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On 19 August 2025 the Property Service announced the Playgrounds Project, a new initiative to create modern, safe, and inclusive recreation areas for families at the existing playground in Half Tree Hollow (Lower Graveyard) and at Longwood Green. This project is part of the £30 million Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government.
Following feedback from the community, including consultation with children at New Horizons, and extensive research into suitable play equipment, the attached images depict the exact equipment that will be installed into Half Tree Hollow and Longwood respectively. Half Tree Hollow will also benefit from outdoor gym equipment specifically designed for children (health and wellbeing package) and the existing hard standing will be converted into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) that can facilitate various sports such as football, basketball, netball, hockey and soft cricket, an example picture of which is attached.
Both areas will also be enhanced with wooden benches, concrete picnic bench sets, shade gazebos, a communal recycling hub and playground signage, all of which is subject to planning permission.
As well as the £113K budget, this project has attracted generous and very much appreciated philanthropic support from both local and international businesses and organisations (all of whom will be named in the final project announcement), amounting to £18K to date, which has contributed to the enhancements that may otherwise have not been possible.
Philanthropic support from the community is still invited as this will further the developments at Half Tree Hollow and Longwood. Any businesses, organisations or individuals wishing to contribute towards the project are invited to contact Mike Durnford, Crown Estates Manager via email: mike.durnford@sainthelena.gov.sh.
It is planned for both areas to be remediated during December and January, including vegetation / shrubs removal, grass cutting and general tidying in readiness for playground equipment installation from February, for project completion by the end of March 2026.
Photos
Play equipment intended for Half Tree Hollow (Note: harness will be fitted on the inclusive seat)
Multi-Use Games Area and Children’s Outdoor Gym Equipment intended for Half Tree Hollow
Play equipment intended for Longwood Green
#StHelena #PlaygroundsProject #EDIP
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On 16 October 2025, the ambulance team from the Health and Social Care Portfolio returned to St Helena Secondary School to train Year 9 students in CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This event marks our continued commitment to ‘Restart a Heart Day’, a global initiative promoting early intervention in cardiac emergencies.
During the session, students practised chest compressions and learned how to operate an AED under guided supervision. We believe that equipping young people with these skills can genuinely change outcomes in critical moments. Bystander CPR and use of an AED can more than double chances of survival when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.
Restart a Heart Day is part of the regular Year 9 curriculum, ensuring that every cohort acquires confidence and practical ability to respond. We thank Head Teacher Mr Toal and the staff at St Helena Secondary School for their support in organising this year’s session.
Mr Toal commented:
“We’re incredibly grateful to the ambulance team for providing our Year 9 students with such an important and potentially lifesaving learning experience. Developing the confidence and practical skill to perform CPR or use a defibrillator empowers our young people to make a real difference in an emergency.”
The Ambulance Service would like to remind the public of the following AED locations across the island:
| District | Location |
| Half Tree Hollow | Half Tree Hollow Clinic (Outside of the main entrance) |
| St Paul’s | The Pavilion (White Shed) at Francis Plain |
| Levelwood | Silver Hill Shop (Outside) |
| Blue Hill | Blue Hill Community Centre (Outside) |
| Sandy Bay | Bamboo Hedge Shop (Outside) |
| Rupert’s | Sea Rescue Building (Outside the main entrance) |
| Longwood | Royal St Helena Police Post (Outside) |
| Jamestown | Customs Building (Near Immigration Office entrance) |
| Jamestown | Royal St Helena Police Service (Reception) |
If you ever need access, call 999 and the Emergency Control Centre will provide the cabinet code. Even if you’re unsure about performing CPR, the call takers are trained to talk you through each step until help arrives.
We also encourage anyone interested in learning First Aid to contact Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager on 22500 or for further details, please refer to the recent press release (https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/2025/press-releases/first-aid-training-courses-now-open-for-registration/).
Photo
#StHelena #RestartAHeartDay2025 #LifeSavingSkills #TogetherWeCare
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The Legislative Council is pleased to announce the appointment of a new group of Councillor Champions, each dedicated to advancing key areas of community life and public interest on St Helena.
New Areas of Focus:
This year’s appointments introduce five new Champion roles:
- Charities Champion
- Disabilities Champion
- Communications Champion
- Diaspora Champion
- Sports & Culture Champion (an expansion of the former Culture Champion role)
Each champion will work with stakeholders, organisations, and the wider community to raise awareness, influence policy, and promote positive change within their areas of focus.
New Terms of Reference (TOR) will be developed by the respective champions and made public when finalised.
Appointed Champions are:
Business & Innovations Champion
Cllr Dr Corinda Essex 📞 +290 22038
Charities Champion & Disabilities Champion
Cllr Ronald Coleman 📞 +290 24250
📧 ronald.coleman@parliament.sh
Children’s Champion & Communications Champion
Cllr Julie Thomas 📞 Mobile +290 61920
Diaspora Champion
Cllr Clint Beard 📞 Mobile + 290 64837
Elderly Persons Champion
Cllr Derek Thomas 📞 +290 23647 or Mobile + 290 66907
Sports & Culture Champion
Cll. Dennis Leo 📞 Mobile +290 67109
Communications Champion, Cllr Julie Thomas said:
“Council Champions play an essential role in strengthening the connection between the Legislative Council and the people of our island. It is anticipated that each champion will bring passion, insight, and commitment to their chosen area of focus. Through our advocacy and engagement, we aim to ensure that community voices are heard and that positive practical outcomes can be achieved. I encourage all members of the public to reach out, to share your views, and support your champions as we begin this important work.”
