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St Helena Emergency Services has announced the rollout of innovative location technology, what3words. Adding what3words to its toolkit will help pinpoint 999 callers’ exact locations, and ensure resources can be dispatched directly to the scene.
When calling the emergency number (999), one of the first questions you’ll be asked is ‘What is the address of the emergency?’ However, pinpointing your exact location on St Helena can be difficult, especially outside of Jamestown. Whilst we don’t use postcodes in the same way as the UK or elsewhere in the world, relying on landmarks or general area names like ‘near Woody Ridge’ or ‘above Thompson’s Hill’ can be vague. Furthermore, many locations are remote, such as sections of the coastal paths, the Peaks National Park, or isolated bays. Describing your location accurately in these areas can be stressful and challenging, potentially delaying vital assistance from the Emergency Services.
what3words provides a simple solution. The system has divided the world into a grid of 3m x 3m squares, and assigned each square a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. Now every front gate, side door, country house entrance and point along an unmarked path has its own what3words address. For example, ///rooms.nettles.windowsill pinpoints a precise spot on Sandy Bay Beach. A what3words gives callers an easy way to communicate the precise location of where help is needed.
what3words is available in over 60 languages to date, and is free to download for both iOS and Android devices, or use via the online map at what3words.com. The system works offline, making it ideal for use in areas with unreliable data connection, such as beaches, coastal areas and campsites.
Whilst not intended as a replacement for the traditional ‘must-pack’ equipment, what3words has proved to be an invaluable addition to the global emergency response toolkit, helping to save both time and resources. As well as a what3words address, call handlers are trained to gather as much information as possible to identify the location of an incident, including road names, landmarks, and more.
Emergency Operations Manager, Michael Gaga-Hale, commented:
“The location of an emergency is vital when responding to those who need us most. Time is critical in medical emergencies such as a cardiac arrest, where every second counts. Without a formal address system in St Helena, locating people quickly can be challenging, especially in high-pressure situations. As our workforce changes, we are less able to rely on responders’ local knowledge, making accurate location information even more important.”
“‘what3words’ provides a simple and precise way to share your exact location, helping us find you sooner. We urge everyone in the community to download the free app and share it with family, friends, and colleagues. You never know when you might need to call for help.”
“We also understand that some people may find it difficult to read the three words displayed in the app. Because the map is divided into 3m squares, you can select a nearby address that is easiest for you to read to the call handler. If needed, take your time and spell the words out letter by letter. The call handlers will support you through the process to get help to you as quickly as possible.”
Chris Sheldrick, Co-Founder and CEO of what3words commented:
“St Helena is home to some of the world’s most unique and remote landscapes, which can present challenges for incident response. We’re incredibly proud our technology is supporting the island’s emergency services, helping to save time, resources and in some cases, lives. By providing a simple way to communicate precise locations, what3words will help enhance the safety of local residents and visitors exploring the island’s stunning scenery.”
A simple guide on how to download and use what3words can be found at the bottom of this press release. Furthermore, St Helena Emergency Services invites the public to attend the Careers Fair on Thursday 20 March 2025, where the Ambulance Services Stand will provide further information on what3words. The team will be available to assist members of the public in identifying their property’s what3words address and demonstrate the application’s functionality. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about this valuable tool.
A guide on how to download and use what3words
#StHelena #EmergencyServices #what3words
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St Helena celebrated Commonwealth Day 2025 yesterday with assemblies at Prince Andrew School (PAS) and the three island primary schools, as well as a flag raising ceremony held at Plantation House. This year’s theme, ‘Together We Thrive’, highlights the shared values of Commonwealth nations, as articulated in the Commonwealth Charter. Observed annually on the second Monday of March, Commonwealth Day unites member countries in celebration.
To open the ceremony at Plantation House, the Speaker of the House and St Helena Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Branch President, Cyril Gunnell, delivered a welcoming speech. The speech highlighted the importance of shared values, particularly in building a future for and with young people, referencing the Commonwealth Youth Programme and the re-establishment of St Helena’s Youth Parliament. Speaker Gunnell called for continued support for youth initiatives and suggested incorporating national songs into Legislative Council proceedings.
HE Governor Nigel Phillips CBE read the message from Head of the Commonwealth, His Majesty King Charles III. Chief Minister, Hon Julie Thomas MLC, read a message from the Right Honourable Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, and Zac Bargo, Youth Parliament Chair, read the Commonwealth Affirmation.
