Category Archives: Politics

St Helena shows UK the way with fizzy drinks tax

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Simon Pipe

St Helena appears to be showing Britain the way to tackle obesity, by introducing a sugar tax. A levy on high-sugar drinks was announced in the island’s budget in the very month that England’s chief medical officer warned that the … Continue reading →

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UK ‘doesn’t even know’ about island eco threats, say MPs

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Simon Pipe

The UK has been accused by a Westminster committee of failing to protect endangered plants and creatures in its overseas territories. The Environmental Audit Committee said the UK was not taking proper responsibility for the 517 globally threatened species in … Continue reading →

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Ninety days in a wilderness: election delayed until last moment

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Simon Pipe

The restoration of democratically-elected government on St Helena is to be delayed until the last possible week. A general election is to take place on St Helena on 17 July 2013 – two days short of the 13-week deadline allowed … Continue reading →

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St Helena votes NO in chief councillor poll

Posted on March 25, 2013 by 7views

On Saturday 23 March 2013, a Poll was held on St Helena, on the question of a Chief Councillor, raised in the recent discussion paper ‘Improving Democracy and Accountability’ To the Question: Should St Helena have a Chief Councillor who … Continue reading →

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UK group backs campaign to end secrecy in The Castle

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Simon Pipe

A call for more open government on St Helena has been backed by a leading group in the UK. In a message of support, Katherine Gundersen of the London-based Campaign for Freedom of Information says open, honest debate leads to … Continue reading →

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Welcome to St Helena – a tax dodger’s paradise?

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Simon Pipe

What’s the difference between St Helena and a billionaire’s financial playground? Nothing, to judge by a jibe from the British Labour MP Denis MacShane. In a Parliamentary Question on the recent overseas territories White Paper, he asked: “Can the Minister … Continue reading →

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£46,000 a year to make island finances more transparent

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Simon Pipe

An adviser is being recruited to help deal with weaknesses in St Helena’s public services. The job will include making the island’s budget system more transparent. The £46,000-a-year role is to guide the modernising of public service on the island … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Exco, Law, Legislative Council, Media, Politics, St Helena Online, UK overseas territories, White Paper | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

St Helena Online joins a campaign for transparency

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Simon Pipe

Ignorance may be bliss, but it’s not good for democracy. St Helena’s elected councillors are making decisions that will set the course of the island’s future, but we are rarely told what they will talk about in advance. That means … Continue reading →

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‘We honour the spirit of freedom act’ says The Castle

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Simon Pipe

St Helena Government says it is committed to open government, even though it has not adopted the UK’s Freedom of Information laws. It said: “We do honour the spirit and intent of the Act, but without adopting its cumbersome formality. … Continue reading →

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UK offers to help reduce offenders’ risk to island society

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Simon Pipe

St Helena and other Overseas Territories are being offered help to deal with criminals who need specialist treatment to manage their behaviour – including sex offenders. The UK government’s White Paper says smaller territories often lack facilities to treat people … Continue reading →

Posted in Ascension, Crime, Culture, Economy, Health, Law, Politics, UK overseas territories, White Paper | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment