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A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 22 September 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 8 September 2026. 3. Matters Arising from Minutes of 8 September 2026 4. Ship Registry Regulations, 2026 (ExCo Memo 37/2026) 5. Update – British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Agreement/Programme) 6. Ministerial Updates on Significant Issues 7. 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:
- Declaration of Interest
There were none.
2 – 3. Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes from 8 September 2026.
Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2026.
4. Ship Registry Regulations, 2026 (ExCo Memo 37/2026)
Executive Council considered whether the Ship Registry Regulations, 2026, as presented should be approved and published.
Members noted that the proposed Regulations are designed to give legal effect to the Ship Registry Policy 2026; ensure there is relevant secondary legislation to the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO); implement the Flag State requirements, as described in the Ship Registry Policy 2026, and align with St Helena’s Category 2 Registry status.
The Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations 2026 apply to vessels registered, or seeking registration, on the St Helena Ship Register. The Regulations provide the legal framework for the registration and administration of ships on the Register, including commercial vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure vessels and bareboat charter ships. They do not introduce safety or licensing requirements for domestic vessels operating solely within St Helena’s waters (200nM EEZ); these are being considered separately through the Domestic Vessels Licensing and Safety Standards Policy.
Executive Council supported and approved the Ship Registry Regulations, 2026 effective from 22 September 2026.
5. Update – British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Agreement/Programme
Members discussed the BIOT preparedness programme report prepared by the BIOT Project Manager. The report records progress and spend against the programme activities, including the conversion of former Longwood First School and Signal House to provide accommodation in the event of future migrant arrivals, a BIOT response plan, and training for Immigration. The report forms a regular update to Executive Council under the BIOT programme governance framework. Members were pleased to note that the programme activities are largely on track.
Members discussed the timeline for the drafting of the Data Protection Ordinance. A legal drafter has been secured and is expected to be on island in November.
6. Ministerial Updates on Significant Issues
6.1 Minister Thrower sought clarification from members on the documentation that should be shared with ExCo as part of the wider Company Registration and Financial Services reform programme. The programme comprises a significant body of interconnected policy, regulatory and legislative work. The first draft legislation is being shared with Legislative Council, alongside preparations for public consultation.
Minister Thrower noted that a number of supporting documents will also be produced by the Economic Development Portfolio which may not, individually, require formal approval by ExCo. However, these documents form fundamental parts of the wider programme of work and provide important context for the legislation and other matters that will subsequently require consideration through ExCo and Legislative Council.
Members were therefore asked whether they would find it helpful for all significant documents produced as part of the programme to be circulated to ExCo for information, including those not requiring formal approval. This would allow non-ministerial members in particular to develop a broader understanding of the overall programme and be better informed when considering those elements that subsequently require approval or progression through Council.
6.2 In the light of public concerns regarding fuel prices and food security the Chief Minister highlighted the need for and importance of providing updated information of the work of the fuel and food resilience forum to keep the issues under active review and assessment of action to address these issues. It was suggested that an update on the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in South Africa would be timely to help understand the impacts on St Helena. Minister Brooks confirmed that the Food and Fuel Resilience Forum will be meeting in early October.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
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St Helena has a new five-year plan to become one of the world’s most authentic island destinations, with Executive Council approving the St Helena Tourism Strategy and Delivery Plan 2026-2031. Launched today, on UN World Tourism Day, the Strategy aims to grow tourism steadily and sustainably, so that the benefits are felt by the island’s people and economy.
The Strategy identifies priorities for destination development, marketing, visitor experiences, infrastructure, industry development and partnerships, alongside the protection of the island’s environment, heritage, culture and distinctive character.
It recognises that the future of tourism on St Helena depends on collaboration across the island. Government, tourism businesses, community organisations, non-government organisations (NGOs) and other partners all have an important role to play in developing the visitor experience, protecting the island’s natural and cultural assets, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared across the community.
