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Members of the public due to receive their first or second Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination are invited to attend the following sessions:
| District | Date | Time |
| Longwood (Harford Community Centre) | Monday 1 June | 10:00 – 12:00 |
| Levelwood (Clinic) | Tuesday 2 June | 10:00 – 12:00 |
| Sandybay (Community Centre) | Tuesday 2 June | 13:30 – 15:00 |
| HTH (CCC) | Wednesday 3 June | 10:00 – 12:00 |
| Jamestown Community Centre | Thursday 4 June | 10:00 – 14:00 |
| Kingshurst Community Centre | Tuesday 9 June | 11:00 – 13:00 |
| Blue Hill Community Centre | Wednesday 10 June | 10:00 – 11:30 |
| Guinea Grass Community Centre | Wednesday 10 June | 13:00 – 15:00 |
Important reminder: If attending for your second dose, 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. 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.
St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Government of the United Kingdom (UKG), for an extension to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) for a period up to April 2028.
As part of this agreement, the UKG has committed to a total investment of up to £9.05 million to St Helena. A one-off payment of £8 million will be used to support the Government’s strategic priorities and reflects UKG’s continued commitment to the island’s long term sustainable development. Key investment areas include improvements in health and education outcomes, as well as investment in telecommunications and renewable energy infrastructure.
UKG, recognising St Helena’s valued place within the British family, further confirms that it will make a one-off unrestricted ex-gratia payment to SHG of £250,000.
Included in the £9.05 million, is up to £800,000 to strengthen preparedness for any potential future migrant arrivals. This includes provision of appropriate accommodation, upgrades to IT systems and data protection processes, capability training for immigration officials and funding for a dedicated project manager.
This extension represents a continuation of the current MOU, available on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/UK-St-Helena-MOU-BIOT-Migrants.pdf, and remains an interim contingency solution in the event that migrants reach BIOT. Details of the extension to the MOU will be published shortly. While UKG does not anticipate that the full duration of the extension will be required, both governments have agreed that establishing a maximum timeframe provides clarity and avoids the need for further extensions.
Thawing of the UK State Pension uplift for eligible residents was an element of the St Helena Government’s negotiating position. The UKG has confirmed there has been no change to their policy on uplifting State pensions.
There have been no new migrant arrivals on Diego Garcia since 2022. In the event migrants arrive on BIOT in the future, UKG and SHG will take reasonable steps to screen migrants prior to transfer to St Helena. Individuals will be free to depart, but will not be permitted to remain on BIOT. With funding from the UKG, St Helena will take responsibility for processing asylum claims in line with established procedures, providing accommodation and further support where appropriate. This is an extension of an existing arrangement. The arrangement gives recognition to the financial and resource constraints on St Helena and ensures there will be no additional financial burden on the island.
SHG remains committed to ensuring that all arrangements are managed responsibly, with the focus on maintaining the wellbeing of the community while respecting our humanitarian obligations.
The Chief Minister Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE said:
“I am pleased that we have reached agreement with the UK Government to extend the BIOT Memorandum of Understanding.
This arrangement secures up to an additional £9.05 million investment in St Helena which will help us progress important priorities that will benefit our community over the long term.
It is disappointing that UKG’s position on pension uplift for eligible pensioners on St Helena has not changed.
I would like to acknowledge the considerable work undertaken by both St Helena Government and UK Government officials in reaching this agreement. I also want to thank our community for its patience and understanding while these complex discussions have been taking place.
Above all, this arrangement provides an opportunity to invest in St Helena’s future, strengthening our infrastructure, supporting the community, and helping to build a more resilient, sustainable and confident island for the years ahead.”
#StHelena #BIOTAgreement #Extension
As we reach the end of the week, the St Helena Government (SHG) is providing its scheduled Friday update on the territorial hantavirus response. Local health teams, alongside international partners, continue to maintain robust monitoring systems across the islands.
Successful Cruise Ship Visit
St Helena successfully welcomed a visiting cruise ship, Azamara Onward, on Tuesday, 19 May. The visit proceeded smoothly and as planned.
All established maritime health protocols, including the mandatory advanced submission of the Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) and rigorous screening by HM Customs and Immigration, and Health officials, were successfully executed at the point of disembarkation. This successful visit reinforces that while we remain sensitive to public anxieties following recent events, the hantavirus incident was a rare and isolated occurrence. Cruise operators maintain high safety standards and work in total alignment with local authorities to ensure the continued safety of our community.
Territorial Status Update
- St Helena: There remain zero confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on St Helena.
- Ascension Island: There are currently no confirmed cases on the island.
- Tristan da Cunha: The single probable case identified earlier this month remains in stable condition.
