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The Safety Security and Home Affairs Portfolio is pleased to report that the skills and knowledge gained from training delivered by our Border Force colleagues in the UK earlier this year continue to enhance the capabilities of our Customs and Immigration Team.

Building on this training, and through close collaboration between Customs & Immigration, and the Royal St Helena Police, several items were successfully detained last weekend by Customs.

This achievement reflects the effectiveness of joint working and the commitment of all agencies involved.

In a small community island such as ours, working together is essential to ensure that we can manage our borders effectively and safeguard the interests of our people. These efforts demonstrate our shared responsibility to protect and serve our community.

The Roads Section would like to inform the public of revised closure dates and times for resurfacing work planned for the Tomb Road to Hutt’s Gate. 

Please note the following key closure details:

Schedule of Roadworks
Road Closures Dates Daily Closure Time Diversions
Tomb Road to Hutt’s Gate Tuesday 4 November to Sunday 9 November 2025 09:00 to 15:00 The Dungeon via Gordon’s Post and
Haul Road.
Monday 10 November to Thursday 13 November 2025 Full closure from 09:00 on Mon 10 November to 15:00 Thurs 13 November 2025

These works will affect regular public transport routes and may impact Emergency Services response times during the closure hours. We are working to complete this project as quickly as possible to minimise disruption.

Please note that the full-time closures effective from Monday 10th November are necessary to enable the slurry to dry sufficiently in the current inclement weather conditions being experienced. Opening the road to vehicular traffic before the slurry layer has cured sufficiently increases the risk of damaging the new layer.

All motorists are advised to expect delays when travelling through or around these areas during working hours. Please exercise extreme caution and strictly follow all posted signage and instructions from on-site staff.

The Roads Section would like to thank the public in advance for their co-operation, patience and understanding as these essential improvements are carried out.

The Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio (ENRP) has announced key management decisions regarding the fishing of Grouper, Deepwater Bullseye, and Moray Eel (Conger) for the remainder of the 2025 fishing year. These decisions, effective from Friday 31 October 2025, follow an Advisory Board meeting held on 24 October 2025 with the Minister for Economic Development and ENRP, Karl Thrower, present virtually.

Precautionary Increase for Grouper

The updated management measures for Grouper reflect positive results from continued data collection and targeted monitoring. This work was conducted by the Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section (MFCS), in collaboration with the UK’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

A significant decline in abundance of Grouper required a reduction in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) from 25 tonnes (equating to 20 tonnes commercial and 5 tonnes recreational) to 1.65 metric tonnes in 2024. This 1.65 tonnes was distributed equally between recreational fishers, with each licensee being able to catch 30 fish.

Further data collection over the past 2 years supports a precautionary increase of the TAC from 1.65 tonnes to 2.0 metric tonnes. ENRP has implemented a new, licence-neutral allocation system. Under this system, all previous Grouper landings are void, and each fishing vessel licence holder will receive an equal share of the remaining TAC, equivalent to 22 Grouper per licence.

Licence holders have the flexibility to land these fish under either their commercial or recreational licence. Furthermore, transfers of Grouper allocations between licence holders will be permitted, subject to mutual consent and pending approval from the Chief Fisheries Officer. The Marine Compliance and Enforcement Section (MCES) will process all transfer applications within 48 hours during regular office hours.

This adjustment applies only for the remainder of 2025. A comprehensive review of Grouper management options is scheduled for December 2025, with potential revisions to be implemented in 2026.

Deepwater Bullseye and Moray Eel

Effective 31 October 2025, the Chief Fisheries Officer has revoked the Fisheries Control Notice for Deepwater Bullseye, allowing commercial fishing for the species to immediately resume. Whilst no formal Total Allowable Catches will apply for Deepwater Bullseye or Moray Eel (Conger) for the remainder of 2025, ENRP strongly encourage all fishers to maintain sustainable fishing practices.

