Latest Posts
St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to learn that Jonathan, the world’s oldest known land animal and a much-loved resident of the island, has been officially recognised as a Guinness World Records (GWR) ICON.
The announcement forms part of a global campaign led by Guinness World Records, celebrating Guinness World Records holders that have achieved exceptional international recognition and significance. Jonathan’s inclusion highlights his extraordinary longevity and global appreciation.
Living at Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor of St Helena, Jonathan has become one of St Helena’s most recognisable figures. Known for charming visitors from around the world, he also holds a special place in the hearts of the local community.
Jonathan’s recognition brings welcomed international attention to St Helena. As a living symbol of resilience, he has been a constant in our island’s history seeing the introduction of cars, electricity, TV, mobile and internet connectivity.
Media Invitation: Local and international media are invited to attend a press conference with HE Governor Nigel Phillips and Mrs Emma Phillips to discuss Jonathan’s prestigious Guinness World Records ICON recognition. The press conference will take place tomorrow, Wednesday 17 June 2026, at 09:00 GMT / 10:00 BST via https://representationplus.whereby.com/alison-cryer.
Commenting on this momentous announcement, His Excellency, Governor Nigel Phillips, says “Jonathan’s recognition as a Guinness World Records ICON is warmly welcomed by the people of St Helena. For generations, he has been regarded as a local icon, deeply embedded in the island’s identity and collective memory. This global acknowledgement reflects what the community has long known, that Jonathan is not only remarkable in age, but truly special to St Helena and its people.“
Note
GWR ICON status is a distinguished recognition awarded to record-holders, pioneers and internationally significant figures whose achievements have had a lasting impact. Jonathan’s inclusion places him among a select group of globally recognised ICONs and reflects the exceptional significance of his place in St Helena’s heritage and identity.
Photos
Jonathan the tortoise with his GWR ICON certificate
#StHelena #JonathanTheTortoise #GuinnessWorldRecords #ICON
At a meeting of the Executive Council held on 10 March 2026, an increase to the minimum wage of 35p per hour for an adult 18+ and 28p for young persons aged 16 and 17 was approved.
This change will take effect from 01 July 2026 and will increase from £4.50 to £4.85 for persons over 18 years, and £3.55 to £3.63 for persons aged 16 or 17 years. This represents an annual increase of 7.8%. The approval of this increase is in line with raising living standards, benefitting workers and providing adequate time for businesses to plan and adapt.”
The principle informing the minimum wage is that of the Minimum Income Standard (MIS), which states that “minimum income is based on needs and not wants, but it provides more than what is just needed for survival. It supports social participation and recognises that choice is important, but also that choice cannot be unlimited”. Although the MIS varies for people based on their specific circumstances, the current MIS of at least £5.88 gross (before tax is paid) per hour for a family of four is dependent on the cost of housing, which includes costs to a family for renting accommodation or paying a housing loan, and car ownership.
In determining the increase, consideration was given to the current cost of living pressures on both employees and employers, and it was noted that a balance would need to be struck. The Minimum Wage Policy therefore recognises that there is a limit to the size of increases that businesses can absorb in a single year, whilst at the same time acknowledging the need to continue raising the minimum income level on St Helena to go some way in encouraging residents to remain in employment on St Helena.
This year’s increase follows consultations with employers, employees and other relevant stakeholders including the Chamber of Commerce.
The minimum wage will be reviewed again in early 2027 and will include public consultation to consider further uplifts for the period 2027/28.
Since its inception in 2013, the minimum wage has raised from £2.30 to £4.85 for persons over 18 years, and from £1.45 to £3.83 for persons aged 16 or 17 years. These increases equate to a 110% and 164% rise respectively.
#StHelena #MinimumWage #AltogetherWealthier
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
The UK Government have announced the selection of Ms Belinda Lewis to be the next Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
Ms Lewis said: “It is an honour to have been selected to serve the communities of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha as Governor. My family and I are hugely looking forward to calling beautiful St Helena our home and I will be very keen to visit Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha – both remarkable environments in their own right”
Photo
Belinda Lewis
#StHelena #GovernorDesignate
The St Helena Government (SHG), in consultation with Gold Command and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), is pleased to officially announce the conclusion of the hantavirus Major Incident on St Helena
Successful Completion of Public Health Measures
All individuals who were identified as contacts and required to self-isolate have now successfully completed their mandatory 42-day isolation periods, following the revision of the isolation period guidance provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) down from 45 days. Public Health officials have confirmed that there are no active, suspected, or confirmed cases on the island, and there is no further risk to the public regarding this incident.