Shortly after, Speaker Gunnell raised the Commonwealth Flag as part of the ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’ initiative. This initiative aims to inspire participants to join with others throughout the Commonwealth, a family of 56 member states, which has a combined population of 2.7 billion, with more than 60% aged 29 or under, representing around a third of the world’s Commonwealth’s population.
Speaker Gunnell, at the raising of the flag, commented:
“As we raise the Commonwealth flag today, let us remind ourselves of the core principles that unite us: respect for diversity, commitment to democracy, and dedication to human rights. These ideals serve as a guiding light, encouraging us to embrace our differences while recognising the common threads that connect us all.”
To commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Nations and to discuss its past accomplishments and ongoing aspirations, guest speakers Mrs Sheena Benjamin of the St Helena National Trust and Mrs Gerarda Hubbard of St Helena’s Active Participation in Enterprise (SHAPE) were invited to speak at the ceremony.
Councillor Gillian Brooks, Chair of the Commonwealth Day Working Group, concluded the ceremony with thanks to HE the Governor, speakers, attendees, Plantation House staff, and the Working Group, marking the end of the Commonwealth Day 2025 event.
Commonwealth Day assemblies were also held at the island primary schools. They were attended by Elected Members of the Legislative Council who read His Majesty the King’s Commonwealth Day message.
Our St Helena Government UK Representative, Mrs Kedell Worboys, had also been invited to attend several engagements to commemorate Commonwealth Day in the UK.
In the morning, Mrs Worboys attended the Commonwealth 76th Anniversary Flag Raising ceremony in Parliament. Additionally, she laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and people of St Helena at a ceremony at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates commemorating Victory over Japan (VJ) Day and the end of the Second World War. In the afternoon, Mrs Worboys, with UK representatives from The Falkland Islands and Tristan da Cunha, attended the Commonwealth Observance at Westminster Abbey.
Photos
HE Governor Phillips reading the message from Head of the Commonwealth, His Majesty King Charles III
Hon Chief Minister Julie Thomas reading the message from the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations
Zac Bargo, Youth Parliament Chair, reading the Commonwealth Affirmation
Speaker Cyril Gunnell raising the flag
Guest speaker, Sheena Benjamin, of the St Helena National Trust
Guest speaker, Gerarda Hubbard, of SHAPE
The Commonwealth Day Working Group
UK representatives Richard Hyslop (Falkland Islands), Kedell Worboys (St Helena) and Chris Carnegy (Tristan da Cunha)
#StHelena #CommonwealthDay
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Representatives from key agencies including Fire and Rescue Service, Emergency Planning, Immigration, Communications Hub, Royal St Helena Police, St Helena Airport, Governor’s Office, Health and Social Care, Port Control, Environment, Natural Resources and Planning, Education, and Solomon and Company have recently completed a comprehensive Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command (MAGIC) training programme, designed to enhance their ability to effectively manage and respond to major incidents.
The training, offered by the International Police Assistance Service (IPAS) and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the Integrated Security Fund’s (ISF) Justice Programme, focused on developing delegates’ confidence, understanding, and ability to perform the critical role of Gold Commander. Three trainers, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams and UK College of Policing Multi-agency Gold Incident Command Course (MAGIC) delivery team, Tony Brown and Graham Ellis delivered the training on-island.
Trainers Tony Brown and Graham Ellis of the MAGIC delivery team commented:
“It was a great privilege to be invited to St Helena to deliver a MAGIC Course, and to meet with the island’s senior politicians and leaders at an Executive Briefing session.”
The four-day course saw 27 strategic leaders from St Helena’s emergency and public services come together to be trained in effective strategic management of Major Incident situations, with a specific focus on close multi-agency working. This is the same course undertaken by all ‘Category 1 Agency’ strategic leaders in the UK.”
“The level of engagement, professionalism and enthusiasm demonstrated by all of the course delegates was something that they should all be extremely proud of, and made delivery of the course and the multi-agency exercise an extremely rewarding experience for everyone involved.”
“The course allowed for in-depth discussions around numerous challenges that may present during real-life emergency situations, and again the level of mature engagement and discussion meant that challenges and solutions were openly discussed with consensus being achieved.”
“The St Helena Government can be proud of the effort and dedication demonstrated by all of the delegates, and assured that the course was able to deliver improvements in the collective engagement of all agencies required to prepare for, respond to and recover from major emergencies.”
The MAGIC training programme aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to:
- Define the roles and responsibilities of different agencies during a major incident.
- Take strategic ‘Gold’ command of a major incident.
- Plan, implement, and review civil contingency plans and multi-agency communication strategies.
