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A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 01July 2026.

The agenda for the meeting was as follows:

CLOSED AGENDA  
1. Declaration of Interest  
2. St Helena Hotel Development Ltd’s Loan of £1 Million and SHG Guarantee (ExCo Memo 25/2026)  
3. Appropriation Bill, 2026 St Helena Government Budget for the Financial Year 2026 – 2031 (ExCo Memo 26/2026)  
4. Banking Strategy Update (ExCo Memo 27/2026)  
5. 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:

  1. There were no Declarations of Interest.

2. St Helena Hotel Development Ltd’s Loan of £1 Million and SHG Guarantee (ExCo Memo 25/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider and advise, in relation to the St Helena Hotel Development Ltd’s (SHHDL) £1 million loan with the Bank of St Helena Ltd (BoSH), whether:

a) The St Helena Government (SHG) Guarantee on the loan should be extended, and if so, a Variation to the Guarantee should be taken forward as Government business at the next formal Legislative Council meeting; or

b) SHG repays the £1 million loan on behalf of SHHDL from the Consolidated Fund in full negating the need for a Government Guarantee; or

c) SHG repays part of the £1 million loan on behalf of SHHDL and seeks an extension to the existing Guarantee for the remaining amount and presents this Variation to the Guarantee as Government business at the next formal Legislative Council meeting.

Members and two Directors from the SHHDL Board discussed the options noting the following pertinent points:

Executive Council accepted and approved option a) as the more prudent course of action, in light of the current uncertainties surrounding Conditionality. In doing so, Council noted that options b) and c) remained available for future consideration, subject to the completion of the relevant workstreams and budget outcomes.

It was further noted that SHHDL would be discussed with Elected Members during the Ministers’ update session scheduled for 2 July.

3. Appropriation Bill, 2026 St Helena Government Budget for the Financial Year 2026 – 2031 (ExCo Memo 26/2026)

Executive Council was asked to advise whether the Appropriation Bill, 2026, should be printed, published and presented as Government business at the Legislative Council meeting to be held on 17 July 2026.

Members noted the background and development of the Bill under the following key headings:

Executive Council accepted and recommended that the Appropriation Bill, 2026 be presented at Legislative Council on 17 July 2026.  The Bill and accompanying Pink Book will be published in accordance with the stated timelines.

Ministers expressed their sincere appreciation to members of the Public Service for the support shown to the new Ministerial team during the preparation of the Budget process.

4. Banking Strategy Update (ExCo Memo 27/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether:

a) the proposed strategy to secure appropriate commercial banking services to support the Company Registry Transformation (“CRT”) under the Financial Services and Company Registry Development (“FSCRD”) Programme should be approved; and

b) the process currently being undertaken which is exploring the feasibility of SHG selling its shareholding in Bank of St Helena (“BoSH”) should be paused, while at the same time mandating improvements in BoSH service offering including international debit cards, more competitive money transfer fees and access to a wider range of financial services products.

Discussion focused on the key considerations including:

Executive Council noted that any future consideration of BoSH ownership must be carefully assessed against the island’s long-term economic interests, service needs and financial resilience.  

Executive Council approved the proposed strategy to secure appropriate commercial banking services. The approach would be to seek to secure overseas banks that would be willing to accept St Helena companies as a class of clients. The overseas banks do not need to set up a local licensed presence on St Helena.

Executive Council further agreed to pause exploring the feasibility of SHG selling its shareholding in the BoSH. This decision gives BoSH clear direction to pursue their current programme of modernisation to improve and expand their local service provision.

5. Any Other Business

#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines

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A meeting of the Police and Crime Panel will take place on Wednesday 15 July 2026 from 12:30 to 14:00. This meeting will be held at the Corporate Services Conference Room in The Castle, Jamestown.

The agenda will include a Police and Crime Panel report from the Temporary Director of Police and a question and answer (QA) section from the panel. A report summary will be made available to the public the day before the meeting via the SHG website at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/portfolios/safety-security-and-home-affairs/police-service/.

The panel consists of the following members:

We welcome attendance and input from all community members and stakeholders.

For more information, please contact the Temporary Director of Police, Julian Pezzani, by telephone on (+290) 22626 or by email through julian.pezzani@sainthelena.gov.sh.

You can also view the Police and Crime Plan online at St-Helena-Police-Service-Police-and-Crime-Plan-v1.1.pdf.

