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The Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) wishes to inform the public of potential supply challenges at the pharmacy. We are currently experiencing delays in receiving a shipment of medical supplies, which may lead to some medications being temporarily out of stock.
This issue is due to a combination of factors including regulatory requirements in South Africa, our main transit point for goods, and subsequent freight delays. We understand how concerning this news may be, and we want to reassure the community that the HSC is actively working to resolve the situation.
Our team is exploring all available options to secure the necessary supplies and minimise the impact on patient care. We are in constant communication with our partners to expedite the shipment and identify alternative solutions.
The public’s patience and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated. We kindly request that you please be mindful that some items may be in limited supply and we ask that you only request what is necessary at this time.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are obliged to include an expiry date on all medicines, and for legal reasons international regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organisation have to advise compliance with these dates. However there is little evidence that in most cases drugs are not safe and effective for a long time after the date stated. There have been a number of scientific studies which show that drugs remain usable for many years after the stated date. Given the current supply problems the pharmacy may occasionally dispense drugs which are beyond the stated expiry date. This will only be done in cases where the medicine is essential, there is no in date stock available, and the literature has been consulted to ensure that the drug is safe to use.
For information on this, see the links below.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
For any urgent health concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the hospital or your doctor.
The following links provide further insight into the use of expired medication:
- Arioua A, et al. (2023).
Use of Expired Drugs: Patients Benefits versus Industry …
Finds that some medications, if stored properly, remain safe after expiration; sometimes for many years. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10834166/ - Gikonyo D, et al. (2019).
Drug expiry debate: the myth and the reality (PMC)
90% of more than 100 drugs (prescription & OTC) were “perfectly good” even 15 years past expiry. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7040264/ - Harvard Health (Harvard Medical School).
Is it ok to use medications past their expiration dates?
Reports that many meds were still effective nearly three years past expiration in a military‐stockpile study. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-it-ok-to-use-medications-past-their-expiration-dates - Beery S. (2019).
Can medications become harmful after the expiration date? (Nursing journal)
Discusses which drugs are most risky and why many are low risk. https://journals.lww.com/nursing/fulltext/2019/08000/can_medications_become_harmful_after_the.4.aspx - “The Truth About Expired Drugs: An In‐Depth Review” (Agrawal et al., 2023).
Review article showing that many drugs keep ~90% potency for at least 5 years beyond expiry under good storage. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376352587_THE_TRUTH_ABOUT_EXPIRED_DRUGS_AN_IN-DEPTH_REVIEW - Pharmacist.com Blog (“Are expired drugs still safe to use?”).
Summarizes evidence (e.g. from the DoD’s Shelf Life Extension Program) that many drugs retain potency long after printed expiration dates. https://www.pharmacist.com/Blogs/CEO-Blog/are-expired-drugs-still-safe-to-use?utm - Japan Medical Association Journal / JMAJ (2022‐2024).
Use of Expired Drugs: Patients Benefits versus Industry …
Similar findings regarding safety of certain expired drugs with proper storage. https://www.jmaj.jp/download.php?id=10.31662%2Fjmaj.2022-0209&utm - U.S. Department of Defense / FDA Shelf Life Extension Program (SLEP).
Data show many stockpiled pharmaceuticals remain effective for years after expiration when stored under controlled conditions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelf_Life_Extension_Program - De la Nogal‐Fernández B, et al. Are We Throwing Away Medicines Too Early? (ACS)
Examines environmental, economic, and clinical arguments for re‐evaluating expiration dates, especially when no alternatives exist. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.5c03842 - Diven, Dayna G. et al. Extending Shelf Life Just Makes Sense Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Volume 90, Issue 11, 1471 – 1474 https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/action/showCitFormats?doi=10.1016%2Fj.mayocp.2015.08.007&pii=S0025-6196%2815%2900667-9
In recognition of World Maritime Day, marked on 25 September this year, the St Helena Government (SHG) is highlighting the island’s long and vital connection to the sea. The 2025 theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, is particularly relevant to St Helena as it embraces a new chapter in its maritime history.
This month marks a significant milestone for the island’s maritime operations, as St Helena is set to utilise the new cargo management facility at Rupert’s. This is the first time in several hundred years that the cargo operations will not be carried out at the Jamestown wharf, Jamestown. This strategic shift is part of an ongoing effort to modernise the island’s infrastructure and enhance its logistical capabilities, ensuring the safety and efficiency of all future maritime activities.
The transition to Rupert’s is a complex undertaking, involving extensive planning and collaboration among various SHG departments and international partners. The new facility, with its improved amenities and increased capacity, is expected to support the island’s economic development and provide greater flexibility for cargo and passenger vessels.