- Understand the legal framework of a civil emergency.
Through interactive exercises, scenario-based simulations, and expert instruction, delegates gained valuable insights into the complexities of multi-agency coordination and strategic decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Mark Williams, Head of UK National Police Coordination Centre and National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Civil Contingencies said:
“This course was a fantastic opportunity to work with the Governor, Ministers, and other public sector leaders in St Helena. Being here in person with colleagues from the College of Policing, allowed me to better understand the unique challenges the island has. My colleagues and I were able to share our collective experience and lessons learned from the response to major incidents in the United Kingdom. I am certain that the delegates got a huge amount of learning from it and it was fantastic to see the enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment every one of them showed over the week.”
Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey, remarked:
“The MAGIC course is very relevant to St Helena where multi-agency collaboration in a major incident is hugely important, particularly given our geographical isolation. The course is designed to support those who are called on to respond to major incidents and help participants to build confidence, and strengthen individual capacity to carry out strategic command roles.”
“The training, which was delivered over four days, was well received. Representatives attended from all of the emergency services, and other key services, including the Airport and Solomon’s and Co, and all participants found it extremely beneficial. Courses such as these are vital in shaping and delivering our response to emergencies, and the lessons learned from this training will equip senior leaders to better understand each other’s operating environments, and enable them to operate more effectively in situations requiring a multi-agency response.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the trainers; Tony, Graham and Mark, for their excellent delivery, as well as the FCDO for funding the course.”
Photos
Graham Ellis delivering the training to the delegates.
SSHA Portfolio Director, Alex Mitham, receives his certificate for completing the MAGIC training.
Delegates from various key agencies on island.
Deputy Emergency Planning Manager, Anel O’Bey, presents the delivery team, Graham Ellis (far left), Tony Brown and Mark Williams with a ‘thank you’ gift.
#StHelena #MAGICTraining #MajorIncidentsResponse
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SHG
07 March 2025
On Friday, 28 February 2025, students, parents, and distinguished guests gathered in the Prince Andrew School (PAS) Hall for the annual Certificate and Awards Ceremony. This special event honoured the hard work and achievements of students.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from His Excellency, Governor Nigel Phillips, who addressed the audience before presenting the certificates.
The first round of awards recognised former Year 10, 11, 12, and 13 students, who received their certificates for a range of qualifications, including the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQ) , Advanced Subsidiary (AS-Level), and Advanced Level (A-Level).
Following this, individual awards were presented to students who excelled in various disciplines, celebrating outstanding achievements across multiple areas.
| Award | Awardee |
| Jean Beadon Art Award | Blake O’Connor |
| Governor’s Award for academic excellence and achievement at Key Stage 3 | Nate Joshua and Sadie Herne |
| PTA Student of the Year Award for the top performing student in Year 11 and Year 13 | Blane Bennett and Vivienne Ponsford |
| SURE Award for the top performing male and female in Year 11 | Merstine Chiseya and Blane Bennett |
| Jeanette Williams Mathematics Achievement Award for the highest Mathematics score in Year 11 and Year 13 | Blane Bennett and Jacob Williams |
| English Achievement Award for the highest English score in Year 11 and Year 13 | Erik Robbertse and Vivienne Ponsford |
| Eliza Mary Lloyd Trust Agriculture Award for commitment to agriculture | Callum Mittens |
| Bishop Houghton Award for pastoral care and support of the community | William Scott |
| Joy George Award for outstanding effort, progress and achievement at the end of Key Stage 3 | Leah Oyewo |
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Student President, Bobbi Clingham and Vice Student President, Raylisha Piek, with closing remarks delivered by Chief Minister, Julie Thomas.
Head Teacher for PAS, Phil Toal, commented:
“It is an immense privilege to celebrate the achievements of our students at Prince Andrew School’s Annual Certificate & Awards Presentation. Today, we recognise the dedication, resilience, and hard work of our students, as well as the unwavering support of our staff, parents, and the wider school community.
Each award and certificate represents a journey of commitment, perseverance, and ambition. Our students have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also determination in vocational and technical studies, embodying the spirit of lifelong learning and personal growth.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every awardee, particularly those who have excelled in their respective fields. Their success is a testament to the quality of education we strive for at Prince Andrew School. I also want to express my gratitude to our dedicated teachers and support staff, who continue to inspire and guide our students toward achieving their goals.
Special thanks to His Excellency, the Governor, our Chief Minister, distinguished guests, parents, and the community for joining us in celebrating these achievements. Your support plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our young people.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to fostering an environment where every student is empowered to reach their full potential. Today’s achievements are just the beginning of many successes to come”
Photos
Year 10 recipients of qualification certificates.
