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Friday, 12 December 2025 marked a significant and deeply emotional day for St Helena’s educational landscape as the island’s three primary schools—Harford Primary, St Paul’s Primary, and Pilling Primary—closed their doors.
Each school hosted special ceremonies and events, including the burial of Time Capsules, to commemorate their history and legacy before they transition into the island’s new schooling structure. Carefully selected items from each class were placed into the Time Capsules, creating a legacy that symbolises the learning, friendships, and values of each school community.
Minister for Education, the Honourable Andrew Turner, attended the Time Capsule Ceremony at St Paul’s Primary and participated in the ceremony at Harford Primary, sharing in the moving farewells. The day was filled with deep emotion, balancing a strong sense of pride and gratitude for the schools’ achievements alongside the sadness of the temporary closure.
St Paul’s Primary School: An Emotional Farewell and Tribute
St Paul’s Primary School held an emotional Time Capsule Ceremony to mark the temporary closure of the school, which is set to reopen as a Key Stage 1 (KS1) school in January 2026. The event brought together pupils, staff (past and present), parents, Bishop Dale, and various government officials to reflect on the school’s journey.
A heartfelt tribute was paid to Headteacher, Mrs Patricia Williams, for her extraordinary dedication. Mrs Williams was warmly thanked by pupils and staff for her 48 years spent teaching and leading in primary education. While she is stepping down as Headteacher, she will continue to serve the educational community as a Primary School Advisory Officer until August 2026, ensuring her passion leaves an indelible mark on generations of children.
Harford Primary School: A Community Bash
Harford Primary School celebrated its closure with a lively “Harford Bash,” transforming the day into a memorable community fun day for parents and children alike. The event included activities such as kite-making and various outdoor games like rounders, cricket, and football, culminating in a whole-school Graduation Ceremony. Harford Primary provided a fitting and joyous day to appreciate the profound impact the school has had on the Longwood community.
Pilling Primary School: Honouring a Legacy of Learning
Pilling Primary School marked this historic milestone and the closure of its doors to KS1 pupils with a distinguished Graduation Assembly. This ceremony, attended by parents and learners, provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the school’s achievements and offer a heartfelt farewell to the KS1 teachers and staff.
The celebrations continued with a KS1 disco at The Mule Yard, allowing pupils to gather one final time to wish one another well in their new schools. These events followed weeks of notable acknowledgments, including the school’s recent Bonanza and Festival of Lights, ensuring that Pilling Primary’s unique history and contribution to the island were celebrated and commemorated.
Minister Turner commented:
“These ceremonies mark the beginning of a bold new chapter, a once-in-a-lifetime investment in the future of primary education. Our primary schools have always been at the heart of our community, and as we move through this transition, they will continue to need the support and involvement of the community to thrive.
This transformation will not be easy, but it has been made possible by the dedication and support of headteachers, staff, parents, and most importantly, the children, whose involvement has been invaluable in shaping this change. I would like to pay particular tribute to Mrs Pat Williams, who concluded her remarkable tenure as a headteacher before moving into an advisory role in education. Her leadership and commitment have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire us all.”
Photos
St Paul’s Time Capsule Ceremony
Farewell Assembly at St Paul’s
Mrs Pat Williams, preparing to place her Headteacher name tag in the Time Capsule
Kite-making and flying, amongst other activities, took place at the “Harford Bash”
At the Time Capsule Ceremony, speeches were delivered by Mrs Carlean Crowie, Headteacher, and Minister Andrew Turner
The Time Capsule, to be opened in December 2075
The Graduation Ceremony began with the Nursery Class
Mrs Elaine Benjamin, Headteacher of Pilling Primary, wishes her KS1 staff farewell
#StHelena #PrimaryReorganisation #SchoolClosure
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 16 December 2025.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| CLOSED AGENDA 1. Declarations of Conflict of Interest 2. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 17 June 2025 3. Matters Arising from Minutes of 17 June 2025 4. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 14 October 2025 5. Matters Arising from Minutes of 14 October 2025 6. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 18 November 2025 7. Matters Arising from Minutes of 18 November 2025 8. Communications (Spectrum Fees) Regulations, 2025 (ExCo Memo 64/2025) 9. *Options for Long-term Improvements to the Domestic Telecommunications Network (ExCo Memo 65/2025) 10. Ministerial Updates on significant issues 11. 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 – 7. Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes
Minutes for 17 June and 14 October were signed off.
