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Following the press release issued by St Helena Government (SHG) on 24 September 2026 regarding the Primary School Reorganisation Project, SHG has decided to pause the building and refurbishment element of the project while further work is undertaken to review the proposed model.

As a result, the Education, Skills, and Employment Portfolio (ESE) is advising the public of temporary changes to the delivery of Lifelong Learning Services (LLS). The changes will make additional space available for Key Stage 2 (KS2) school provision during this period.

Relocation of Services

During this period, St Helena Community College (SHCC), the NVQ Centre and Career Access St Helena (CAS) will relocate to Carnarvon Court, at the lower end of Connect St Helena.

The relocation and consequent limited access to the Education and Learning Centre (ELC) will affect the availability of some SHCC facilities and services.

SHCC Facilities and Bookings

All those who have made existing bookings for SHCC facilities will be contacted. While the temporary arrangements remain in place, new bookings for the following facilities will be available only during the primary school holidays:

To make a booking during the primary school holidays, please contact SHCC by email at shcc.bookings@sainthelena.edu.sh or by telephone on +290 22607.

Examinations

Examinations will continue to be held at the ELC. However, on-demand examinations will be available only during the primary school holidays.

The necessary facilities will remain available for ACCA session-based examinations under special arrangements.

Where required, affected learners will receive further information about examination arrangements directly.

Career Access St Helena

Career Access St Helena (CAS) will relocate to Carnarvon Court.

CAS service users should attend Carnarvon Court, rather than the ELC, to access services. CAS opening hours will remain unchanged. All Sixth Form time books should be delivered to CAS at Carnarvon Court.

NVQ Services

All NVQ learners and service users should attend Carnarvon Court, rather than the ELC, for NVQ-related services and support.

St Helena Research Institute

The St Helena Research Institute (SHRI) will remain at Carnarvon Court and continue to operate from its current location.

To facilitate the relocations, SHCC, the NVQ Centre and CAS will be closed from Monday 19 October to Friday 23 October 2026. Services will reopen at Carnarvon Court on Monday 26 October 2026.

ESE recognises that these temporary arrangements may cause inconvenience to learners, service users and members of the public. However, the changes are necessary to support wider education provision during this period. The arrangements will remain under review while work continues to consider the future model for the Primary School Reorganisation Project.

Further updates will be issued as the arrangements develop.#StHelena #EducationServices #ServiceUpdate #LifelongLearning

The published Primary School term dates for the 2026–27 academic year have been revised to allow all primary school staff to attend a training day on Monday, 26 October. Parents, carers, and members of the public are advised to take note of this change and make any necessary arrangements.

Please find the revised primary term times here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/2026/10/Primary-School-Term-Times-2026-2027-Revised.pdf

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your cooperation.

HM Customs and Immigration Services advises the public that its office will close at noon (12:00) on Wednesday, 07 October 2026. The closure is to facilitate a staff function.

Normal operations will resume at 09:00 on Thursday, 08 October 2026.

St Helena Government (SHG) has launched a public consultation on a new legislative framework to strengthen St Helena’s arrangements for tackling money laundering, terrorist financing and the proceeds of crime.

The consultation covers four draft instruments:

  1. the Proceeds of Crime Bill, 2026;
  2. the Anti-money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Regulations;
  3. the Non-Profit Organisation Regulations; and
  4. the Anti-money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Directive.

Together, these measures will replace and substantially modernise the existing framework under the Money Laundering Ordinance, 2008.

The reforms form an important part of delivering St Helena’s Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023-2033 (SEDS). The SEDS identifies reform and modernisation of St Helena’s financial services laws and regulations as necessary to encourage competition within the sector, support economic growth and improve compliance with international standards.

The work also forms part of the wider Financial Services and Company Registry Development Programme. The programme is intended to establish the foundations for a credible international company registry, increase locally generated government revenue, create new employment and skills opportunities, and support greater diversification of St Helena’s economy.

A credible anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework is an essential part of that work. St Helena must be able to demonstrate that the development of new financial services and internationally focused business is supported by effective safeguards against financial crime and meets the standards expected internationally.