Minister for Tourism, Hon Karl Thrower, said:
“On UN World Tourism Day, I want to thank the people of St Helena, and particularly everyone who works in and supports our tourism sector, for their resilience, commitment and contribution throughout what has been a challenging year.
Being named winner of the 2026 Family Traveller Awards’ Emerging Family Destination is something St Helena can be proud of. It reflects the hard work of our tourism businesses and the growing international recognition of St Helena as a destination offering something genuinely different.
But tourism growth is not an end in itself. Our ambition is to grow tourism in a way that creates meaningful and lasting benefits for St Helenians, supporting local businesses, strengthening our economy and protecting the qualities that make St Helena such a special place.
The St Helena Tourism Strategy and Delivery Plan 2026–2031 provides a roadmap for achieving this through sustainable growth, while keeping our community at the heart of tourism’s future.
We have made encouraging progress, but there is still much more to do. By continuing to work together across Government, the tourism industry and our community, we can build on that progress and strengthen St Helena’s reputation as an authentic and distinctive island destination.”
The accompanying Delivery Plan offers shared guidance for Government, the tourism industry and other stakeholders, with practical priorities and actions for 2026–2031.
Implementation will take place gradually, with progress reviewed to reflect changing markets, visitor trends and local needs. Government will continue to work with tourism businesses, NGOs, community organisations and other partners to deliver the Strategy and ensure that tourism growth contributes positively to St Helena’s economy, environment and community.
The full Strategy and Delivery Plan can be read at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/2026/09/Tourism-Strategy-and-Delivery-Plan-2026-2031.pdf
World Tourism Day also marks the official launch of St Helena’s new hero video, ‘Breathe St Helena – An Island Adventure Awaits’, produced locally by Colby Thomas of Ridge to Reef Media. The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/P0jmJTOhrKM or on the SURE promo channel.
#StHelena #TourismStrategy #UNWorldTourismDay
Changes to the Public Transport Service will come into effect on 1 October 2026, following public feedback and a review of routes, ticket prices and the cost of operating the service.
The changes are intended to support continual improvement of the service. They include additional and seasonal journeys, clearer timetables, improvements to bus access, lower Hop On Hop Off fares, and lower fares for passengers aged 70 and over.
What you told us
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Public Transport Service survey earlier this year. A total of 176 responses were received from people of different ages and districts, including regular passengers, occasional users and people who do not currently use the service.
Overall, respondents told us that the service is valued. It provides an important way to travel to work, go shopping, attend appointments and take part in social and recreational activities. Buses were generally described as clean and comfortable, and many respondents said drivers were helpful and courteous.
The survey also identified several areas where the service could be improved:
• Although existing journey times met the needs of many passengers, respondents asked for additional and more conveniently timed services, including mid-morning, lunchtime, after-work and evening journeys.
• Some districts and destinations would benefit from better connections.
• Timetables were not always easy to find or understand. Concerns included small print, complicated layouts and outdated information at some bus stops.
• The cost of individual journeys could discourage some people from using the service, or from using it more often.
• Getting on and off buses could be difficult, particularly for passengers with limited mobility.
• Reliability, punctuality and clear information about routes remained important to passengers.
How the feedback is being used
The survey findings have helped shape changes to journey times, timetable presentation, Hop On Hop Off fares and bus accessibility. We cannot introduce every requested change immediately. Some additional services would not yet attract enough passengers to cover their operating costs, while others require further planning or funding. We are therefore introducing the changes that can be supported now and trialling selected additional journeys before deciding whether they should continue. The additional journeys shown in the table below will therefore be trialled for three months so that passenger use can be assessed.
Clearer timetable information. Timetable presentation has improved using a clearer format so that routes and journey times are easier to identify. Updated information will be displayed at bus shelters, the Customer Services Centre and Public Library and will be available on the St Helena Government and Tourism website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/public-services/publictransportservice/.
