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A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 26 June 2026.

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 13 April 2026  
3.Matters Arising from Minutes of 13 April 2026  
4.Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 26 May 2026  
5.Matters Arising from Minutes of 26 May 2026  
6.Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance (ExCo Memo 20/2026)  
7.Continued Operation of St Helena Ship Registry (ExCo Memo 21/2026)  
8.St Helena Government Vision, Strategy and Strategic Outcomes and Objectives – April 2026 – March 2029 (ExCo Memo 22/2026)    
9.Postage and Revenue Stamps (Invalidation) Order, 2026 (ExCo Memo 23/2026)    
10.Designation of Customs Areas (ExCo Memo 24/2026)  
11.Ministerial Updates on significant issues  
12.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 from 13 April and 26 May 2026

Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of meeting held on 13 April and 26 May 2026

6.       Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance (ExCo Memo 20/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2026 at Annex A should be printed and published and tabled as Government business at the next formal meeting of Legislative Council scheduled to be held on 17 July 2026.

Executive Council noted that the Bill follows the Immigration Policy approved by Executive Council in April 2025 and provides the legal basis for the implementation and enhancement of immigration processes. Ministers confirmed that there was no intention, at this stage, to review the Immigration Policy, April 2025. They further noted that the Ordinance is central to Budget Conditionality and the BIOT Extension Agreement.

A previous version of the Ordinance, was approved in 2025, but its commencement was revoked  due to drafting errors  that would have brought about unintended consequences if the Ordinance had come into force.

The principle of the Immigration Policy and therefore this Bill is that increasing the population, particularly the working age population, is critical to growing the economy and sustainable prosperity for the island. Streamlined and faster applications and processing systems are a step to attracting and welcoming inward migration.

Executive Council accepted and approved the Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2026, noting the need for sufficient lead time to test the new Immigration Portal and to communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders ahead of implementation.

7.       Continued Operation of St Helena Ship Registry (ExCo Memo 21/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether to:

    a) commit to developing the Ship Registry so it meets the required standard; or

    b) continue the Ship Registry in its current form and accept the risk of the UK’s     

        Maritime and Coastguard Agency asking for or taking corrective action; or

    c) take active steps to close the Ship Registry and deregister the ships currently    

        flagged with St Helena.

Members discussed and considered the details of the options presented including key points highlighted by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). Chris Olsen, Director, Maritime Governance & Regulatory Compliance, from the MCA, together with St Helena’s Maritime team, joined the meeting to answer Members questions.

Executive Council agreed to commit to the continued development of the Ship Registry to ensure that it meets the required standard. In so doing, SHG commits to a development programme to strengthen the legislation and resources supporting the Ships Registry. The Ships Registry is considered as an economic enabler, with the potential to generate revenue with full development. 

8.       St Helena Government Vision, Strategy and Strategic Outcomes and Objectives – April 2026 – March 2029 (ExCo Memo 22/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider whether the St Helena Government Vision and Strategy for April 2026 to March 2029, together with the Strategic Outcomes and Objectives, should be endorsed to guide strategic planning and budgeting over the next three years.

Members considered the ambitions set out for the next three years, taking into account the wider budget context, available capacity for legislative drafting, key delivery pressures, and the plan for monitoring progress.

Executive Council approved the SHG Vision and Strategy for 2026 to 2029.

9.       Postage and Revenue Stamps (Invalidation) Order, 2026 (ExCo Memo 23/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Postage and Revenue Stamps (Invalidation) Order, 2026 should be approved.

Section 3(b) of the Post Office Ordinance, 1898, provides that the Governor in Council may, by order, invalidate postage or revenue stamps that are no longer current issues. This process allows the Post Office to clear old stocks of stamps and make room for new stock holdings.

Executive Council accepted and approved the Postage and Revenue Stamps (Invalidation) Order, 2026.

10.     Designation of Customs Areas (ExCo Memo 24/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Customs (Designation of Customs Areas) Regulations, 2026, should be approved and the Customs (Designation of Customs Areas) Regulations, 2014, be revoked.

Members noted that the approval of the Regulations would provide clarity in relation to the designated customs areas at the island’s three port facilities; Rupert’s, Jamestown and the Airport, Prosperous Bay Plain. The updated customs areas support Customs Officers in performing their duties under the Customs and Excise Ordinance, 1999. Attention was also drawn to an oversight identified within the 2014 Regulations.