This interim approach reflects an improved understanding of recent fishing data and actual landings. Revised, evidence-based TACs for both species are expected to be introduced in 2026, following updated scientific advice from the CEFAS.

Next Steps and Acknowledgements

All fishing vessel licence holders have received formal documentation concerning these changes, including a variation to their fishing licences and a Grouper transfer form for allocation exchanges. The MCES has confirmed updated entitlements and conditions via correspondence to each licence holder.

ENRP expresses its appreciation to the fishing associations and individual licence holders for their continued co-operation, patience, and engagement throughout this review process. The constructive dialogue and feedback received has been invaluable in ensuring that these management measures support both environmental sustainability and the livelihoods and interests of local fishers.

#StHelena #Marine

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St Helena Government (SHG) and Airlink are pleased to announce the release of an 18-month forward flight schedule to St Helena.

Airlink will continue to operate its regular weekly Saturday service between Johannesburg (JNB) and St Helena (HLE), and monthly inter-island service between St Helena and Ascension, maintaining consistent connectivity. In addition, from mid-December 2026 through to the mid-March 2027, Airlink will introduce a seasonal Tuesday return service between Cape Town and St Helena, catering to increased travel demand during the southern summer months.

While the published schedule extends 18 months into the future, it is important to note that flights can only be booked up to 360 days in advance, in line with Airlink’s booking system. Travellers and tourism operators can therefore plan ahead with confidence, knowing flight timings and service frequencies beyond the current booking window.

The schedule provides visitors and residents with enhanced visibility of planned flight operations, offering greater confidence and flexibility when planning travel to one of the world’s most unique and remote destinations. This will also allow the island’s businesses, tour operators, and hospitality partners to better prepare for upcoming travel seasons.

On the announcement, Minister of Economic Development, Karl Thrower, said:

“This 18-month schedule demonstrates our continued collaboration with Airlink, and our shared commitment to making St Helena more accessible for everyone. This predictability is vital, especially for our community. We hope this extended view will be helpful for the local population, diaspora and visitors in their forward planning.”

Chief Commercial Officer of Airlink, Katherine Whelan, added:

“We are proud to continue connecting St Helena to the world through our Johannesburg and seasonal Cape Town services. The release of this extended schedule gives travellers the confidence to plan well in advance and supports the island’s ongoing tourism and economic development. St Helena is a remarkable destination, and Airlink is delighted to play a role in opening it up to more visitors.”

The full flight schedule for the period November 2025 to March 2027 can be seen on the SHG website or found on the Airlink website 362 days prior to departure.

Tickets for travel between South Africa and St Helena are available online, via the Airlink website and through all IATA travel agents.

Ticket bookings for residents of St Helena can be made through your local travel agent.

Tickets for travel on the inter-island service between St Helena and Ascension are available through the AIG Travel Office. Passengers can contact the Travel Office via email at flight.bookings@ascension.gov.ac or by telephone on +247 67000 ext 1111.

#StHelena #VisitStHelena #Airlink #FlyAirlink

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The cruise ship Azamara Pursuit will arrive in St Helena at 07:00 on Friday, 7 November 2025. There are approximately 777 passengers and approximately 380 crew on-board. 

Approximately 301 passengers are booked on island tours. Tours will depart at 09:00 from Jamestown Wharf.

It is expected that the passengers will carry the following currencies:  Euros, Dollars and GBP. Currency rate of exchange information is available from the Bank of St Helena and the Tourist Office.

There is a wide range of nationalities on-board, with the main nationalities being Australian, Canadian, British and American.

The Azamara Pursuit will depart St Helena around 18:00.

Temporary One-way Traffic System

The public are advised thata temporary one-way system will be in place in the direction of Gordons Post to Hutts Gate along Tomb Road on Friday, 7 November 2025, from 09:00 to 15:00.

Traffic wishing to travel in the opposite direction will be diverted from Hutts Gate to Gordons Post via The Dungeon, as per the map below:

The one-way system will be clearly signed and will be removed as soon as no longer required.