The proposed framework is designed to bring St Helena into closer alignment with the standards established by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global standard-setting body for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

It will strengthen arrangements for preventing and detecting financial crime, recovering the proceeds of crime and supervising businesses that are required to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements.

It will also introduce formal requirements for certain businesses and professions that are not currently subject to the full AML/CFT framework. These include relevant activities carried on by real estate agents, lawyers, accountants, trust and company service providers and high value dealers. A separate, risk-based regime is proposed for non-profit organisations.

Minister for Economic Development, Karl Thrower, said:

“These reforms are an important part of delivering our Sustainable Economic Development Strategy. If St Helena is to develop its financial services sector and a credible international company registry, we also need a modern regulatory framework that meets international standards.

“Doing this properly will help protect St Helena’s reputation, support confidence in the jurisdiction and create the conditions for new business, jobs and locally generated revenue as we diversify our economy.”

The consultation gives businesses, professionals, non-profit organisations and members of the public an opportunity to review and comment on the draft legislation before it is finalised.

The consultation documents comprise the four draft instruments together with an Explanatory Note setting out the background to the reforms, explaining the principal provisions and describing how the new framework is expected to operate in practice. These are all available at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/public-consultation/.

The consultation will close at 16:00 on 27 November 2026.

Responses should be submitted by email to damian.burns@sainthelena.gov.sh or by post to:

Economic Development Portfolio, The Castle, Jamestown, St Helena, STHL 1ZZ

When submitting a response, respondents are asked to provide their name and contact details and state the capacity in which they are responding, for example as a business, professional, non-profit organisation, representative body or individual.

Public information sessions on the proposed framework will also be announced next week through SHG press releases, local media and online channels.

Following the consultation, responses will be considered by SHG, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and the Attorney General’s Chambers before the legislative package is finalised and the Proceeds of Crime Bill proceeds to Legislative Council.

#StHelena #PublicConsultation #ProceedsofCrime&Anti-moneyLaunderingFramework

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The Education Skills and Employment Portfolio (ESE) is undertaking a review of post-16 education and training provision on St Helena. The review will examine how effectively current arrangements support young people and whether there are opportunities to strengthen future pathways. It will also explore how the post-16 system can better help students transition into further education, training and employment, ensuring that future provision aligns with the needs and aspirations of students, employers and the wider community.

After compulsory schooling, young people can follow a range of academic, vocational, blended and supported pathways. These education, training and employment opportunities can include further qualifications, practical training, work experience and preparation for employment or further education.

The review will consider a range of areas, including:

Minister for Education, Skills and Employment, Andrew Turner, said:

“Education does not end at 16. It is the foundation upon which careers are built, businesses grow and communities thrive. Whether a learner’s goal is university, technical training, skilled employment or entrepreneurship, our ambition is to provide pathways that are accessible, relevant and of the highest possible quality. 

Through this review, we want to ensure that our post-16 offer reflects the aspirations of our young people and the future needs of St Helena. This is an important opportunity to help shape a post-16 education system that supports both individual success and the long-term prosperity of our island.”

The review is intended to provide an evidence base for future decision-making. It does not mean that changes to current post-16 provision have already been decided.

Students currently undertaking Sixth Form programmes should continue with their existing arrangements unless they are advised otherwise.

The review will also consider how academic provision, vocational training, apprenticeships and other post-16 opportunities can work together to provide young people with appropriate future pathways based on their individual interests, abilities and aspirations.

Further updates will be provided as the review progresses. Once the findings have been considered through the appropriate Government processes, they will help inform future decisions about education, training and employment opportunities for young people on St Helena.

Students, parents and carers, education and training providers, employers and other relevant stakeholders will be invited to share their experiences and perspectives and will be provided with further information about how they can contribute to the review.

St Helena Government is committed to ensuring that young people have access to post-16 opportunities that support their ambitions while helping to develop the skills and talent needed for St Helena’s future.

#StHelena #Education&Training #Post-16 #AltogetherBetterforChildrenandYoungPeople

The St Helena Government (SHG) continues to monitor the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) situation in South Africa and is reviewing options that could allow the safe importation of meat and dairy products while maintaining the island’s high biosecurity standards.