For more information, please contact the relevant champion using the details provided, or reach out to the Legislative Council Office for further assistance.
Minister Karl Thrower departed the island on Saturday, 18 October 2025, to represent St Helena at the Green Overseas Workshop on Utility-Scale Renewable Energy for Island Grids in Saint Eustatius. Minister Thrower will be attending alongside Geoffrey Augustus, Technical Manager, Electricity, Connect St Helena Ltd., and Paul Cherrett, Head of the Programme Management Office.
The experience and knowledge exchange workshop aims to strengthen the capacity of small islands to integrate large scale renewable energy such as solar and wind. For St Helena, the lessons learned will guide us in achieving our goal of 80% renewable energy by 2028.
Minister Thrower is expected to return on Saturday, 8 November 2025, but will remain contactable during the period he is away via karl.thrower@sainthelena.gov.sh.
During the Minister’s absence, Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks will serve as the primary point of contact for matters pertaining to the Economic Development and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolios and can be contacted via email at rebecca.cairns-wicks@sainthelena.gov.sh.
#StHelena #ElectedMembers
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The Property Service is undertaking an exercise to establish an accurate record of all containers and tenancies within the Container Park at Half Tree Hollow. This information is vital for the Property Service to consider possible next steps for the site.
All current users are required to contact the Property Service by Friday, 21 November 2025.
Required Information
Please provide the following details in your correspondence:
- Your Name
- Number of Containers you currently have within the Park.
- Use of the container(s) (e.g., private storage, business operations).
- Details of when you first secured a container space.
Contact Details
Please contact either of the following team members by telephone at 22270 or via email at:
- Gina Henry gina.henry@sainthelena.gov.sh
- Mike Durnford mike.durnford@sainthelena.gov.sh
Thank you in advance for your prompt co-operation in this important matter.
The Dental Clinic is committed to providing consistent and high-quality dental care to all residents. We value the dedication of our dental staff and their commitment to patient well-being.
To ensure staff are able to maintain a proper work-life balance and provide focused professional service during operating hours, we must respectfully request the general public to refrain from contacting Dental Services staff at their private residences for any dental-related issues.
Accessing staff through private channels outside of the official service hours is inappropriate and can disrupt their personal time.
All dental inquiries, appointments, or concerns must be directed through the official Dental Services contact numbers 25387 / 22500 (Jamestown Hospital).
Reminder of Official Working Hours
Our normal working hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 08:30 to 16:00
We kindly ask for the public’s full cooperation in respecting this policy and using the established contact procedures during the official hours listed above.
We thank you for helping us support our team and maintain professional standards of care.
The St Helena Government (SHG) announced today that Chief Secretary, Mrs Susan O’Bey, has retired from her position as Head of the Public Service with effect from Friday, 17 October 2025.
Mrs O’Bey served over 45 years with the SHG and as Head of the Public Service since April 2018, and the Government extends its deepest gratitude for her dedicated service and leadership.
On her retirement, Mrs O’Bey, commented:
“As I prepare to retire from my role as Chief Secretary I have been reflecting on the extraordinary privilege it has been to serve the island these past seven and a half years.
Together, with other colleagues and teams, we have weathered challenges and celebrated successes that few larger administrations would fully understand. Through the COVID pandemic, budget pressures, and times of change, what has always stood out to me is our resilience and our determination to make things work, not because it is easy, but because it matters.
As I hand over to new leadership, I do so with great confidence in the strength of the SHG Public Service and the people within it. Thank you for your dedication, your adaptability, and your belief in the value of public service. It has been an honour to lead you and to be part of this journey.”
Mr Ian Todd, the newly appointed Head of the Public Service, will assume office on Monday, 3 November 2025.
During the interim period, Mrs Gillian Francis, Deputy Chief Secretary and Portfolio Director of Central Support Services, will step in to serve as Acting Chief Secretary and Mrs Carol Henry, Head of Administration Support Service, will be appointed Acting Deputy Chief Secretary.
Photos
Mrs Susan O’Bey
Mrs O’Bey received a Guard of Honour by members of the Public Service as she left the Castle for the final time as Chief Secretary
#StHelena #ChiefSecretary #PublicService
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St Helena Airport and Emergency Planning are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to participate in a major incident exercise to simulate an aircraft emergency.
The outdoor exercise will take place on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, from 08:00 to 13:30 at the St Helena Airport.
Volunteers are needed for the following roles:
•Role playing of injured passengers
•Distraught family members and other bystanders
Please be aware that this event may be emotionally and psychologically demanding for volunteers.