Sincere Thanks to Our Community and Partners
SHG and Gold Command wish to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the safe and successful management of this rare event. A special thank you is extended to the individuals who underwent isolation, as well as the family members and householders who lived in close contact with them. Your immense patience, resilience, and strict adherence to public health measures, especially during a period of uncertainty and throughout our recent St Helena Day celebrations, were vital to ensuring the safety of our entire community.
Sincere thanks go to our Public Health and medical teams, Emergency Services, Sea Rescue, St Helena Airport, and border control staff. We also extend our gratitude to the UK Government and the UKHSA for their rapid deployment of specialist personnel, testing equipment, and logistical support.
Thank you to the community across St Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha for your calm approach, cooperation, and reliance on verified official information throughout this response.
Moving Forward
With all precautionary measures now concluded, the temporary hantavirus testing capability will be stood down and the deployed laboratory scientists will return to the UK with our gratitude for their support over the last four weeks. Our maritime tourism and border operations will continue to run as normal under our standard, robust international health regulations.
This concludes our formal updates regarding the hantavirus response.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #GoldCommand #CommunityResilience
SHG
8 June 2026
The St Helena Government (SHG) will next week, on Monday 8 June 2026, launch a survey asking the public for their views and perceptions on how the government communicates with the community.
SHG regularly reviews its public information and media output to ensure it meets the needs of the audience and stakeholders. By completing a survey form, either online or via hardcopy, you will be able to tell us how you view SHG communications in key areas such as accessibility, reliability, proactiveness, and how easy our updates are to understand.
The survey will also ask for specific feedback on the ways you get your government news, such as via local newspapers, radio, social media, or the SHG website, and where you feel improvements can be made to ensure information reaches everyone effectively.
Results from the survey will help SHG improve the current information service it provides, so please let us know what works well, what needs improvement, and how we can better keep you informed.
From Monday, the survey will be available online through https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/shgnewscomms or via the QR code below.
Hard copies will also be available from a number of shops and stores around the island, as well as the Post and Customer Services Centre, Public Library, the Tourist Office and the waiting area at the Hospital Outpatient Clinic.
To ensure everyone has a chance to participate, members of the Communications Hub Team will be out and about approaching members of the public to assist them in completing the survey. The team will be visiting care homes and will also be available in Jamestown on Thursdays.
Every piece of feedback is valuable and will directly shape how the government shares information with you in the future. We look forward to your participation and thank you in advance for taking the time to help us improve our services to the community.
QR Code
#StHelena #Communications #Survey
The public are advised that Environmental Health and Public Health have now concluded their investigations into the recent outbreak of scombroid fish poisoning, also known as histamine fish poisoning.
In total, 20 human cases of probable scombroid poisoning were reported. This is likely to be an underestimation due to unreported cases. None of these cases required hospitalisation and all made a prompt and full recovery.
The majority of reported cases were associated with the consumption of tuna mince.
Tuna mince processed by the Saints Tuna Corporation (STC) between 17 and 23 March was found to be one possible source of the poisoning. STC were instructed to recall all tuna mince processed between 12 and 27 March as a precautionary measure.
No further cases have been reported since this instruction.
Laboratory testing
Laboratory testing of multiple samples of the recalled tuna mince products demonstrated high levels of histamine, confirming the diagnosis of scombroid poisoning.
Testing of tuna mince processed by STC at later dates in mid-April showed histamine levels well within the safe limits for human consumption.
Cause of the outbreak
A thorough investigation of the food chain, including interviews and site inspections, did not identify a single point of failure but rather several areas for improvement across the entire food chain. Recommendations have been issued to the relevant industry stakeholders and follow-up visits are planned to ensure compliance.
An increased level of monitoring and laboratory testing of future batches, for both local market sales and export consignments, will be undertaken over the following months to ensure the ongoing safety of tuna products.
Advice to the public
There are now no ongoing concerns regarding the safety of tuna products in St Helena.