More affordable individual journeys. Hop On Hop Off fares will be reduced with those users aged 70+ years benefitting from an additional reduction. This responds to concerns about the affordability of individual journeys and has been made possible by growth in monthly ticket use.
Improved access. Work is underway to install an additional handrail near bus doors to make it easier and safer for passengers to get on and off.
Journey changes from 1 October 2026
The following route changes will be introduced for a trial period of three months:
| Route | Journeys | |||
| Route 1 – Longwood | Tuesdays and Thursdays – departing Jamestown at 11:30am to Bottom Woods, return journey departing at midday. | Fridays – departing Jamestown at 17:15 to Bottom Woods, return journey starting at 17:50. | November – March – Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays – depart Jamestown at 10:30 to Longwood Green. | |
| Route 2 – Levelwood | The ‘Every Day’ journey to the CCC will travel as far as the Community Care Centre. | The Tuesday and Saturday journeys from Jamestown to Bellstone will depart at 12:50 rather than 13:00. | Last Saturday of each month: depart Jamestown at 10:10 travelling to Ruperts and back into Jamestown at 10:25. Return journey to Ruperts departing Jamestown at 12:30. | November – March:Thursdays – depart Jamestown at 10:10 to Plantation House, return journey departs at 12:35. |
| Route 3 – St Pauls and Half Tree Hollow | Tuesdays and Thursdays – depart Jamestown at 11:30 to White Gate, return journey to Jamestown departing at 12 noon. | Monday – Friday journey departing Jamestown at 07:44 to White Wall will cease to operate. Customers who currently use the journey from White Wall to Jamestown at 07:54 can use Route 4 departing White Wall at 08:05. | Fridays – depart Jamestown at 17:15 travelling to White Gate and New Ground via Sapper Way. | |
Ticket pricing
Government will continue to subsidise the Public Transport Service, currently at £115,000 per annum, so that passengers do not meet the full cost of operating it.
Ticket prices have been considered as part of a wider review of the 2024 PTS pricing model. The review took account of affordability, concerns raised through the survey, the increase in fuel prices in August 2026 and changes in the way passengers are using the service.
It is recognised that any increase in household costs matters. Monthly ticket prices will therefore increase by an average of approximately £5 per month. This is intended to make a limited contribution towards higher fuel and operating costs while allowing the service improvements to proceed.
The new Hop On Hop Off ticket costs will be:
| JOURNEY | TICKET COSTS UNDER 70s | TICKET COSTS 70+ AGE GROUP |
| Short | £2.25 | £1.30 |
| Medium | £2.50 | £1.65 |
| Long | £3.00 | £1.80 |
Children under 10 years of age will travel at half price.
Applying for the reduced fare
Passengers aged 70 and over will need to apply for a photo identification card and show it to the bus driver when travelling to receive the reduced fare. Application forms are available from the Customer Services Centre, the Public Library and Sara-Kay Yon and Lisa Bailey at the Castle, who can assist with completing the form. Staff will be available also at the Customer Services Centre in Jamestown on 29 September 2026 from 09:30 to 14:00 to provide assistance with completing the application forms.
Continuing to improve the service
These changes represent the improvements that can responsibly be introduced at this stage. SHG will continue to review passenger numbers, reliability, operating costs and public feedback each quarter.
The additional journeys will be assessed at the end of the trial period, and further improvements will be considered where there is evidence of demand and an affordable, sustainable way to provide them.
The full survey findings can be viewed on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/2026/09/PTS-Survey-Findings-Sept-26.pdf , with any information that could identify individual respondents removed. We will also publish the outcome of the trial so that passengers can see how the evidence has informed the next steps.
Government recognises that public transport has an important part to play in helping people reach work, education, appointments, shops and social activities. We will continue working to provide a service that is reliable, accessible and responsive to the needs of the community.