The one-way system has been put in place to safely manage traffic and ease congestion, given the anticipated increase in vehicle volumes due to the visit of the Azamara Pursuit cruise ship. This is the same process as has been put in place in previous years, and for the last cruise ship visit, and is likely to also be a feature during future cruise ship visits.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the public for their understanding in this matter.

The St Helena Open Oceans Fund, a collaborative initiative between the St Helena Government (SHG) and ocean adventure company Wavysail, is pleased to announce the selection of its latest grant recipients for the upcoming Cape Town to St Helena to Cape Town voyage cycle. This ongoing partnership aims to promote inclusive yachting and grant members of the St Helena community an invaluable open-ocean sailing experience.

The two successful recipients for this third voyage cycle are:

The voyages, which typically cost several thousand pounds, are entirely funded for the recipients through the St Helena Open Oceans Fund, removing cost as a barrier for islanders seeking this unique experience.

Cerys Joshua commented:

“Despite the bad weather and flight delays, I’m really looking forward to such an amazing adventure with the Wavysail crew. One thing that I’m really excited about, is the potential to see some really cool wildlife, and epic sunrises and sunsets!

I’d like to thank the Open Oceans Fund and St Helena Government, for such an amazing opportunity.”

Isabella Scott added:

“I would like to thank Wavysail and SHG. I am very grateful to be chosen for this sponsorship and look forward to learning and gaining experience in sailing from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

About the Fund

Launched in 2023, the St Helena Open Oceans Fund leverages the longstanding relationship between SHG and Wavysail, a frequent visitor to the island. The grant provides a full placement on the yacht, including the option for recipients to stay for up to three nights in accommodation booked by Wavysail in Cape Town.

Eligibility and Future Applications

The grant is open to persons currently living on the island, as well as those who are part of St Helena’s diaspora, and applicants must be at least 18 years old by the time of departure.

Applications for future voyages can be made via self-nomination or by nominating someone else who would benefit from the experience.

To find out more about the St Helena Open Oceans Fund and to apply, please visit: https://bit.ly/3N83r66.

Photos

Cerys Joshua

Isabella Scott

Notes To Editors

Important Travel Conditions: As with any Wavysail experience, the grant recipient is responsible for covering and arranging their own travel to and from the arrival and departure points (e.g. flight back to St Helena from South Africa), as well as any hotels, meals, and expenses incurred off the boat.

Further Information: Full terms and conditions for the Open Oceans Fund are available online at www.wavysail.com/OpenOceans. Alternatively, contact Wavysail directly by email at info@wavysail.com.

#StHelena #OpenOceansFund #Wavysail

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The Emergency Planning Department would like to advise that the St Helena Airport along with the St Helena Government (SHG) First Responders will be conducting a major incident exercise on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

This is a pre-planned training exercise to test emergency response procedures. During this time, members of the public may notice activity at Bradleys Camp and emergency vehicles (with blue lights) travelling between Bradleys Camp and the airport.

Please do not be alarmed — this exercise is not a real emergency.

Members of the public are kindly asked to stay away from the area if possible to allow the exercise to proceed safely and without disruption.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation while this essential training takes place.

A meeting of the Police and Crime Panel will take place on Thursday 13 November 2025 from 13:00 to 15:00. This meeting will be held at the conference room in Customs House, Jamestown.

The agenda will include a Police and Crime Panel report from the Temporary Director of Police and a question and answer (QA) section from the panel. A report summary will be made available to the public the day before the meeting via the SHG website at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/portfolios/safety-security-and-home-affairs/police-service/.

The panel consists of the following members:

•Governor Nigel Phillips CBE (Chairperson)

•Administrator of Ascension Island, Rowan Laxton

•Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), Gillian Brooks

•Elected Member of the St Helena Legislative Council, Derek Thomas

•Portfolio Director for SSHA, Alex Mitham

•Crown Prosecutor, Danae Larham

•Chief Executive Officer for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Catherine Turner

•

We welcome attendance and input from all community members and stakeholders as these reforms progress.