Executive Council accepted and approved the Customs (Designation of Customs Areas) Regulations, 2026, and agreed to revoke the Customs (Designation of Customs Areas) Regulations, 2014.

11.           Ministerial Updates on significant issues

12.       Any Other Business

No matters were raised.

The public are advised that, due to unfavourable wind conditions at High Knoll Fort, the trial launches of Windborne Systems’ weather balloons have not been able to take place.

The trial launch site has been relocated to a more suitable location. Launches will now take place next to the Ladder Hill tennis court between 10:00 and 17:00, Tuesday 30 June through Friday 3 July 2026.

The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the arrival and successful commissioning of vital new cargo-handling equipment at the port in Rupert’s Bay.

Funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), this essential upgrade includes a new Kalmar reach stacker, a MAFI terminal tractor, trailers, and specialised accessories.

The procurement was managed by Netherlands-based international supplier Forkliftcenter, with on-island assembly, servicing, and training delivered by their Southern Africa regional partner, Right Equipped Solutions (Namibia).

Securing Our Monthly Lifeline

As one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, St Helena relies largely on its port infrastructure for survival. With food and essential supplies arriving by sea just once a month, maintaining highly reliable port operations is fundamental to the island’s economic and social resilience.

Following recent reliability challenges with the island’s older reach stackers, this new equipment directly mitigates risks to our monthly supply chain, ensuring that cargo operations can continue safely, efficiently, and without interruption.

The machinery was transported to the island by Global Shipping Center (GSC). Upon arrival, technicians from Right Equipped Solutions worked hand-in-hand with SHG Port Control and Government Garage teams to assemble the machinery and bring all units into full operation.

Beyond mechanical setup, the visiting specialists conducted hands-on training and shared long-term maintenance protocols, empowering local crews and operators to manage and maintain the new fleet independently.

Key Handover and Statements

The Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Gillian Brooks, commented:

“I would like to thank Forkliftcenter and Right Equipped for supporting St Helena and delivering essential new equipment for our port. Their technicians worked alongside Port Control and Government Garage to ensure the new reach stacker, tractor, and trailer are fully operational.

The new equipment, funded by the UK Government, provides much-needed resilience to the port and will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our cargo operations. Gaining support from globally recognised suppliers such as Forkliftcenter is immensely appreciated, and we look forward to a continued partnership to assist with our future equipment needs.”

Managing Director Americas at Forkliftcenter, Adriaan Vos, commented:

“St Helena represents the 150th country to receive equipment from Forkliftcenter, making this a particularly proud moment for our team. Working alongside Right Equipped Solutions and the Government of St Helena, we have shown how strong partnerships can overcome even the most remote logistical challenges.”

Managing Member of Right Equipped, Henner Rodenwoldt, added:

“Delivering equipment to one of the world’s most remote islands requires trusted partnerships, technical expertise, and long-term commitment. We are proud to have worked alongside Forkliftcenter and the Government of St Helena to deliver a solution that will strengthen St Helena’s port operations and support the island’s future growth.”

The arrival of this machinery marks the beginning of a lasting, strategic partnership aimed at supporting St Helena’s infrastructure and logistics development well into the future.

A video filmed by Right Equipped Solutions can be viewed on the SHG YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZo1iGK8Q2M.

Photos

The SHG Port Control and Right Equipped Solutions Teams

The new equipment in the bulk yard

Assembly of the equipment

Handover of the new equipment

Notes to Editor

#StHelena #PortControl #NewEquipment

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St Helena Government (SHG) is inviting fishers, industry stakeholders and the wider community to help shape the next stage of planning for a strong and sustainable fishing industry on the island.

Following the publication of the Situational Analysis of the St Helena Fishing Industry, SHG is beginning the next phase of work to identify practical options for future policy and practice. The report is available here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/situational-analysis-of-the-st-helena-fishing-industry/

SHG’s shared goal is to support the development of an industry that is economically viable, environmentally sustainable and informed by those with direct experience of fishing and related activity in St Helena.

The planning process will take place in two stages:

  1. Ideas gathering: Fishers, industry representatives and members of the community are invited to share views on what should be done to strengthen the industry. This input will help shape the options to be included in a policy paper.
  2. Public consultation: Once draft options are prepared, fishers and the wider public will be asked to provide feedback. This will inform the government’s final decisions on future policy and practice.