Erik Robbertse receiving the English Achievement Award
Year 11 2023-24 recipients of qualification certificates
Recipients of A-level qualifications
Recipient of the Joy George Award, Leah
Student president Bobbi Clingham vote of thanks
#StHelena #Awards #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople
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SHG
06 March 2025
The Education, Skills, and Employment Portfolio (ESE) has concluded a series of community engagement meetings to provide updates on the St Helena Education Review. These sessions, held on 10, 24, and 25 February, 2025, demonstrated strong community interest and generated valuable feedback.
The review, which assesses education provision from early years to post-16, aims to:
- Future-proof education: Ensuring education supports the island’s economic growth and workforce development
- Improve student outcomes: Enhancing educational achievement for all learners
Discussions during the meetings indicated a clear need for change and improvement within St Helena’s education system. The adoption of the COBIS standards framework in September 2024 is considered one of the fundamental steps in this process, as the implementation of a framework will be the facilitator that will guide the educational journey now and into the future. However, discussions also emphasised that the following actions are also necessary to facilitate meaningful change:
- Structural reforms within schools
- Comprehensive and ongoing staff training
- A sustained, community-wide focus on the needs of children and young people
- Increased and sustained recurrent funding.
Concerns were raised that without these essential measures, the education system risks continued decline.
The ESE acknowledges and appreciates the valuable contributions made by parents, guardians, and the public during these sessions. The feedback received will play a crucial role in shaping the final recommendations of the St Helena Education Review.
#StHelena #EducationReview #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople
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His Excellency the Governor intends to appoint a member to the St Helena Media Commission.
This position is not open to members of the Legislative Council or the Public Service.
The duties of the St Helena Media Commission are to:
- Issue Codes of Practice to the media.
- Monitor compliance with the Codes.
- Investigate and adjudicate upon alleged or suspected breaches of the Codes.
The Media Commission comprises the Chief Magistrate as President of the Commission and at least two other members. The Commission plays an important role in the community as it must ensure that the press conduct themselves in accordance with the rules that are necessary to protect individuals, while at the same time ensuring that freedom of the press is maintained.
The remuneration for this position is £35 per meeting and mileage is paid at 77p a mile.
If you think you have the necessary skills and would like to apply for the role, contact Information and Research Support Officer, Linda Benjamin for the relevant Expression of Interest (EOI) form, by telephone on 22470, or via email at linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Alternatively, the EOI form can be downloaded from the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/EOI-Form-Member-St-Helena-Media-Commission.
Please send your completed EOI to Kerry Lane, Manager of the Governor’s Office, via email at Kerry.Lane@fcdo.gov.uk by Wednesday, 26March 2025.
Shortlisted persons will be invited to a discussion with the Governor and the successful applicant will be appointed subject to receipt of a satisfactory vetting certificate.
Governor’s Office, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
03 March 2025
The position of Chairperson of the Immigration Control Board will become available from 13 March 2025.
The Immigration Ordinance 2011 provides for an Immigration Control Board with the Chairperson of the Board being appointed by the Governor. The role of the Board is to exercise and perform powers and functions conferred upon it by the Immigration Control Ordinance, 2011. This includes processing applications for long term entry permits, work permits, immigrant employment certificates and immigrant landholding licences.
The Ordinance requires that the Chairperson of the Immigration Control Board must have St Helenian Status. Justices of the Peace, Immigration Officers, and members of the Legislative Council are not eligible for appointment to the Board.
The successful candidate will receive an annual retainer fee of £1,200, paid quarterly in arrears, as well as a mileage allowance of 77p per mile for any mileage incurred using personal vehicles in connection with attendance at Board meetings, which are generally held once per month.
In addition, they will also receive a monthly payment of £6.65 towards internet costs.
For further information about the duties of Chairperson of the Immigration Board, interested persons may contact current Chairman of the Immigration Control Board, Merlin George, by telephone on 24913 or via email at GEORGES.MH@helanta.co.sh.
The relevant form – ‘Expression of Interest – Chair Immigration Control Board’ can be obtained from Information and Research Support Officer, Linda Benjamin, at The Castle by telephone on 22470, via email at linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh or on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/EOI-Form-Chairperson-Immigration-Control-Board.
Completed forms should be returned to Mrs Kerry Lane, email Kerry.Lane@fcdo.gov.uk in the Governor’s Office by Friday, 14 March 2025.