#StHelena #PublicTransportService #Changes
St Helena Government (SHG) has taken the decision to pause the building and refurbishment element of the Primary School Reorganisation Project while further work is undertaken to review the proposed model.
The review will consider increasing concerns about the cost, practicality and deliverability of the proposed refurbished schools. It will also consider the experience of families under the current arrangements, including the concerns raised by parents and staff about school transport.
This is not a pause to the wider work to develop and improve St Helena’s primary schools. Work to strengthen the curriculum, teaching and learning, and safeguarding will continue. The pause applies only to the buildings element of the project, allowing SHG to ensure that the facilities proposed are affordable, practical and capable of being delivered successfully.
SHG recognises that this decision will create uncertainty for the community, particularly for pupils, parents and carers, and school staff. The Primary School Reorganisation Project is, however, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance the future of primary education on St Helena. Taking additional time now will allow us to learn from the experiences of running the current model and support a decision that meets the island’s long-term educational and practical needs.
As the review will extend the project timetable, the current temporary arrangements will be reviewed.
Minister for Education, Skills and Employment, Andrew Turner, commented:
“We do not get opportunities like this very often. This project must deliver the right model for St Helena’s children, families and staff; not simply for the next five years, but for the next 50 years. That means being absolutely sure that what we build is affordable, practical and capable of serving the island well for generations.
Over recent months we have listened carefully to the views of parents, staff and the wider community. We have heard genuine concerns about the practicality of the proposals, the impact of transport arrangements, and whether the project can be delivered in the way originally envisaged. It is right that we take those concerns seriously, and they will inform both the review and the improvements we make while it is under way. Pausing the buildings element is a responsible step to make sure we get this once-in-a-generation opportunity right. Our work to improve the quality of primary education, including curriculum, teaching and safeguarding, will continue.”
The community will be an important part of this review. SHG will shortly set out further opportunities for engagement, with further updates provided as the review progresses.
#StHelena #Education #PrimarySchools
The St Helena Government (SHG) wishes to inform the public that effective from 1 October 2026, a small 2% adjustment will be introduced for Health and Social Care service fees and charges. This modest adjustment will be applied gradually over the next three years to help support and protect our essential health services for everyone on the island. In addition to this there will also be an increase on commercial fees for this period.
Resident fees have remained fixed since April 2021. In the five years since, the cost of providing care has increased significantly, driven by global rises in medical supplies prices, rising freight charges, and the growing need for specialised overseas medical referrals. At present, patient fee contributions cover just 3.1% of the overall Health and Social Care running costs, with the remainder funded through Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) aid and local taxation.
To keep care affordable for our community, the modest 2% adjustment has been set purposefully low. It remains:
- Below St Helena’s local inflation forecast
- Below the cost increases faced by the NHS in the UK
- Well below the global average 10% annual rise in medical expenses
What the Changes Mean for Charges (Effective 1 October 2026)
- Prescription Fees: Moving from £2.60 to £2.65 per item (rising to £2.70 in 2027/28 and £2.75 in 2028/29) – a 5p increase year on year
- Hospital General Ward: Moving from £13.85 to £14.15 per day – a 30p per day increase
- CT Scan: Moving from £20.55 to £20.95 – a 40p increase
- Dental Examination: Moving from £10.30 to £10.50 – a 20p increase
- Social Care Services: A 2% adjustment, supported by ongoing hardship reviews to protect those who need assistance
Minister for Health and Social Care, Martin Henry, commented:
“Although this is a very modest adjustment and the first change since 2021, this decision was not taken lightly. We fully understand that households across St Helena are feeling the weight of rising living costs, and we know that no one wishes to see fees increase, especially when household budgets are tight.
However, with medical costs both locally and overseas growing far faster than our revenue, and with our community growing older and needing more complex care, taking no action would put the services we all depend on at risk. A 2% increase is the minimum necessary to help sustain our health service, and it remains far below the actual cost of delivering medicines and care to our residents.