SHG emphasises that there is no predetermined plan and that it is not aligned with any single group or outcome. All ideas will be considered equally, with decisions guided by evidence and the views of those involved in and affected by the industry.

Contributions can be made by sharing ideas in writing by email or arranging a meeting during the day or evening with Ann Muir, Head of Strategic Policy via Ann.Muir@sainthelena.gov.sh. Alternatively call +290 22470.

All contributions should be submitted by Friday 24 July, so they can be included in the first stage of planning. 

SHG encourages everyone connected to the fishing industry, as well as members of the wider community, to take part in this process and help identify solutions that can benefit St Helena.

#StHelena #FishingIndustry

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St Helena Port Control wishes to inform the public that space within the Lower Jamestown Wharf area, from the Middle Steps to the main landing steps, is presently restricted due to the number of marine vessels undergoing essential maintenance.

Following the relocation of cargo operations to Rupert’s, vessel owners are utilising the opportunity to undertake necessary maintenance works. These works are important in supporting a safe, well-maintained and sustainable maritime industry for St Helena.

In order to minimise congestion, motorists are respectfully requested to operate on a drop-off and pick-up basis and to refrain from parking within the Lower Wharf area. The traffic barrier located at the middle landing step will be closed. Motorists requiring access for pick-up or drop-off may open the barrier. Please close the barrier once your vehicle has passed. When opening or closing the barrier, use caution to avoid catching fingers or hands in the hinge. Additionally, please close the barrier gently to prevent impact or damage.

Members of the public accessing the main landing steps are requested to exercise caution, as vessel owners may be carrying out maintenance works in the area. For health and safety reasons, persons not directly involved in vessel maintenance must not enter the coned-off area. Parents and guardians are further requested to ensure that children do not play on or around vessels situated on the wharf.

Port Control continues to work with vessel owners to reduce the number of vessels on the wharf and to alleviate congestion within the area and thanks the public for their continued cooperation, patience and understanding.

The St Helena Government (SHG) wishes to provide an update on the ongoing Primary School Reorganisation project, highlighting progress in both infrastructure development and curriculum enhancement. This project is funded by the FCDO through the UK Government.

Infrastructure and Timeline Update

To ensure high standards of safety and facility readiness, the official launch of the dedicated Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) schools is now scheduled to take place after the 2026/27 academic year. This adjusted timeline allows project teams to navigate complex logistical requirements thoroughly without compromising on the quality of the final learning environments.

Work on the physical infrastructure is progressing steadily. The initial phase for the KS1 school, consisting of comprehensive site strip-out and excavation works, is completed. Please see the recent update issued by the Programme Management Office for a closer look at the developments so far. The completed works now clear the way for the main building works to commence. Further updates on this upcoming phase will be shared in due course.

In the interim, SHG is actively managing the transition at existing temporary school sites. Following the initial transition in January 2026, the KS2 cohort has seen an increase in both staff and student numbers. To comfortably accommodate this growth, a review of the layout at Pilling Primary School is underway to optimise space and resources for the upcoming terms.

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

“While this is not the news any of us hoped to share,  we are actively working through the challenges a project of this scale has presented. We always knew a transformation of this size and complexity would require time, flexibility, and careful adaptation, and we are committed to getting it right. What remains unchanged is the determination of the team at Education, Skills and Employment, who are working extremely hard to ensure this transformation is a success. Throughout this process, our priority has been and always will remain, the best interests of the children of St Helena. Thank you for your partnership and your patience as we build this future together.”

Strategic Educational Developments

Whilst structural works continue, education leaders are capitalising on this period to implement comprehensive foundational improvements across the primary sector. Key initiatives currently progressing include:

Community Engagement

A series of public drop-in sessions will be announced shortly. These sessions will offer parents, guardians, and community members an opportunity to view progress plans, receive detailed briefings on the building works, and discuss the academic strategies being implemented to strengthen the quality of education on the island.

Primary School Reorganisation: What’s Happening Next

#StHelena #PrimaryReorganisation #AltogetherBetterforChildrenandYoungPeople

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Today, St Helena Government (SHG) joins the global maritime community in celebrating the International Day of the Seafarer. Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2010, this day recognises how deeply sea transport shapes and sustains our daily lives.

