THE FIRST MINISTER GIVES HER ST DAVIDS DAY MESSAGE

“Today people across Wales and across the world come together and celebrate all things Wales and Welshness – Cymru a Chymreictod.

On our national day we like to follow St David and what he did and do the little things – gwneud y pethau bychain.

Because lots of little things soon add up.

This sense of taking care of others is part of our national identity, as is our love of singing and sports.

We are right to be proud of our close-knit communities and strong sense of social justice and fairness.

Our tolerance and our progressive values are also key to us.

Wales is also home to innovators and creators, making it a place where brilliant ideas can thrive.

Our rich history, vibrant culture and language is as unique as our mountains, coastlines and thriving cities.

I promise that we will continue our work to create a stronger, fairer and a greener Wales.

A place where everyone is valued, and nobody is left behind.

And where our young people can achieve their dreams and their potential.

These are aims rooted in the lessons taught by Dewi Sant himself.

So, wherever you are celebrating St David’s Day this year, help us to turn the world a little more Welsh and do a little thing to brighten someone else’s day up.

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus to you all – mwynhewch!”

A MESSAGE FROM JO STEVENS

For the first time as Welsh Secretary, I’m delighted to be able to wish everyone across West Wales a happy St David’s Day.

Following the election last July, we promised to deliver change and that is what we have begun to do.

We pledged safer streets, green energy and, above all, new jobs and economic growth. Underpinning all of this was the promise of a transformed relationship between the UK and Welsh Governments – a partnership that delivers for the people of Wales.

Above all, our mission is to kickstart economic growth.

In West Wales we have already seen significant investment into the local economy. We’ve given the green light for the Celtic Freeport covering Milford Haven and Port Talbot, which will unlock millions in private investment and galvanise thousands of jobs in the area.

Supported by £26m in UK Government funding, the Freeport will encourage growth and investment by creating tax and customs incentives for business.

The Swansea Bay City Deal is delivering for the region. Just weeks after the General Election I joined First Minister Eluned Morgan and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to open the £60m Pembroke Dock Marine development which has transformed facilities at the port.

City Deal projects like the Pentre Awel health care and research development in Llanelli are hugely exciting while communities like Laugharne, Llangwm and Nantgaredig are being connected to ultra-fast broadband helping to boost productivity and breaking down barriers to opportunity in those areas.

This is what we mean by driving growth in all of our communities.

The UK Government’s mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower also provides huge opportunities for West Wales.

The region is home to a world class clean energy sector with abundant natural resources and the potential to be the powerhouse for economic growth for Wales and the wider UK.

The golden opportunity of floating offshore wind will be a critical part of our clean energy mission and we are working with the Welsh Government and industry partners to develop floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea which could support up to 5,300 new jobs and generate up to £1.4bn for the UK economy. Local ports will be vital for supporting this growing industry.

And the UK Government has identified Pembrokeshire as a pilot area to develop a skilled clean energy workforce, which could see funding for targeted measures such as training centres and courses to upskill workers.

These are the jobs of the future and it was fantastic to meet apprentices at Dragon LNG and Ledwood Engineering when I was in Pembrokeshire recently. My hope is that more young people in West Wales will be able to stay in their home area and develop fantastic careers in the new industries the region is attracting and which the UK Government is supporting.

It is clear that in just a few short months, the new UK Government has made significant strides. Building on our strengths in green energy, industry and, most of all, our people I know West Wales will continue to be a brilliant place to do business.

I’d like to send my best wishes to everyone there celebrating our national day.

WALES AIR AMBULANCE says it is delighted to be celebrating its 24th anniversary of its lifesaving service.

Since its inception on St David’s Day in 2001, the Charity has attended over 52,000 missions across the whole country, and it has grown to be one of the largest and most medically advanced air ambulance operations in Europe. 

Wales Air Ambulance has grown immensely over the past 24 years, the Charity proudly has four aircraft covering the whole of Wales, as well has having a fleet of rapid response vehicles.

In December 2020, the Wales Air Ambulance introduced a helicopter to start flying at night, which enabled the Charity to reach more people in their worst moments.

The Wales Air Ambulance operates 24/7, 365 days a year Wales-wide, thanks to the generosity of the people of Wales.

It is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

The service is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

Every year, the all-Wales Charity needs to raise £11.2 million to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road, relying solely on public donations.

Dr Sue Barnes, Wales Air Ambulance’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating our 24th anniversary of being there for the people of Wales when they need us most. We’re proud of how far we have come from having a single aircraft based at Swansea Airport to the four helicopters and rapid response vehicles we have across Wales.

“The Charity would like to say a huge “thank you” to all its loyal supporters, its staff, volunteers, trustees, medics, pilots and allocators – past and present. Your passion and determination are the strong foundation upon which Wales Air Ambulance has been built. It’s because of you that we’re able to serve Wales and save lives 24/7. We look forward to being there for the people of Wales for the next 24 years and longer. Happy 24th Birthday Wales Air Ambulance!”

The Charity is marking the occasion with the return of its flagship event, Coffee and Cake.

To mark the Wales Air Ambulance’s birthday we have launched Coffee and Cake for the second year running. The beauty of this event is that it is open to everyone, and you can host your party at a time or place that suits you.

Get together with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and host your very own Coffee and Cake party during the month of March, whilst raising ‘dough’ for the Wales Air Ambulance.

For more information visit www.walesairambulance.com/coffee-and-cake