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Today, St Helena Government (SHG) joins the global maritime community in celebrating the International Day of the Seafarer. Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2010, this day recognises how deeply sea transport shapes and sustains our daily lives.
To mark this occasion, SHG pays tribute to one of our own retired seafarers, Mr Patrick Williams (Bosun). Mr Williams was a highly valued crew member of the RMS St Helena, the beloved vessel that served as the island’s vital lifeline. Below, Mr Williams shares his personal memories of a remarkable 39-year career at sea.
Starting Out
“I first joined the old RMS St Helena (Ex Northland Prince) in October 1978, whilst coming home on leave from Cable & Wireless on Ascension where I was employed as a Pontoon Coxswain at the Pierhead. Even though I had already signed a contract to go back, the catering department was looking for a Utility Steward, so eager to work on a ship, I took the chance. The sun deck was certified to carry thirty-six passengers, but being the maiden voyage, joining from Ascension were sixty-six, plus all the cabins were full, so the Captain took a bit of a risk. Rodney Anthony and I had to help with the meals due to a staff shortage. Also the weather was really bad between the islands at that time.
In those days Ascension employees didn’t carry passports, so it was a rush for me, first to see Colin and Marlene Yon for passport photos, then to The Meadow to the Salts shop for a white shirt and black trousers (always wore shorts on Ascension). On sailing day I signed on, getting to know new faces and getting familiar with the ship. It was up to the UK via Ascension and Las Palmas. If my memory is right, we only did the first two voyages to St. Helena and back to the UK.”
Visiting Tristan da Cunha
“One day in James Bay, Pat Francis and myself were doing some maintenance work on deck when Captain Wyatt shouted from the Bridge to put the shrouds up on the fore mast, we’re going to Tristan. (In nautical terms, shrouds are wire stays to secure the mast). To me it was excitement and hard to believe. Going to school we learned about Tristan, now hopefully we would see it in reality. We had bananas roped up in the lower hold, they were green but by the time we arrived at Tristan they were dropping off the bunches. I think we took about five – six days. We mainly went to pick up the Governor and Arthur Corker who went to supervise the building of their swimming pool.
The day we arrived, and before we anchored, the Islanders long boats with pretty sails were heading for Nightingale Island. After we anchored half could go ashore, and half stayed back on board in case the weather broke out. We were there for a few days, but what was a bit scary was we only had life rafts certified for a certain amount of people, and at that time there was a college team of about twenty (Denston College) who boarded as well, plus a few medivacs going to Cape Town. I think the Governor bunked down in the Captain’s cabin. We all made it safely to Cape Town.”
Progressing
“Somehow Captain Wyatt wouldn’t let us go back on the RMS, I mean Pat Francis and myself. He wanted the two Pats to stay with him, but as time went on the MOD was finished with the RMS and things got back to normal. I was slowly working up to Bosun’s Mate, but what I will say, signing on MOD articles to join the Falklands Task Force was the highlight of my time in the Merchant Navy.
Peter Joey Sim always relieved Ronnie Johnson as Bosun, but when Ronnie resigned I was promoted to Bosun (Chief Petty Officer). Then along came the new RMS. Peter brought her down from the UK to St. Helena then I joined to take her to Cape Town for the first time. As voyages progressed on and Andrew Weir took over, the making of the airport started to take shape. Some officers rose to the rank of Captains and Chief Engineers. It was good to see Saints progress to the top.”
MV Oman Sea One
“I was on ship when we heard of the Oman Sea One believed to have gone down, I thought some busy times to come. I wasn’t going to stay up all night to look, so I turned in. Next morning about 06.00, I was awakened by Julian Swain (Deckhand) saying there’s a man waving to them, so I said ok, get all the remaining deck hands out for this. Our emergency boat list was completely ignored, so certain crew members was boats crew. So to make it short, we put our boat into the water, there was quite a bit of swell but we got to the survivor, threw him some rope and heaved him alongside, then into the boat. He was the Indian cook, with two life jackets on. It was a bit of a struggle getting back alongside ship, but after a few attempts, we managed to get hoisted up after bouncing into the embarkation deck. Some senior officers were out of the boat and away, maybe for some clean underwear.
So like the saying is, there’s always stories to tell, of good times and rough times. As for me, on the 29th July 2017, I dropped the anchor of the RMS in James Bay, signed off, and was homeward bound. With the old RMS, the Aragonite and the new one, my time at sea was thirty-nine years.”
The full, unedited text of Mr Williams’ story can be found at the following link: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/day-of-the-seafarer-2026-full-tribute/.
St Helena Government wishes Mr Williams a long and happy retirement and extends our deepest gratitude for his 39 years of dedicated service to the island of St Helena.