Minutes for the meeting of 18 November were deferred until the next meeting.
8. Communications (Spectrum Fees) Regulations, 2025 (ExCo Memo 64/2025)
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Communications (Spectrum Fees) Regulations, 2025 should be approved and to take effect on the date of publication.
9. *Options for Long-term Improvements to the Domestic Telecommunications Network (ExCo Memo 65/2025)
Executive Council was asked to consider options for the future of telecoms on St Helena and to advise whether SHG officers should engage with Sure SA Ltd to work through the full package available for a longer-term relationship with the company.
Executive Council has given SHG Officers a mandate to continue the dialogue with SURE SA Ltd to develop the full detail of the options. In the event an agreement with Sure is achieved, Executive Council have instructed SHG Officers to concurrently explore alternative options for telecoms provision. This is in line with our commitment to ensure the best possible outcome for St Helena. A final decision on the selected option will be made by mid-2026.
10. Ministerial Updates on significant issues
No updates were made.
- Any Other Business
No matters were raised.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
The Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) is pleased to announce the relocation and integration of two of our clinical services to better serve our community.
Service Integration
Effective immediately, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services have moved and are now co-located as a single, unified Rehabilitation Department. This move is designed to provide a more seamless and collaborative care experience for our clients.
New Location
The Rehabilitation Department is now located at the General Hospital, occupying the space previously known as the Health Education Centre (Classroom).
Contact Information
For appointments, referrals, or general inquiries, please use the following contact details:
- Phone: 22500
- Point of Contact: Please report to the General Hospital Reception upon arrival.
A Note to Our Clients
The team is currently in the process of finalising the setup of a new clinic space. We are working diligently to resume full operations and address our existing client requirements.
We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we work through the current waiting list during this transition period.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) is issuing this notice to inform the public about a significant and early influenza (‘flu) threat this December.
Increased Risk of Early Outbreak
The UK is currently experiencing a severe and unusually early ‘flu season. With the high volume of visitors arriving in December from the northern hemisphere, St Helena is likely to be affected by the Northern Hemisphere virus. Please note:
- A new variant is circulating in the UK, which is causing high case numbers, including among children and young people.
- This new variant means that protection from previous infection or past vaccinations may be limited.
- Given the influx of visitors, we anticipate that an outbreak of ‘flu on St Helena is highly likely in the near future.
Vaccine Supply Update
HSC has been working to secure a supply of the Northern Hemisphere ‘flu vaccine since October. Unfortunately, we were informed last week that the vaccine will not be available until February 2026.
While the HSC would ideally vaccinate vulnerable people, this delay means the vaccine would arrive too late for the expected December/January outbreak. We want to be clear that the vaccine, even if available, offers only partial protection against the new variant, though it is still advised in the UK for certain groups.
Symptoms and Treatment
‘Flu symptoms can vary widely. Whilst some people will only have minor symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, headache), others may experience:
- High fever
- Severe muscle aches
- Fatigue/Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
A small number of people, particularly the elderly or those with chronic lung conditions, may require hospital admission.
Treatment: There are no effective antiviral treatments for the general public. For most people, treatment involves:
- Resting
- Taking Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to relieve aches, sore throat, and fever.
Protect Yourself and Others: Essential Infection Control
The ‘flu virus spreads in the same way as COVID-19: through coughs, sneezes (airborne), and by touching contaminated surfaces. We must apply the basic infection control measures we all learned during the pandemic:
| Situation | Action to Take |
| If you are unwell and coughing/sneezing | STAY HOME and avoid contact with others, especially the elderly and vulnerable. |
| If you must go out while unwell | WEAR A MASK to significantly prevent the spread of droplets. |
| General Prevention | Regular and thorough hand washing or sanitising. |
| When coughing or sneezing (if no mask) | Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow. |
The HSC will be actively monitoring the ‘flu situation and will provide regular updates. Your cooperation with these measures is vital to protect our community.
