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To ensure the successful completion of the Roads Slurry Programme, preparation and cleaning work is set to begin on the final phase of the project.

Closure Details

In addition to the ongoing daily closures between Longwood Gate and Hutt’s Gate, new daily road closures will be implemented as follows:

Please be advised that roadworks may occasionally be scheduled over weekends. The Roads Section will provide advance notice to the public before any weekend closures take place.

Work Schedule

The project will be completed in two distinct stages:

Access for Residents

Residents living within the affected stretch are kindly asked to contact the Roads Supervisory Staff at 23640 to coordinate any essential travel during closure hours.

Appropriate signage will be displayed throughout the area. We request the public’s full cooperation to help us complete these works safely and on schedule.

We thank you for your patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

At their meeting on Tuesday 27 January 2026, Executive Council endorsed the Financial Services Regulation Policy 2025 that was approved by the former Executive Council in January 2025; the approval  of the Financial Services (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to be presented as Government business to the Legislative Council and the approval in principle of the Financial Services (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, to come into force following enactment of the Financial Services (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The Financial Services Regulation Policy aims to modernise selected parts of our financial services regulatory framework. It is driven by the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) 2023-2033, as well as SHG’s Vision and Strategy. The SEDS states that “SHG has identified that St Helena’s financial services laws and regulations require reform and modernisation to encourage competition within the sector and support economic growth. There are substantial gaps in current legislation. SHG’s objective is to enhance the financial services landscape by removing barriers to entry, while working toward compliance with international best practice and recommendations.” It notes that comprehensive reform and updates to existing financial services laws and regulations are required for St Helena to achieve its development goals.

The Financial Services Regulation Policy 2025 has four key objectives:

The objectives are all inter-related. In particular, success in making St Helena a commercially attractive destination for financial services businesses in turn requires a more modern regulatory framework to cope with the needs and expectations of new businesses, especially overseas owned or managed businesses which choose to establish a presence in St Helena. In addition, the regulatory architecture helps to fulfill the customers’ needs of improved consumer protection measures and high-level service standards, in turn increasing the confidence and accountability within the financial service sector.

Minister for Economic Development, Karl Thrower, commented:

“This is an important step in modernising St Helena’s financial services framework. It supports our Sustainable Economic Development Strategy by making St Helena a more attractive place to do business—removing unnecessary barriers, encouraging healthy competition, and strengthening governance.

Just as importantly, these reforms enhance protections for customers by improving consumer safeguards and raising service and accountability standards.”

#StHelena #FinancialServicesRegulations

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The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce that the St Helena Badge of Honour has been officially presented to brothers Anthony ‘Futcher’ Henry and Doran Henry for their lifelong, exceptional service to the island’s maritime environment and sea rescue.

His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Phillips CBE, recently hosted a ceremony at Plantation House to formally present the Badge of Honour to Anthony and Doran. The awards were presented in the presence of close family and friends, recognising the brothers’ lifelong dedication and exceptional contributions to the island’s maritime sector and emergency services.

Decades of Maritime Mastery

The Henry brothers’ expertise is rooted in a lifetime of experience on the Jamestown wharf. Learning their craft from an early age under the guidance of their father, ‘Charlie Boar,’ they developed an intimate knowledge of St Helena’s coastal waters and fishing grounds.

This foundational skill set led to invaluable contribution to the island’s maritime operations. For decades, both men were integral to the complex cargo and fuel tanker operations managed by Solomons. Their ability to, on occasion in the past, liaise directly with ship Captains and execute boat manoeuvring in rough seas was often the deciding factor in successful medivac transfer and successfully landing essential supplies for the island.

A Commitment to Sea Rescue

In addition to their professional duties, Anthony and Doran provided significant support to the island’s search and rescue capabilities over several decades:

HE Governor Nigel Philllips CBE commented:

“It was a great pleasure to present the Badge of Honour to Anthony and Doran Henry at Plantation House. Their lifelong dedication to St Helena’s maritime safety and their specialised skills in our coastal waters represent a remarkable legacy of service.