The meeting will be live streamed via the SHG YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638. A recording of the meeting will be uploaded following the meeting.

The Corporate Services Conference Room is on the top floor of the Castle. Alternative arrangements are being offered for anyone who is unable to access the room, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission on 22133 or email mary@humanrightssthelena.org.

Following each meeting printed versions of the Police and Crime Panel report will also be made available at the Customer Service Centre and Public Library. Previous reports are now available to view at these locations.

#StHelena #RSHP #PoliceandCrimePanel

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The Royal St Helena Police Service (RSHP) would like to extend its sincere thanks to all community members who took the time to complete the public survey distributed in May of this year.

Your feedback is invaluable in helping us shape a safer, more supportive environment for everyone on the island. Based on the responses received, we have identified three key areas of focus and are pleased to share the immediate actions we are taking to address them:

Enhancing Community Interaction and Rebuilding Trust

A primary theme from the survey was the desire for more face-to-face interaction with officers to rebuild public trust and confidence.

Bridging the Gap and Returning to True Community Policing

Feedback indicated a perceived gap between the police and the public, with a strong collective desire to return to the island’s traditional, close-knit style of community policing.

Monitoring and Combating Underage Alcohol Consumption

Underage drinking was highlighted as a significant ongoing concern for residents.

Moving Forward Together

Every comment submitted in the survey is being taken on board as we continually look for ways to improve. Your insights directly support our core policing priorities:

Chief of Police, Julian Pezzani, commented:

“You are the community, and we are here to listen to you. Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us keep St Helena safe.”

#StHelena #RoyalStHelenaPolice # RSHP #PublicSurvey

In a formal ceremony held at the Governor’s Residence, His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Phillips CBE, presented the Badge of Honour to Gwyneth Howell and Linda Glanville on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III. The prestigious awards celebrate both recipients’ profound and enduring contributions to the public service and infrastructure of St Helena.

Retired Chief Executive Officer Gwyneth Howell: A Historic Aviation Legacy

Gwyneth Howell was honoured for her transformative leadership and profound impact on St Helena’s aviation sector and critical national infrastructure. Originally joining the St Helena Airport Project as an Aviation Safety Specialist, Gwyneth successfully progressed to Head of Operations by October 2017, culminating in her 2018 appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Accountable Manager of St Helena Airport Limited (SHAL).

In this dual capacity, she has carried ultimate regulatory and operational responsibility for the airport ‘s safety, security, and environmental certifications. Notably, Gwyneth’s steadfast leadership proved instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she ensured the continuity of vital air services and medical repatriations. Under her direction, St Helena Airport achieved the distinction of becoming the most highly regarded airport facility within the Overseas Territories.

Linda Glanville: A Dedicated Career in Public Service

The ceremony simultaneously celebrated the enduring and distinguished public service of Linda Glanville, who was awarded the Badge of Honour for her significant, multifaceted career within the St Helena Government (SHG). Serving most recently as the Governor’s Personal Assistant, Linda was lauded for managing the immense and highly sensitive burden of state information with unwavering discretion, effectively preserving vital institutional “corporate memory” across a succession of Governors.

Beyond her critical administrative and confidential duties, her strategic stewardship was highly praised for helping to make Plantation House as an inclusive space that welcomes and celebrates the local community. Linda was also recognised for her historic role as the island’s first female scuba diver, reflecting a lifetime of breaking barriers and demonstrating an exemplary commitment to St Helena that mirrors the high standards of the island’s top public honours.

HE the Governor said in his speech:

“Both Gwyneth Howell and Linda Glanville embody the very highest standards of public service. Their dedication has left an indelible mark on our community, ensuring St Helena’s safety, connectivity, and heritage are preserved for future generations.”

Marking a historic milestone for the island, both Linda and Gwyneth were recognised as the very first recipients of the Badge of Honour to feature King Charles III’s effigy.

The reception at Plantation House brought together colleagues, and family members to honour two exceptional individuals whose careers reflect the peak of civic duty and excellence on the island.

