no evidence of HQ rules contraventions to date.
- HQ Security, proposed security team to support Police monitoring.
- Readiness, Testing, Medical Capabilities, Case Management Oxygen Supply and O2 plant funded by HMG now on order
- IEG Meeting on Monday 14th December to review all proposed procedures etc, and decision on whether HQ will be implemented with January Flight
Councillor Jeffrey Ellick joined Mike Ollson on The Afternoon Show of 9th December 2020 to provide details on the upcoming Home Quarantine protest march planned for Saturday 12th December 2020:
- Why the protest is being organised.
- Who has been invited to receive the protest.
- What demonstration materials are allowed.
- Time of Start and route.
- Executive Council Motion at Legislative Council Meeting on 11th December.
Darrin & Sharon Henry creators of the St Helena's first Travel & Information App - Inside St Helena joined Tammy Williams on the Breakfast Show of the 9th December to review their last 12 months and aspirations for 2021.
Discussion points included:
- The impact that COVID-19 has had on the digital environment including the Virtual St Helena Day event they organised.
- The progress of the Inside St Helena App since its launch in July 2019.
- Future Digital Opportunities for St Helena.
- Miss St Helena.
- The impact Small Businesses have on the local economy, support, empowerment & buying locally.
- Young Helenians Aspirations & Dreams.
- Free Christmas Advertisements and Events on the Inside St Helena App.
- 2021 Aspirations including The Waiting Game book, Engage 2021.
Inside St Helena is St Helena's first Travel & Information App, helping everyone connect easily to businesses, services, and attractions on the Island is FREE to download from The App Store & Google Play.
St Helena's Director of Health, Jenny Lawrence and Senior Medical Officer Dr Kumar Tanyan joined Sharon Wade on the Mid-Morning Show of the 3rd December to provide an update on the latest COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Processes on Island
St Helena Governor His Excellency Dr Philip Rushbrook visited Saint FM on 26th November 2020 to review the latest developments in respect to:
- British Governments Foreign Aid Reduction Announcement
- British Overseas Territories Minister Baroness Suggs subsequent resignation
- Budget Expectations
- Governance Commission
- Covid-19 Response / Information sharing / Public Awareness / Potential Vaccine Availability / Quarantine / Testing Sensitivity Ascension & Tristan da Cunha and impact on Economies.
- Virtual Joint Ministerial Conference
Members of the St Helena Executive Group (IEG) joined Sharon Wade on Thursday 26th November Breakfast Show provide an update on the progress and feedback of the COVID-19 Home Quarantine process which will be implemented following the inbound January Flight.
The participants were Cllr's Thomas & Green, Georgina Young (Public Health) & the Chief of Police David Price.
St Helenian Colour Sergeant Alwin Stevens joined Tammy Williams on the Breakfast Show on Wednesday 25th November 2020.
They discuss Alvins role and training within the British Army and his award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)* after an action in Helmand Province Afghanistan along with two other members of his 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment. Alwin provides background on the action and presentation of the Award at Buckingham Palace by Her Majesty the Queen.
Other items discussed are, Remembrance Sunday and thoughts on that day this year, PTSD, and improvement for veterans in this area over the past few years including peer support groups.
The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) is a second level military decoration of the Bristish Armed Forces. Created in 1993 and first awarded in 1995, it was instituted after a review of the British Honours System to remove distinctions of rank in the awarding of gallantry decorations. The Victoria Cross is the only higher combat gallantry award presented by the United Kingdom. To date, there have been about 60 awards of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, including three posthumous and one-unit award. No second award bars have been awarded.*
Listen to Rikki Young’s moving & brave Life Story since her diagnosis of Breast Cancer in March 2020 as discussed with Johnny Clingham live on the special Reach back St Helena Show live from the UK on the afternoon of Sunday 15th November 2020
St Helena's Chief Digital Officer Jerry Roberts joined Tammy Williams on the Mid-Morning Show of 5th November 2020 to provide an update of the progress on the Undersea High Speed (fibre optical cable) Telecoms project.
St Helena’s new Chief Medical Officer Dr Roland Fasol joined Tammy Williams & Mike Olsson for a discussion around Covid-19 and the possibility of reopening St Helena’s Borders on the Breakfast Show on the 21st October 2020.
our chance to listen again to a packed studio of guests on the Wednesday Breakfast Show of 7th October 2020.
This segment of the Show was to review the Virtual London Marathon run by Neil Foster across the very variable terrain of St Helena in support of the UK based Aerobility charity, which has similar social objectives to SHAPE on St Helena.
Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks, Coordinator of the St Helena Research Institute (SHRI) reviews the success of the recent Virtual Island Summit that was held during the 1st week of September 2020
Christian Castell & James Fantom aka Hunky Dory joined Tammy Williams on the Mid-Morning show of the 29th September 2020 to discuss their new collaborative song Jamestown Way and plans for a video release on You Tube of the Song.
In this segment of the Saints Sound Show on World Tourism Day, the Ex RMS now named St Helena new Master Captain Jari Lindgren joined us from Liverpool to discuss the refit of the ex RMS to support the upcoming Extreme-E Championship
Following the Devastating Explosion in the Port of Beirut on the 2nd August 2020, Sarah Sayegh co-founded a Lebanese youth initiative, not affiliated with any movements, political, public or private organisation, that emerged due to the economic crisis In Lebanon and started operating on August 4th 2020.
Sarah joined the Saints Sounds Live show on the 24th September live from the Ivory Coast where she is currently fundraising to discuss the organisation and how Lebanon’s angels reached people and families that are in need of first necessities such as food, water, clothes, shelters and medicines without any discrimination of religion, origin, status or political opinion.