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St Helena, like many small and remote communities, faces challenges in being able to fill roles locally because of severe skills shortages and evolving demand for public services. This is primarily driven by the island’s changing demographics. Our population is both declining and ageing, meaning there are fewer people of working age to fill the roles needed in the public service and across the wider economy.
Within the Public Service, initially these challenges were evident in front-line services such as nursing, teaching and care workers. However, recently the challenge of filling roles from the local labour market is increasingly felt across a wider range of public service roles.
To ensure that essential services continue to operate effectively, we need to maintain a strong, skilled and resilient workforce.
To address these challenges responsibly, we are expanding our recruitment efforts to explore alternative and affordable labour markets, beyond St Helena and the UK. This approach allows us to bring in the required skills, experience and capacity needed to support various sectors, maintain service standards and enable long-term development. These skills will complement those of our local labour force. In this regard, we were able to successfully pilot the recruitment of a small cohort of carers from the Philippines in 2025.
At the same time, we remain committed to ensuring that St Helenians (Saints) living overseas have the same opportunity to apply for roles in the St Helena Public Service and if successful, are supported with their relocation to the island. Saints abroad bring valuable knowledge, cultural connection and commitment to our workforce and community. We will be exploring ways to expand our current advertising mediums with a view to ensuring the widest possible reach within the diaspora and encouraging Saints to return and join the Public Service.
In both approaches, we recognise that relocating to the island can be a significant and costly decision and in order to attract the right calibre of candidates, we will need to offer some enhancements on top of local salaries. In addition to local salary, support will be in the form of travel to St Helena, a contribution to relocation costs, contribution to pension and a contribution to rental costs (if the role is at the lower grade and if the individual does not have their own accommodation).
It is anticipated this will attract skilled workers to St Helena, enable participation and integration into our community and enable better engagement with Saints who are genuinely interested in returning to the Island to take up roles within the Public Service.
We see this as a balanced approach, supporting the return of Saints and responsibly accessing external labour markets where needed to ensure that we can meet the needs of our community whilst building a sustainable and inclusive future.
There is ongoing work being carried out to fully develop these approaches, and this remains a key priority in our workplans.
In commenting, Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks said:
“The challenges posed by St Helena’s declining and ageing population and the impact this has on the delivery of public services has been discussed at length in the two recent formal Legislative Council meetings. It is clear that we have to take action to retain and attract Saints in the Public Service, while also responsibly exploring alternative and affordable labour markets where necessary. This balanced approach will help to ensure the delivery of essential services and progress our policy priorities, including in particular:
- stabilise the population and labour market;
- protect health and social care and improve prevention outcomes;
- reform education and build the future workforce; and
- reform and strengthen the Public Service
The retention of existing staff working in the Public Service remains a priority. This will be supported through a range of ongoing HR initiatives such as employee engagement, development of pay progression frameworks and subject to affordability, implementation of the Reward and Recognition policy”.
#StHelena #PublicService #Workforce
The St Helena Government has welcomed the confirmation of a three‑year financial aid settlement from the UK Government, securing funding until March 2029.
The settlement delivers a 4.8% increase in core financial aid for 2026–27, followed by 2% annual increases in 2027–28 and 2028–29. This represents an additional £1.72 million in 2026–27, bringing St Helena’s core aid to £37.51 million, up from £35.79 million this year. There may also be the opportunity to unlock additional funding, subject to performance.
An additional £40 million over the next three years will be made available through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) to support essential capital investment including the Bulk Fuel Infrastructure.
For many years, SHG has had to plan budgets on an annual basis, often starting the new financial year with a temporary roll‑over budget while waiting for final confirmation on the settlement from the UK. This limited long‑term planning, delayed investment decisions, made financial management and project delivery much more challenging. A multi‑year settlement will allow SHG to: plan services and programmes with greater confidence; manage projects more efficiently and prioritise investments with the greatest social and economic impact.
SHG is currently finalising the 2026–27 budget and reviewing the EDIP project pipeline to ensure that projects already underway, and those offering the greatest community benefit, are prioritised.
The Chief Minister, Rebecca Cairns-Wicks said:
“In a very difficult financial climate, this settlement, spanning three years, gives St Helena what we have not had for several years, certainty. It gives us the opportunity to plan more effectively, invest smarter and focus on the projects that will make the biggest difference to our community.”