Photos

Recipients of the Badge of Honour, Linda Glanville and Gwyneth Howell with HE the Governor, Nigel Phillips

The Badge of Honour with the King’s effigy

Badge of Honour recipients with HE the Governor and invited guests

Mrs Gwyneth Howell and invited guests

Mrs Linda Glanville and invited guests

#StHelena #BadgeofHonour #PublicService

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A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 26 June 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 13 April 2026  
3.Matters Arising from Minutes of 13 April 2026  
4.Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 26 May 2026  
5.Matters Arising from Minutes of 26 May 2026  
6.Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance (ExCo Memo 20/2026)  
7.Continued Operation of St Helena Ship Registry (ExCo Memo 21/2026)  
8.St Helena Government Vision, Strategy and Strategic Outcomes and Objectives – April 2026 – March 2029 (ExCo Memo 22/2026)    
9.Postage and Revenue Stamps (Invalidation) Order, 2026 (ExCo Memo 23/2026)    
10.Designation of Customs Areas (ExCo Memo 24/2026)  
11.Ministerial Updates on significant issues  
12.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 from 13 April and 26 May 2026

Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of meeting held on 13 April and 26 May 2026

6.       Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance (ExCo Memo 20/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2026 at Annex A should be printed and published and tabled as Government business at the next formal meeting of Legislative Council scheduled to be held on 17 July 2026.

Executive Council noted that the Bill follows the Immigration Policy approved by Executive Council in April 2025 and provides the legal basis for the implementation and enhancement of immigration processes. Ministers confirmed that there was no intention, at this stage, to review the Immigration Policy, April 2025. They further noted that the Ordinance is central to Budget Conditionality and the BIOT Extension Agreement.

A previous version of the Ordinance, was approved in 2025, but its commencement was revoked  due to drafting errors  that would have brought about unintended consequences if the Ordinance had come into force.

The principle of the Immigration Policy and therefore this Bill is that increasing the population, particularly the working age population, is critical to growing the economy and sustainable prosperity for the island. Streamlined and faster applications and processing systems are a step to attracting and welcoming inward migration.

Executive Council accepted and approved the Immigration (Amendment) Bill, 2026, noting the need for sufficient lead time to test the new Immigration Portal and to communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders ahead of implementation.

7.       Continued Operation of St Helena Ship Registry (ExCo Memo 21/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether to:

    a) commit to developing the Ship Registry so it meets the required standard; or

    b) continue the Ship Registry in its current form and accept the risk of the UK’s     

        Maritime and Coastguard Agency asking for or taking corrective action; or

    c) take active steps to close the Ship Registry and deregister the ships currently    

        flagged with St Helena.

Members discussed and considered the details of the options presented including key points highlighted by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). Chris Olsen, Director, Maritime Governance & Regulatory Compliance, from the MCA, together with St Helena’s Maritime team, joined the meeting to answer Members questions.

Executive Council agreed to commit to the continued development of the Ship Registry to ensure that it meets the required standard. In so doing, SHG commits to a development programme to strengthen the legislation and resources supporting the Ships Registry. The Ships Registry is considered as an economic enabler, with the potential to generate revenue with full development. 

8.       St Helena Government Vision, Strategy and Strategic Outcomes and Objectives – April 2026 – March 2029 (ExCo Memo 22/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider whether the St Helena Government Vision and Strategy for April 2026 to March 2029, together with the Strategic Outcomes and Objectives, should be endorsed to guide strategic planning and budgeting over the next three years.

Members considered the ambitions set out for the next three years, taking into account the wider budget context, available capacity for legislative drafting, key delivery pressures, and the plan for monitoring progress.

Executive Council approved the SHG Vision and Strategy for 2026 to 2029.

9.       Postage and Revenue Stamps (Invalidation) Order, 2026 (ExCo Memo 23/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Postage and Revenue Stamps (Invalidation) Order, 2026 should be approved.

Section 3(b) of the Post Office Ordinance, 1898, provides that the Governor in Council may, by order, invalidate postage or revenue stamps that are no longer current issues. This process allows the Post Office to clear old stocks of stamps and make room for new stock holdings.

Executive Council accepted and approved the Postage and Revenue Stamps (Invalidation) Order, 2026.

10.     Designation of Customs Areas (ExCo Memo 24/2026)

Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Customs (Designation of Customs Areas) Regulations, 2026, should be approved and the Customs (Designation of Customs Areas) Regulations, 2014, be revoked.

Members noted that the approval of the Regulations would provide clarity in relation to the designated customs areas at the island’s three port facilities; Rupert’s, Jamestown and the Airport, Prosperous Bay Plain. The updated customs areas support Customs Officers in performing their duties under the Customs and Excise Ordinance, 1999. Attention was also drawn to an oversight identified within the 2014 Regulations.

