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World Civil Aviation Day, established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1994, highlights the important role of civil aviation in the global economy and in fostering international cooperation. Each year, the ICAO designates a theme to focus on key areas within aviation such as safety, sustainability, innovation, and connectivity.
The theme of World Civil Aviation Day 2025 is “Aviation for Sustainable Development: Connecting the World” which will be celebrated on Sunday, 7 December.
For St Helena, a remote island with a long history of isolation, air connectivity has transformed life on the island. Until recently, the island’s residents and visitors had to rely on lengthy sea voyages, which could take days or even weeks. The inauguration of St Helena’s first regular air service in 2017 marked a significant milestone, reducing travel time and opening up opportunities for tourism, business, and communication.
On this International Civil Aviation Day, we proudly join the global aviation community in recognisingthe vital role civil aviation plays in connecting people, places, and possibilities.
St Helena Airport’s success is the result of strong collaboration from the airline, the regulator, local partners, staff, and the wider community. Together, we ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable air services for our island and beyond.
Gwyneth Howell, CEO and Accountable Officer said:
“We celebrate this day with gratitude for the teamwork that keeps our skies open and our connections strong.”
Hon Karl Thrower, Minister for Economic Development and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning said:
“As we reflect on the tremendous progress made in aviation over the past eight years, we are proud of how St Helena Airport has opened our island to the world. We look forward to continuing this journey of collaboration with our international partners, ensuring that aviation remains a positive force in our island’s development.”
#StHelena #InternationalCivilAviationDay
Reference CS-1730-SHG
St Helena Government is seeking expressions of interest for the provision of cleaning services for SHG premises.
Full documentation and the specifications can be found on the St Helena Government e-procurement system which can be accessed via: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/sainthelena following registration on the system.
User guides are available via the ‘Supplier Information’ tab to assist prospective suppliers registering on the e-Procurement system.
All communication, clarifications, general questions and submissions of your responses must be made via the e-Procurement Portal.
Please refer to the e-Procurement System for the key dates, including the tender submission date.
The deadline for submission of expressions of interest is 12 noon on Monday, 5 January 2026.
Interested parties should note that this opportunity is not being advertised overseas.
St Helena Government (SHG), working alongside Connect St Helena, has released tender documents for the fabrication and installation of two new wastewater treatment plants at the proposed locations of The Guns, Ladder Hill and The Sand Yard, Jamestown marking a significant step forward in upgrading the island’s wastewater infrastructure.
This marks an exciting step forward in modernising the island’s wastewater infrastructure. The new plants will support improved environmental protection, strengthen public health outcomes, and ensure more sustainable wastewater management for our communities.
This project forms part of the £30 million Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government. Through EDIP, SHG remains committed to delivering essential infrastructure upgrades that improve quality of life and support St Helena’s long-term development.
The Project Management team invites the public to a drop-in session to discuss the project. This is an opportunity to get updates, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to the team.
- Date and Time: Thursday, 11 December 2025, 09:00 – 13:00
- Location: The Canister
For further information on this project, please send enquiries to: Richard.Wotton@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Photo
A map showing the proposed locations of the wastewater treatment plants
#StHelena #WastewaterTreatmentPlant
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As St Helena prepares for the joyous atmosphere of the festive season, St Helena Government (SHG) urges all residents and visitors to prioritise road safety and make responsible choices when travelling and socialising. The message is clear: Road Safety is Your Responsibility.
The holiday period in December brings with it increased activity, with more people on the island and potentially inexperienced drivers on the road. This rise in road usage necessitates greater caution and vigilance from everyone.
Key Road Safety Messages for the Festive Season:
- Vehicle Roadworthiness Checks: Before setting out, especially for longer journeys, ensure your vehicle is in good working order.
- Tyres: Check the tread depth and pressure of your tyres. Properly inflated tyres with sufficient tread are crucial for safe braking and handling.
- Lights: Check that all headlights, brake lights, and indicators are clean and functioning correctly.
- Fluid Levels: Ensure your oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid levels are adequate.
- Do not use your mobile phone whilst driving, it is an offence: Using a mobile phone while driving significantly impairs your ability to focus on the road.
- It can take up to 30 seconds to regain your full focus after a significant distraction.
- This distraction slows your reaction time and can lead to inappropriate speed and poor spatial awareness. Your attention must be fully on the task of driving.
- Be Alert and Attentive: With increased traffic levels, stay focused on the road at all times. Avoid distractions and maintain a keen awareness of other vehicles, pedestrians, and island hazards.
- Allow More Travel Time: Roads can be busier than usual. Plan your journeys well in advance and allow extra time for travel to avoid rushing and making unsafe decisions.