Photos
Mr Williams on the RMS St Helena
The RMS St Helena requisitioned to join the Falkland Task Force in 1982
Members of the RMS St Helena crew with a younger Mr Williams kneeling second from the right
#StHelena #Maritime #DayoftheSeafarer
Following the publication of the UK Government’s (UKG) written Ministerial statement to Parliament on Tuesday, St Helena Government (SHG) is now able to publish the annexes that accompany the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SHG and the UKG relating to potential future migrant arrivals from the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
The extension agreement, announced in May 2026, secures up to £9.05 million in additional support for St Helena, comprising £8 million in development funding, up to £800,000 in preparedness funding and a £250,000 unrestricted ex-gratia payment.
The annexes provide important additional detail on how the agreement will operate and the safeguards that have been put in place.
Annex A https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/biot-mou-annex-a/
Annex A sets out the additional funding package and preparedness arrangements. It
- includes support for education, health services, telecommunications, renewable energy, immigration capability, accommodation readiness and data protection systems
- recognises St Helena’s valued place within the British family by setting out further commitments for support, as well as areas for further exploration such as reviewing UK healthcare quota arrangements; exploring options to support SHG with training and upskilling staff involved in mental health provision; engaging on a proposal to extend certain privileges to St Helena. Many of these are long running goals that will make a significant difference to the delivery of our health care services and costs for running the SHG UK Office.
- details the support that would be available to St Helena in the event of migrant arrivals.
The extension also includes a commitment, subject to drafting support from the UKG to introduce a Data Protection Ordinance for St Helena. While this commitment supports the operation of the BIOT arrangements, it will also strengthen the island’s wider framework for protecting personal information. SHG Data Protection Policy was approved in October 2024 but work to progress legislation was paused due to other priorities. It is anticipated that following enactment of a Data Protection Ordinance a lead in period of two years would be provided for before this legislation is brought into force. This will ensure that Government departments, businesses in the private sector and individuals will all have sufficient time to understand the requirements of the legislation and make the necessary changes to their systems and processes to ensure compliance.
Annex B https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/biot-mou-annex-b/
Annex B establishes a temporary data-sharing framework that enables SHG to undertake appropriate health and security screening before any transfer can take place. It contains strict safeguards governing the handling of personal information, limits the purposes for which data may be used and requires secure processing arrangements.
The extension also reflects lessons learned from the original agreement. Key features of the extension are:
- that the annexes are expressly recognised as an integral and inextricable part of the MOU to ensure clarity about what forms part of the overall package agreed between SHG and UKG.
- Setting timelines and feasible commitments where cross UKG support in the agreement is required, to avoid creating expectations that cannot be fulfilled.
- having greater clarity around what support would be given by SHG in the event of migrants arrivals on St Helena.
BIOT Project Manager Appointed
SHG is pleased to announce that Shelby Bargo commenced her role as BIOT Project Manager last week. Shelby will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating preparations to ensure that appropriate processes and arrangements are in place should any migrants get transferred to St Helena. Her role will involve working closely with relevant departments and stakeholders to support effective planning, operational readiness, and coordinated responses.
The MOU can be found at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/BIOT-MoU-QA.pdf. A Q&A can also be found at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/biot-mou-qa/.
Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks said:
“The publication of these annexes provides greater transparency about the safeguards, protections and support that underpin the extension agreement.
The overriding principle remains unchanged: any arrangements must not place an unreasonable financial, operational or resource burden on St Helena. The extension strengthens the protections available to the island, secures significant additional investment in our development priorities and provides greater clarity around preparedness, additional provisions, data protection and funding responsibilities.
We recognise that people will hold differing views on the wider BIOT arrangements. It is therefore important that the public can see the detail of what has been agreed and the measures that have been put in place to protect the interests of St Helena.”
#StHelena #BIOT #MOU
The 2026 Register of Electors has today been published in an Extraordinary Gazette. This Register is effective from 1 July 2026.
The 2026 Register of Electors is available on the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/gazette/85652/EX-GAZ-63-Register-of-Electors-July-2026.pdf.
Alternatively, hard copies of the Register will be available to view at the following locations:
- Customer Service Centre, Jamestown
- Public Library, Jamestown
- ENRPP Offices, Scotland
- The Office of the Registration Officer, the Castle, Jamestown
#StHelena #RegisterOfElectors
A meeting of the Governor in Council was held on 16 June 2026.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
The following items were considered:
- Declaration of Interest.
Ministers Thrower and Turner declared their interest.
Minister Thrower felt his association with the applicant would affect his judgement and therefore exempted himself from the proceedings.
