Latest Posts
The public are advised that tree topping work at the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Playground will commence on Sunday, 17 August 2025 and is expected to finish on Friday, 29 August 2025. This work, is a collaboration between the Properties Division and the Forestry Section and is a continuation of the project approved by the Land Development Control Authority in 2021.
Tree topping will reduce the height and spread of the tree canopies to a manageable size in order to lower the risk of property damage and personal injury to those who live, work, or use the area.
Work Schedule and Road Closures
During this period, the road from Seales Corner to the Rose & Crown Store junction will be closed to vehicles from 09:00 to 15:00 daily.
- Vehicle Diversion: Drivers should use the diversion route at Seales Corner to get into and out of lower Jamestown.
- Pedestrian Access: Pedestrian access will not be permitted through the DoE Playground and the public toilets will be closed for the duration of the works.
On-site staff will be present to guide the public safely through the working area when safe to do so.
Please note that work will not take place on Saturday, 23 August, and the public holiday on Monday, 25 August. We will keep you informed of any other changes to this schedule.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to make the area safer.
The Royal St Helena Police (RSHP) is issuing a renewed warning to all drivers regarding the dangers of using mobile devices while operating a vehicle.
The use of handheld mobile phones while driving is not only a serious road safety concern but is also an offence. This includes texting, taking calls without a hands-free device, or interacting with social media and other apps.
Every time a driver looks at their phone, they are putting themselves, their passengers, and other road users at serious risk. Even a momentary glance can result in a life-changing crash. We are committed to reducing distracted driving across St Helena and will take enforcement action where necessary.
Research shows that looking away from the road for just two seconds significantly increases the chance of a collision. At even moderate speeds, sending or reading a text can mean driving blind for the length of a football field.
The RSHP reminds all road users of the following:
- It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving.
- Drivers caught using mobile phones can and will face fines.
- Hand-held devices should only be used where it is safe to do so.
If you must use your phone, stop in a safe location and turn off your engine.
The Road Traffic Ordinance, 1985, states the following:
“Mobile telephones, hand-held radios and any other hand-held communication devices 32A.
(1) A person must not drive a vehicle on a road while holding a telephone, a hand-held radio or any other hand-held communication device in any way while the vehicle is in motion.
(2) A person does not contravene subsection (1) if, at the time of the alleged contravention the person is –
(a) performing duties as a member of the Police Service, the Fire Service or any other emergency service; or
(b) using the telephone or radio to call the police, fire, ambulance or other emergency 16 service in response to a genuine emergency, and it is unsafe or impracticable for the person to cease driving in order to make the call.
(3) A person who fails to comply with subsection (1) commits an offence. Penalty: A fine of £1000.”
The public are encouraged to report dangerous driving or road safety concerns to Police Headquarters by telephone on 22626, via message on Facebook, by email through emergencycontrol@helanta.co.sh or by speaking to any officer.
RSHP continues to work towards safer roads and a safer St Helena for all.
#StHelena #RoadTrafficSafety
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
The Emergency Services of St Helena are thrilled to announce a free, family-friendly Emergency Services Open Day, set to take place on Friday, 22 August 2025, from 10:00 to 16:00 at the Sea Rescue Base in Rupert’s.
This unique event offers the public an unparalleled opportunity to go behind the scenes, meet the dedicated teams who work tirelessly to keep the island safe, and gain a deeper understanding of the vital work performed by St Helena’s emergency responders. The day will bring together representatives from the Ambulance Service, Sea Rescue, Royal St Helena Police, Fire and Rescue, GIS, the Medical Laboratory Team, and other essential services for a dynamic day of live demonstrations, interactive activities, and community engagement.
Attendees can look forward to a comprehensive programme including:
- Individual service stalls showcasing equipment and capabilities
- Live demonstrations from ambulance, fire, police, and sea rescue teams
- An exciting obstacle course
- A challenging rope tying competition
- The ultimate test of strength: a fire truck pull challenge
- A captivating live-action multi-agency emergency response demonstration
In addition to the thrilling displays, refreshments will be available, and a variety of family activities will ensure fun for all ages. The Medical Laboratory Team will also be on site from 10:00 to 15:00, offering the opportunity to learn about and participate in blood donation for those who wish to contribute.
Portfolio Director for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Alex Mitham, commented:
“This event truly brings our community and emergency services together. It’s a chance to go behind the scenes, meet the people behind the uniforms, and take part in a day that’s both fun and informative. We’re proud to showcase how our services work side by side every day to protect and support the people of St Helena.”
The event is open to everyone, and the public is strongly encouraged to attend, take part in the activities, and show their support for the island’s emergency heroes.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, 22 August 2025
- Time: 10:00 to 16:00
- Location: Sea Rescue Base, Rupert’s
- Entry Fee: Free
The day will commence with an opening speech and a full programme of events. Updates and announcements will be shared on social media in the lead-up to the event.