However, as is normal practice, the public are requested to report any adverse reactions after eating fish products to Environmental Health at eh.office.@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Food safety reminders
- Take chilled and frozen foods straight home for refrigeration or freezing.
- Use a cooler bag with ice packs when transporting refrigerated or frozen goods.
- Keep frozen and chilled items together during transport.
- Defrost frozen items in the refrigerator.
- Cook defrosted food promptly once thawed.
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly after cooking.
About histamine fish poisoning
Also known as scombroid poisoning, histamine fish poisoning occurs following the consumption of certain types of fish that have been improperly stored after capture, or during subsequent handling, processing, retail distribution or home preparation.
Symptoms usually occur within approximately 10–60 minutes and include facial flushing (redness), headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. It can also cause a sharp, metallic, or peppery taste while eating the fish, along with a burning or tingling sensation on the tongue.
The condition is not life-threatening and usually settles on its own within 4–6 hours. Oral antihistamines can be taken to help treat the symptoms at home.
More serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, blurred vision, tongue swelling or fainting are unlikely and suggest a different diagnosis, such as an allergic reaction. People experiencing these symptoms after consuming fish should seek immediate medical attention.
#StHelena #HistamineFishPoisoning #Investigation
St Helena Government (SHG) has published a Situational Analysis of the St Helena Fishing Industry, now available at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/situational-analysis-of-the-st-helena-fishing-industry/. The document intends to serve as the information base needed to support ongoing development of the island’s fisheries policies. The situational analysis was commissioned by Minister for Economic Development (ED) and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP), Karl Thrower.
The report does not make recommendations. Its primary purpose is to support the next stage of the policy development process, which is direct consultation with the fishing community to help develop solutions for the sector.
SHG will soon be convening a series of workshops with representatives of the fisher’s associations, processors, and others with interest in the industry to develop policy options. Invitations to the first workshop will soon be sent out. Two workshops and a final meeting will be organised and held and hosted by SHG’s Head of Strategic Policy, after which fishers and public servants working in the marine environment will meet to discuss next steps. This opportunity will underpin future fisheries policy with the lived and experienced knowledge of fishers.
It is hoped to complete this part of the process by the end of June 2026.
The Situational Analysis is a working document which will be updated as the process develops.
#StHelena #SituationalAnalysis #Fishing Industry
As they enter their final week of self-isolation, SHG would like to thank those 18 individuals who have shown remarkable fortitude and respect for the wider community by complying with the isolation requirements, which we accept have been very onerous. Thank you.
We recognise that following the hantavirus scare, there will be a heightened concern within the community. Most recently, we have seen an Ebola outbreak reported in the international media.
The public can rest assured that our medical and public health teams receive regular (in many cases daily) updates on related issues from across the World, however, SHG commits to updating the public if the circumstances change significantly and or the risk rises for St Helena.
The current Ebola outbreak is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with some risk to bordering nations such as Rwanda and Uganda. These are not high-volume travel destinations, nor transit routes to other mainstream destinations. There are a handful of possible cases elsewhere in the world (directly linked to DRC or Uganda) but none of these has been confirmed. These are being closely managed. As such there is no appreciable risk and it is not appropriate for us to issue regular updates. This will, of course, change if the disease spreads, for example, to South Africa (although the risk of this is currently considered low).
Travellers should always proactively check their destination(s) prior to travel. FCDO – Foreign travel advice provides a widely respected source of reliable information covering almost all global destinations. Travel Health Pro is an equally respected website dedicated to health advice.
Where situations arise which are likely to have a direct impact, then we will, of course, put out communications at the earliest opportunity.
Keeping this island safe is everyone’s responsibility, individually and collectively. Thank you for your continued support.
#StHelena #GlobalHealthConcerns
The Health and Social Care Portfolio wishes to remind the public of the current operating arrangements for the Jamestown Outpatient Department (OPD) and the Emergency Department.
