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The St Helena Fire and Rescue (SHFR) Service recently received several important pieces of new equipment, provided with funding support through the Essential Equipment Programme from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The arrival of a purpose-built Ifor Williams box trailer for rope rescue gear, replacement ladders and a new Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fire training simulator will help firefighters respond faster to emergencies and train more safely.

Quicker Response Times for Rope Rescues

In the past, rope rescue gear was kept in the main station store. When an emergency call came in, officers had to search for, gather, and pack all the kit onto a vehicle before heading out. This added extra time when every minute mattered and raised the risk of leaving vital gear behind.

The new Ifor Williams box trailer significantly improves SHFR operational readiness and emergency response capability by keeping all rope rescue kit permanently stored and organised, making it completely ready to go. The trailer can be hooked up to a vehicle and driven off straight away to cut down call-out delays, whilst keeping the gear inside a sealed unit protects delicate ropes from weather, dirt, and damage. Additionally, the consistent setup makes it much easier for officers to complete routine inventory checks and restock equipment after an incident.

Cleaner, Safer Fire Extinguisher Training

The SHFR Service has also introduced a modern LPG training simulator to upgrade live fire extinguisher training across the island.

Previously, training fires were set using open pots filled with a mix of petrol and diesel. Whilst this worked, it meant storing dangerous liquid fuels, dealing with thick smoke, and carrying out lengthy clean-ups.

The new gas-powered simulator improves training by creating realistic fires that can be lit or put out instantly with a remote control, making drills significantly safer for everyone. Switching to gas instead of petrol and diesel keeps the island cleaner by producing far less smoke, cutting pollution, and eliminating dirty chemical runoff. Additionally, because the fires can be reset in a matter of seconds, a greater number of officers and community members can achieve valuable hands-on practice within a single session.

Investing in Ladder Equipment

Alongside this new equipment, SHFR is also replacing its ageing 13.5-metre, 10-metre, and 9.5-metre ladders, which have given many years of reliable service but have reached an age where renewal is needed to maintain compliance with current safety standards and reduce the risk of equipment issues during incidents. The new, fit-for-purpose ladders will continue to support key operations such as accessing buildings, rescuing casualties from height, and providing safe working platforms during firefighting and rescue incidents, while also easing the maintenance burden as parts for older equipment become harder to source. This investment reinforces the Service’s commitment to firefighter safety, operational effectiveness, and delivering a resilient emergency response for the community.

Brigade Manager, Jason Lawrence, commented:

“This new kit makes a real difference to our work on the island. Having the rope equipment packed and ready in the trailer means we can get moving much faster when someone needs help. At the same time, the gas simulator lets us run safer, cleaner fire training without polluting our environment. It’s a great step forward for our team and the community.”

Photos

New Rope Rescue Equipment

Simulated Television fire

Simulated oil catch pan/liquid fuel fire

Simulated wastepaper bin fire

#StHelena #Fire&Rescue #NewEquipment #FCDO

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The Education, Skills and Employment (ESE) Portfolio is establishing a single governing board for the island’s three schools, as part of its preparations for a Council of British International Schools (COBIS) compliance visit in October 2026.  

As part of preparations for COBIS standards implementation, work is underway to establish a governance framework that supports the long-term development of education on St Helena and reflects international best practice. A key element of this work is the creation of a single governing board for all three schools, providing strategic oversight, accountability and support for school improvement.

What is a Single Governing Board?

The proposed governing board will provide strategic oversight for all three schools, creating a shared approach to educational standards, safeguarding and school improvement. The board will not be responsible for the day-to-day operation of schools, which will remain the responsibility of school leaders. Instead, it will provide support, challenge and accountability to ensure that schools continue to improve and deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people. Its members will include the Director of the ESE Portfolio, school

Headteachers, and co-opted members with expertise in education, governance and safeguarding, alongside parent and staff representatives. By bringing these perspectives together, the board will help ensure that decisions are informed by both professional expertise and the experiences of the wider school community.

Why is this Important?

The governing board will play a central role in supporting the schools’ COBIS accreditation journey. Strong governance is a key COBIS standard, and establishing a board that meets international expectations will help demonstrate the island’s commitment to providing high-quality education and effective safeguarding arrangements.

A Phased Approach to Establishment

The governing board will be established in two phases. The first phase will involve the appointment of a co-opted governing board, bringing together individuals with specialist skills and experience in areas such as governance, education and safeguarding. The second phase will introduce elected parents, staff and additional specialist governors.  

