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Following development permission from the Land Development Control Authority (LDCA), the Property Service is pleased to announce that the installation of new playground equipment and facilities at Longwood Green and Half Tree Hollow will commence on Thursday, 22 January 2026.
This project is UK-funded through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP). The appointed contractor, AC’s Multi-skill Contractors, will begin works at Longwood Green before transitioning to the Half Tree Hollow playground.
Project Scope and Safety
Significant progress has already been made at the Half Tree Hollow location, including groundworks and partial resurfacing of the hardstanding area. This space is set to be transformed into a modern Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
To ensure public safety, residents are advised that the designated project areas will be active construction sites until all installations are complete. Security fencing will be erected, and the public are kindly requested to:
- Remain outside of all fenced areas
- Adhere strictly to all posted site signage
A Historic Collaboration
In a landmark partnership, AC’s Multi-skill Contractors will be assisted by residents from HM Prison (HMP) throughout the duration of the works. This collaboration was integrated into the tender process and marks a significant milestone in the Service Level Agreement between Crown Estates and HMP.
Paul Duncan, Superintendent of Prisons, noted the importance of the initiative:
“This is an amazing opportunity to be involved in. This will bring benefits for the island, for the community and for the prison. Prisoners working in the community significantly boost resettlement and reduce reoffending by building skills, routines, responsibility, and positive links to the outside world, easing the transition with practical help for employment and providing vital real-world adjustment.
Community Payback is crucial for shifting from a purely punitive system to one that emphasises rehabilitation, accountability, and reintegration. This process not only repairs harm caused to victims and neighbourhoods but also serves as a powerful catalyst for offenders to rebuild their self-worth, motivation, and sense of purpose.”
Enquiries
The Property Service thanks the public for their co-operation as we work to improve community facilities. Any issues regarding the installation works can be directed to the contractor on-site or to Mike Durnford, Crown Estates Manager, at 22270 or mike.durnford@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Photos
Half Tree Hollow Playground Site Plan
Longwood Green Site Plan
Groundworks at Half Tree Hollow Site
#StHelena #PlaygroundsProject #EDIP
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The Emergency Planning Department is seeking residents on-island who can translate languages other than English. These persons would form part of a volunteer group ready to assist in emergencies involving visitors with limited English.
To register interest please contact Head of Emergency Planning, Anel O’Bey, via email through anel.obey@helanta.co.sh or by telephone on 25052 with your name, contact details and the languages you speak.
On Monday 12 January 2026, a Ground-breaking Ceremony was held at the project site in Bottom Woods to celebrate the commencement of construction activity of the island’s new prison facility.
The excavation and haulage contract has been awarded to Isaac’s Contractors Ltd following open procurement. This work will, proceed ahead of the main building construction, the tender for which is expected to launch later this year following the finalisation of the detailed design.
The primary objective of the New Prison Build project is to provide St Helena with a facility that is safe, secure, and fit for use in the 21st century. This project is funded via the UK Government under the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), delivered in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The project will utilise modern construction techniques designed to minimise both environmental impact and future operating costs.
As a result of the excavation works, a significant quantity of free topsoil will be available to the St Helena community. Further details regarding the collection process and timelines will be announced shortly.
The Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), Gillian Brooks, noted:
“This project represents far more than bricks and mortar; it is the beginning of a facility that strengthens our justice system and enhances public safety. True safety is achieved not only by enforcing accountability, but by giving people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and return to society with skills and purpose.”
The Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, added:
“As we break ground, we take a decisive step toward a safer, fairer, and stronger St Helena. This project is possible thanks to UK Government support through the Economic Development Investment Programme, which enables us to meet our constitutional obligations and deliver a facility fit for purpose.”
A video of the ceremony can be viewed on the SHG YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsxLj6jmUhg&pp=ygUUc3QgaGVsZW5hIGdvdmVybm1lbnQ%3D.
Minister Gillian Brooks delivers opening words
Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks thanking stakeholders
Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks, Ronan Legg of Isaac’s Contractors Ltd and Minister Gillian Brooks ‘breaking ground’
HE Governor Phillips and key stakeholders in the project: SSHA Portfolio Director, the Project Management Team, Superintendent of Prison, and Head of the Public Service
Key Stakeholders and invited guests
#StHelena #NewPrisonBuild #BreakingGround
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The community is invited to share their views on the proposed minimum wage options for the 2026/27 financial year. A series of public engagement events have been scheduled to ensure that both employers and employees can contribute to this significant economic decision.
Public Engagement Schedule
- Public Consultation Meeting: Tuesday, 20 January 2026, at 19:00 at The Museum.