The OPD Triage Clinic experiences high demand, which can lead to patient delays. A contributing factor to increased waiting times is the number of attendances for non-urgent or routine care during morning hours. To ensure that staff can provide safe and timely assessments for patients requiring urgent care, members of the public are asked to note the following clinic structures.
| Jamestown Outpatient Clinics Schedule |
| Morning Nurse Triage Clinic (Walk-Ins Only) |
| Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 13:00. Patients are requested to arrive before 11:00 and will be seen based on clinical priority or order of arrival. Please Note: Patients attending the morning clinic for routine care such as dressing changes, blood pressure checks, and routine medication administration may be advised to book an appointment and return to the afternoon clinic. |
| Afternoon Nurse-Led Clinic (Appointments Only) |
| Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 14:00 to 15:30. Services: Dressings, minor procedures, blood pressure checks, and scheduled triage. Booking: Please telephone 22321 to secure an appointment. |
Emergency Department Services and Fees
The public are reminded that the Emergency Department is reserved strictly for medical emergencies and does not function as an alternative outpatient clinic. Patients presenting to the Emergency Department with non-emergency concerns may be redirected to the Outpatients Department for assessment.
Any consultation with a doctor, nurse, or paramedic in the Emergency Department outside of normal clinic hours for non-emergency care is chargeable at £13.85 for residents. This fee remains in line with the approved Resident Fees and Charges Public Notice published in March 2021 and is available to view at the bottom of the Health and Social Care page on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/portfolios/health/.
Alternative Daytime Services
To ensure patients access the right care in the right environment, the community is encouraged to utilise the full range of available daytime services:
- Pharmacy: For minor complaints and over-the-counter treatments.
- Pathology Laboratory: For pre-booked blood tests.
The HSC Portfolio thanks the public for their continued cooperation in helping to maintain an efficient health service for the island.
#StHelena #OutPatientDepartment #Charges
A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 26 May 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 24 March 2026 3. Matters Arising from Minutes of 24 March 2026 4. Disposal of No. 1 Building, Ruperts (ExCo Memo 18/2026) 5. Disposal of High Knoll Fort (ExCo Memo 19/2026) 6. Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo 6.1 Lion Alcometer 700 (ExCo Memo 16/2026) 6.2 Notifiable Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Order, 2026 6.3 Amending the Prohibition on Importing Certain Dairy Products from South Africa (ExCo Memo 17/2026) 7. Ministerial Updates on significant issues 8. 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 & 3. Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes
Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of meeting held on 24 March 2026.
4. Disposal of No. 1 Building, Ruperts (ExCo Memo 18/2026)
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the No. 1 Building at Ruperts Valley, should be included on the Property Disposal Plan, in accordance with s10 and the Approvals Framework of the Property Disposal and Purchase Policy 2024, and disposed of by way of a direct negotiation to the St Helena National Trust (SHNT) for a lease term of 99 years, on the terms as outlined in the draft Heads of Terms presented.
Executive Council noted that via various forums, Government has signalled its intent
for the disposal of this building to the St Helena National Trust (SHNT) for the development of an Interpretation Centre documenting the history of Liberated Africans in St Helena and the Island’s role in ending the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Executive Council approved the proposal in principle subject to the detail of the lease agreement.
5. Disposal of High Knoll Fort (ExCo Memo 19/2026)
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether High Knoll Fortshould be planned for disposal on the Property Disposal Plan in accordance with s10, and the Approvals Framework of the Property Disposal and Purchase Policy 2024 and disposed of by way of a direct negotiation to the SHNT for a lease term of 99 years, on the terms as outlined in the draft Heads of Terms presented.
Ministers noted that High Knoll Fort is a significant historic and cultural asset which reflects St Helena’s military heritage. While it continues to serve as both a local landmark and a visitor attraction, the Fort is in a state of deterioration, with sections of the structure having already collapsed. To date, only limited works have been undertaken in the interests of health and safety, primarily owing to the substantial cost of restoration associated with the specialist construction of the building.
It was further acknowledged that the SHNT has requested a long leasehold interest to support its short, medium, and long-term objectives for the Fort, as set out in a Restoration and Development Plan that has been developed with considerable public support and engagement.
Executive Council approved the proposal in principle subject to the detail of the lease agreement.
6. Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo
6.1 Lion Alcometer 700 (ExCo Memo 16/2026)
6.2 Notifiable Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Order, 2026
6.3 Amending the Prohibition on Importing Certain Dairy Products from South Africa (ExCo Memo 17/2026)
Executive Council agreed with the decisions made for 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3.
7. Ministerial Updates on significant issues
- Minister Thrower raised the good outcome from the extension to the BIOT agreement.
8. Any Other Business
No matters were raised.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/