Most importantly, I want to reassure everyone that no one will ever be turned away from receiving care because they cannot afford it. Strong, compassionate hardship provisions are in place to support anyone who needs them.”
Protecting Our Community and Supporting Those in Need
The Health and Social Care Portfolio recognises that any change, however small, can be stressful, particularly for residents, our elderly community, and families already working hard to manage daily expenses. We are fully committed to ensuring that no resident is left behind or without support:
- Anyone experiencing financial hardship can apply for a fee reduction or waiver through the Admissions Panel and Adult Support Team contactable at 25949.
- If prescription costs create genuine difficulty, cases can be referred for exceptional consideration to ensure necessary treatments remain available to you.
- Access to health and social care services will always be guided by clinical need, never by an individual’s financial situation.
- All existing safeguards remain fully in place, including free care for children under 16 years, and for young people aged 17–18 years in full-time education, and eligibility rules for resident rates.
#StHelena #HealthandSocialCare #Increaseincharges
St Helena Government (SHG) and Sure South Atlantic Limited (Sure) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking an important step towards a major upgrade of St Helena’s broadband and mobile networks.
SHG and Sure have been discussing the island’s longer-term future for communications for some time. Through 2025, detailed technical, commercial and legal talks took place with negotiations on a longer-term licence reaching an advanced stage in June 2025. Whilst agreement was not reached, work has continued looking at options for improving the domestic communications network.
The key development now is that SHG has secured funding to move forward with one of the more ambitious options identified during that process.
Funding is being brought together through the BIOT MoU and the United Kingdom Government-funded Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) for St Helena. As part of accessing EDIP funding, the infrastructure project will be developed in accordance with EDIP standards, governance, assurance and approval processes.
The MoU is an important milestone, but significant work remains before network upgrades can begin, including completion of the required EDIP assurance and approval processes, detailed technical and commercial work, contractual arrangements, licensing and planning approvals. The MoU sets the framework, but the contractual details for the network upgrade and a new communications licence still need to be agreed.
The option now being progressed includes a new Fixed Wireless Access broadband service together with a significant upgrade of the island’s mobile network.
A key principle of the proposed arrangements is that new network assets purchased through the publicly funded project would remain SHG-owned assets, recognising the importance of telecommunications infrastructure as part of St Helena’s critical national infrastructure. It is intended that the new network assets will be operated and maintained by Sure and will then be transferred to SHG at the end of the licence term, ensuring the investment remains for the long-term benefit of St Helena.
If successfully taken through the remaining approval, contractual and implementation stages, the proposed network upgrade is expected to deliver a substantial improvement over the existing network, with the potential to increase network capability from around 20 Mbps today to upwards of 300 Mbps.
This will provide significant benefits for households, businesses and public services, including improved opportunities for remote working, better access to cloud-based services and online markets, and increased capacity for areas such as education and healthcare.
Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Planning and Economic Development, Karl Thrower, said:
“For several years I have said that our priority must be to maximise St Helena’s investment in the Equiano cable in the public interest. This has never just been about faster internet, or about who provides it; it is about ensuring that the people and businesses of St Helena receive the reliable, affordable and modern telecommunications services they need.
“The signing of this MoU is an important step forward and, importantly, it demonstrates our intention to move forward positively and constructively in partnership with Sure. But we also need to be clear about what today’s announcement represents. This is a significant milestone; it is not the end of the process.
“There is still a considerable amount of work ahead of us. The infrastructure project must now progress through the appropriate EDIP assurance and approval processes, detailed commercial and contractual work still has to be completed, and the future telecommunications licence remains a separate piece of work.
“We have learnt lessons from the journey that has brought us to this point, including the previous fibre network project. That makes it even more important that we proceed carefully, maintain proper governance and are open with the public about both the opportunities ahead and the work that remains to be done.