- Exercise Caution at Hotspots: Take extra care at road junctions and areas where roads are narrower. Reduce your speed and be prepared to yield, particularly in known traffic bottlenecks.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance: The increase in road users means you should leave ample space between your vehicle and the one ahead to allow for sudden stops or unexpected manoeuvres.
- Practice Courtesy: Be patient and courteous to fellow drivers, especially those who may be unfamiliar with the island’s roads. Cooperation helps keep traffic flowing safely.
SHG reminds the public that enforcement patrols will be active throughout the festive period. Choosing to drive carelessly risks not only legal consequences but, more tragically, causing serious injury or death.
Remember: Your choice behind the wheel impacts everyone on the road. Drive safe. Drive responsibly.
#StHelena #RoadSafety #AltogetherSafer
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
The Government of St Helena wishes to inform residents of the imminent arrival of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) TIDESPRING, which will be visible from various vantage points around the island from approximately 10:00 tomorrow, Tuesday 25 November. The vessel is expected to anchor off St Helena at around 07:00 on Wednesday 26 November when they will be laying a wreath on the Darkdale.
RFA TIDESPRING has recently detached from the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG) after a seven-month deployment on Operation HIGHMAST and is now transiting home. During their brief visit, the ship’s company will be conducting a circumnavigation of the island.
Key Information
- Visibility: Residents may see RFA TIDESPRING and its Merlin helicopter operating around the island from tomorrow morning. The Merlin will be flying between 08:30–10:30 and 12:00–15:00 and will be visible from the island.
- Shore Visits: Of the ship’s company, approximately 100 personnel are expected to come ashore to visit St Helena. The first Liberty Boat is planned for around 08:00 on Wednesday. The ship’s Commanding Officer will be laying a wreath at the Cenotaph, and visiting key sites around the island, including a tea at Plantation House.
- Departure: RFA TIDESPRING is scheduled to depart St Helena at approximately 16:30 on Wednesday 26 November.
#StHelena #RoyalFleetAuxiliary
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The St Helena Government extends a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in the recent community engagement evenings and the drop-in session at The Canister regarding the Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP). Your invaluable contributions have already played a crucial role in shaping the direction of this vital project. The questionnaire remains open until 10 December 2025.
We are now entering the final stages of developing the WRMP, and it is important that we hear from as many members of the public as possible. If you have not yet completed the questionnaire, we strongly encourage you to take a few minutes to do so.
Your opinions, ideas, and local knowledge are vital. They will strengthen the final plan that will guide how St Helena secures reliable and sustainable water supplies for our households, agriculture, businesses, and the natural environment in the years ahead.
By completing the questionnaire, you are helping us:
• Improve how water is sourced, stored, and used
• Build resilience to drought and climate change
• Protect our natural environment
• Ensure community needs are fully understood and reflected
Please use the QR code below to access the questionnaire and share your views.
Hard copies are also available at Essex House, the Public Library, and ENRP Scotland for anyone who prefers to complete it by hand.
Thank you for taking the time to support this important project and for helping secure St Helena’s water future.
This project forms part of the £30 million Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government, supporting a sustainable future for St Helena.
QR Code
Link: St Helena Water Resource Management Plan – Fill in form
#StHelena #WaterResourceManagement #Plan
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Councillor Denis Leo and Samantha Cherrett, Climate Security Programme Manager (Governor’s Office/FCDO), will represent St Helena at the EU-funded Green Overseas Workshop on “Building climate resilient food systems”.
The workshop, which will take place in Tahiti from 1-5 December 2025, aims to build capacity and share experience and knowledge on the development and implementation of resilient food systems in the face of climate change impacts, with a focus on real challenges, practical solutions and their limitations.
This initiative underscores the commitment to safeguarding communities against the growing impacts of climate change.
Councillor Denis Leo will depart the island on Saturday, 22 November and return on Tuesday, 9 December. During his absence, Councillor Ronald Coleman has kindly agreed to assume responsibility for the Longwood district and can be contacted on email via: ronald.coleman@parliament.sh.
#StHelena #LegCo #GreenOverseas
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
At its October meeting, Executive Council gave approval to commence the Customs and Excise Regulations 2025, which were originally endorsed in May 2025 but were placed on hold until the opening of the Rupert’s Cargo Facility.
Under these new regulations, the St Helena Government (SHG) Warehouse Rental Fees have been reduced by 50% from £5.00 to £2.50 per cubic metre for each month or part thereof for the first 3 months, and £10.00 to £5.00 per cubic metre thereafter, for each month or part thereof.