- Information Stalls at The Canister: Thursday, 22 January, from 12:00 to 14:00.
Please note: Incorrect figures were published and announced last week. Please disregard those previously published and use the figures listed above.
We apologise for the inconvenience and confusion caused.
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Three representatives from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will arrive in St Helena on Saturday 17 January 2026 for a week-long visit to participate in the Financial Aid Mission (FAM) discussions for the 2026-27 financial year.
Whilst on island, the FAM team led by Nick Wareham, Deputy Director of FCDO’s Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate will be supported by the Governor’s Office team, Ministers and SHG officials.
The FAM takes place annually and provides an opportunity to discuss in person the delivery and effectiveness of the FCDO’s Financial Aid programme in St Helena, and to continue to develop the partnership approach between SHG and His Majesty’s Government (HMG). Whilst on island the team will meet and engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including Ministers, Elected Members, government officials, members of the private sector, IRB and pension receivers, SHAPE and wider stakeholders.
Financial Aid is integrated into SHG’s budget to support essential public services, with up to £35.79 million recurrent support being provided to St Helena in the 2025-26 financial year, in addition to the capital funding for ongoing programmes (including the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme) and funding to Maritime, the Cloud Forest and Blue Belt initiatives.
The delegation has a full schedule of events planned and, alongside the Governor and Ministers, will be hosting a press conference with local media on Friday 23 January between 15:45 and 16:15.
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#StHelena #OverseasDevelopmentAssistance #FinancialAid
MACS Shipping has taken a significant step in strengthening its service to St Helena Island with the purchase of MV Karoline, the vessel dedicated to the island’s cargo operations. Previously chartered to provide monthly service since February 2024, MV Karoline, built in 2006, 86.58 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 2,588, is now fully owned by MACS. This acquisition allows for more direct control over scheduling, maintenance, and operational planning, ensuring the highest standards of reliability for the island’s cargo needs.
The MV Karoline is ideally equipped to transport a wide range of goods to St Helena, including containers, refrigerated cargo, hazardous shipments, breakbulk, and LCL shipments. Ownership of the vessel enables MACS Shipping to provide a more responsive and efficient service, ensuring essential goods, construction materials, and supplies for local businesses are delivered consistently. Direct management also gives the flexibility to adapt to the island’s unique logistical requirements, reinforcing the reliability of this vital link to Cape Town and Immingham, UK.
This strategic purchase underscores MACS Shipping’s long-term commitment to St Helena. By investing in MV Karoline, the company ensures the continuation of a dedicated monthly service that the island can depend on, now and into the future. MACS Shipping looks forward to maintaining and enhancing its support for the island’s community, economy, and supply chain for many years to come.
#StHelena #Shipping
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The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of a new series of St Helena Pound (£) banknotes. The new currency notes which include £5, £10 and £20, features the portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, and will be introduced into circulation this month. The design also features Jonathan the Tortoise and the St Helena Ebony. All three new notes will maintain their existing colours.
The issuance of these new notes is the result of work that commenced in 2024 and marks a significant step in modernising the island’s physical currency while maintaining its distinct national identity.
The Importance of the St Helena Pound (SHP)
While the St Helena Pound remains pegged to the British Pound Sterling (GBP) at parity (1:1), having its own distinct currency offers significant benefits to the island:
- Symbol of Identity: The SHP serves as a powerful symbol of St Helena’s distinct identity, heritage, and autonomous status as a British Overseas Territory.
- Local Economic Focus: It allows the currency to feature designs and imagery that celebrate the island’s unique history, culture, and endemic wildlife, fostering national pride.
- Currency Management: It provides SHG with the essential ability to manage its own note issuance and local cash circulation, ensuring an adequate and secure supply of currency tailored to the community’s needs.