Governance Arrangements During the Transition

Throughout the transition, the board will work alongside the existing Portfolio Advisory Board (PAB), which will continue to oversee and support education policy and strategic priorities. At the same time, work is underway to review the Education Ordinance to determine what legislative changes may be required to support the long-term operation of the governing board. More information regarding public meetings for community input on the Education Ordinance will be communicated in due course. 

Expressions of Interest

If you would like to express your interest in being a Co-opted Governor, please complete the linked google form by 2 August 2026. Further information about the requirements to be a co-opted governor, including passing the vetting process, can be found on the form or on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/20260623-Co-Opted-Leaflet.docx.pdf.  

Looking Ahead

Over the coming months, further information will be shared regarding appointments and opportunities for parents, staff and community members to become involved in the governance process.

The ESE Portfolio would like to thank school leaders, staff, parents and the wider community for their continued support and engagement as this work progresses. By working together, the island can continue to build a strong and sustainable education system that provides the best possible opportunities for all children and young people on St Helena.

#StHelena #Education #GoverningBoard #COBIS

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The Chief Minister and Minister for Treasury, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, today presented the St Helena Government’s Budget for 2026/27 to Legislative Council, setting out a three-year programme to stabilise the island’s finances, strengthen essential services and lay the foundations for sustainable economic growth.

Describing the Budget as a foundational budget, the Chief Minister explained that the Government’s first priority is to strengthen the systems that people rely on every day, creating the capacity to invest more in future years.

In opening the debate, the Chief Minister said:

“This is not simply an exercise in approving expenditure for the year ahead. It is a statement of direction for our island—a demonstration of how this Government intends to turn its published Vision and Strategy into practical action.”

The Budget has been prepared against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, rising living costs and the long-term challenges facing St Helena, including population decline, workforce shortages and increasing demand for public services. It reflects the Government’s commitment to protecting essential services while making responsible investments that improve resilience, strengthen public finances and support future growth.

Among the measures announced in the Budget are:

The Budget also reflects the recently agreed three-year Financial Aid Settlement with the UK Government, providing greater certainty for planning and enabling Government to sequence reforms over the next three years.

In concluding her speech, the Chief Minister said:

“This is not a budget that promises everything today. It is a budget that aspires to make more possible tomorrow.”

A copy of the Budget Speech and Budget Book can be found on the St Helena Government website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/treasury/.

The debate on the Appropriation Bill has now been adjourned and will resume on Monday 20 July, when Members of Legislative Council will debate the Budget in detail before considering its approval.

Allocations for recurrent expenditure proposed in the Appropriation Bill 2026 and the Budget Book are as follows:

The total amount proposed to be appropriated as recurrent expenditure in 2026/27 is £49.0 million.  In addition, £6.3 million for recurrent expenditure for pensions and benefits will be provided via standing appropriations.

A further £0.19 million for capital expenditure will be provided across the following portfolios:

#StHelena #Budget26 #AltogetherWealthier

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A meeting of the Governor in Council was held on 08 July 2026.

The agenda for the meeting was as follows:

CLOSED AGENDA  
1. Declaration of Interest  
2. Confirmation of Minutes of the Governor in Council Meeting held on 16 June 2026
3. Matters Arising
4. Email Request for Reconsideration – Application for Dispensation under Paragraph 4, Schedule II, Immigration Ordinance 2011, *******  

NB (*) confirms names are redacted as the information is sensitive.

The following items were considered:

  1.       Declaration of Interest.

Ministers Thrower sent his apologies for the meeting.

Minister Turner declared his association with the applicant and stated that his association would not affect his judgment and was willing to proceed with the discussion.

2-3.    Confirmation of Minutes of the Governor in Council Meeting held on 16 June 2026 and Matters Arising.

The Minutes of meeting held on 16 June 2026 were approved.

4. Email Request for Reconsideration – Application for Dispensation under Paragraph 4, Schedule II, Immigration Ordinance 2011, *******

Governor in Council considered a request for reconsideration of an application for dispensation under Paragraph 4, Schedule II Immigration Ordinance 2011.

Ministers reviewed  all the relevant information submitted in support of reconsideration. They noted the applicant’s period of residence on St Helena remained  significantly shorter than that ordinarily required under Schedule II of the Ordinance.

Council recognised the financial and social contributions made to the St Helena community. However, it concluded that those contributions were not sufficiently exceptional to outweigh the fact that the ordinary statutory requirements were not met, nor to justify the exercise of discretion by Council to grant a dispensation.