The confirmation of this settlement comes at a time when the UK faces significant fiscal pressures and increasing global instability. The UK Government has reduced its overall aid budget to 0.3% of Gross National Income, down from 0.5%, as it redirects resources towards defence and security commitments in an increasingly contested international environment.
This year’s negotiations also reflect a broader shift in the UK’s approach to development funding, with a stronger emphasis on investment. This was evident during discussions with the Financial Aid Mission (FAM) team in January and will continue during work to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the period to March 2029. The MoU will ensure that St Helena’s priorities are clearly understood and embedded within the funding framework.
SHG’s focus now is to ensure that the resources made available are used wisely, supporting essential public services, investing in economic development, and continuing to build a more sustainable and resilient future for St Helena.
#StHelena #FinancialAidSettlement #Budget
On Thursday, 26 March 2026, students from Years 8 to 10 at St Helena Secondary School took part in a dynamic 30-minute Question and Answer (Q&A) session with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The session offered a unique opportunity for the youth of St Helena to engage directly with one of the most senior figures in the UK Parliament, fostering a deeper understanding of democratic processes.
The students led the conversation, posing a variety of thoughtful questions that touched on the daily responsibilities of the Speaker, the mechanics of parliamentary debate, and the relationship between the UK and its Overseas Territories. Mr Speaker responded with clear and engaging insights, creating a comfortable environment that encouraged active participation from all the students involved.
Throughout the session, the discussion highlighted the importance of respectful disagreement, and the vital role young people play in the future of their community and country. It was a highly positive and valuable experience, leaving the students with a firsthand perspective on how Parliament functions and how their voices can be heard.
During the 30-minute exchange, students asked a range of questions, including:
- The Role of the Speaker: What is the Speaker’s job, and why is it important in Parliament?
- Managing Debate: How do you keep debates fair when Members of Parliament strongly disagree with each other?
- Representation: How are people in British Overseas Territories like Saint Helena represented in UK Parliament?
- Democratic Values: Why is respectful disagreement important in a democracy?
- Future Leadership: What skills do you think are most important for future leaders?
This session served as a meaningful link between St Helena’s youth and the British parliamentary system, encouraging students to see themselves as active participants in public life.
Photos
Sir Lindsay Hoyle speaks virtually to students in Years 8 to 10
Photos courtesy of the House of Commons
#StHelena #StHelenaSecondarySchool #HouseofCommons #MrSpeaker
Following notification from the Home Office in the UK, the following British passport fee increases took effect from Sunday, 5 April 2026:
- Adult 34-page Standard Passport:
- Current fee £120.50 will increase to £130.00.
- Child 34-page Standard Passport:
- Current fee £82.50 will increase to £89.00 (where the applicant is under 16 years of age)
The Roads Section will be carrying out work to complete finishing touches on Ladder Hill Road. To do this safely, the road will need to be closed for short periods on Sunday, 12 April 2026.
Ladder Hill Road will be:
•Closed from 06:00 – 08:30
•Open from 08:30 – 09:00
•Closed again from 09:00 to approximately 13:00.
The Roads Section advises those travelling into town to plan their journeys accordingly.
The public are thanked for their patience and understanding.
The St Helena Government (SHG) would like to reassure the community that Jonathan, St Helena’s beloved giant tortoise and the world’s oldest living land animal, is very much alive and well.
Yesterday, stories circulated on social media falsely claiming that Jonathan had passed away. These claims are entirely untrue and appear to be part of an online hoax. Jonathan was seen this morning at his home in the grounds of Plantation House, where he continues to enjoy his routine with the care and attention of the Plantation House staff and the St Helena Veterinary Service.
We understand the concern these misleading stories have caused. Jonathan is deeply cherished by the St Helenian community and has become an international icon. The level of global affection for him is clear from the many messages received from people reaching out for confirmation.
SHG encourages the public to rely only on official SHG channels for accurate and verified information about Jonathan and other matters of public interest. We would like to thank everyone who contacted us with concern and support.
Photo: Jonathan at his home in Plantation House this morning
#StHelena #JonathanTheTortoise #Plantation
The St Helena Resilience Forum (SHRF) met on Monday, 30 March, to assess the potential impacts of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on the island. Stakeholders gathered to evaluate risks to the local supply of essential commodities and services, including fuel, food, medicines and building materials.