Minister Turner did not feel his association would affect his judgment and was willing to proceed with the discussion.
2. Application for Dispensation under Paragraph 4 of Schedule II to the
the Immigration Control Ordinance, 2011 – ********** (GiC 07/2026)
Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise:
(a) whether to grant dispensation from the requirements of Paragraph 1 of Schedule II of the Immigration Ordinance, 2011 in the circumstances of the applicant, and as provided for in Paragraph 4 of Schedule II of the Immigration Ordinance, 2011; and
(b) In considering the grant of a Dispensation, whether Governor in Council was satisfied that:
(i) The applicant has a substantial economic, social or historical connection with St Helena;
(ii) There are exceptional circumstances why strict compliance with the requirements should be dispensed with; and
(iii) It would be in the public interest to grant the dispensation.
Having reviewed all relevant information, the Council did not support the request for dispensation. Particular regard was given to the fact that the applicant’s period of residence on St Helena falls significantly short of that ordinarily required under Schedule II of the Ordinance. The Council was not satisfied that the circumstances of the application justified the granting of a dispensation.
A letter has been sent to the applicant to inform them of the outcome.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
St Helena Government (SHG), in conjunction with the St Helena National Trust (SHNT), would like to advise the public of an upcoming trial being undertaken by WindBorne Systems.
WindBorne Systems is expanding its global weather balloon constellation into the South Atlantic and has selected High Knoll Fort as the location for a new trial launch site. Situated approximately halfway between South America and Africa, St Helena occupies a strategically important location in a region where upper-air weather observations have historically been extremely limited. Weather balloon launches from the island will help close one of the last major gaps in global atmospheric data coverage, contributing to improved weather forecasting across the southern hemisphere and the tropical Atlantic.
Should the trial prove successful, WindBorne Systems intends to establish a permanent launch site on St Helena. In addition to strengthening global weather forecasting capabilities, a permanent presence on the island would create opportunities for part-time employment and ongoing site maintenance.
The trial programme will involve the launch of two to three weather balloons per day from Thursday 25 June to Friday 3 July, between 10:00 and 13:00. Members of the public are welcome to observe the daily launches from High Knoll Fort.
WindBorne representatives will also be delivering a public presentation next week, providing an overview of the company, its operations, and the objectives of the St Helena trial. Further details regarding the presentation will be announced shortly.
Members of the public seeking further information are invited to contact the Trade and Investment Team via email at invest@sainthelena.gov.sh or Mike Ormrod, Head of Trade and Investment on telephone +290 22470.
Notes to Editors
WindBorne Systems operates the world’s largest constellation of weather balloons and collects more in-situ atmospheric observations than any single governmental weather agency. With approximately 600 balloons airborne at any given time, accumulating around 14,400 flight hours each day, atmospheric data collected is used to train and power advanced forecasting models capable of predicting weather conditions across the globe, including kilometre-scale forecasts over the continental United States. These forecasts are refreshed hourly and can project weather patterns up to 15 days in advance.
The company is also committed to environmental sustainability and operates as a plastic-negative organisation.
#StHelena #Trail #WeatherBalloonLaunch
Members of the public who still need to receive their first Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination, or who are due for their second dose, are encouraged to attend one of the below clinic sessions.
These clinics represent the last opportunity for anyone yet to receive their first dose to complete the two-dose MMR vaccination schedule. This is because the stock of vaccines received for this campaign expire in September 2026 and the two doses must be given at least 28 days apart.
| District | Date | Time |
| Longwood (Harford Community Centre) | Monday 6 July | 10:00 – 11:00 |
| Levelwood (Clinic) | Monday 6 July | 12:00 – 13:30 |
| HTH (Community Care Complex – CCC) | Wednesday 8 July | 10:00 – 11:30 |
| Jamestown Community Centre | Thursday 9 July | 10:00 – 11:30 |
These clinics will be repeated in August to allow completion of the two-dose schedule.
Important reminder: If attending for your second MMR vaccination, please ensure that at least 28 days have passed since your first vaccination.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the session most convenient for them. Please bring a list of your current medications.
Vaccination is an important step in protecting yourself and helping to safeguard the wider community.
For individuals who are housebound and unable to attend any of the scheduled sessions, home visits can be arranged with a nurse. Please contact the Health Promotion Team on 25949 to register your request.
Anyone passing by the former Harford Primary School recently will have noticed a significant increase in activity on-site. The Programme Management Office (PMO) is pleased to share a closer look at these developments as essential enabling works conclude, paving the way for the school’s transformation into a vibrant, age-specific learning environment.