Executive Council accepted and approved the Customs (Designation of Customs Areas) Regulations, 2026, and agreed to revoke the Customs (Designation of Customs Areas) Regulations, 2014.

11.           Ministerial Updates on significant issues

12.       Any Other Business

No matters were raised.

The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the arrival and successful commissioning of vital new cargo-handling equipment at the port in Rupert’s Bay.

Funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), this essential upgrade includes a new Kalmar reach stacker, a MAFI terminal tractor, trailers, and specialised accessories.

The procurement was managed by Netherlands-based international supplier Forkliftcenter, with on-island assembly, servicing, and training delivered by their Southern Africa regional partner, Right Equipped Solutions (Namibia).

Securing Our Monthly Lifeline

As one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, St Helena relies largely on its port infrastructure for survival. With food and essential supplies arriving by sea just once a month, maintaining highly reliable port operations is fundamental to the island’s economic and social resilience.

Following recent reliability challenges with the island’s older reach stackers, this new equipment directly mitigates risks to our monthly supply chain, ensuring that cargo operations can continue safely, efficiently, and without interruption.

The machinery was transported to the island by Global Shipping Center (GSC). Upon arrival, technicians from Right Equipped Solutions worked hand-in-hand with SHG Port Control and Government Garage teams to assemble the machinery and bring all units into full operation.

Beyond mechanical setup, the visiting specialists conducted hands-on training and shared long-term maintenance protocols, empowering local crews and operators to manage and maintain the new fleet independently.

Key Handover and Statements

The Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Gillian Brooks, commented:

“I would like to thank Forkliftcenter and Right Equipped for supporting St Helena and delivering essential new equipment for our port. Their technicians worked alongside Port Control and Government Garage to ensure the new reach stacker, tractor, and trailer are fully operational.

The new equipment, funded by the UK Government, provides much-needed resilience to the port and will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our cargo operations. Gaining support from globally recognised suppliers such as Forkliftcenter is immensely appreciated, and we look forward to a continued partnership to assist with our future equipment needs.”

Managing Director Americas at Forkliftcenter, Adriaan Vos, commented:

“St Helena represents the 150th country to receive equipment from Forkliftcenter, making this a particularly proud moment for our team. Working alongside Right Equipped Solutions and the Government of St Helena, we have shown how strong partnerships can overcome even the most remote logistical challenges.”

Managing Member of Right Equipped, Henner Rodenwoldt, added:

“Delivering equipment to one of the world’s most remote islands requires trusted partnerships, technical expertise, and long-term commitment. We are proud to have worked alongside Forkliftcenter and the Government of St Helena to deliver a solution that will strengthen St Helena’s port operations and support the island’s future growth.”

The arrival of this machinery marks the beginning of a lasting, strategic partnership aimed at supporting St Helena’s infrastructure and logistics development well into the future.

A video filmed by Right Equipped Solutions can be viewed on the SHG YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZo1iGK8Q2M.

Photos

The SHG Port Control and Right Equipped Solutions Teams

The new equipment in the bulk yard

Assembly of the equipment

Handover of the new equipment

Notes to Editor

#StHelena #PortControl #NewEquipment

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St Helena Government (SHG) is inviting fishers, industry stakeholders and the wider community to help shape the next stage of planning for a strong and sustainable fishing industry on the island.

Following the publication of the Situational Analysis of the St Helena Fishing Industry, SHG is beginning the next phase of work to identify practical options for future policy and practice. The report is available here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/situational-analysis-of-the-st-helena-fishing-industry/

SHG’s shared goal is to support the development of an industry that is economically viable, environmentally sustainable and informed by those with direct experience of fishing and related activity in St Helena.

The planning process will take place in two stages:

  1. Ideas gathering: Fishers, industry representatives and members of the community are invited to share views on what should be done to strengthen the industry. This input will help shape the options to be included in a policy paper.
  2. Public consultation: Once draft options are prepared, fishers and the wider public will be asked to provide feedback. This will inform the government’s final decisions on future policy and practice.

SHG emphasises that there is no predetermined plan and that it is not aligned with any single group or outcome. All ideas will be considered equally, with decisions guided by evidence and the views of those involved in and affected by the industry.

Contributions can be made by sharing ideas in writing by email or arranging a meeting during the day or evening with Ann Muir, Head of Strategic Policy via Ann.Muir@sainthelena.gov.sh. Alternatively call +290 22470.