Summary of Key Weekly Achievements
- On-Island Testing: The limited on-island laboratory testing capability managed by specialist UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) personnel is operational. Testing is strictly prioritised for clinical screening by the medical team and weekly monitoring of high-risk contacts; it is not available on request. A negative test result does not allow an individual to exit isolation early but serves as an early clinical warning system.
- Completed Relocations: Following last weekend’s successful Titan Airways charter flight, all nine relocated individuals from St Helena and Ascension are safely in the UK continuing their precautionary isolation periods near specialised medical facilities.
A Message of Thanks to Those in Isolation
As most of us looked forward to the St Helena Day celebrations and the upcoming public holiday, SHG and Gold Command wish to extend a sincere thank you to those individuals who are currently in self-isolation. We recognise that enduring this period of isolation, especially in the midst of uncertainty and during a time of national celebration, requires immense patience and resilience. Your commitment to following these strict public health measures is a vital part of keeping our wider community safe, and your cooperation is deeply appreciated by the entire island.
Future Communications Schedule
As the hantavirus incident response has stabilised and our on-island protocols are fully established, routine updates will no longer be issued on a fixed schedule. Going forward, formal press releases and public updates will only be issued on an “as and when needed” basis, meaning we will provide updates only when new or significant information becomes available. The community is reassured that if any developments occur that require immediate public awareness, SHG will share that information as soon as possible.
The community is thanked for their continued resilience and support. If you had direct contact with the MV Hondius and experience symptoms, please call the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 for guidance before attending any medical facility.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #MaritimeTourism #TerritorialUpdate #UKHSA
The Crown Estates Office wishes to advise the public of a change in approach regarding the use of Crown land.
Historically, some areas of Crown land were used for the temporary storage of excavated soil, gravel and stone and construction materials. Going forward, any such use will require prior approval from Crown Estates, along with the necessary planning permission, regardless of whether it is intended to be temporary. This is to ensure that land is properly managed and protected, and to reduce the likelihood of temporary arrangements becoming permanent.
An immediate concern is the Guns area at Ladder Hill, where materials, including gravel, stone and a container, are currently being stored. Members of the public are therefore requested to remove all materials, spoil and aggregate as soon as possible, and no later than 30th June 2026.
This is particularly important as improvement works are planned for the site, including upgrades to the tennis court and repainting of the Guns. Clearing the surrounding environment is essential to support these works and to enhance the overall appearance of the area.
Access to the area will also be reviewed. Multiple padlocks are currently on the site gates, but future access will be restricted to essential stakeholders only, with controlled key management in place.
The Crown Estates Office appreciates the public’s cooperation in ensuring that the area is cleared promptly and that Crown land is used more responsibly.
For further information, please contact Mike Durnford, Crown Estate Manager, via 22270 or mike.durnford@sainthelena.gov.sh
St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to advise that the Playgrounds Project in Half Tree Hollow, funded by the UK Government through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), has progressed well and most facilities will be ready for use on St Helena Day, Thursday, 21 May 2026.
This new playground facility has been made possible through significant planning and investment under EDIP. AC’s Multi-skill Contractors, assisted by HM Prison, have been diligently working, in all weather conditions, to timely install the equipment. To ensure these facilities stay in top condition for years to come, we kindly ask for your help in looking after them. The continued support and cooperation of the community is appreciated.
Key Features of the New Facility
- Half Tree Hollow (Upper & Middle Terraces): Features brand-new playground equipment on the upper terrace and a dedicated children’s outdoor gym on the middle terrace. For maximum safety, all equipment on the upper terrace is fitted with high-quality Grasslok safety surfacing beneath.
- Swings and Climbing Frames: Inclusive and flat-seat swing frames, alongside a robust climbing frame, have been installed over a synthetic grass soft surface.
- Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA): Court markings have been successfully laid out on the existing hard surface. To complete the court, specialised MUGA ends, featuring built-in goals, basketball and netball hoops, rebound panels, and gated wheelchair access, will be installed in the coming weeks.
Longwood Green Playground is now fully complete. It features a large timber climbing structure with a protective Grasslok soft surface underneath, alongside various other newly installed play equipment.
Photos
Arnold Crowie, Director of AC’S Multi-skill Contractors, and Assistant Freddy Henry.
Covered picnic and seating area
Playground equipment and inclusive swing on upper terrace
The playground is wheel-chair accessible
A children’s outdoor gym can be seen on the middle terrace
The MUGA markings laid out on the existing hard surface.
Longwood Green Playground is complete following the completion of the large timber climbing structure with a protective Grasslok soft surface underneath, alongside various other newly installed play equipment.
#StHelena #PlaygroundsProject
The Education, Skills and Employment (ESE) Portfolio is offering non-compulsory nursery education for all children between the ages of three and four years.