The day will begin with an opening speech and a full programme of events. Updates and announcements will be shared on social media in the lead-up to the event.
For more information contact Deputy Emergency Planning Manager, Anel O’Bey, via email at anel.obey@helanta.co.sh or by telephone on 25052.
#StHelena #EmergencyServicesOpenDay
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG is inviting expressions of interest from individuals to serve on a Governance Commission. This commission will seek the community’s views on the recommendations in the St Helena Governance Review Report.
This report was recently commissioned to evaluate the effectiveness, transparency and accountability of governance structures pertaining to the ministerial form of government that was introduced in 2021, and was laid on the table at the formal meeting of Legislative Council on 26 June 2025. A copy of the report can be found on the SHG Website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/CoE-St-Helena-Governance-Review-Final-Report-June-2025.
The Terms of Reference for the Governance Commission are also available on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/Governance-Commission-2025-ToR.
Interested persons should contact Portfolio Assistant for Central Support Services, Crystal Maggott, on telephone 22470 or via email at crystal.maggott@sainthelena.gov.sh by Friday, 29 August 2025.
The public are advised that the Highway Authority has approved the closure of the road from Lemon Tree Gut to the Junction in Sandy Bay. This closure is currently in effect and will remain in place until Friday, 15 August 2025.
The road will be closed each day from 09:00 to 15:30 to allow the Forestry Section to fell a number of trees bordering the road that pose a risk to public safety.
No access will be permitted to vehicular or pedestrian traffic, including emergency service vehicles, during the closure. The public should use the diversion route across Sandy Bay Ridge.
The public are thanked for their cooperation during this closure.
SHG
12 August 2025
The Liberated African Advisory Committee (LAAC) is proud to announce the launch of The Portrait Gallery- Stories of the Face, an exhibition commemorating the third anniversary of the reburial of Liberated Africans at Rupert’s Valley. The exhibition officially opened on Friday, 2 August 2025, and is a collaboration between Assistant Professor Andreana Cunningham, Boston University, the Museum of St Helena, and the St Helena National Trust, with support from the St Helena Tourist Office.
The exhibition features powerful portraits of three individuals from the Rupert’s Valley burial ground, created by Saint/Saint-descended artists in collaboration with a bioarchaeologist (who studies skeletal remains of the historic past). These portraits are a result of a unique process that merges scientific accuracy with artistic interpretation. Using methods of facial reconstruction traditionally used in forensic identification, the artists have brought to life what these individuals may have looked like, offering a poignant and personal way to honour their memory.
The Portrait Gallery highlights the importance of using both science and art to understand and commemorate the past. It shows that the act of creating a portrait can be a meaningful and respectful way to give a face to those who were once forgotten. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the history of the Liberated Africans on St Helena and the significance of their final resting place.
Helena Bennett, Director of the St Helena National Trust and Chairperson of the LAAC, commented:
“This exhibition is a testament to the collaborative spirit of St Helena and our shared commitment to preserving our history. By blending art and science, we are able to connect with these individuals on a deeply human level by giving them an identity and ensuring their stories are told.”
The Portrait Gallery is open to the public at the Museum of St Helena in Jamestown until 30 August 2025. The exhibition is an essential part of the ongoing efforts to honour the history and legacy of the Liberated Africans of St Helena.
Photos
Collaborators in the project (left to right): Assistant Professor and bioarchaeologist Andreana Cunningham, artist and St Helena Tourist Office representative – Sophia Joshua, SHNT representatives and LAAC members Shelley Magellan-Wade and Helena Bennett, artist Anna Henry, Museum of St Helena Director Adam Sizeland and artist Sophie Gresswell
Artists who participated in the project: Craig Peters, Sophia Joshua, Sophie Gresswell, Andreana Cunningham and Anna Henry
Attendees at the launch viewing the exhibition
Some of the artwork on display
#StHelena #MuseumofStHelena #LiberatedAfricans
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
A paediatric first aid course was recently held at the Sea Rescue Base in Rupert’s, run by Rae Dickie-Clark and Armand Brits, both Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) within the Ambulance Service.
The term ‘Paediatric First Aid’ is used to refer to the skills and knowledge required to provide effective first aid to children, which is anyone under the age of 16. The course was free of charge and was open to parents, grandparents and carers so they could better respond to a child in distress if needed. The course covered recognition of life-threatening conditions, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for infant and child, choking, how to recognise the signs of concussion, burns and the use of an AED.
Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager, said:
“I’m really pleased that our team volunteered to deliver the Paediatric First Aid Course. Education is just as vital as emergency response as it equips people with the knowledge to recognise when help is needed and gives them the confidence to provide basic care before an ambulance arrives. That early action can make a real difference in outcomes, especially in paediatric emergencies where time is critical and people often feel very distressed.