Current restrictions remain in place

In March 2026, SHG introduced legislation restricting the import of meat and dairy products from South Africa unless those products had been processed in a manner proven to inactivate the FMD virus. The legislation prohibits the importation of meat, meat products, milk and dairy products derived from cloven-hoofed animals (including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) originating from, produced in, or repacked in South Africa. The prohibition includes all dairy products, except those processed using ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment at not less than 135°C, and dairy products made using milk powder and/or whey powder. This prohibition remains in place.

The restrictions were introduced in response to increasing outbreaks of FMD in South Africa and the associated risk of introducing the disease to St Helena through imported products.

The risk to St Helena

If FMD were introduced to St Helena, the consequences for the livestock sector could be severe. Due to the highly contagious nature of the disease and local livestock management practices, the virus could spread through animal movement as well as through human and vehicle activity. An outbreak would have wide-ranging impacts, including animal welfare concerns, significant stress for livestock owners, disruption to everyday life and community activities, the possible culling of infected and at-risk animals, disruption to local agricultural markets, and wider economic impacts, including potential effects on tourism if countryside access restrictions were required.

Recent reports from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) indicate that, while the number of active outbreaks in South Africa has declined slightly since peaking in June 2026, the disease remains widespread across all nine provinces. South African authorities are taking control measures to reduce prevalence, but bringing the disease under control will most likely take many years. The overall risk of FMD entering St Helena through imported meat and dairy products therefore remains a significant concern.

Exploring an import licensing framework

St Helena currently has no dedicated licensing system for the importation of meat and dairy products that could be used to manage and verify biosecurity requirements before products enter the island. Any future relaxation of current restrictions would therefore need to be supported by robust import controls and certification procedures.

SHG is exploring the development of an import licensing framework based on international standards established by the WOAH. Under such a system, imported products would need to be accompanied by official veterinary certification demonstrating that strict animal health and processing requirements have been met. This approach would help ensure that any imported meat or dairy products originate from approved facilities and comply with internationally recognised disease-control measures. Similar arrangements could also be applied to imports from other countries where animal disease risks exist, creating a more comprehensive and resilient biosecurity system for St Helena.

Next steps

SHG recognises that local retailers, businesses and consumers have expressed an interest in resuming imports from South Africa to improve product availability, choice and affordability. However, protecting the Island from serious animal diseases remains the Government’s foremost priority, given the potentially significant consequences of an outbreak for local agriculture, livestock owners and food security.

Work is now underway to engage with South African veterinary authorities to determine the practicality of implementing export certification arrangements and to identify approved export facilities capable of meeting the required standards. SHG will also assess the administrative and inspection resources needed to operate an effective import licensing system.

The public are reminded that no changes to current import restrictions have been agreed at this stage. Any future amendments will be subject to careful risk assessment and the implementation of appropriate biosecurity safeguards. SHG will continue to keep the community informed as this work progresses.

Notes to Editors

#StHelena #Foot&MouthDisease #ImportControls

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HM Customs & Immigration Services advises the public that its office will close at 11:30 on Friday, 02 October 2026, to allow staff to participate in the “Pass the Baton” event.

Normal services will resume at 09:00 on Monday, 05 October 2026.

Rising Prices and What They Mean for St Helena

We know that rising prices are causing real concern across St Helena. Households are seeing the effect on everyday costs, while businesses are facing higher fuel, freight and operating costs. Government is listening to these concerns, monitoring the pressures closely and taking action to soften their impact where public finances allow.

The latest published figures from the Statistics Office show that prices rose by an average of 2.7% in the year to March 2026. This is an average across a range of goods and services, so it will not reflect every household’s experience. Over the same period, household energy prices increased by 8.5%, food prices increased by 2.2%, and communications prices, including internet, phone and data, did not change.

Because St Helena imports many goods from the UK and South Africa, price changes in those countries affect costs here. Figure 1 shows that inflation in St Helena broadly follows trends in both countries. Inflation has fallen from the peaks seen in 2022, but pressures remain. South African inflation rose from 3% in February 2026 to 5% in June, while UK inflation remains above the Bank of England’s 2% target. The outlook remains uncertain and will continue to be monitored.