All contributions should be submitted by Friday 24 July, so they can be included in the first stage of planning. 

SHG encourages everyone connected to the fishing industry, as well as members of the wider community, to take part in this process and help identify solutions that can benefit St Helena.

#StHelena #FishingIndustry

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St Helena Port Control wishes to inform the public that space within the Lower Jamestown Wharf area, from the Middle Steps to the main landing steps, is presently restricted due to the number of marine vessels undergoing essential maintenance.

Following the relocation of cargo operations to Rupert’s, vessel owners are utilising the opportunity to undertake necessary maintenance works. These works are important in supporting a safe, well-maintained and sustainable maritime industry for St Helena.

In order to minimise congestion, motorists are respectfully requested to operate on a drop-off and pick-up basis and to refrain from parking within the Lower Wharf area. The traffic barrier located at the middle landing step will be closed. Motorists requiring access for pick-up or drop-off may open the barrier. Please close the barrier once your vehicle has passed. When opening or closing the barrier, use caution to avoid catching fingers or hands in the hinge. Additionally, please close the barrier gently to prevent impact or damage.

Members of the public accessing the main landing steps are requested to exercise caution, as vessel owners may be carrying out maintenance works in the area. For health and safety reasons, persons not directly involved in vessel maintenance must not enter the coned-off area. Parents and guardians are further requested to ensure that children do not play on or around vessels situated on the wharf.

Port Control continues to work with vessel owners to reduce the number of vessels on the wharf and to alleviate congestion within the area and thanks the public for their continued cooperation, patience and understanding.

The St Helena Government (SHG) wishes to provide an update on the ongoing Primary School Reorganisation project, highlighting progress in both infrastructure development and curriculum enhancement. This project is funded by the FCDO through the UK Government.

Infrastructure and Timeline Update

To ensure high standards of safety and facility readiness, the official launch of the dedicated Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) schools is now scheduled to take place after the 2026/27 academic year. This adjusted timeline allows project teams to navigate complex logistical requirements thoroughly without compromising on the quality of the final learning environments.

Work on the physical infrastructure is progressing steadily. The initial phase for the KS1 school, consisting of comprehensive site strip-out and excavation works, is completed. Please see the recent update issued by the Programme Management Office for a closer look at the developments so far. The completed works now clear the way for the main building works to commence. Further updates on this upcoming phase will be shared in due course.

In the interim, SHG is actively managing the transition at existing temporary school sites. Following the initial transition in January 2026, the KS2 cohort has seen an increase in both staff and student numbers. To comfortably accommodate this growth, a review of the layout at Pilling Primary School is underway to optimise space and resources for the upcoming terms.

Minister for Education, Skills and Employment, Andrew Turner, commented:

“While this is not the news any of us hoped to share,  we are actively working through the challenges a project of this scale has presented. We always knew a transformation of this size and complexity would require time, flexibility, and careful adaptation, and we are committed to getting it right. What remains unchanged is the determination of the team at Education, Skills and Employment, who are working extremely hard to ensure this transformation is a success. Throughout this process, our priority has been and always will remain, the best interests of the children of St Helena. Thank you for your partnership and your patience as we build this future together.”

Strategic Educational Developments

Whilst structural works continue, education leaders are capitalising on this period to implement comprehensive foundational improvements across the primary sector. Key initiatives currently progressing include:

Community Engagement

A series of public drop-in sessions will be announced shortly. These sessions will offer parents, guardians, and community members an opportunity to view progress plans, receive detailed briefings on the building works, and discuss the academic strategies being implemented to strengthen the quality of education on the island.

Primary School Reorganisation: What’s Happening Next

#StHelena #PrimaryReorganisation #AltogetherBetterforChildrenandYoungPeople

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Today, St Helena Government (SHG) joins the global maritime community in celebrating the International Day of the Seafarer. Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2010, this day recognises how deeply sea transport shapes and sustains our daily lives.

To mark this occasion, SHG pays tribute to one of our own retired seafarers, Mr Patrick Williams (Bosun). Mr Williams was a highly valued crew member of the RMS St Helena, the beloved vessel that served as the island’s vital lifeline. Below, Mr Williams shares his personal memories of a remarkable 39-year career at sea.