To mark this occasion, SHG pays tribute to one of our own retired seafarers, Mr Patrick Williams (Bosun). Mr Williams was a highly valued crew member of the RMS St Helena, the beloved vessel that served as the island’s vital lifeline. Below, Mr Williams shares his personal memories of a remarkable 39-year career at sea.

Starting Out

“I first joined the old RMS St Helena (Ex Northland Prince) in October 1978, whilst coming home on leave from Cable & Wireless on Ascension where I was employed as a Pontoon Coxswain at the Pierhead. Even though I had already signed a contract to go back, the catering department was looking for a Utility Steward, so eager to work on a ship, I took the chance. The sun deck was certified to carry thirty-six passengers, but being the maiden voyage, joining from Ascension were sixty-six, plus all the cabins were full, so the Captain took a bit of a risk. Rodney Anthony and I had to help with the meals due to a staff shortage. Also the weather was really bad between the islands at that time.

In those days Ascension employees didn’t carry passports, so it was a rush for me, first to see Colin and Marlene Yon for passport photos, then to The Meadow to the Salts shop for a white shirt and black trousers (always wore shorts on Ascension). On sailing day I signed on, getting to know new faces and getting familiar with the ship. It was up to the UK via Ascension and Las Palmas. If my memory is right, we only did the first two voyages to St. Helena and back to the UK.”

Visiting Tristan da Cunha

“One day in James Bay, Pat Francis and myself were doing some maintenance work on deck when Captain Wyatt shouted from the Bridge to put the shrouds up on the fore mast, we’re going to Tristan. (In nautical terms, shrouds are wire stays to secure the mast). To me it was excitement and hard to believe. Going to school we learned about Tristan, now hopefully we would see it in reality. We had bananas roped up in the lower hold, they were green but by the time we arrived at Tristan they were dropping off the bunches. I think we took about five – six days. We mainly went to pick up the Governor and Arthur Corker who went to supervise the building of their swimming pool.

The day we arrived, and before we anchored, the Islanders long boats with pretty sails were heading for Nightingale Island. After we anchored half could go ashore, and half stayed back on board in case the weather broke out. We were there for a few days, but what was a bit scary was we only had life rafts certified for a certain amount of people, and at that time there was a college team of about twenty (Denston College) who boarded as well, plus a few medivacs going to Cape Town. I think the Governor bunked down in the Captain’s cabin. We all made it safely to Cape Town.”

Progressing

“Somehow Captain Wyatt wouldn’t let us go back on the RMS, I mean Pat Francis and myself. He wanted the two Pats to stay with him, but as time went on the MOD was finished with the RMS and things got back to normal. I was slowly working up to Bosun’s Mate, but what I will say, signing on MOD articles to join the Falklands Task Force was the highlight of my time in the Merchant Navy.

Peter Joey Sim always relieved Ronnie Johnson as Bosun, but when Ronnie resigned I was promoted to Bosun (Chief Petty Officer). Then along came the new RMS. Peter brought her down from the UK to St. Helena then I joined to take her to Cape Town for the first time. As voyages progressed on and Andrew Weir took over, the making of the airport started to take shape. Some officers rose to the rank of Captains and Chief Engineers. It was good to see Saints progress to the top.”

MV Oman Sea One

“I was on ship when we heard of the Oman Sea One believed to have gone down, I thought some busy times to come. I wasn’t going to stay up all night to look, so I turned in. Next morning about 06.00, I was awakened by Julian Swain (Deckhand) saying there’s a man waving to them, so I said ok, get all the remaining deck hands out for this. Our emergency boat list was completely ignored, so certain crew members was boats crew. So to make it short, we put our boat into the water, there was quite a bit of swell but we got to the survivor, threw him some rope and heaved him alongside, then into the boat. He was the Indian cook, with two life jackets on. It was a bit of a struggle getting back alongside ship, but after a few attempts, we managed to get hoisted up after bouncing into the embarkation deck. Some senior officers were out of the boat and away, maybe for some clean underwear.

So like the saying is, there’s always stories to tell, of good times and rough times. As for me, on the 29th July 2017, I dropped the anchor of the RMS in James Bay, signed off, and was homeward bound. With the old RMS, the Aragonite and the new one, my time at sea was thirty-nine years.”

The full, unedited text of Mr Williams’ story can be found at the following link: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/day-of-the-seafarer-2026-full-tribute/.