St Helena’s history is inextricably linked to the sea, and its maritime legacy continues to shape the island’s future. SHG is committed to upholding international maritime standards and ensuring the safety of all who travel to and from its shores. The St Helena Maritime Authority extends its appreciation to all seafarers, port workers, and maritime professionals for their contributions to St Helena’s prosperity and security.
About World Maritime Day
World Maritime Day is an annual event organised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to celebrate the maritime industry and its vital role in global trade and transport.
#StHelena #WorldMaritimeDay
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In the lead up to the implementation of the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, the St Helena Government (SHG) has identified that the Ordinance creates an unacceptable level of uncertainty. For example, a lack of clarity relating to Permission to Stay and Work Permits has caused concern that essential medical personnel entering for a short period would not be able to work on island as anticipated.
Accordingly, SHG has decided to revoke the Commencement Order date that was set at 01 October 2025.
This decision, approved during a special meeting of Executive Council on 23 September 2025, means that the existing Immigration Ordinance 2011 remains in full effect.
The delay in enactment will enable necessary refinements to be made to ensure that the legislation is fully aligned with the policy intent and adequately protects the community’s needs, thus providing the very best service to the public.
The amended legislation will be prioritised and come back to Legislative Council. We will provide further updates on the revised ordinance as this process moves forward.
#StHelena #ImmigrationOrdinance #Changes
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Nominations are now being invited for the following awards.
UK STATE AWARDS – 2026 BIRTHDAY HONOURS
Honours are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement or for any service carried out over and above what normally is expected. This can include making a difference to the community or in a specific field of work, innovation and entrepreneurship, improving life for people less able to help themselves and displaying moral courage. Where possible, nominations should place emphasis on voluntary services and the service must be recent. Nominees must not be made aware they are being put forward for an award.
To find out more about the different types of Honours Awards please visit: www.gov.uk/honours
CERTIFICATE AND BADGE OF HONOUR
This award is presented to public servants on behalf of St Helena Government for loyal and valuable service worthy of recognition or, in the case of other persons, for their loyal and meritorious conduct that has provided exceptional benefit to the people of St Helena. Nominees should be residents of St Helena, either being born on the Island or have been residing on St Helena for not less than ten years prior to the date of the award.
ACT OF BRAVERY AWARD
This award is presented to individuals who have shown a clear display of moral courage and bravery in adverse situations.
THE BADGE OF ST HELENA
This award is available to both St Helenians and non-St Helenians. It is of a higher status than the Certificate and Badge of Honour. The Badge of St Helena recognises exceptional service provided by individuals or organisations who make significant contribution to St Helena’s development or by supporting and/or enhancing social, cultural, economic, environmental improvement or the understanding of St Helena internationally.
FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF JAMESTOWN
This award is symbolic in nature and is the highest-level of local government award that can be conferred. It is awarded to both St Helenians and non-St Helenians whose achievements are significantly admirable and highly worthy of distinctive recognition. Those who receive this award will have made an outstanding contribution that is of huge national impact to St Helena and its citizens and will have served the best interests of the Island.
Nomination forms for all of the above awards, are available from Central Support Service at the Castle, Jamestown, or can be requested via email: linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Completed forms should be returned to the Castle in a sealed envelope marked ‘Confidential’ addressed to ‘The Secretary, Honours and Awards Committee’, by Friday, 31 October 2025.
SHG
24 September 2025
Following the recent announcement of the Ministerial Team, the remaining seven Councillors have now confirmed district representation across the Island. This important step will help strengthen engagement between Councillors and the communities we serve.
We are pleased to announce the following district representatives:
| Councillor | District Represented | Contact Details |
| Cllr. Ronald Coleman | Levelwood | ronald.coleman@parliament.sh Tel No: + 290 24250 |
| Cllr. Derek Thomas | Half-Tree-Hollow | derek.thomas@parliament.sh Tel No: + 290 23647 (H) Mobile No: + 290 66907 (M) |
| Cllr. Robert Midwinter | St. Pauls | robert.midwinter@parliament.sh Mobile No: + 290 51500 |
| Cllr. Dr Corinda Essex | Jamestown | corinda.essex@parliament.sh Tel No: + 290 22038 |
| Cllr. Dennis Leo | Longwood | dennis.leo@parliament.sh Mobile No: + 290 67109 |
| Cllr. Julie Thomas | Alarm Forest | julie.thomas@parliament.sh Mobile No: + 290 61920 |
| Cllr. Clint Beard | Blue Hill & Sandy Bay | clint.beard@parliament.sh Tel No: + 290 22351 Mobile No: + 290 64837 |
While each Councillor has been assigned to a district, members of the public are welcome to contact any Councillor of their choice. However, we encourage you to build a relationship with your nominated representative to ensure continuity and strong local connections.
In the coming weeks, Councillors will also announce the areas of interest and working groups they will be championing. This will provide further clarity on how responsibilities are shared and how your representatives will advocate for community priorities.