Historically, fees under the Customs and Excise Ordinance 1999 were not applied or collected, as they were subsidised by SHG due to the absence of a secure cargo warehouse for consolidators. With the introduction of a purpose-built secure cargo warehouse at Rupert’s, these fees are now being implemented, establishing a transparent system that ensures a level playing field for all users of the warehouse services.
The operations of Rupert’s Port are managed under contract by Solomon & Company Plc. Please note that the SHG Warehouse Rental Fees outlined above exclude any charges applied by the contractor.
For further information regarding these fees, please contact Customs and Immigration on Tel: (+290) 22287.
#StHelena #WarehouseRentalFees #RupertsCargoFacility
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A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 18 November 2025.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| CLOSED AGENDA 1. Declaration of Interest 2. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 17 June 2025 3. Matters Arising from Minutes of 17 June 2025 4. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 23 September 2025 5. Matters Arising from Minutes of 23 September 2025 6.Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo 10.1 Ship Registry – Appointment of Surveyors and Inspectors (ExCo Memo 63/2025) 7. Ministerial Updates on significant issues 8. Any Other Business NB Items marked (*) are commercially sensitive and depending on the subject matter, might not be referred to in the top lines |
The following items were considered:
2 – 5. Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes
Minutes for 17 June and 23 September 2025 were signed off.
6. Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo
6.1 Ship Registry – Appointment of Surveyors and Inspectors (ExCo Memo 63/2025)
ExCo was asked via email to consider an urgent ExCo memo to advise whether the appointment of Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Surveyors as flag state surveyors and inspectors for St Helena, in accordance with sections 103A and 103C of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 2021 as per Annex 1, should be approved.
The memo did not ask for any change in policy, funding or any other detailed matter that would normally require a face-to-face ExCo meeting but rather a technical request/authorisation by the Governor to appoint a surveyor on the advice from ExCo.
Governor Phillips recommended that ExCo agree to this request, as it was consistent with all actions to date.
On 21 October 2025, the Chief Minister confirmed agreement via email for the appointment of Surveyors and Inspectors of Ships in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 2021.
ExCo confirmed their approval of the decision made via email.
7. Ministerial Updates on Significant Issue
The following updates were provided on the following subject matters:
- Fishing – The substantive Fisheries Review
- Telecoms
- Energy – The Energy Project
- Medical Supplies – SHG continues to face a key challenge, i.e. the inability to secure essential medications due to regulatory restrictions and significant global shortages of many commonly used drugs. To obtain limited supplies, we are now required to airfreight most shipments at considerable additional cost. Despite these measures, we are still unable to source all the necessary medications.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
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The Governor’s annual Christmas Card Competition, open to all children of primary school age, has once again showcased the creativity and spirit of our island’s young people. We received a fantastic array of wonderful entries from each primary school and are delighted to announce the outcome of this year’s competition.
While every entry deserves recognition, 14 children were given special mention for their engaging and imaginative designs, all of which captured the essence of our community and the festive season. The final vote for the winner occurred at the Governor’s Residence during the King’s Birthday Party on Friday 14 November where 10 shortlisted entries were displayed and every guest was given a vote in a secret ballot.
Special Mentions
- Nathaniel Benjamin, Year 6, Pilling – WINNER
- Madison van Wyk, Year 6, Pilling – RUNNER UP
- Conor Phillips, Year 6, Harford – RUNNER UP
- Georgia Thomas, Year 6, Harford – RUNNER UP
- Zoey Moyce, Year 5, Harford
- Cora Richards, Year 6, Pilling
- Dre Fuller, Year 6, Pilling
- Nashaun Royles, Year 6, Harford
- Sofia Stroud, Year 4, St Paul’s
- Rutendo Nayoto, Year 6, Pilling
- Emma Jacobs, Year 6, Harford
- Elliot Bruneton, Year 6 Pilling
- Holly Bennett, Year 5, Pilling
- Ella-Rose Isaac, Year 5, Harford
We are pleased to announce that Nathaniel Benjamin was selected as the overall winner for the 3rd year! Nathaniel’s artwork will be featured on the Governor’s official Christmas card this year. Nathaniel will be invited to join the Governor for tea to recognise his success along with the three runners up – Madison van Wyk, Georgia Thomas, and Conor Phillips.
All entries will be displayed in the tourism window at The Canister in town over the festive period for all to enjoy the wonderful artwork produced by our talented young people.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the children who took part and to the schools for their support in making this event such a success.
Photos
Winning card – Nathaniel Benjamin
Runner up – Conor Phillips
Runner up – Georgia Thomas
Runner up – Madison van Wyk
#StHelena #ChristmasCardCompetition