“The option we are now seeking to progress allows us to finally unlock much more of the potential of the fibre-optic cable. Better connectivity can support our businesses, education and healthcare, improve the resilience and efficiency of public services and open up entirely new economic opportunities for St Helena.
“Ultimately, however, the measure of success will not be the equipment we install or a headline broadband speed. It will be whether people across St Helena see better services, greater affordability and real improvements in their everyday lives. That is what SHG and Sure must now work together to deliver.”
Sure Chief Executive Alistair Beak said:
“We are incredibly proud to be continuing our long-standing partnership with the St Helena Government and to be entrusted with delivering this significant upgrade to the island’s telecommunications infrastructure. We have worked closely with SHG to develop the plans and secure the funding for this ambitious programme, which represents a major investment in St Helena’s digital future.
“This marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity for the island. The Equiano cable has brought enormous international capacity to St Helena; our focus now is on ensuring the community can fully realise its potential by building the high-quality, resilient network needed to connect homes, businesses and Government to it.
“Working with our local team on St Helena, we will deliver a new generation of broadband services offering speeds of hundreds of megabits, alongside a significantly enhanced mobile network and upgraded services for businesses and Government. Faster speeds, greater coverage and improved reliability will provide a significantly better experience for our customers and bring St Helena firmly into the modern digital age.
“Importantly, this is about much more than faster broadband. Better connectivity can create new opportunities for local businesses, support economic development and help enable the continued development of essential services such as education and healthcare. It will provide a digital platform from which St Helena can continue to develop for many years to come.
“We want to move quickly. A transformation of this scale will take time to deliver across the island, but our ambition is to begin deployment in early 2027 and for the first customers to start benefiting from the new network by the middle of the year. We look forward to working closely with SHG, our local team and the wider community to make that happen.”
The signing of the MoU enables SHG and Sure to progress the next stage of work on the proposed infrastructure project.
The current programme envisages implementation beginning 2027, with services being introduced progressively thereafter. These timings remain indicative and will be refined as the project progresses through the remaining approval and contracting stages.
The infrastructure project and the future telecommunications licensing arrangements are related but separate workstreams.
The MoU does not itself grant Sure a new communications licence. Future licensing arrangements will continue to be progressed separately under the Communications Ordinance 2025 and through the appropriate SHG legal, policy and regulatory processes.
SHG, Sure and the EDIP team will continue to work together on the infrastructure project, and further information will be provided as key approvals and milestones are reached.
#StHelena #Sure #Telecommunications
The St Helena Government (SHG) wishes to inform the public of the formal conclusion of the historic arrangement with Samaritans to provide emotional support services to the residents of St Helena.
This arrangement was originally established in 2015 following an inquiry into local services, enabling free calls from St Helena to be directed to Samaritans in the UK and Ireland.
Following recent public enquiries regarding the availability of this service, Samaritans has formally advised SHG that due to operational policy changes implemented over recent years, they are no longer able to maintain international support agreements.
Samaritans operates under a policy that limits its listening services exclusively to individuals located within the UK and Ireland. This policy is grounded in legal safeguarding requirements and the vital operational need for volunteers to be able to coordinate directly with local emergency services to safeguard callers in critical situations.
Calls from St Helena will no longer be answered by Samaritans branches. Anyone attempting to call the free helpline from St Helena will hear an automated message directing them to seek support services within their own jurisdiction.
SHG extends its gratitude to Samaritans for their historic partnership and support over the years.
The St Helena Government remains fully committed to supporting the emotional health and well-being of our community. We are actively exploring alternative support options for the island and want to reassure residents that dedicated local emotional support, social care, and health resources remain readily available to anyone in need through the Health and Social Care Portfolio.
The Mental Health Support Team can be contacted by telephone at:
- 22593 (during office hours)
- 22500 (for out-of-hours or urgent on-call support)
#StHelena #Samaritans #Support
The St Helena Government (SHG) will publish a discussion document, The Future of the Fishing Industry: Options for Policy, on 18 September 2026 to support consideration of the future direction of the island’s fishing industry.