From their early days on the wharf to their decades of commitment to sea rescue, they have played a vital role in protecting our community and ensuring the delivery of essential services to the island. This award recognises not only their past achievements but also the invaluable knowledge they have contributed to our maritime heritage.”

Community Impact and Recognition

The brothers’ service has previously been noted at the highest levels, having been recognised by HRH Princess Anne during her visit to St Helena in 2002.

In awarding the Badge of Honour, SHG acknowledges not only their technical bravery and past service but also their status as respected mentors within the maritime community. Their instincts and experience remain a vital part of the island’s seafaring heritage.

SHG extends its warm congratulations to Anthony ‘Futcher’ and Doran Henry on receiving this well-deserved recognition.

Note to Editors

The St Helena Badge of Honour is awarded by the Governor to residents who have provided loyal and valuable service worthy of recognition by the St Helena Government, or for acts of bravery.

Photos

HE the Governor, Mrs Phillips, Anthony and Doran Henry, and invited family and friends

The Certificates of Honour awarded to Anthony and Doran

HE the Governor congratulating Anthony Henry

The Governor and Doran Henry

A toast to Anthony and Doran Henry

The brothers and their mother, Mrs Ethel Henry

The original Search and Rescue Team before the official St Helena Search and Rescue were established. From left: Kelvin Williams, Doran Henry, Graham Sim and Anthony Henry

#StHelena #BadgeOfHonour #SeaRescue #MaritimeService

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The Emergency Planning Department wishes to inform the public that the island’s Early Warning System, commonly known as the Klaxon, has been officially suspended.

The system was originally purchased in 2021, using external funds, with the intent to provide an audible emergency alert for the residents of Jamestown and Rupert’s. However, due to persistent complications between the system’s communication technology and the island’s unique topography, the system has proven unreliable.

This decision follows extensive efforts by the current Emergency Planning team to rectify the issues. Despite conducting a range of fault-finding investigations, repair efforts, and exploring various technical upgrades, it has become clear that the system cannot be restored to a reliable operational standard.

Alternative Warning Methods

The safety of the community remains our highest priority. Emergency services will continue to warn and inform the public using established methods that have been successfully relied upon for many years, including:

Our Commitment to the Community

The Emergency Planning Department is committed to ensuring that any system in place is effective and dependable. Whilst no system is without limitations, we believe it is important to be transparent with the community when a specific technology does not meet the rigorous standards required for public safety. We will continue to rely on our tried-and-tested manual notification procedures while exploring future sustainable options for the island.

#StHelena #EmergencyPlanning #NotificationProcedures

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St Helena is experiencing a north-westerly swell with unexpected unsettled sea conditions in James Bay and Rupert’s Bay, likely to continue until further notice.

Extreme caution is advised for swimmers, and boat owners must secure vessels. Motorists are advised to avoid parking near sea-front railings.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

The St Helena Resilience Forum – Warning and Informing Group, in consultation with Connect Saint Helena Ltd, has officially moved the island into Stage One of the Drought Response Plan. This action is necessary to protect our remaining water reserves and to avoid a severe water crisis in the coming weeks, caused by steadily falling surface water flows, increased consumption, and rising temperatures.

Protecting Our Collective Water Supply

To maintain a reliable water supply over the coming weeks, national resilience depends on every resident, business, and government department taking proactive steps now to extend our available water resources. By managing our water carefully today, we can help ensure there is enough to support the entire island until the rains return.

How we can work together

•        Save water wherever possible: Every litre saved helps our supply last longer.

•        Reduce non-essential water use: Please avoid washing cars and unnecessary watering of plants, gardens, or lawns during this period.

•        Use water responsibly: Being mindful now will help ensure there is enough water for everyone in the weeks ahead.

The situation is being monitored daily, and regular updates will be provided as conditions change.

#StHelena #DroughtManagementPlan

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A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 27 January 2026.