Particular regard was also given to whether the request for reconsideration presented any new information or circumstances. Council concluded that there was nothing materially different.

Having reconsidered the application in full, Council was not satisfied that there were sufficient grounds to depart from its original decision. The request for reconsideration was therefore not upheld.  A letter has been sent to the applicant to inform them of the outcome.

#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines

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On Wednesday, 8 July 2026, the Health and Social Care Portfolio marked International Paramedics Day, recognising the contribution of paramedics across the world.

This year’s theme was Innovate & Integrate. For St Helena, this reflects the way the Ambulance Service works as part of the island’s wider urgent, emergency and pre-hospital healthcare system.

The Ambulance Service provides a 24-hour, 365-day emergency response for the community. The team responds to life-threatening emergencies, supports urgent care, provides pre-hospital assessment and treatment, assists with patient transport, and works closely with colleagues across the General Hospital, Emergency Department, community services, Allied Health Professionals, social care and partner emergency services.

On St Helena, paramedics also work alongside nurses and doctors in the Emergency Department and support outpatient triage clinics. While this differs from many larger healthcare systems, it helps make effective use of clinical skills, supports hospital flow, improves access to urgent assessment, and contributes to a more sustainable service for the community.

The service also supports emergency planning and resilience, including major incident planning, interagency training, event medical cover, and public health response work, including recent activity linked to the island’s Hantavirus response.

Innovation on St Helena is often practical and focused on local need. The Ambulance Service uses innovative digital tools such as GoodSAM and what3words to support accurate location finding, improve emergency response, and help reach patients who need urgent care.

Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager and Senior Paramedic, said:

“International Paramedics Day gives us the opportunity to recognise the role paramedics play in healthcare, but it also reminds us that safe and effective care is never delivered through individual effort alone.

The progress made by the Ambulance Service on St Helena reflects the work, commitment and support of many people, including the ambulance team, nurses, doctors, Allied Health Professionals, community services, social care, public health, emergency service partners, call handlers, volunteers and wider government colleagues. Each of these teams plays a part in helping us provide care that is responsive, joined up and sustainable for our community. Our achievements depend on people working together with a shared purpose.

As I prepare to leave St Helena to take up a new role, I want to thank my colleagues, partner agencies and the wider community for their support over the past few years. The Ambulance Service we recognise and depend on today has been built through shared effort, trust and commitment. It has been a privilege to play a part in that work and to serve the community during some of its most difficult times.”

This year, the Ambulance Service were unable to hold its annual coffee morning to mark International Paramedics Day with former colleagues, including past ambulance drivers and others who have supported the service over many years. The portfolio recognises and values their contribution to emergency care on St Helena, and hopes that a suitable venue will be available next year for a face-to-face event to recognise their support properly.

The Health and Social Care Portfolio extends its sincere thanks to all ambulance staff, emergency care assistants, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, former ambulance drivers, call handlers, trainers, volunteers and partner agencies who support emergency, urgent and pre-hospital care on St Helena.

For more information about International Paramedics Day go to: www.internationalparamedicsday.com

Photos:

Ambulance Team During A Team Building Exercise

Donated Ambulance Leading The Cancer Carnival Parade 2022

Emergency Care Assistants; (Left To Right) Martin Andrews, Craig Crowie, Carl Thomas, Patronella Mittens-Henry, Julie Brinsden

Ambulance Team Supporting Remembrance Day Memorial Service, 2025

Emergency Care Assistants

International Paramedics Day Coffee Morning, Celebrating With Previous Colleagues And Ambulance Drivers, 2024

#StHelena #InternationalParamedicsDay #IPD2026 #InnovateAndIntegrate #StHelena #StHelenaAmbulanceService #HealthAndSocialCare

Mansiel Falqueza, St Helena’s current Chevening Scholar, received a Bronze Award at the Chevening Volunteer Awards on 15 June 2026 at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The ceremony recognised scholars who have made meaningful contributions through volunteering during their studies in the UK.

Since beginning a Nursing degree at Coventry University in September, Mansiel has completed 54 hours of volunteering. Much of this was with The People’s Patch in Coventry, a Groundwork West Midlands community project focused on environmental development and sustainable spaces. Volunteering three to four hours each Sunday, Mansiel supported community walks, gardening, and environmental activities, helping transform an abandoned site into an eco-friendly, accessible space.

Reflecting on the experience, Mansiel said: “Seeing a neglected area evolve into a welcoming, inclusive space has been incredibly rewarding. Volunteering has allowed me not only to develop practical skills in environmental conservation and community development, but also to apply values from my nursing background—compassion, teamwork, inclusivity, and service—which continue to guide my contributions.”