The document sets out a range of policy options for consideration by the Minister and the public. It is important to note that no decisions have yet been made regarding which options, if any, will be recommended by the Minister. The paper is intended to inform discussion and consultation and does not make recommendations.
The publication marks the beginning of a public consultation period, which will run from 21 September 2026 to 23 October 2026. Copies of the document can also be found in the library and the post office.
SHG is encouraging all interested parties, including members of the fishing industry, businesses, community groups and the wider public, to review the document and provide their views on the options presented.
The document can be accessed online at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/2026/09/Future-Of-The-Fishing-Industry-Options-For-Policy.pdf
You can participate in the consultation through any of the following options:
- Send your feedback and responses to fisheries.consultation@sainthelena.gov.sh.
- Attend one of three public meetings at The Museum at 19:00 on Thursdays: 24 September, 1 October, or 8 October 2026.
- Visit the stall outside The Canister every Thursday from 12:00 to 14:00 for four weeks, starting 24 September 2026.
- Reach Ann Muir at The Castle by calling 22470, emailing Ann.Muir@sainthelena.gov.sh, or visiting in person to arrange a meeting.
All responses received during the consultation period and referred to in the revised options for policy document will be confidential and referred to anonymously.
There is also a plain English public summary of the Situational Analysis of St Helena Fishing Industry which informed the options for policy at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/2026/08/FRSA-Public-Summary-260813.pdf and the full Situational Analysis document is available at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/Situational-Analysis-of-the-St-Helena-Fishing-Industry.pdf.
SHG welcomes public participation in this important consultation and looks forward to hearing your views on the future of the fishing industry.
#StHelena #FishingIndustry #PublicConsultation
Her Excellency the Governor, Belinda Lewis was sworn in this afternoon in front of the Court House in Jamestown. The Chief Secretary and Head of Public Service, Mr Ian Todd OBE, read the Royal Commission, before the Sheriff of St Helena, Mrs Ethel Yon OBE, administered the Oaths of Office and gave the Address of Welcome. The Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, read a welcome address and spoke about welcoming Governor Belinda Lewis and her family to St Helena, celebrating the island’s community resilience, acknowledging key developmental opportunities alongside ongoing socioeconomic challenges, and emphasising the importance of a constructive partnership between St Helena and the UK. The Rt Rev, The Lord Bishop of St Helena, Dale Bowers MBE gave a prayer and blessing.
In her Inauguration Address, Her Excellency commented:
“It is a great honour to serve the people of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha on behalf of our Sovereign, His Majesty King Charles the Third. I can assure you that I will strive to discharge the responsibilities incumbent on me as Governor to the best of my ability (…) and serve you with diligence, integrity and respect.”
“I am looking forward to working closely and constructively with the Chief Minister and the elected Government in a strong spirit of partnership. St Helena has a long, proud history and a promising future: I want to celebrate this and am ready to play my part to advance the interests of the communities we are all here to serve.”
Governor’s Inauguration Speech
Photos
From left to right: Mrs Debbie Yon, HE the Governor Ms Belinda Lewis, and Major Anthony Galvin, USMC (Retd.).
The Chief Secretary and Head of Public Service, Ian Todd OBE, reading the Royal Commission
HE the Governor Belinda Lewis signing the Oaths of Office, administered by the Sheriff of St Helena, Mrs Ethel Yon OBE.
The Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, welcoming HE the Governor Belinda Lewis and her family to St Helena.
Invited guests attending the inauguration ceremony.