This course gives members of the public the chance to learn practical skills, ask questions, and build their understanding of what to do in an emergency. It also gives us, as an ambulance service, the chance to connect with the community in a different way. We’re able to answer their concerns, build trust, and break down barriers between the public and emergency services.
Taking up opportunities like this is important. It supports prevention, strengthens our relationship with the community, and helps people feel more prepared and confident to act when it matters most. Thank you to those who attended, and to the EMTs who gave up their free time to deliver the course.”
Anel O’Bey, Deputy Emergency Planning Manager, thanked everyone who took part in the day. Emergency Planning is looking forward to continue organising similar courses in the near future, which will further increase the island’s response capacity.
Photos
Participants and trainers at the course
EMT, Rae Dickie-Clark demonstrating care on a dummy baby
Rae, demonstrating how to respond to a person in distress due to choking
Rae and fellow EMT, Armand Brits, demonstrating how to use an AED
Armand, instructing trainees how to deliver CPR on an infant using a dummy
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Ceri Morgan as the new Director of Education, Skills and Employment. Mr Morgan arrived on the island in July, succeeding Marie Horton, who has completed her contract and returned to the UK.
Mr Morgan brings a wealth of experience to the role, with a background in education and skills development from his work in UK schools, the Department for Education, and various international assignments. He is eager to build on the excellent work already underway and continue to progress the education improvement journey on St Helena.
We extend a warm welcome to Ceri as he settles into the community.
Photo
Ceri Morgan
The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce that Mansiel Falqueza has been awarded a Chevening Scholarship. Mansiel has been accepted at the Coventry University to study for a Master’s degree in Nursing for a period of one year.
Mansiel has worked as a Staff Nurse at the General Hospital since 2019 and has recently covered Oncology.
Mansiel stated
“As I prepare to embark on my MSc in Nursing at Coventry University, I am eager to immerse myself in a programme that focuses on contemporary perspectives of care, nursing issues, research and leadership. More than anything, I look forward to connecting with fellow scholars in the healthcare sector, exchanging insights, and sharing aspirations. Chevening’s extraordinary global network offers a unique platform to build lasting relationships, foster collaboration, and inspire collective change—an opportunity I am deeply honoured to be part of.”
Chevening Scholarships are fully funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations and offers first class a study in the UK.
The Chevening programme is aimed at developing leaders and influencers, and those who want to make positive change in their community/country. Chevening allows individuals to grow personally and professionally, through a programme of bespoke events and activities, whilst gaining a prestigious and internationally recognised qualification. Over 1000 scholarships have been awarded this year worldwide.
Applications are now open for the next round of scholarships and will close on 7 October 2025.
For more information on applying visit www.chevening.org or alternatively contact Kerry Lane, Chevening Officer in the Governor’s Office at Kerry.Lane@fcdo.gov.uk
Photo :
Successful Candidate – Mansiel Falqueza
Governor’s Office, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
5 August 2025
The St Helena Government (SHG) is responding to recent media queries regarding the activities of the fishing vessel, St Albatros, which has been operating within St Helena’s fisheries. This statement is issued to provide clarity on the vessel’s licensing and to update the public on the status of its operations and recent reports.
The St Albatros is licensed to undertake both commercial and exploratory fishing in St Helena’s waters. The vessel was fishing under the terms of a licence issued by the Chief Fisheries Officer. Under the provisions of the Fisheries Ordinance 2021, it is possible for a foreign vessel to obtain a licence.
As part of SHG’s oversight procedures, an SHG Fisheries Observer was on board the St Albatros, throughout its recent fishing trip, maintaining daily communication with our Marine Enforcement Section.
One of the conditions of the fishing licence requires the vessel to have a fully functioning Automatic Identification System (AIS) in place to aid the tracking and identification of the vessel whilst at sea. The St Albatros is equipped with an AIS, however on the return of the vessel from fishing, the vessel owner advised SHG the vessel had being experiencing problems with its AIS during its fishing trip which impacted its ability to be tracked during the entire trip. As a result, he would be seeking guidance on its repair before undertaking any further fishing
Following the completion of the fishing trip, the vessel owner and Vessel Registry Authority in SA advised SHG that the St Albatros had been de-registered in SA at the request of the vessel owner. As part of this de-registration process, the vessel’s owner is required to remove all previous registry status from the vessel’s GPS, AIS, and other transmitting systems, as well as the physical registry markings on the vessel itself. This is a critical step to ensure the vessel is not interpreted as claiming to be flagged to a country where it is no longer registered.
We have received reports concerning potential breaches of international maritime law by the St Albatros and are looking into the matter. To ensure a comprehensive and impartial review, we are seeking expert advice from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the UK.
We are committed to protecting our marine environment and upholding international standards, and we will keep the public informed of the findings of the investigation when they become available.
#StHelena #Maritime #Fisheries