In addition, Mansiel volunteered during the pre-Christmas period, gift-wrapping for an organisation supporting immigrant families, helping bring festive joy to children with limited access to celebrations.

The Chevening Scholarship Programme offers outstanding individuals the opportunity to complete a one-year master’s degree in the UK, alongside personal and professional development opportunities such as volunteering.

Applications will open in August this year, for the next round of scholarships with studies commencing September/October 2027.  If you are interested in applying for a Chevening Scholarship, visit www.chevening.org for more information.

Mansiel volunteering in environmental conservation

Supported by funding from the Tourism Development Programme, St Helena will officially launch the World’s most remote parkrun on Saturday 11 July 2026.

Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5km event that welcomes people of all ages and abilities to walk, jog, run, or volunteer. The St Helena event will take place every Saturday morning in the scenic surroundings of Plantation Forest, starting at 08:00 from the Viewing Platform.

The inaugural event marks a significant milestone for the island and is expected to become both a popular community activity and a unique tourism attraction. Interest has already been generated amongst parkrun enthusiasts in the United Kingdom and Southern Africa, many of whom are keen to visit St Helena to add the world’s most remote parkrun to their collection.

Open to everyone aged four and above, parkrun encourages participation rather than competition. Children under 11 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Participation is completely free. Those wishing to have an official result recorded simply need to register online at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register and bring a barcode, either printed or displayed on a smartphone or smartwatch. You will not be able to choose St Helena as your home Parkrun until the first event has taken place, but please just choose any other parkrun as your home location and your barcode will work here.

The St Helena parkrun is officially registered with both Parkrun UK and the National Sports Association of St Helena (NSASH).

Minister Henry, who will officially start the inaugural event, welcomed the launch:

“St Helena parkrun is a fantastic initiative that captures a holistic and simple approach to improving both physical and mental wellbeing as a community. I encourage people of all ages and abilities to come, enjoy each other’s company at your own pace, and take a positive step to a “healthier St Helena” together.

Stephen Thwaites, Event Director for St Helena parkrun, said:

“It is fantastic to bring parkrun to St Helena, and I cannot wait to see residents and visitors enjoying our unique course through Plantation Forest. Not only do we claim to be the world’s most remote parkrun, but we are also the only parkrun in the world where participants may be watched by Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal.

I would like to thank the Tourism Development Programme for funding our registration and supporting the establishment of this event. My thanks also go to the dedicated volunteer committee whose hard work over the past year has made this possible.

We hope parkrun becomes a regular community event that promotes healthy living, social connection and outdoor activity, while also helping to showcase St Helena to visitors from around the world. We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible on Saturday mornings.

We are also seeking additional volunteers to help deliver the event each week and would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in getting involved.”

#StHelena #Parkrun #WorldsMostRemoteParkrun #TourismDevelopmentProgramme

St Helena Government (SHG) has taken a significant step towards strengthening its marine surveying capabilities thanks to borrowed equipment and two weeks of specialist training supported by the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

The training was led by Nicolay Larsen from Maritime Robotics, the company that built SHG’s Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), and Matt King, a hydrographic surveying expert working with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO). Together, they gave practical, hands-on training on how to use the survey equipment and how to collect, process and manage the information gathered from marine surveys.

Staff from the Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Marine and Meteorological sections took part in the training. They were chosen because of their experience in surveying, knowledge of the marine environment, and the ways they could use hydrographic survey data in their work. Participants gained valuable skills through a combination of classroom learning and field-based exercises.

Hydrographic surveying plays a vital role in supporting safe navigation by providing accurate information on seabed characteristics, coastal features and underwater hazards. In addition, the data collected can support environmental monitoring, habitat mapping and a greater understanding of changes within St Helena’s marine environment over time.

The programme helps St Helena build its ability to map and understand local waters, making navigation safer for vessels. It will also improve access to important marine information and support activities such as harbour operations, marine conservation, and other work at sea around the island. These reflect the principles contained within the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Chapter V, Regulation 9

The training was well received by all participants, who now have a solid foundation from which to begin using the equipment for operational surveys. SHG would also like to thank the Sea Rescue Service and Port Authority for their support during the training, which contributed significantly to its success.

SHG is grateful to UKHO for procuring and facilitating this specialist training opportunity. This investment in local knowledge and skills marks an important milestone in building sustainable hydrographic survey capacity on St Helena.