St Helena Government wishes Mr Williams a long and happy retirement and extends our deepest gratitude for his 39 years of dedicated service to the island of St Helena.

Photos

Mr Williams on the RMS St Helena

The RMS St Helena requisitioned to join the Falkland Task Force in 1982

Members of the RMS St Helena crew with a younger Mr Williams kneeling second from the right

#StHelena #Maritime #DayoftheSeafarer

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Following the publication of the UK Government’s (UKG) written Ministerial statement to Parliament on Tuesday, St Helena Government (SHG) is now able to publish the annexes that accompany the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SHG and the UKG relating to potential future migrant arrivals from the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).

The extension agreement, announced in May 2026, secures up to £9.05 million in additional support for St Helena, comprising £8 million in development funding, up to £800,000 in preparedness funding and a £250,000 unrestricted ex-gratia payment.

The annexes provide important additional detail on how the agreement will operate and the safeguards that have been put in place.

Annex A https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/biot-mou-annex-a/

Annex A sets out the additional funding package and preparedness arrangements. It

The extension also includes a commitment, subject to drafting support from the UKG to introduce a Data Protection Ordinance for St Helena. While this commitment supports the operation of the BIOT arrangements, it will also strengthen the island’s wider framework for protecting personal information. SHG Data Protection Policy was approved in October 2024 but work to progress legislation was paused due to other priorities. It is anticipated that following enactment of a Data Protection Ordinance a lead in period of two years would be provided for before this legislation is brought into force. This will ensure that Government departments, businesses in the private sector and individuals will all have sufficient time to understand the requirements of the legislation and make the necessary changes to their systems and processes to ensure compliance.

Annex B https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/biot-mou-annex-b/

Annex B establishes a temporary data-sharing framework that enables SHG to undertake appropriate health and security screening before any transfer can take place. It contains strict safeguards governing the handling of personal information, limits the purposes for which data may be used and requires secure processing arrangements.

The extension also reflects lessons learned from the original agreement. Key features of the extension are:

BIOT Project Manager Appointed

SHG is pleased to announce that Shelby Bargo commenced her role as BIOT Project Manager last week. Shelby will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating preparations to ensure that appropriate processes and arrangements are in place should any migrants get transferred to St Helena. Her role will involve working closely with relevant departments and stakeholders to support effective planning, operational readiness, and coordinated responses.

The MOU can be found at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/BIOT-MoU-QA.pdf. A Q&A can also be found at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/biot-mou-qa/.

Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks said:

“The publication of these annexes provides greater transparency about the safeguards, protections and support that underpin the extension agreement.

The overriding principle remains unchanged: any arrangements must not place an unreasonable financial, operational or resource burden on St Helena. The extension strengthens the protections available to the island, secures significant additional investment in our development priorities and provides greater clarity around preparedness, additional provisions, data protection and funding responsibilities.

We recognise that people will hold differing views on the wider BIOT arrangements. It is therefore important that the public can see the detail of what has been agreed and the measures that have been put in place to protect the interests of St Helena.”

#StHelena #BIOT #MOU

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The 2026 Register of Electors has today been published in an Extraordinary Gazette. This Register is effective from 1 July 2026.

The 2026 Register of Electors is available on the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/gazette/85652/EX-GAZ-63-Register-of-Electors-July-2026.pdf.

Alternatively, hard copies of the Register will be available to view at the following locations:

#StHelena #RegisterOfElectors

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A meeting of the Governor in Council was held on 16 June 2026.

The agenda for the meeting was as follows:

The following items were considered:

  1.       Declaration of Interest.

Ministers Thrower and Turner declared their interest. 

Minister Thrower felt his association with the applicant would affect his judgement and therefore exempted himself from the proceedings.

Minister Turner did not feel his association would affect his judgment and was willing to proceed with the discussion.

2.         Application for Dispensation under Paragraph 4 of Schedule II to the

the Immigration Control Ordinance, 2011 – **********  (GiC 07/2026)

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 applicant, 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.

Having reviewed all relevant information, the Council did not support the request for dispensation. Particular regard was given to the fact that the applicant’s period of residence on St Helena falls significantly short of that ordinarily required under Schedule II of the Ordinance. The Council was not satisfied that the circumstances of the application justified the granting of a dispensation.

A letter has been sent to the applicant to inform them of the outcome.

#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines

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