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St Helena Government (SHG) has published a Situational Analysis of the St Helena Fishing Industry, now available at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/situational-analysis-of-the-st-helena-fishing-industry/. The document intends to serve as the information base needed to support ongoing development of the island’s fisheries policies. The situational analysis was commissioned by Minister for Economic Development (ED) and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP), Karl Thrower.
The report does not make recommendations. Its primary purpose is to support the next stage of the policy development process, which is direct consultation with the fishing community to help develop solutions for the sector.
SHG will soon be convening a series of workshops with representatives of the fisher’s associations, processors, and others with interest in the industry to develop policy options. Invitations to the first workshop will soon be sent out. Two workshops and a final meeting will be organised and held and hosted by SHG’s Head of Strategic Policy, after which fishers and public servants working in the marine environment will meet to discuss next steps. This opportunity will underpin future fisheries policy with the lived and experienced knowledge of fishers.
It is hoped to complete this part of the process by the end of June 2026.
The Situational Analysis is a working document which will be updated as the process develops.
#StHelena #SituationalAnalysis #Fishing Industry
As they enter their final week of self-isolation, SHG would like to thank those 18 individuals who have shown remarkable fortitude and respect for the wider community by complying with the isolation requirements, which we accept have been very onerous. Thank you.
We recognise that following the hantavirus scare, there will be a heightened concern within the community. Most recently, we have seen an Ebola outbreak reported in the international media.
The public can rest assured that our medical and public health teams receive regular (in many cases daily) updates on related issues from across the World, however, SHG commits to updating the public if the circumstances change significantly and or the risk rises for St Helena.
The current Ebola outbreak is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with some risk to bordering nations such as Rwanda and Uganda. These are not high-volume travel destinations, nor transit routes to other mainstream destinations. There are a handful of possible cases elsewhere in the world (directly linked to DRC or Uganda) but none of these has been confirmed. These are being closely managed. As such there is no appreciable risk and it is not appropriate for us to issue regular updates. This will, of course, change if the disease spreads, for example, to South Africa (although the risk of this is currently considered low).
Travellers should always proactively check their destination(s) prior to travel. FCDO – Foreign travel advice provides a widely respected source of reliable information covering almost all global destinations. Travel Health Pro is an equally respected website dedicated to health advice.
Where situations arise which are likely to have a direct impact, then we will, of course, put out communications at the earliest opportunity.
Keeping this island safe is everyone’s responsibility, individually and collectively. Thank you for your continued support.
#StHelena #GlobalHealthConcerns
The Customs and Immigration Section wishes to advise the public that there will be reduced services at Liberation House on Thursday 04 and Friday 05 June 2026.
During this period, all Customs and Immigration queries can be directed via email to cienquiries@sainthelens.gov.sh, or by calling 22287. An officer will respond to all enquiries.
The Section apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their patience and understanding.
Normal services will resume at Liberation House, Ruperts, on Monday 08 June 2026.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio wishes to remind the public of the current operating arrangements for the Jamestown Outpatient Department (OPD) and the Emergency Department.
The OPD Triage Clinic experiences high demand, which can lead to patient delays. A contributing factor to increased waiting times is the number of attendances for non-urgent or routine care during morning hours. To ensure that staff can provide safe and timely assessments for patients requiring urgent care, members of the public are asked to note the following clinic structures.
| Jamestown Outpatient Clinics Schedule |
| Morning Nurse Triage Clinic (Walk-Ins Only) |
| Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 13:00. Patients are requested to arrive before 11:00 and will be seen based on clinical priority or order of arrival. Please Note: Patients attending the morning clinic for routine care such as dressing changes, blood pressure checks, and routine medication administration may be advised to book an appointment and return to the afternoon clinic. |
| Afternoon Nurse-Led Clinic (Appointments Only) |
| Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 14:00 to 15:30. Services: Dressings, minor procedures, blood pressure checks, and scheduled triage. Booking: Please telephone 22321 to secure an appointment. |
Emergency Department Services and Fees
The public are reminded that the Emergency Department is reserved strictly for medical emergencies and does not function as an alternative outpatient clinic. Patients presenting to the Emergency Department with non-emergency concerns may be redirected to the Outpatients Department for assessment.