Figure 1. Headline inflation in St Helena, the UK and South Africa, 2016-2026

The present pressures have several causes, including disruption to global supply chains, the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and international conflict. These factors have increased the cost of food, fuel, freight and other imports on which St Helena depends.

Why higher oil prices matter

Figure 2. Price of Brent crude oil in 2026, US dollars per barrel

Global oil prices have been volatile during 2026 as conflict involving Iran has disrupted markets. Although prices fell during the ceasefire period, they remain above pre-conflict levels. This affects the cost of fuel imported to St Helena which in turn can also increase freight, electricity and transport costs.

No one can predict oil prices with certainty. The 2026/27 Budget included an allowance for higher prices, and current market forecasts suggest prices may ease during 2027. However, renewed or prolonged conflict could delay or reverse that fall. Government will therefore continue to monitor oil prices and the effect on local costs.

What Government is doing now

Government cannot prevent international price rises from reaching St Helena, but it can take practical steps to limit some of the impact, support household incomes and protect essential services.

We are taking these pressures seriously. Ministers will continue to review price data, fuel and freight costs, and the effect on households and businesses. We will also continue listening to the concerns raised by the community and will adjust our response where there is clear evidence of need and an affordable, effective option.

Action already taken includes:

Electricity. The electricity tariff has increased by 1p per kilowatt-hour rather than the 3p increase that would otherwise have been required. Government has allocated £172,000 through the Fuel Risk Share mechanism to limit the increase for consumers.

This support is in addition to the existing £1.5 million annual subsidy to Connect St Helena Ltd, which helps keep utility charges below the full cost of providing the services.

Freight. Changes to the shipping schedule are helping to limit the effect of higher fuel costs on sea freight. Because most goods arrive by ship, containing freight costs helps reduce pressure on the price of imported goods into the Island.

Air travel. SHG and Airlink have agreed a way to adjust ticket prices when aviation fuel prices change. Although this has resulted in a modest ticket increase, SHG continues to absorb most of the additional fuel cost. This supports residents who need to travel, Saints returning home, visitors and the wider tourism economy.

Government is also paying more for fuel, imported materials, supplies, freight and public services. Where budgets allow, these increases are being absorbed rather than automatically passed on through higher public charges. This is another way of limiting the pressure on households and businesses.

Government also continues to subsidise public transport, air access, the ferry service, firewood and other essential services. These subsidies help keep the prices paid by the public below the full cost of providing the services.

Further support for households

Keeping some prices down is only part of the response. Increasing incomes and providing targeted support can also help households meet everyday costs.

Support for workers

The minimum wage is an important way of supporting people on lower incomes. It has increased by more than inflation since 2023, as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Annual percentage change in prices and the minimum wage, financial years 2020-2025

In July 2026, the minimum wage increased to £4.85 per hour for people aged 18 and over and £3.83 per hour for those under 18. This was another above-inflation increase, helping to protect the spending power of lower-paid workers. The decision followed consultation with employers, employees, the Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders.

Support for families with young children

A Child Benefit payment will be introduced from November 2026 to support eligible resident families with young children. Families face costs not only for food and energy but also for infant products and childcare. The payment will apply to children aged 0-5 who have not started full-time primary school. It will be £15 per child per week in Year One, rising to £20 per child per week in Year Two. Further information on eligibility and how to apply will be published before the scheme begins.

Supporting older people’s mobility

Government will introduce concessionary Public Transport Service (PTS) fares for people aged 70, recognising the importance of affordable transport in helping older people remain mobile and connected. Changes to the PTS – which also include additional and seasonal journeys, clearer timetables, and lower Hop On Hop Off fares – come into effect on the 1st October 2026. A press release with additional information can be found on the SHG website.

Continuing work to protect living standards

Government will continue to support living standards through expenditure on healthcare, air access, public transport, the Basic Island Pension, Income Related Benefit, and agriculture and fishing subsidies.

During 2026/27, Government will review customs duties in the context of the cost of living. Work on the telecommunications licensing framework will consider how it can better serve consumers in St Helena.

The prices of household energy and communications, which together make up around 15% of the Consumer Price Index basket, are regulated. The Fuel Risk Share mechanism will also continue to help manage the effect of fuel prices on electricity tariffs.