HE the Governor Belinda Lewis being introduced to Guides from the St Helena Girl Guide Association
1st Jamestown Scouts marching
#StHelena #Governor #InaugurationCeremony
A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 08 September 2026.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
CLOSED AGENDA
Declaration of Interest
Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 28 July 2026
Matters Arising from Minutes of 28 July 2026
Tourism Strategy and Delivery Plan, 2026 – 2032 (ExCo Memo 34/2026)
Victims of Crime Compensation: Options for Policy (ExCo Memo 35/2026)
Terms of Reference for Children’s Champion (ExCo Memo 36/2026)
Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo
Invitation to Tender (ITT) for Main Building Works – St Helena New Prison
(ExCo Memo 32/2026)
SHG and Sure Memorandum of Understanding – Delivery, Operation and
Future Development of Electronic Communications and Broadcasting on St Helena (ExCo Memo 33/2026)
Select Committees (Establishment) Order, 2026 St Helena Government
Ministerial Updates on Significant Issues
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:
Declaration of Interest
The Chief Minister declared an interest in agenda item 5.
2 – 3. Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes from 28 July 2026.
Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2026.
4. Tourism Strategy and Delivery Plan, 2026 – 2032 (ExCo Memo 34/2026)
Executive Council considered whether the Tourism Strategy and Delivery Plan 2026 to 2031, as presented should be approved and used as the framework for the delivery of the island’s Tourism Development Programme (TDP).
Members recognised that, after financial aid and remittances, the tourism industry is the largest contributor to the local economy and expressed support for the approach set out in the Strategy. Members commended the evidence-based approach used to inform the Strategy, noting that a key objective is to provide stability for the industry. It was also highlighted that successful delivery will require cross-sector involvement.
Executive Council supported and approved the Tourism Strategy and Delivery Plan, 2026 – 2032.
5. Victims of Crime Compensation: Options for Policy (ExCo Memo 35/2026)
(Due to a declared conflict of interest, the Chief Minister left the room for this agenda item)
Executive Council considered options for the development of a Victims’ Code of Practice and a proposal for a scheme whereby compensation awarded to offenders would be held in a protected trust account to protect the interests of victims.
Executive Council agreed that Options 2.1.2 and 2.1.3 should be taken forward for public consultation to seek the views of the public before any decision is made.
6. Terms of Reference for Children’s Champion (ExCo Memo 36/2026)
Executive Council was asked to consider and agree the revised Terms of Reference for the Children’s Champion as per Section 3(3) of Part II of the Welfare of Children Ordinance, 2010.
Members noted that the scope of the ToRs risked extending the Champion’s functions outside of the Welfare of Children Ordinance, 2010 (WoCO), noting in particular the proposed extension of the remit to young people up to the age of 25 years and blurring the distinction between strategic oversight and operational decision making. Members agreed that the revised Terms of Reference raised problematic issues requiring further consideration.
It was decided that the revised TORs should be referred back to the Safeguarding of Children Board, noting that it would an opportune time to review with the imminent arrival in post of the new Safeguarding Board Chair and Delivery Manager. Members agreed that the existing ToRs would remain in place until any revised version is agreed.
Executive Council therefore did not approve the revised ToRs and agreed that these should be referred to the Safeguarding in Children Board for further consideration.
Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo
Invitation to Tender (ITT) for Main Building Works – St Helena New Prison (ExCo Memo 32/2026)
SHG and Sure Memorandum of Understanding – Delivery, Operation and Future Development of Electronic Communications and Broadcasting on St Helena (ExCo Memo 33/2026)
Select Committees (Establishment) Order, 2026
Executive Council agreed with the decisions made for 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3.
Ministerial Updates on Significant Issues
8.1 Minister Thrower outlined next steps for SHG and Sure SA Ltd following the approval of the MOU reference in 7.2 above.
Any Other Business
Executive Council approved Minister Turner’s request for a Customs Exemption
for Chrome Books for Education.
As this was the final meeting of Executive Council during HE Governor Phillips’s
tenure, the Chief Minister thanked Governor Phillips for his support, advice, honesty, hard work, and dedicated service to St Helena. She also extended best wishes to Governor and Mrs Phillips for a long and happy retirement.
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