#StHelena #FluOutbreak #AltogetherHealthier
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
World Civil Aviation Day, established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1994, highlights the important role of civil aviation in the global economy and in fostering international cooperation. Each year, the ICAO designates a theme to focus on key areas within aviation such as safety, sustainability, innovation, and connectivity.
The theme of World Civil Aviation Day 2025 is “Aviation for Sustainable Development: Connecting the World” which will be celebrated on Sunday, 7 December.
For St Helena, a remote island with a long history of isolation, air connectivity has transformed life on the island. Until recently, the island’s residents and visitors had to rely on lengthy sea voyages, which could take days or even weeks. The inauguration of St Helena’s first regular air service in 2017 marked a significant milestone, reducing travel time and opening up opportunities for tourism, business, and communication.
On this International Civil Aviation Day, we proudly join the global aviation community in recognisingthe vital role civil aviation plays in connecting people, places, and possibilities.
St Helena Airport’s success is the result of strong collaboration from the airline, the regulator, local partners, staff, and the wider community. Together, we ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable air services for our island and beyond.
Gwyneth Howell, CEO and Accountable Officer said:
“We celebrate this day with gratitude for the teamwork that keeps our skies open and our connections strong.”
Hon Karl Thrower, Minister for Economic Development and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning said:
“As we reflect on the tremendous progress made in aviation over the past eight years, we are proud of how St Helena Airport has opened our island to the world. We look forward to continuing this journey of collaboration with our international partners, ensuring that aviation remains a positive force in our island’s development.”
#StHelena #InternationalCivilAviationDay
SHG
7 December 2025
The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the official launch of its redesigned website on Thursday, 11 December 2025. This significant digital overhaul marks a major step forward in improving the island’s digital presence and the way SHG communicates essential information about the government, public services, and the island itself.
The redevelopment has focused on improving how the website works in terms of its structure, navigation, accessibility, and the overall user experience, rather than changing the substance of its content. This means users will benefit from a clearer, more intuitive site from day one, while any content updates can be made after launch without difficulty or disruption.
The refreshed platform is designed to be more user-friendly, more accessible, and easier to navigate for the public and for internal users.
Key Features of the Refreshed Website
The site now includes several major enhancements designed to help users find information more quickly and efficiently:
- Improved Navigation: A clearer layout with a more intuitive flow, allowing visitors to find key information about SHG Portfolios and services faster.
- Better Accessibility: A responsive design that improves performance and viewing experience across all devices, including desktop, tablet, and mobile.
- Improved Search Functionality: A new search engine that allows users to filter results by Portfolio, document type, or topic, saving valuable time.
- Enhanced Visuals: A more engaging design that reflects SHG’s visual identity and incorporates elements of the island’s unique culture and heritage.
Digital Transformation for the Public
Crucially, the new platform introduces features that will facilitate future digital service delivery:
- Subscriptions and Payments: The ability for the public to directly subscribe to official communications (like newsletters) and, as part of ongoing work, the future ability to make online payments for certain government services directly via the website.
- Form Completion and Submission System: Users will be able to submit available government forms directly through the website with a view to eventually being able to move all SHG forms to digital fill, sign, and submission via the website.
- Realtime Feedback System: A new tool integrated into various sections of the website allowing users to instantly submit comments, report issues, or provide valuable feedback on services.
Possible Website Downtime
The official launch of the new SHG website is scheduled for 11 December 2025, however the transition to the new site is set to occur on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. During this transition period, there may be brief instances of inaccessibility to the SHG website, and external links to the site from our press releases and social media pages may be temporarily unavailable. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and would like to assure our users that all efforts will be made to minimise this downtime.
SHG encourages everyone to explore the new site structure and design, launching Wednesday at www.sainthelena.gov.sh.
We invite the public to submit constructive feedback through our official designated channels (e.g. Public Service Delivery Survey, Report It, Sort It, or email the Comms Hub through communications@sainthelena.gov.sh) to assist in the continued improvement of the site.
#StHelena #OfficialWebsite #Relaunch
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG
10 December 2025
Reference: CS-1997-SHG
St Helena Government would like to invite suitably qualified contractors to submit a Tender for the main works for the rehabilitation of the infrastructure at Harford School.