Government cannot completely shield households and businesses from world events. However, protecting living standards is a central priority, and this work will continue beyond the 2026/27 Budget.

If oil prices rise further, Government will assess additional options. Any further support will need to be affordable, effective and targeted as fairly as possible.

Reducing St Helena’s future vulnerability

Immediate support matters, but St Helena must also reduce its exposure to international price increases. Government’s longer-term work includes:

Supporting agriculture. Increasing local food production to reduce dependence on imports, freight and exchange rates.

Energy. Expanding renewable energy generation and storage to reduce dependence on imported diesel and give the Island more control over future energy costs.

Telecommunications. Progressing the proposed telecommunications upgrade so St Helena can make better use of the Equiano cable, improve services and introduce a modern regulatory framework with stronger consumer protection.

Housing. The availability and cost of suitable housing has a direct impact on household budgets, which is why work to improve Government housing and increase affordable housing options also forms part of the wider effort to improve living standards.

These projects will take time and will not reduce this week’s shopping bill. They are nevertheless essential if St Helena is to become less vulnerable to future international price shocks.

There is no single answer to the cost-of-living pressures facing St Helena. Government will continue to listen, publish clear information and act where it can: supporting people through immediate pressures while making the changes needed to build a more resilient Island for the future.

#StHelena #Costofliving #Risingprices

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Further to the previous announcement regarding the temporary road closure between Bates Branch and the Junction at Stitches Ridge, St Paul’s, the public is advised that the closure has been extended until Friday, 16 October 2026.

The extension is required to allow the Roads and Forestry Sections additional time to safely complete essential surface maintenance and tree-felling works along the route.

The closure will remain in effect from 09:00 to 15:00, Monday through Friday, with no weekend closures. Traffic travelling to and from Sandy Bay should continue to use the diversion route via Stitches Ridge Road and Lemon Tree Gut.

Full access will be maintained for emergency vehicles at all times, with appropriate safety measures in place to allow work crews sufficient time to clear the roadway when required. Appropriate traffic management signs will remain in place to assist motorists.

We apologise for the continued inconvenience this may cause and thank residents, motorists and the wider public for their patience, understanding and cooperation while these important maintenance works are completed.

The Hampshire Improvement and Advisory Service (HIAS) will return to St Helena this October for a two-week programme of professional support focused on strengthening literacy teaching and improving outcomes for pupils across the island’s schools.

The HIAS team will arrive on Saturday 3 October and will work alongside staff across all three schools during their two-week visit. The programme will build on the ongoing partnership between HIAS and St Helena’s education sector, with a strong focus on developing consistent, effective approaches to reading and writing from the early years of schooling through to and including secondary education.

During the visit, HIAS advisers will work directly with teachers and teaching assistants through lesson observations, learning walks, coaching, professional development and practical workshops.

In Key Stage 1, the programme will focus on developing early reading and writing, including phonics, blending skills, writing development and the accuracy of reading and writing assessment. Staff will also have opportunities to explore foundational writing skills and approaches to supporting pupils to become increasingly confident readers and writers.

In Key Stage 2, the focus will include strengthening the writing curriculum, adapting teaching and resources to support lower-attaining pupils, and maximising the impact of teaching assistants and other additional adults. The programme includes curriculum planning, coaching, demonstration lessons and professional development around adaptations and scaffolding.

The visit will also support secondary practitioners in developing their knowledge of phonics and early reading, including the use of the Fresh Start intervention to support students who continue to require help with decoding.

A key element of the programme will be building sustainable improvements in teaching practice. HIAS will work with staff on consistent use of scaffolding, explicit instruction, high-quality modelling and approaches that encourage greater pupil independence. The programme will also look at the effective deployment of additional adults through structured support, consistent communication and targeted intervention.

The programme forms part of Education Skills and Employment’s broader programme of education improvement, which aims to strengthen education provision across St Helena and support continued improvements in teaching, learning and outcomes for pupils. The ongoing partnership with HIAS provides an important opportunity to build capacity within St Helena’s schools and support sustainable improvements in practice.

#StHelena #HIAS #AltogetherBetterforChildrenandYoungPeople

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