Any consultation with a doctor, nurse, or paramedic in the Emergency Department outside of normal clinic hours for non-emergency care is chargeable at £13.85 for residents. This fee remains in line with the approved Resident Fees and Charges Public Notice published in March 2021 and is available to view at the bottom of the Health and Social Care page on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/portfolios/health/.
Alternative Daytime Services
To ensure patients access the right care in the right environment, the community is encouraged to utilise the full range of available daytime services:
- Pharmacy: For minor complaints and over-the-counter treatments.
- Pathology Laboratory: For pre-booked blood tests.
The HSC Portfolio thanks the public for their continued cooperation in helping to maintain an efficient health service for the island.
#StHelena #OutPatientDepartment #Charges
A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 26 May 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 24 March 2026 3. Matters Arising from Minutes of 24 March 2026 4. Disposal of No. 1 Building, Ruperts (ExCo Memo 18/2026) 5. Disposal of High Knoll Fort (ExCo Memo 19/2026) 6. Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo 6.1 Lion Alcometer 700 (ExCo Memo 16/2026) 6.2 Notifiable Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Order, 2026 6.3 Amending the Prohibition on Importing Certain Dairy Products from South Africa (ExCo Memo 17/2026) 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 & 3. Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes
Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of meeting held on 24 March 2026.
4. Disposal of No. 1 Building, Ruperts (ExCo Memo 18/2026)
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the No. 1 Building at Ruperts Valley, should be included on the Property Disposal Plan, in accordance with s10 and the Approvals Framework of the Property Disposal and Purchase Policy 2024, and disposed of by way of a direct negotiation to the St Helena National Trust (SHNT) for a lease term of 99 years, on the terms as outlined in the draft Heads of Terms presented.
Executive Council noted that via various forums, Government has signalled its intent
for the disposal of this building to the St Helena National Trust (SHNT) for the development of an Interpretation Centre documenting the history of Liberated Africans in St Helena and the Island’s role in ending the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Executive Council approved the proposal in principle subject to the detail of the lease agreement.
5. Disposal of High Knoll Fort (ExCo Memo 19/2026)
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether High Knoll Fortshould be planned for disposal on the Property Disposal Plan in accordance with s10, and the Approvals Framework of the Property Disposal and Purchase Policy 2024 and disposed of by way of a direct negotiation to the SHNT for a lease term of 99 years, on the terms as outlined in the draft Heads of Terms presented.
Ministers noted that High Knoll Fort is a significant historic and cultural asset which reflects St Helena’s military heritage. While it continues to serve as both a local landmark and a visitor attraction, the Fort is in a state of deterioration, with sections of the structure having already collapsed. To date, only limited works have been undertaken in the interests of health and safety, primarily owing to the substantial cost of restoration associated with the specialist construction of the building.
It was further acknowledged that the SHNT has requested a long leasehold interest to support its short, medium, and long-term objectives for the Fort, as set out in a Restoration and Development Plan that has been developed with considerable public support and engagement.
Executive Council approved the proposal in principle subject to the detail of the lease agreement.
6. Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo
6.1 Lion Alcometer 700 (ExCo Memo 16/2026)
6.2 Notifiable Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Order, 2026
6.3 Amending the Prohibition on Importing Certain Dairy Products from South Africa (ExCo Memo 17/2026)
Executive Council agreed with the decisions made for 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3.
7. Ministerial Updates on significant issues
- Minister Thrower raised the good outcome from the extension to the BIOT agreement.
8. Any Other Business
No matters were raised.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
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The main Scotland Office, including Stores, will close tomorrow, Friday 29 May 2026 at 13:00. This closure is necessary as the power will be switched off for a period of two hours to enable the Electrical Team to carry out essential work in the Generator Room. In addition, spraying services will be undertaken during the afternoon.
Should livestock or forestry services be required during this time, the Livestock Team can be contacted on 26162 and the Forestry Team on 65394.
Normal services will resume on Monday 1 June 2026.
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