ESE will be in contact with parents/guardians of those children born on island and who are eligible to enter nursery education in the school year September 2026 – August 2027. This is to offer a place and provide details of school placement and date of admission.
It would be appreciated if parents/guardians of children who were not born on St Helena could submit the following information in writing to the Assistant Director of Schools, Kerry Lawrence, so that an offer of placement can be made:
•The child’s full name and date of birth
•Name and address of parent or guardian
•Telephone number and email address (if applicable)
Once all required information has been received, parents/guardians will be advised of their child’s nursery placement.
All correspondence pertaining to this matter can be sent to the Assistant Director of Schools, Kerry Lawrence, at the Education and Learning Centre, Jamestown, by email to: kerry.lawrence@sainthelena.gov.sh
The St Helena Government (SHG) is close to concluding negotiations with the Government of the United Kingdom (UKG), for an extension to the existing Memorandum of Understanding relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
In a series of calls with the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP and officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Chief Minister has successfully impressed the critical importance of securing a balanced outcome, which recognises the additional contribution St Helena is making to the British family and ensures commensurate UK investment in the island’s long-term sustainable development.
Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks said:
“The St Helena Government will only agree an extension which is in the best interest of all residents and is supported by all relevant UK Government Departments. While this may mean a delay in signing an extension now, I want to ensure all aspects of the deal can be implemented long-term.”
#StHelena #BIOT #Agreement
The public are advised that the next round of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations for individuals due to receive their first or second dose in Jamestown will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 28th May
Time: 11:00 – 14:00
Venue: JTCC
Important reminder: If attending for your second dose, 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. 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.
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against serious illness.The public are advised that the next round of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations for individuals due to receive their first or second dose in Jamestown will take place as follows:
Date: Thursday, 28th May
Time: 11:00 – 14:00
Venue: JTCC
Important reminder: If attending for your second dose, 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. 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.
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against serious illness.
The St Helena Government is pleased to announce that Solomon & Company now expects Jacob’s Ladder to temporarily reopen to pedestrians at 17:00 on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The ladder will remain open through the long weekend so it can be lit on St Helena’s Day and enjoyed by the public. It will close again at 08:00 on Tuesday, 26 May, and remain closed until mid-June to allow completion of the works.
The lights were funded by Lord Ashcroft under the Jacob’s Ladder Rehabilitation Project. Installation works form part of an FCDO EDIP UK-funded initiative, managed through the Programme Management Office (PMO), representing a significant investment in enhancing one of the island’s most iconic landmarks.
The switching on of Jacob’s Ladder lights on St Helena’s Day is a fitting tribute to the island’s heritage and marks an important milestone for the community.
The public’s patience is appreciated, and thanks are extended to Solomon & Company for their role as contractors in delivering this project.
The St Helena Government (SHG) is providing its scheduled update on the territorial hantavirus response.
Successful Pre-emptive Relocation to the UK
A coordinated territorial operation was successfully completed over the weekend to relocate individuals identified as the highest risk contacts to the United Kingdom.
A chartered Titan Airways flight arrived on St Helena on Saturday, 16 May, before flying to Ascension Island on Sunday, 17 May. The flight has since departed for the UK, successfully relocating a total of nine individuals (four from St Helena and five from Ascension Island). All individuals arrived safely in the UK, where they are continuing their isolation periods in proximity to specialised medical facilities. None of these individuals were showing symptoms of illness, and the transfer was executed purely as a pre-emptive and precautionary measure. The symptomatic patient on Ascension Island transferred to the UK by medevac on Friday 15 May also arrived safely and is now being assessed. Hantavirus tests continue to be negative and symptoms are resolving.
Gold Command wishes to express its sincere thanks to all stakeholders involved in ensuring this complex operation was completed safely and efficiently, including teams at St Helena Airport, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Government, local Emergency Services, and Public Health officials.
Territorial Status and Testing Update
- St Helena: There remain zero confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on St Helena. The patient admitted last week under Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) protocols continues to receive care at the Jamestown General Hospital.
- On-Island Testing: Specialist UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) personnel continue to manage the newly established, limited on-island laboratory testing capability. Testing remains strictly reserved for clinical screening as determined by the medical team and is not available on request.
- Tristan da Cunha: The single probable case remains stable.
- Ascension Island: Further to the precautionary medevac of a patient last week, there are currently no confirmed cases on the island.
Communications Schedule and Public Guidance
In line with our adjusted schedule, routine updates have decreased in frequency. The next regular update will be shared via local radio broadcast this Wednesday, 20 May, followed by the next formal press release on Friday, 22 May. If any urgent developments occur, additional updates will be issued immediately.
If you had direct contact with the MV Hondius and develop symptoms, please contact the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 for guidance before visiting any medical facility.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #UKHSA #GoldCommand #TerritorialUpdate