State-of-the-Art Security Features
The new polymer notes incorporate the latest in banknote technology, making them more durable and significantly harder to counterfeit. These security features include:
| Feature | Action to Verify | Description |
| Clear Window | Look: Hold the note up to the light. | A transparent window is integrated into the design, visible from both the front and back. |
| Shimmer Effect | Tilt: Tilt the bank note. | A metallic shimmer will appear and move around the clear window. |
| Raised Ink (Portrait) | Feel: Run your finger over the King’s portrait. | The ink is noticeably thicker and raised, making it tactile. |
| Raised Ink (Signatures) | Feel: Run your finger over the official signatures. | The ink feels raised to the touch. |
| Tactile Dots | Feel: Run your finger over the denomination corner. | Raised dots (for the visually impaired) allow for easy recognition of the note’s value. |
| Microtext Denomination | Look: Use a magnifying glass. | The banknote denomination is printed in tiny, sharp text. |
| Negative Raised Ink | Look: Hold the note up to the light. | The microtext ST HELENA GOVERNMENT is printed in negative, raised ink that appears sharp and clear. |
| UV Fluorescence (Waves & Denomination) | Look: View under a UV light source. | Fine lines of waves and the banknote denomination will appear in two different fluorescent ink colours. |
| UV Fluorescence (Block Denomination) | Look: View under a UV light source. | The denomination number will appear in a solid, bright block under ultraviolet light. |
Further, these new notes incorporate features that will assist those who are visually impaired. Raised dots at the bottom right-hand corner of each note signify the denomination. £5 notes will have raised dots in the shape of a square; £10 notes are triangle shaped and £20 notes are in the shape of a circle.
Transition and Circulation
The existing St Helena Pound banknotes will remain legal tender and continue to circulate alongside the new notes. The SHG will manage the transition by gradually removing older, damaged notes from circulation as they are received by the Bank of St Helena.
Photo
The front and back of the new £5, £10 and £20 notes
#StHelena #Currency #NewNotes
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At its meeting on 16 December 2025, Executive Council approved the Communications (Spectrum Fees) Regulations, 2025, marking an important step in strengthening St Helena’s communications framework.
The new regulations provide a clear legal basis for fees that were previously charged under the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations (WTR). Importantly, the regulations include specific fee abatements designed to support community-based and local radio stations, reducing costs for these broadcasters and helping them continue to deliver vital services to the community.
While most fees remain unchanged, the only adjustment relates to the FM radio spectrum fee, which applies to current operators, St Helena South Atlantic Media Services (SAMS) and Saint FM. This change follows consultation with FM Radio spectrum users and reflects a fair and sustainable approach.
Recognising that affordability should never be a barrier to community broadcasting, the regulations include provisions for waivers or fee reductions under Regulation 8. This ensures that local stations can continue to operate and serve the public without undue financial pressure, in line with St Helena’s policy for communication networks and services.
Minister Karl Thrower commented:
“This decision demonstrates Executive Council’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive media environment and supporting local community radio across the island.”
#StHelena #CommunicationsRegulations #SpectrumFees
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As part of a wider commitment to the island’s tourism sector, significant efforts are currently underway to beautify and upgrade our public attractions. These improvements are designed to ensure that our historical and natural sites remain vibrant, welcoming spaces for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
In particular, we would like to acknowledge the work being undertaken by landscaper, Martin “Kunya” Buckley and his team. Their dedication to the landscaping and maintenance of the Castle Gardens is a vital part of making this area a point of pride for our community.
Addressing Recent Vandalism
Despite these positive developments, we must regretfully report that the Castle Gardens have recently been targeted by repeated acts of vandalism. Over 25% of newly installed solar lights on the walkways have been vandalised. The total cost of replacement amounting to approximately £1, 100.
It is extremely disheartening for the progress made by the team to be undermined by such deliberate damage. This type of anti-social behaviour is not acceptable; these actions do not just affect one area, but tarnishes the image and spirit of our island as a whole.
As our public spaces are for the pleasure and enjoyment of all, we call for a renewed sense of respect for these areas and the work required to maintain them.
How You Can Help
We encourage the community to take an active role in protecting our shared spaces. If you have any information regarding these recent incidents, or if you witness suspicious activity in the Castle Gardens or elsewhere on the island, please report it to the Royal St Helena Police at 22626.
Let us work together to ensure that the beauty of our island is preserved for everyone to enjoy.
Photos
Newly installed solar lights have been deliberately damaged in the Castle Gardens recently.
A meeting of the Governor in Council was held on 16 December 2025.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| CLOSED AGENDA 1. Declaration of Interest 2. Application for Dispensation under the Immigration Control Ordinance, 2011 – ********* (GiC 05/2025) 3. Application for Dispensation under the Immigration Control Ordinance, 2011 – ********* (GiC 06/2025) NB (*) confirms names are redacted as the information is sensitive. |
The following items were considered:
- Declaration of Interest.
Minister Henry declared his interest for Agenda item 3 and absented himself for this item.
2. & 3. Applications for Dispensation under the Immigration Control Ordinance, 2011 (GiC 05/2025) & (GiC 06/2025)
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 applicants, 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.
Dispensation for both applications was granted by Governor in Council on the grounds of there being exceptional circumstances why strict compliance with the requirements should be dispensed with.
Letters have been sent to the applicants to inform them of the outcome and to advise they can now apply for St Helenian status.