This foundational phase prepares the site for future redesign works that will convert the existing Harford School into a positive, tailored learning space specifically designed for Key Stage 1 (KS1) and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
Key Achievements to Date:
- Internal and External Strip-Out: Teams successfully cleared the building’s interior, removing legacy wiring, wall and floor coverings, skirting, plumbing, and old toilet systems. Demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability, 70% of these materials have been recycled.
- Southern Area Excavation: Extensive earthworks were completed in the southern area to develop an accessible EYFS playground. The new design directly connects internal learning spaces to dedicated outdoor play areas while flooding the rear of the school with natural light.
- Utility Diversions: Private sewer lines were completely redirected outside of the school grounds to secure and modernize the site’s utility infrastructure.
The PMO extends its thanks to Clint Contractors and CSH for their hard work on-site, which has ensured the area is safe, cleared, and fully prepared for the next phase.
The project has now officially entered the procurement and tendering stage for the main contractor. Further updates will be shared once the contract is awarded.
This project forms part of the UK Government (UKG) funded Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP).
Photos
Some of the works to date include removal of legacy wiring, wall and floor coverings and skirting
Extensive earthworks completed in the southern area to develop an accessible EYFS playground.
#StHelena #PrimaryReorganisationProject #ProjectManagementWorks
St Helena Government would like to advise the public that all roadworks in Longwood have now been completed.
As a result, the Route 1 Bottom Woods departure time will revert to 09:10, Monday to Saturday, as per the public transport schedule.
The public are thanked for their continued support.
The Royal St Helena Police Service (RSHP) is urging residents to exercise a high degree of caution following a recent increase in local reports regarding hacking and phone mirroring.
In these incidents, scammers attempt to gain unauthorised access to personal devices and accounts, often pretending to be someone you know.
To safeguard your personal data and digital identity, the RSHP strongly advises taking the following protective measures:
- Verify Friend Requests: Do not accept social media friend requests (such as on Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram) from individuals you do not know.
- Double-Check Familiar Faces: If you receive a friend request from someone you believe you are already connected with, verify their identity through an independent channel. Call them on a known, trusted phone number. Never use contact details provided by the new account to verify their identity.
- Be Sceptical of Links: Avoid clicking on any links sent via text, email, or social media messaging unless you are entirely confident the source and the website are legitimate.
- Preserve Evidence: If you suspect you have been targeted, please retain all relevant chat histories, messages, and screenshots on your device. These digital records are vital for police investigations.
- Block and Report: If an online interaction feels unsafe or suspicious, block the user immediately.
How to Report
Please report any suspicious digital behaviour, particularly on platforms like WhatsApp or Snapchat, to the police at the earliest opportunity.
Your proactive reporting helps protect the wider community. For assistance or to lodge a report, please contact the Police Station directly on 22626.
The Marine Enforcement Section wishes to advise all fishers that a temporary ban on lobster fishing will come into effect on Tuesday 23 June 2026 and will run until Friday 31 December 2026.
This ban is being put in place as the annual catch limits for both the Brown Spiny Lobster and Stump Lobster have now been reached across all fishing sectors.
The catch limits were established using scientific research undertaken through the Darwin Lobster Project (2018–2021), which significantly improved our understanding of our Lobster population status around the island (where they occur, how they live, and how abundant they are). A precautionary approach is applied when establishing catch limits to ensure that sufficient breeding stock remains in the sea to keep St Helenas lobster populations healthy and sustainable for the future.
Fishing Control Notice
- The landing or retention of the following species within St Helena’s fisheries limits is prohibited during the period commencing Tuesday 23 June 2026 and ending Friday 31 December 2026:
- Brown Spiny Lobster (Panulirus Echinatus)
- Stump Lobster (Scyllarides Obtusus)
- Any Brown Spiny Lobster or Stump Lobster caught as bycatch during this period must be returned immediately to the sea and any bycatch so returned will not be considered to have been caught in breach of this notice.
Penalties
Please note that breaking a Fishing Control Notice is a serious offence under section 72(2) of the Fisheries Ordinance, 2021. Violators face prosecution and a maximum fine of £25,000.
Next Steps
The Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section (MFCS) has over the last three years continued to monitor lobster stocks through annual surveys, tagging programmes, and fisher logbook returns. This valuable data that will soon be analysed to review the current catch limits to ensure thaty future limits reflect the latest scientific understanding.
Thank you to all fishers who contribute data and support our survey work. Your cooperation plays a vital role in protecting and sustaining this important fishery for everyone. For further information please contact Kelly Jonas, Marine Enforcement Officer, by telephone on 25947 or via email at kelly.jonas@sainthelena.gov.sh.