Lunch will be provided and transport on request.
Volunteers interested in this unique opportunity can contact Marc Fowler by telephone on 25180, or via email at marc.fowler@sthelenaairport.aero by 31 October 2025. Alternatively, contact Anel O’Bey on 25052 or email anel.obey@helanta.co.sh
Advice relating to entry of the St Helena Airport and clothing requirements will be discussed when volunteers make contact.
A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 14 October 2025.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| CLOSED AGENDA 1. Declaration of Interest 2. *Bank of St Helena (BOSH) Dividend (ExCo Memo 61/2025) 3. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 17 June 2025 4. Matters Arising from Minutes of 17 June 2025 5. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 24 June 2025 6. Matters Arising from Minutes of 24 June 2025 7. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 30 June 2025 8. Matters Arising from Minutes of 30 June 2025 9. Commencement of Customs and Excise (Tariffs and Exemptions) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 (ExCo Memo 60/2025) 9.1 Publicity/Briefing to Press 10. Addressing the Short Notice Period on the current Sure Licence (ExCo Memo 62/2025) 11. Any Other Business 11.1 Legal Assistance Funding Criteria NB Items marked (*) are commercially sensitive and depending on the subject matter, might not be referred to in the top lines |
The following were items were considered:
2. BOSH Dividend 2025
The Head of Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) attended for this item.
3 – 8. Confirmation of Minutes and Matter arising from the Minutes
It was agreed that the minutes for 17 June 2025 would be tabled at the next ExCo meeting.
Minutes for 24 and 30 June 2025 were signed off and all matters arising captured in minutes of 14 October 2025.
9. Commencement Customs Excise Regulations
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Customs and Excise (Tariffs and Exemptions) Regulations 2025 could commence from 16 October 2025.
At the meeting:
- It was noted that the Customs and Excise (Tariffs and Exemptions) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations were presented to the Executive Council and approved on 20 May 2025. At the time it was agreed that the Regulations would come into force when Rupert’s Cargo Facility became operational. As a date could not be confirmed, the Regulations provide that they will come into force on a date fixed by the Governor by Order.
ExCo approved the commencement date of 16 October 2025.
10. Addressing the Short Notice Period on the current Sure License
The Portfolio Director for Economic Development, Chief Digital Officer, and Head of Communications Policy, Regulation and Compliance attended for this item.
ExCo was asked to consider and advise whether the Sure South Atlantic Ltd (Sure) telecoms rolling license notice period of six months should be amended to 12 months.
At the meeting:
- It was noted that ExCo agreed with Sure to amend the notice period that has to be given if either party (SHG or Sure) wanted to terminate (end) the current license for telecommunication provision from a six month to a 12-month notice period. This amendment is in the best interests of all parties and is essential to ensuring continuity and stability of services at their current level while the government determines its approach to longer term licensing for telecommunications.
ExCo approved to extend the rolling notice period from six months to 12 months.
11. AOB
Legal Assistance Funding Criteria
At the request of the Chief Magistrate, HE the Governor brought to the attention of Ministers, the updated Legal Assistance Funding Criteria document.
Thanks to retiring Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey
On behalf of ExCo past and present, HE the Governor extended thanks to Susan O’Bey, Chief Secretary as this was her final ExCo meeting. In turn, Susan conveyed her thanks and appreciation, and offered her best wishes to the recently appointed ExCo.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
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An open session of Executive Council in Planning (ECiP) was held on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 in the Council Chamber.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| OPEN AGENDA 1. Declarations of Conflict of Interest 2. Development Application – Proposed Construction of a New Prison with AncillaryDojo, Service Buildings, access road, parking area and sewerage treatment plant atBottom Woods, Longwood North (ECIP Memo 04/2025) 2.1 Publicity/Briefings to the Press |
The Acting Chief Planning Officer, Shane Williams, members of the Project Management Office and Alex Mitham, Portfolio Director for Safety Security and Home Affairs were in attendance along with members of the public. The key item considered:
Development Application No. 2025/53 Development at Bottom Woods on Parcel LWN0501 Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise whether full development permission should be granted, with conditions, as recommended for the Proposed Construction of a New Prison at Bottom Woods with ancillary dojo, service buildings, access road, parking area and sewerage treatment plant.
This application had previously been considered by the Land Development Control Authority on 4 September 2025 who recommended that the Governor in Council grant development permission subject to planning conditions set out by the Chief Planning Officer.
At the meeting:
Minister Thrower set out the context for the current application, before handing over to the Acting Chief Planning Officer to detail the key changes and conditions as outlined in published documentation.
HE the Governor opened the floor for questioning and discussion which centered on the recommended conditions.
Following deliberation, ECiP unanimously approved the development application subject to recommended conditions, with amendments to reword condition 13 for the Lighting Scheme, and condition 11 for the Storm Water Management Plan and the confirmation of the fencing design and colour with the Chief Planning Officer. Minister Thrower will give details of the application together with an overview of the decision, on radio this coming Thursday.
Documentation for the meeting is available via the SHG website http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/executive-council/
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
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