The agenda for the meeting was as follows:

CLOSED AGENDA
1. Declaration of Interest
2.Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 18 November 2025  
3. Matters Arising from Minutes of 18 November 2025  
4. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 16 December 2025  
5. Matters Arising from Minutes of 16 December 2025  
6. Financial Services Regulation Policy, 2025 (ExCo Memo 01/2026)  
7. Land Registry Fees (ExCo Memo 02/2026)  
8. Ministerial Updates on significant issues  
9. 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 – 5.   Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes

Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of meetings held on 18 November and 16 December 2025.

6.         Financial Services Regulation Policy, 2025 (ExCo Memo 01/2026)

Executive Council was asked to advise on the endorsement of the Policy which was approved by Executive Council in January 2025; the approval  of the Financial Services (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to be presented as Government business to the Legislative Council and the approval in principle of the Financial Services (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, to come into force following enactment of the Financial Services (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Executive Council noted that the Policy addresses significant shortcomings in the existing financial services framework and is designed to achieve four key objectives:

Members considered the consultation conducted and feedback received. Executive Council noted that the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) was content. The Executive Council approved the Financial Services Regulation Policy, 2025; the Financial Services (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to be presented as Government business to Legislative Council in March 2026 and approved in principle the associated Regulations.

7.         Land Registry Fees (ExCo Memo 02/2026)

Executive Council considered proposed increases to the Second Schedule of the Registered Land Rules, 1981, relating to land registration fees and services, with effect from 1 April 2026.

Members noted that demand for land registry services is consumer-led and that the proposed increases are expected to have minimal impact on the community. It was also noted that current fees have remained unchanged since 1981 and that the proposed increases reflect inflation only. Executive Council approved the changes in fees acknowledging also that a comprehensive review of all fees and charges will be undertaken in due course, including full cost recovery analysis.

8.           Ministerial Updates on significant issues

9.         Any Other Business

No matters were raised.

#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines

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The Minister for Health and Social Care, Martin Henry, and the Chief Medical Officer, Peter Moss, will depart St Helena on Saturday 31 January 2026 to undertake an official visit to Montserrat, returning to the island on Saturday, 14 February 2026.  The visit forms part of a reciprocal health systems exchange between the Governments of St Helena and Montserrat, supported and facilitated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Purpose of the visit

The central purpose of the visit is to deepen mutual understanding of how two small UK Overseas Territories with aid dependent health systems organise and govern health and public health services while recognising the different contexts in which they operate. Both St Helena and Montserrat have similar constitutional responsibilities for Health and Social Care and rely on a mix of on island primary and some secondary care, complemented by off-island referral arrangements for advance treatment.

The programme will focus on: 

Minister for Education, Skills and Employment, Andrew Turner, will be the point of contact in Minister Henry’s absence and can be contacted via email at andrew.turner@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Photo

Minister Martin Henry

Chief Medical Officer, Peter Moss

#StHelena #AltogetherHealthier

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The 2026 Financial Aid Mission (FAM) to St Helena concluded on Friday after a week of high-level talks and site visits. The mission ended with a press conference at the Governor’s Office, where representatives from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the St Helena Government (SHG) reflected on progress made during the visit.

The mission, which began on 19 January, brought together a largely new UK Government (UKG) delegation and the new ministerial team on St Helena. Discussions focused on the state of the island’s public finances, long-term revenue options and the Government’s Cross-Portfolio Plan. The FAM is held annually to review how UK Government funding is delivered, assess its effectiveness and consider what changes are needed to improve sustainability. Financial aid remains a core part of SHG’s budget, supporting essential public services and day-to-day operations.A key theme was the need to ensure that every pound of UK taxpayer funding delivers maximum value for money.

During the week, the delegation met with Ministers, Elected Members and officials, as well as private sector representatives and community groups. Site visits across the island provided first-hand insight into challenges and opportunities facing St Helena.

Discussions covered several key areas, including economic development, essential services and infrastructure. Talks on sustainable development examined approaches to economic growth and tourism, as well as telecommunications. The team visited Jamestown Wharf to explore development options and toured the Marine Centre, where discussions focused on the Blue Belt Programme, marine conservation and fisheries.