For more information, please contact the Temporary Director of Police, Kevin Weir, by telephone on (00290) 22626 or by email through kevin.weir@sainthelena.gov.sh

.

You can also view the Police and Crime Plan online at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/St-Helena-Police-Service-Police-and-Crime-Plan-v1.1.pdf.

A recording of the meeting will be uploaded on the SHG YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638. The previous panel meetings are now available to view.

Following each meeting printed versions of the Police and Crime Panel report will also be made available at the Customer Service Centre and Public Library. Previous reports are now available to view at these locations.

SHG

30 October 2025

#StHelena #RSHP #PoliceandCrimePanel

A team from ONE Creative Environments, a UK-based, multi-disciplinary design company, recently concluded a visit to St Helena, focused on progressing the New Prison Build project.

ONE Creative Environments, which holds significant international experience—including their recent work on the Tussac House extra care facility for the Falkland Islands Government—was commissioned by the St Helena Government (SHG) to provide multi-disciplinary design services for this infrastructure development.

The team arrived on the island earlier this month (11 October 2025), and their visit included an intensive schedule of key stakeholder engagement meetings. They met with Minister Gillian Brooks and Portfolio Director for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), Alex Mitham, along with other essential project stakeholders.

The core of the visit was dedicated to design development work, including engagement with statutory departments, utility, and service providers. The team carried out extensive site visits to gain a deeper understanding of local construction resources and techniques, ensuring the design solutions are appropriate for St Helena’s unique environment.

The team concluded their visit last week with a comprehensive presentation to project team stakeholders. This period of engagement and information gathering was a necessary step to advance the New Prison Build project into its construction phase.

Photo

The project team,left to right: Jon Scharff (Architect, ONE); Paul Duncan (Superintendent of Prisons); Minister Gillian Brooks; James Hayton (EDIP Project Manager); Craig Walding (Director, ONE); Gavin Vickers (Civil & Structural Director – ONE); Luke Bryan (Structural Engineer, ONE); Richard Wotton (EDIP Chartered Engineer); Alex Mitham (Portfolio Director SSHA)

NOTE TO EDITOR:

This project has been approved for funding under the UK-funded Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), in partnership with the FCDO. 

#StHelena #AltogetherSafer #NewPrisonBuildProject

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Following the previous public announcement regarding the current outbreak, the Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) issues this advisory to provide clear and accurate information regarding the current increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases, particularly concerning guidelines for returning to school and work.

About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

HFMD is a very common, usually mild, viral illness that primarily affects children. It spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, touch, and poor hand hygiene. The illness usually resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms generally include:

The severity of symptoms can vary widely, from a few blisters to a more unpleasant illness involving high temperature, muscle aches, and fatigue. Serious complications are extremely rare.

Management and Isolation Guidelines

Treating HFMD is the same as treating a common cold. There is no specific cure, however, simple pain relievers and fever reducers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) may help manage the symptoms.

It is important to note the following official guidance:

  1. Isolation is not required for infection control reasons. Isolation measures have not been shown to be effective in reducing transmission of HFMD.
  2. Return to school/work is determined by well-being:
    • If symptoms are mild and the individual feels well enough, they may attend school or work as normal, even if blisters are still present.
    • If the individual is too unwell (e.g. due to high temperature, severe sore throat, muscle aches, or significant fatigue), they should stay home until they feel well enough to return.
    • In the event of a widespread outbreak of a common illness there is no need to see a doctor for a sick note, even if they are off sick for more than three days. Please seek medical advice if you are worried about your child’s symptoms or medical well-being.

There is no need to wait for the rash to completely resolve before returning to normal activities if the individual is feeling better.

#StHelena #AltogetherHealthier #HFMD

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