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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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The Highways Authority has granted approval for the temporary closure of the road from Bates Branch to Fairyland Junction in Blue Hill.

This essential closure is required to allow the Forestry Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Portfolio (ENRP) to conduct necessary tree pruning operations. These specific trees, located in the Cason’s area bordering the road, have been identified as posing a risk to public safety.

Closure Details:

All emergency vehicles will be granted access throughout the closure period.

We appreciate your co-operation and patience while this important work is carried out to enhance public safety. Please plan alternative routes during the specified times.

The Roads Section would like to inform the public of further upcoming essential resurfacing works scheduled to begin in November 2025. These improvements are vital for maintaining the quality and safety of St Helena’s road network and are UK-funded through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP).

With effect from Tuesday 4 November, the Roads Section will be carrying out slurry work with the micro paver on the eastern side of the island. Please note the following key closure details:

Schedule of November 2025 Roadworks
Road Closures Dates Daily Closure Time Diversion Routes
Tomb Road to Hutt’s Gate Tuesday 4 November to Saturday 15 November 2025 09:00 to 15:00 The Dungeon via Gordon’s Post

Haul Road
Bottom Woods to Longwood Gate Monday 17 November 2025 to Monday 26 January 2026 Haul Road
Longwood Gate to Hutt’s Gate Wednesday 28 January to Saturday 07 March 2026 Haul Road

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

Please be aware that on certain days, road closures may extend beyond the scheduled hours depending on progress and weather conditions.

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.

Purpose

The document outlines the objectives and format of Elected Members Meetings and LegCo Forums.  Both are essential for effective communication, coordination and informed decision-making within our ministerial system of government.  While Ministers hold executive responsibility, all Elected Members share a collective role in shaping sound governance and representing community interests. 

Elected Members Meetings

    Purpose and Objectives

    Elected Members Meetings provide a forum for all Councillors and Ministers to meet in a collaborative, non-partisan setting. 

    The meetings aim to:

    Meetings may, on occasion, include introductions or briefings involving dignitaries, consultants, officials, or other relevant guests, as appropriate.  Attendance will depend on whether discussions relate to legislative matters or Members’ wider constituency and island-focused roles.

    Nature of Meeting

    Typical Agenda Items

    Purpose and Objectives

    LegCo Forums serve as structured, preparatory discussions focused on upcoming Government and legislative business.  They ensure all Members are fully informed and able to participate effectively in the legislative process.

    The forums are designed to:

    Forums may, on occasion, include introductions or briefings involving dignitaries, consultants, or officials relevant to the legislative agenda.  Participation will depend on whether matters under discussion are legislative or of broader strategic importance to the island.

    Nature of Meeting

    Typical Agenda Items

    Aspect Elected Members Meetings LegCo Forums
    Primary Focus Policy, operational updates, collaboration Legislative and Government business
    Chair Chair of the Month selected from 7 x Councillors Speaker or Deputy Speaker
    Nature Informal, team-building, idea sharing Formal, preparatory, legislative-focused
    Updates from Working Groups Where outcomes affect policy or practice Where outcomes affect legislation
    Tone Collaborative and community-focused Procedural and legislative-focused

    In Summary

    Together, these meetings form the backbone of an informed, coordinated, and accountable governance system.  They enable Ministers and Councillors to:

    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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