Shortlisted persons will then be invited to a discussion with the Governor and the successful applicant will be appointed subject to receipt of a satisfactory vetting certificate.
Governor’s Office, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
28 February 2025
The Health Service is offering free testing for bowel cancer over the next month for anyone aged between 50 to 74 years. Those individuals who wish to take the test can call Anna Bowers or Dinah Fowler at 25818 or 25949, who will arrange for a test sample kit to be made available to you.
Those eligible for a test are strongly encouraged to take one. Early detection through testing helps to ensure you stand the best chance of receiving successful treatment if needed.
If you are unsure whether or not you wish to take the test, we suggest that you request the home sample kit and read the materials that come with it before making your decision. The sample kit has full instructions on how to use it. Results from your test will be provided within four weeks, and you may be called in to speak to a doctor about these if necessary.
Should you have any questions about this campaign please call telephone numbers 25818 or 25949. Alternatively, please speak to your doctor.
#StHelena #HealthCare #BowelCancer
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Nominations are now being invited for the following awards.
UK STATE AWARDS – 2026 NEW YEAR HONOURS
Honours are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement or for any service carried out over and above what normally is expected. This can include making a difference to the community or in a specific field of work, innovation and entrepreneurship, improving life for people less able to help themselves and displaying moral courage. Where possible, nominations should place emphasis on voluntary services and the service must be recent. Nominees must not be made aware they are being put forward for an award.
CERTIFICATE AND BADGE OF HONOUR 2026
This award is presented to public servants on behalf of St Helena Government for loyal and valuable service worthy of recognition or, in the case of other persons, for their loyal and meritorious conduct that has provided exceptional benefit to the people of St Helena. Nominees should be residents of St Helena, either being born on the Island or have been residing on St Helena for not less than ten years prior to the date of the award.
ACT OF BRAVERY AWARD 2026
This award is presented to individuals who have shown a clear display of moral courage and bravery in adverse situations.
THE BADGE OF ST HELENA
This award is available to both St Helenians and non-St Helenians. It is off a higher status than the Certificate and Badge of Honour. The Badge of St Helena recognises exceptional service provided by individuals or organisations who make significant contribution to St Helena’s development or by supporting and/or enhancing social, cultural, economic, environmental improvement or the understanding of St Helena internationally.
FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF JAMESTOWN
This award is symbolic in nature and is the highest-level of local government award that can be conferred. It is awarded to anyone on St Helena whose achievements are significantly admirable and highly worthy of distinctive recognition. Those who receive this award will have made an outstanding contribution that is of huge national impact to St Helena and its citizens and will have served the best interests of the island.
To find out more about the different types of Honours Awards please visit: www.gov.uk/honours
Nomination forms for all of the above awards, are available from Central Support Service at the Castle, Jamestown, or can be requested via email: linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Completed forms should be returned to the Castle in a sealed envelope marked ‘Confidential’ addressed to ‘The Secretary, Honours and Awards Committee’, by Thursday, 17 April 2025.
SHG
24 February 2025
Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP), Christine Scipio, will be attending the “Climate Change Resilience” Community (GOCCR) in-person workshop in Brussels, Belgium, from 25 to 28 February 2025. The workshop, organised under the Green Overseas (GO) programme, focuses on mainstreaming climate change resilience into policies for Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). The GO programme will cover all costs associated with the workshop.
The GO programme, designed to build capacity and foster collaboration among OCTs, addresses key areas such as climate finance, energy transition, and climate change resilience. The Brussels workshop, implemented by Ramboll, ODI, and BRL ingénierie, aims to promote the integration of climate change resilience into OCT public policies and regulations, and facilitate the practical implementation of adaptation strategies.
The four-day workshop will cover a range of critical topics, including:
- Building a shared knowledge-base on climate risks: Participants will explore methods for understanding and assessing climate change impacts.
- Overcoming institutional barriers: Strategies for promoting leadership and coordination in climate change adaptation will be discussed.
- Field Visit: A visit to the Flemish SIGMA plan and the Polders of Kruibeke will provide practical insights into flood management and resilience.
- Climate Finance: Participants will learn about unlocking climate finance access for climate change resilience projects.
Minister Scipio will return on Saturday 8 March 2025 but will be contactable whilst overseas on christine.scipio@helanta.co.sh and christine.scipio@sainthelena.gov.sh. Minister Jeffrey Ellick can be contacted for any urgent matters related to ENRP Portfolio via email at jeffrey.ellick@sainthelena.gov.sh.
#StHelena #ElectedMembers #ClimateChangeResilience