Your Councillors remain committed to strengthening relationships with you, our constituents, engaging openly on issues that matter, and improving communication.
As Elected Members, it is our responsibility and privilege to represent you – the people of St Helena
Legislative Council
24 September 2025
Following the recent announcement regarding the opening of the new cargo facility at Rupert’s, we wish to remind the public that commercial vehicles from the facility will now be using Napoleon Street as a primary route into town.
This new traffic flow may lead to periods of congestion. We kindly request that all motorists exercise patience and adhere to the rules of the road to ensure safety and efficient passage for all users.
We will be closely monitoring traffic patterns on Napoleon Street, particularly on off-loading days. Depending on our observations, new traffic management procedures may be implemented to optimise flow and minimise disruption.
We thank the public for their understanding and co-operation.
St Helena Government (SHG) are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Andrew Duncan as the new Attorney General (AG).
Mr Duncan will arrive on the island this weekend and will be officially sworn into office on Thursday 2 October 2025.
SHG wishes to express its thanks to Mr Andrew Dawson for his services as the interim Attorney General.
#StHelena #AttorneyGeneral
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Effective Thursday, 18 September 2025, all Port Control, Customs and Immigration services will operate from the new cargo management facility at Rupert’s and will no longer be available from the Customs House in Jamestown.
The Customs and Immigration sections will merge into one department and will be contactable by telephone on (+290) 22287 or by email at cienquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Port Control will be contactable by telephone on (+ 290) 22750, on-call by mobile on(+290) 61827, via email at port.control@sainthelena.gov.sh and on VHF radio Channel 14.
What you need to know:
Package Collection: All packages will be collected from Liberation House (pictured below) in Rupert’s. Signage for the building will follow. For questions about your parcels, please contact your freight forwarder or consolidator in the first instance.
Pre-arrival Payments: To avoid delays, we encourage customers to email their waybills and invoices to cienquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh. You may also pay duty for arriving packages at the Post and Customer Service Centre or the Bank of St Helena before collecting from the Rupert’s cargo management facility.
Operating Hours: Current opening times will remain the same i.e.
Mondays and Fridays – Drop in from 09:00 to 15:00 (no appointment necessary)
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – by appointment only (Call 22287 to book an appointment in advance)
The new Customs and Immigration department will be reviewing these hours to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the public and stakeholders. Any changes will be announced in due course.
During the relocation process and during cargo operations, there will be restricted access from the main security gate, which is adjacent to Liberation House, through to the jetty. Cargo operations are carried out from the time the ship arrives, through to the ship’s departure and includes distribution and collection of cargo by merchants, freight forwarders and consolidators. Appropriate safety and security arrangements will be in place. There will be different levels of security applied according to the nature of operations at that time and the parties involved.
Dates, times and levels of restricted access will be communicated to the public and stakeholders as is the normal procedure.
Photo
The blue warehouse building in the foreground is named ‘Liberation House’, with parking available to the public collecting goods
Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks today announced the Ministers she has selected and the Public Service Portfolios allocated to them. They are:
- Safety, Security and Home Affairs Portfolio – Councillor Gillian Brooks
- Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio – Councillor Andrew Turner
- Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio and Economic Development Portfolio – Councillor Karl Thrower
- Health and Social Care Portfolio – Councillor Martin Henry
The Chief Minister will have responsibility for the Treasury and for Central Support Services.
The Chief Minister has recommended to the Governor that he makes these appointments. Pursuant to the Constitution the Governor will now formally make the appointments and Portfolio allocations.
Each Minister will exercise general direction and policy control over departments assigned to them subject to the policies of Government.
Chief Minister Rebecca Cairn-Wicks commented:
“I would like to extend my gratitude and congratulations to the new Ministers in taking on their new roles. We know that there are challenges ahead, but together as a team we will be ready to face them.
The team has been chosen with deep consideration and care.
Our priorities are clear: to listen, to work openly, and to take forward the policies and decisions that will help move the island forwards and build a strong and sustainable future for St Helena.
I have every confidence that the Ministerial team will bring energy, dedication, and integrity to their roles. We will be accountable to the public, guided by the values of fairness, transparency, and service. Our commitment is to put people first and to work together for the good of the island.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Honourable Members of Legislative Council for the generosity of your time, consideration and support as I step into the role of Chief Minister. I am heartened by discussion and debate and the commitment to working together, facilitating good communication and transparency in the decision-making process and I am committed to work with you in this way.”
The Chief Minister, four Ministers and the Attorney General form the Executive Council. The Executive Council with the Governor are the highest decision making body of the St Helena Government.
#StHelena #ChiefMinister #Ministers
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The Marine Section will be closed to the public from 08:30 to 16:00 on Thursday, 18 September 2025. This is due to staff conducting essential field work.
We will resume normal business hours at 08:30 on Friday, 19 September 2025. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.