Full documentation and the specifications can be found on the SHG e-procurement system which can be accessed via: https://intendhost.co.uk/sainthelena/aspx/Home following registration on the system. User guides are available via the ‘Supplier Information’ tab to assist prospective contractors registering on the e-procurement system.
If contractors would like a hard copy of the tender documentation, they should contact the Project Manager, Lesa Davidson, on tel no: 22270 or email : Julian.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Tender submissions should be made via the e-procurement system, and the tender deadline has been extended to 12:00 on Friday 9 January 2025.
Contractors should note that this tender is not being advertised overseas.
NOTE TO EDITOR:
This project has been approved for funding under the UK funded Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), in partnership with the FCDO.
response to complaints raised with SHG regarding the operations of the fishing vessel St Albatros, we committed to providing a public response.
Following an investigation conducted by Crown Counsel, the St Albatros and its operations have been found to be compliant with our international fishing commitments with the exception of the following two errors by SHG:
- Notification to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) that Ruperts Port was being utilised to land catches made by an internationally flagged vessel; and
- An appropriate access agreement being in place between SHG and South Africa, given that the vessel was sailing under a South African flag.
These errors are now considered historic, given that St Albatros is currently operating under the St Helena flag.
The errors were made by the Public Service and arise from the ambiguities between local Ordinance and ICCAT rules. However, we have been advised that the errors are considered to be minor, administrative issues.
Nonetheless, they should not have happened and I would like to apologise to all of those concerned, whether directly, indirectly or as islanders who simply expect the highest standards from their Public Service. We are reporting these errors to ICCAT to ensure accountability in our fishing sector and will learn from these errors to ensure that they do not happen again.
We are now committed to supporting the comprehensive fishing sector review announced by Minister Thrower, and consider this matter closed.
#StHelena #FishingSector
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
Ian Todd
Chief Secretary and Head of the Public Service
World Civil Aviation Day, established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1994, highlights the important role of civil aviation in the global economy and in fostering international cooperation. Each year, the ICAO designates a theme to focus on key areas within aviation such as safety, sustainability, innovation, and connectivity.
The theme of World Civil Aviation Day 2025 is “Aviation for Sustainable Development: Connecting the World” which will be celebrated on Sunday, 7 December.
For St Helena, a remote island with a long history of isolation, air connectivity has transformed life on the island. Until recently, the island’s residents and visitors had to rely on lengthy sea voyages, which could take days or even weeks. The inauguration of St Helena’s first regular air service in 2017 marked a significant milestone, reducing travel time and opening up opportunities for tourism, business, and communication.
On this International Civil Aviation Day, we proudly join the global aviation community in recognisingthe vital role civil aviation plays in connecting people, places, and possibilities.
St Helena Airport’s success is the result of strong collaboration from the airline, the regulator, local partners, staff, and the wider community. Together, we ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable air services for our island and beyond.
Gwyneth Howell, CEO and Accountable Officer said:
“We celebrate this day with gratitude for the teamwork that keeps our skies open and our connections strong.”
Hon Karl Thrower, Minister for Economic Development and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning said:
“As we reflect on the tremendous progress made in aviation over the past eight years, we are proud of how St Helena Airport has opened our island to the world. We look forward to continuing this journey of collaboration with our international partners, ensuring that aviation remains a positive force in our island’s development.”
#StHelena #InternationalCivilAviationDay
Reference CS-1730-SHG
St Helena Government is seeking expressions of interest for the provision of cleaning services for SHG premises.
Full documentation and the specifications can be found on the St Helena Government e-procurement system which can be accessed via: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/sainthelena following registration on the system.
User guides are available via the ‘Supplier Information’ tab to assist prospective suppliers registering on the e-Procurement system.
All communication, clarifications, general questions and submissions of your responses must be made via the e-Procurement Portal.
Please refer to the e-Procurement System for the key dates, including the tender submission date.
The deadline for submission of expressions of interest is 12 noon on Monday, 5 January 2026.
Interested parties should note that this opportunity is not being advertised overseas.