In Education and Health, the delegation reviewed progress on education reform and visited St Helena Secondary School. Health discussions focused on preventative care and rising cost pressures within the Health and Social Care Portfolio.

The mission also received updates on the Renewable Energy Programme and visited Scotland laboratory and viewed the peaks from outside the exclusion area, to review terrestrial biodiversity projects. On safety and security, the team toured the police custody suite, HM Prison Jamestown, Rupert’s Port and the Bulk Fuel Installation, with discussions covering policing, safeguarding and critical infrastructure.

Beyond formal meetings, the delegation engaged with the wider community, including a meeting with the Public Accounts Committee, discussions with local businesses and a visit to SHAPE. Community engagement also included a marine tour aboard the Enchanted Isle and a coffee tour, highlighting the island’s tourism and agricultural sectors.

Discussions throughout the week were described as open and candid, with agreement that St Helena faces serious and complex challenges and that there are no quick solutions. This year’s mission took place against the backdrop of significant economic pressures in the UK, with the UKG having to make extremely tough decisions on Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending. In this context, it is more important than ever to demonstrate that funding is well-managed and targeted where it is most needed.

The outcomes of the mission, including setting conditions, are expected to help unlock future budget support and ensure continued investment in essential services and infrastructure. The FAM delegation departed St Helena on Saturday following a final visit to St Helena Airport.

Officials said the mission marked the beginning of continued close work between SHG and UKG, with a shared focus on stabilising public finances, protecting essential services and creating conditions for economic growth and jobs.

Deputy Director for Overseas Territories and the Polar Directorates, Nicholas Wareham MVO, commented:

“Strong partnerships depend on mutual understanding. This year’s Financial Aid Mission has given the UK team a strong understanding of the challenges St Helena is facing, as well as the opportunities for economic development on offer. We have spent time down on the waters and up at the Cloud Forest, over at Blue Point and in discussions in Jamestown. We are grateful to all those Saints who shared their perspectives with us and made us so welcome.”

Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, added:

“This year’s Financial Aid Mission has been an especially important one, bringing together new teams on both sides. I want to thank the FAM team and everyone who has contributed through meetings, events and site visits, giving us the opportunity to build a strong, constructive partnership. The discussions have helped deepen mutual understanding of the pressures facing St Helena and the UK, while allowing us to demonstrate the progress being made, people’s lived experiences and the opportunities for future growth.”

Photos

HE Governor Nigel Phillips CBE and Chief Minister Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE with the FAM team, Legislative Council and senior SHG officials

The FAM team were taken on a ‘Wharf Walk’ with representatives of the Economic Development Portfolio

The FAM team viewed the Peaks from outside the exclusion area with Minister Karl Thrower and representatives of the Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio

The FAM team on a tour at St Helena Secondary School with Minister Andrew Turner and Education, Skills, and Employment senior officials

HE Governor Nigel Phillips hosted a reception for the FAM team and invited guests last Wednesday at Plantation House

The panel at the press conference held last Friday comprised Governor Nigel Phillips CBE, Chief Minister Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE and Deputy Director Nicholas Wareham MVO

#StHelena #FinancialAidMission

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The St Helena Dental Clinic is moving to an appointment-only service for all dental emergencies, effective immediately. The morning Walk-In Clinic (08:30) is no longer in operation.

How to Access Emergency Care:

Patients requiring emergency dental care must now book an appointment in advance. We can no longer see patients on a walk-in basis.

Why is this changing?

This transition is designed to improve patient care by reducing long waiting times and overcrowding. By scheduling emergencies, our team can provide more focused, timely care to those in genuine need.

What counts as an emergency?

Our emergency services remain the same and include:

Out-of-Hours Care

For emergencies outside of normal hours, patients must first attempt appropriate pain relief and undergo face-to-face triage at the General Hospital Emergency Department.

Contact Information:

For further information, please contact the Dental Clinic at 25387 or email the Dental Manager, Charmaine Buckley-Thomas, at charmaine.buckley@sainthelena.gov.sh.