Devlin Yon, Head of Geomatic Services, said:

“This training represents a significant milestone in the development of hydrographic surveying capability on St Helena. By bringing together colleagues from across government and providing hands-on experience with modern survey technology, we are building the foundations for a sustainable, locally managed hydrographic programme. We are extremely grateful to UKHO, Maritime Robotics and all those involved in delivering and supporting the training. The skills gained will help improve our understanding of the marine environment and support safer navigation around St Helena’s waters.”

Maritime Robotics USV Otter being lowered into the water with Sea Rescue on standby for assistance.

Data collected by the USV in relation to Ruperts Jetty schematics.

Photo with the GIS Staff, Left to Right – Ryan Benjamin, Jamie Phillips, Devlin Yon, Matt King (Hydrographic Surveyor), Joelle Henry and Luke Bargo.

#StHelena #UKHydrographicOffice #UKHO #HydrographicSurveying #MarineSurveying

This year’s Red Ensign Group (REG) maritime conference took place in Bermuda, of which representatives from St Helena had the opportunity to attend.   In attendance was Mia Henry (Head of Maritime), Wendy Benjamin (Maritime Capacity Building Support Officer) and Samantha Cherrett (Governor’s Office).

The conference programme comprised different forums and followed an agenda covering various topics relevant to St Helena’s maritime status, and our Flag, Port and Coastal State obligations. Topics this year also included hydrographic surveys, cyber threats and current global geopolitics.

Presentations on the International Maritime Organisations Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) audit was of particular interest whereby other REG members shared their experiences and the nature of their audit findings, which were not too dissimilar to St Helena’s experience.  It was shown that there are some common themes and that even the bigger territories with more resources than St Helena, have the same challenges. St Helena underwent the III Code audit back in February 2025 and is actively addressing the findings.

The South Atlantic Working Group (SAWG) once again came together to discuss in detail the more bespoke challenges faced in our part of the world and included mass rescue operations, fishing vessels, cruise ship operations and contingency plans in response to the recent hantavirus situation.  The SAWG comprises Ascension, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Tristan da Cunha and St Helena and has proven very beneficial and worthwhile for sharing of information, challenges and support to progressing our maritime administrations.

Most notable was the discussions and presentations referencing lack of capacity, across all the Overseas Territories and the gain of transferable skills from careers in maritime. Wendy Benjamin delivered a presentation within the capacity building forum, outlining what St Helena is doing to tackle this issue and what we hope to achieve in way of promoting maritime, facilitating training through our maritime training centre and creating career paths for young people.

Having these discussions and making connections with other Overseas Territories and maritime organisations across the REG are vital for gaining the much-needed support that will enable us to progress our maritime agenda and improve adherence to international maritime laws.

Note to Editors

The Red Ensign Group (REG) is a collaboration of British Shipping Registers consisting of the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Jersey), and nine British Overseas Territories, including St Helena.

As a member of the REG, St Helena operates its own shipping register under the oversight of the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). This ensures that all St Helena-flagged vessels adhere to high international maritime standards of safety, security, and environmental pollution prevention, while benefitting from the global prestige, support, and protection of the British merchant fleet.

#StHelena #RedEsignGroup #REGConference #Maritime #MaritimeSafety

MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping (MACS), in partnership with the St Helena Government (SHG), has announced a temporary adjustment to the St Helena shipping service, with 10 sailings scheduled for 2026 instead of the originally planned 12.

The change follows discussions with the St Helena Chamber of Commerce and cargo receivers and comes in response to exceptional increases in global marine fuel costs.  The ongoing Middle East conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted fuel supplies and significantly increased global bunker (marine fuel) prices, creating substantial operational cost pressures across the shipping industry.

MACS and SHG recognise the vital role that shipping plays in supporting the island’s residents, businesses and supply chains.  Both organisations remain committed to maintaining reliable cargo services and ensuring the continued availability of essential goods and supplies.

A detailed sailing schedule will be circulated to all stakeholders as soon as it is finalised.  MACS will continue to work closely with SHG, importers, businesses and cargo receivers to minimise disruption and maintain continuity of supply during this period.

Commenting on the decision, MACS and SHG emphasised that the adjustment is a proactive and responsible response to extraordinary market conditions and is intended to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the service for the benefit of St Helena.

 MACS and SHG thank all cargo receivers, businesses and stakeholders for their understanding, cooperation and ongoing support as this temporary cost-mitigation measure is implemented.

#StHelena #MACS #ShippingSchedule