Starting Out

“I first joined the old RMS St Helena (Ex Northland Prince) in October 1978, whilst coming home on leave from Cable & Wireless on Ascension where I was employed as a Pontoon Coxswain at the Pierhead. Even though I had already signed a contract to go back, the catering department was looking for a Utility Steward, so eager to work on a ship, I took the chance. The sun deck was certified to carry thirty-six passengers, but being the maiden voyage, joining from Ascension were sixty-six, plus all the cabins were full, so the Captain took a bit of a risk. Rodney Anthony and I had to help with the meals due to a staff shortage. Also the weather was really bad between the islands at that time.

In those days Ascension employees didn’t carry passports, so it was a rush for me, first to see Colin and Marlene Yon for passport photos, then to The Meadow to the Salts shop for a white shirt and black trousers (always wore shorts on Ascension). On sailing day I signed on, getting to know new faces and getting familiar with the ship. It was up to the UK via Ascension and Las Palmas. If my memory is right, we only did the first two voyages to St. Helena and back to the UK.”

Visiting Tristan da Cunha

“One day in James Bay, Pat Francis and myself were doing some maintenance work on deck when Captain Wyatt shouted from the Bridge to put the shrouds up on the fore mast, we’re going to Tristan. (In nautical terms, shrouds are wire stays to secure the mast). To me it was excitement and hard to believe. Going to school we learned about Tristan, now hopefully we would see it in reality. We had bananas roped up in the lower hold, they were green but by the time we arrived at Tristan they were dropping off the bunches. I think we took about five – six days. We mainly went to pick up the Governor and Arthur Corker who went to supervise the building of their swimming pool.

The day we arrived, and before we anchored, the Islanders long boats with pretty sails were heading for Nightingale Island. After we anchored half could go ashore, and half stayed back on board in case the weather broke out. We were there for a few days, but what was a bit scary was we only had life rafts certified for a certain amount of people, and at that time there was a college team of about twenty (Denston College) who boarded as well, plus a few medivacs going to Cape Town. I think the Governor bunked down in the Captain’s cabin. We all made it safely to Cape Town.”

Progressing

“Somehow Captain Wyatt wouldn’t let us go back on the RMS, I mean Pat Francis and myself. He wanted the two Pats to stay with him, but as time went on the MOD was finished with the RMS and things got back to normal. I was slowly working up to Bosun’s Mate, but what I will say, signing on MOD articles to join the Falklands Task Force was the highlight of my time in the Merchant Navy.

Peter Joey Sim always relieved Ronnie Johnson as Bosun, but when Ronnie resigned I was promoted to Bosun (Chief Petty Officer). Then along came the new RMS. Peter brought her down from the UK to St. Helena then I joined to take her to Cape Town for the first time. As voyages progressed on and Andrew Weir took over, the making of the airport started to take shape. Some officers rose to the rank of Captains and Chief Engineers. It was good to see Saints progress to the top.”

MV Oman Sea One

“I was on ship when we heard of the Oman Sea One believed to have gone down, I thought some busy times to come. I wasn’t going to stay up all night to look, so I turned in. Next morning about 06.00, I was awakened by Julian Swain (Deckhand) saying there’s a man waving to them, so I said ok, get all the remaining deck hands out for this. Our emergency boat list was completely ignored, so certain crew members was boats crew. So to make it short, we put our boat into the water, there was quite a bit of swell but we got to the survivor, threw him some rope and heaved him alongside, then into the boat. He was the Indian cook, with two life jackets on. It was a bit of a struggle getting back alongside ship, but after a few attempts, we managed to get hoisted up after bouncing into the embarkation deck. Some senior officers were out of the boat and away, maybe for some clean underwear.

So like the saying is, there’s always stories to tell, of good times and rough times. As for me, on the 29th July 2017, I dropped the anchor of the RMS in James Bay, signed off, and was homeward bound. With the old RMS, the Aragonite and the new one, my time at sea was thirty-nine years.”

The full, unedited text of Mr Williams’ story can be found at the following link: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/day-of-the-seafarer-2026-full-tribute/.

St Helena Government wishes Mr Williams a long and happy retirement and extends our deepest gratitude for his 39 years of dedicated service to the island of St Helena.

Photos

Mr Williams on the RMS St Helena

The RMS St Helena requisitioned to join the Falkland Task Force in 1982

Members of the RMS St Helena crew with a younger Mr Williams kneeling second from the right

#StHelena #Maritime #DayoftheSeafarer

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