Following the delivery of fuel this week, the St Helena Resilience Forum (SHRF) are reassured that St Helena has sufficient fuel supplies to last until at least August 2026 based on current usage.
The SHRF continues to monitor global events and developments closely and stands ready to implement any measures necessary to maintain steady supply chains and safeguard the island’s resilience.
While the SHRF is actively managing risks, the public can also play a positive role. By making sensible efficiencies where possible, such as reducing unnecessary fuel usage, minimising waste and supporting local products and services, everyone can contribute to strengthening on-island resilience.
Travellers undertaking holidays abroad, work trips or other journeys are advised that delays, cancellations and wider travel disruption may occur. Those transiting through the Middle East should check with their travel providers for the latest information and ensure they have appropriate travel insurance in place.
St Helena Government thanks the community for its continued cooperation and encourages the public to stay informed through official updates.
#StHelena #ResilienceForum #EssentialSupplies
Please be advised that the main Scotland Office will close tomorrow, 02 April 2026, at 14:00. This is to allow essential works to be carried out. In the case of emergency please call 26162. We will reopen as normal on Tuesday, 07 April.
Maundy Thursday falls this year on Thursday 02 April 2026. It is St Helena tradition to spend this time fishing at various locations around the island.
To help ensure that we all stay safe the Sea Rescue Service offers the following safety advice.
If you’re planning a fishing trip, please inform family members and friends of your intended location and time of return. It is also advisable to consider taking the following items with you:
- VHF radio, mobile phone or other means of communication
- Life jacket
- Any prescription medication
- Adequate food and water
- Suitable clothing for the weather conditions, including hi-vis clothing
- First aid kit
- Adequate lighting
Please do not fish alone.
The Sea Rescue Service teams will be patrolling the various fishing areas around the island throughout Maundy Thursday night. If any assistance is required, you can call for help on VHF Channel 16, which will be monitored at all times by the Emergency Services Call Centre (call sign ‘St Helena Radio’).
The teams can also be signalled by flashing or waving a light and, as usual, will still be contactable in an emergency via telephone number 999.
The tides on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are as follows:
Maundy Thursday 2026 High Tide – 03:01 hrs. 0.91 meters above chart datum
Low Tide – 09:09 hrs. 0.03 meters above chart datum
High Tide – 15:24 hrs. 0.96 meters above chart datum
Low Tide – 21:31 hrs. 0.09 meters above chart datum
Good Friday 2026 High Tide – 03:32 hrs. 0.91 meters above chart datum
Low Tide – 09:40 hrs. 0.05 meters above chart datum
High Tide – 15:53 hrs. 0.94 meters below chart datum
The Safety Security & Home Affairs Portfolio would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Easter.
SHG
01 April 2026
St Helena recently welcomed a delegation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), reinforcing the island’s ongoing commitment to strengthening maritime safety, governance and capability.
The visit formed part of continued collaboration between St Helena and the MCA, supporting the island’s development as a compliant and responsible maritime administration aligned with international standards and Red Ensign Group expectations.
The highlight of the week was the official opening of the St Helena Maritime Training Centre, a significant milestone in the island’s maritime journey. The event was attended by invited guests including His Excellency Governor Phillips, alongside representatives from the MCA, government officials and key stakeholders.
The new training centre, funded by the UK Government represents a major investment in building local maritime capability. It will support the development of seafarers, improve safety standards and provide a sustainable platform for maritime training on island. The initiative aligns with St Helena’s long-term vision to enhance resilience, strengthen compliance with international conventions, and create opportunities within the maritime sector.
Throughout the visit, the MCA delegation engaged with local teams, reviewed operational arrangements and provided technical support, further strengthening the partnership between St Helena and the United Kingdom in maritime matters.
This visit represents another important step forward in St Helena’s maritime development, demonstrating a clear commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration and the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Photos
Mrs Wendy Benjamin, Capacity Building Support, delivers a presentation to stakeholders
The St Helena Maritime and UK MCA Teams
Mrs Wendy Benjamin with Ms Elise Carlo and Ms Alison Leighton of the UK MCA
#StHelena #Maritime #MCA