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The Education, Skills and Employment (ESE) Portfolio has entered the first phase of its transition to the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 model for primary schools, with the start of the new school term this week. This project is UK-funded through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP).

To protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of students and staff, and to minimise disruption to teaching and learning during ongoing school renovations, Key Stage 1 learners will attend St Paul’s Primary School and Key Stage 2 learners will attend Pilling Primary School until works on their respective schools are completed.

In addition to the new locations, the bus transportation system has brought significant changes and challenges. The St Helena Secondary School first experienced the impact of the new routes and schedules when its term began on 7 January, and the primary schools have since followed this week.

Special thanks are also extended to Colin’s Garage, the school bus contractor, for their commitment and dedication throughout this complex transition. Collecting students and staff from across all districts, ensuring arrival at Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, and the Secondary School by 09:00, and returning students home within an hour is no small task. While some routes are still experiencing delays and difficulties, Colin’s Garage is working tirelessly to resolve these issues, and many parents and students have already reported improvements in their journeys.

As part of this transition, ESE will also begin trialling bus route and transfer-point supervisors, starting with primary school students. These trials will run alongside a comprehensive review of the island’s school transportation system over the coming months. Feedback from parents, staff, and students will be invaluable in refining and strengthening transport arrangements ahead of the official launch of the Key Stage 1 School in September. Please contact School Reorganisation and Education Review Programme Manager, Nichole Spence at nichole.spence@sainthelena.edu.sh.

ESE extends its sincere gratitude to our students, parents, and staff for their steadfast patience and support during this transition. While we recognise that these changes have caused disruption for some, we are deeply grateful for the community’s continued co-operation as we fine-tune our systems. We sincerely apologise to those who faced difficulties during the opening days of the term; however, as these improvements progress, we are confident that the most significant challenges are now behind us. Ultimately, we believe these refinements represent a vital step forward in ensuring student safety and wellbeing, providing families with greater peace of mind on every journey to and from school.

#StHelena #PrimaryReorganisation #AltogetherBetterforChildrenandYoungPeople

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The St Helena Government is pleased to announce the commencement of the first stage of public consultation for a new Land Development Control Plan (LDCP). This vital exercise aims to modernise the island’s planning framework, replacing the current 2012 plan which predates the construction of the airport.

As the existing LDCP has exceeded its original timeframe, an update is essential to ensure land development policies reflect the island’s current needs and guide sustainable growth for the next 10 to 15 years. Once adopted, these new policies will serve as the primary criteria for the Land Development Control Authority (LDCA) when making decisions on development applications.

Shaping the Future: Your Input Needed

This initial consultation phase seeks to understand what residents value in the current plan and what priorities should be addressed in the new version. Public feedback at this early stage is critical to ensuring the new LDCP reflects the community’s vision for the island’s future.

How to Participate

The consultation period runs from Friday, 23 January 2026, to Friday, 6 February 2026. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback via a dedicated Questionnaire, which includes a section for additional suggestions.

Open Sessions

To assist the public and answer questions, the Planning Office will host two Open Sessions at Essex House:

Submission Guidelines

Completed Questionnaires should be submitted via:

While individual acknowledgments will not be sent, all responses will be collated and reported to the LDCA and the Minister for ENRP and ED. This data will directly inform the drafting of the new plan.

Future Consultations

This is only the first stage of the process. Future rounds of consultation, including reviews of draft land-use policies, will be announced on the SHG website and in the local press. To receive updates directly via email, participants may provide their contact details at the end of the Questionnaire.

SHG thanks the community in advance for participating in this essential step toward a modern development framework.

#StHelena #LandDevelopmentControlPlan #PublicConsultation

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The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce that the new series of St Helena Pound (£) banknotes has officially entered circulation. The new notes, in denominations of £5, £10, and £20, feature the portrait of His Majesty King Charles III and represent a significant milestone in the modernisation of the island’s currency.

Official Handover Ceremony

To mark this historic occasion, a small handover ceremony was held on Friday 16 January 2026. During the event, Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, Financial Secretary, Dax Richards, and the Deputy Financial Secretary, Nicholas Yon, formally presented the new banknotes to the Bank of St Helena. This symbolic gesture transitions the notes from the custody of the Commissioners of Currency to the island’s primary financial institution for public distribution.

Authority and Governance

The issuance of these banknotes is conducted under the strict legal framework of the Currency Ordinance, 1975. As prescribed in the Ordinance, the Commissioners of Currency, appointed by the Governor are the designated authority responsible for the island’s monetary affairs.

The Commissioners hold the sole right to issue notes and coins on behalf of the St Helena Government. The Commissioners overseeing this issuance were Dax Richards, Nicholas Yon, Susan O’Bey, and Gillian Francis. Their signatures appear on the new notes, serving as a mark of authentication and a guarantee of the notes’ status as legal tender. Since former Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey’s retirement, newly appointed Chief Secretary and Head of Public Service, Ian Todd OBE, replaces her as Commissioner. Their responsibilities include:

A Partnership in Excellence: De La Rue

The successful delivery of this new series was made possible through a close partnership with De La Rue, a commercial banknote printer. De La Rue worked with the St Helena Government from the initial design phase through to the printing and final shipment of the notes to the island.

Deputy Financial Secretary, Nicholas Yon, commented:

“We would like to formally acknowledge De La Rue for their expertise and dedication throughout this process. They have been a valuable partner from beginning to end, ensuring that our new polymer notes not only celebrate St Helena’s unique identity featuring the iconic Jonathan the Tortoise and the St Helena Ebony but also incorporate state-of-the-art security features to protect our currency.”

Transition to Polymer

The transition from paper to polymer marks a leap forward in durability and security. These notes are harder to counterfeit and have a significantly longer lifespan than traditional paper notes.

Photos

Chief Minister and Commissioners, Financial and Deputy Financial Secretary, with Bank of St Helena representatives

Commissioners Gillian Francis and Nicholas Yon removing the bank notes from the safe for issuance to the Customer Services Centre and the Bank of St Helena

#StHelena #NewBanknotes #CommissionersofCurrency

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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:

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

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:

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:

FeatureAction to VerifyDescription
Clear WindowLook: Hold the note up to the light.A transparent window is integrated into the design, visible from both the front and back.
Shimmer EffectTilt: 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 DotsFeel: Run your finger over the denomination corner.Raised dots (for the visually impaired) allow for easy recognition of the note’s value.
Microtext DenominationLook: Use a magnifying glass.The banknote denomination is printed in tiny, sharp text.
Negative Raised InkLook: 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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