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The Property Section, in collaboration with HM Prison Services and Waste Management Services, is undertaking efforts to restore and enhance the appearance of the Crown Estate. This partnership is working well, and has already shown significant success with the clearance of the moat in Jamestown. This area has been transformed following the removal of overgrowth, bulky waste and litter, significantly improving its visual appeal. This marks the first step in this arrangement, which plans for similar works to other public spaces across the Crown Estate.
Mark Brooks, Minister for Treasury and Economic Development, commented:
“This collaboration is a prime example of what can be achieved when portfolios and services work together. The successful clearing of the moat in Jamestown highlights the positive impact of such partnerships in improving our community spaces, benefiting both residents and visitors alike. Maintaining and enhancing the Crown Estate is essential, not only for its environmental value but also for its contribution to our island’s economy. With continued collaboration and active community participation, we can ensure the Crown Estate remains a sustainable and cherished resource that can be enjoyed by future generations while supporting long-term economic growth.”
Despite this significant progress, littering remains a persistent challenge. Regrettably, litter was observed in the newly cleaned moat just days after the initial clearance. This ongoing issue detracts from the area’s beauty and poses environmental risks.
Christine Scipio, Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources and Planning, commented:
“We must all take responsibility for the environment we share, as our collective efforts are essential to preserving St Helena’s natural beauty. Littering not only damages our environment but also undermines our efforts to present St Helena as a responsible and sustainable destination. We urge all residents and visitors to do their part in keeping our island clean.”
Recognising the Crown Estate as St Helena’s most valuable asset, its continued restoration and sustainable management rely on collaborative efforts. Achieving these goals requires the active participation of the entire community. By working together, we can preserve and celebrate what makes St Helena unique, ensuring that the Crown Estate remains a cherished resource for future generations.
Photos
The moat before the restoration
The section of the moat at The Coffee Shop after restoration
The section of the moat at The Mule Yard after restoration
#StHelena #CrownEstate #AltogetherGreener #EffectiveEfficientandAccountablePublicSector
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April 2025 marks a significant milestone for mental health support in St Helena with the official launch of “www.mindingmymind.sh”, a dedicated website designed to empower and support young adults on the island.
The website is based on extensive research into the unique needs, aspirations, and challenges faced by young Saints. “www.mindingmymind.sh” aims to be a vital first step in learning about mental health. Whilst not a replacement for existing healthcare services, the website provides valuable self-help strategies and resources tailored to the St Helena community.
Key Features of Minding My Mind
- Saint-friendly mood management: A range of self-help strategies designed to enhance mood and well-being, reflecting the local context.
- Curated local and international resources: Access to trusted resources, both local and international, that have been tested and proven effective.
- Self-guided mood and sleep monitoring: Tools to help users track their mood and sleep patterns, enabling them to identify when additional support may be needed.
- Tailored approaches to building resilience: Information and strategies developed through direct feedback from the St Helena community.
“www.mindingmymind.sh” is the culmination of years of work spearheaded by Dr Tara Murphy, a researcher with prior experience in St Helena. Dr Murphy conducted a study in 2019-2022, laying the foundation for the website’s development.
Dr Murphy explained:
“It is a space where people from St Helena can access evidence-based approaches and helps Saints manage their own mental health. We have strived to create a platform that feels personal and relevant to Saints, incorporating their valuable feedback. Our hope is that www.mindingmymind.sh will offer practical support for mood management, promote positive activities, and contribute to overall well-being.”
User privacy is paramount. No personal details or data are collected when using this website.
Feedback and Evaluation
From April to August 2025, the team will conduct an evaluation of “Minding My Mind” based on user feedback. Young adults aged 16 and over are invited to participate in the study. Those interested in providing feedback please contact Dr Tara Murphy by email at Tara.Murphy@nottingham.ac.uk.
#StHelena #MentalHealth #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople
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Due to unforeseen circumstances the twentieth meeting of Ministers Question Time has been postponed and will now take place on Friday 2nd May 2025 at 10:00 in the Council Chamber. This meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live via SAMS Radio 1.
The topic for this meeting is ‘The Fisheries Ordinance, 2021’.
A copy of the Order Paper will be published on the SHG Website on Friday morning, and can be accessed via www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/order-papers/.
Legislative Council
29 April 2025
As previously announced, and as a result of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Migrant Agreement Memorandum of Understanding, HM Customs and Immigration are undertaking specialised training over the next six weeks. Due to the varied scheduling requirements of this essential training, a weekly opening hours schedule will be in effect and will be published accordingly.
The opening hours for this week are as follows:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 – 15:00 (for businesses and individuals receiving and issuing items/shipments)
- Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 – 15:45 (open to merchants only)
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 – 15:00 (for Immigration customers)
Consequently, during this training period, the reception desk will be unattended, and staff will have limited access to emails, which may result in delayed responses to queries. Please also be aware that the HM Customs and Immigration Offices will be closed daily for a staff lunch break between 13:00 and 13:30.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we invest in the professional development of our team to fulfil the requirements of this important agreement. The weekly opening hours will be communicated regularly.
HM Customs and Immigration thanks the public for their cooperation during this important training period, which will ultimately enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of HM Customs and Immigration services in line with our obligations under the BIOT Migrant Agreement Memorandum of Understanding.
#StHelena #BIOT #CustomsandImmigration #Training
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A Candlelit Vigil to honour victims and survivors of domestic violence will take place on Saturday, 03 May 2025, at 19:00 at the Jamestown Market.
This solemn event is part of St Helena’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness for White Ribbon Day, a global movement dedicated to ending violence against women and girls.
Community members are encouraged to attend the vigil to light a candle in remembrance and solidarity. The event will serve as a poignant reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a future free from fear, violence, and abuse.
White Ribbon Day began in Canada in 1991, when a group of men united to speak out against violence towards women. Since then, it has become an international initiative, observed in countries across the globe. St Helena’s Candlelit Vigil joins this collective voice calling for change and equality.
All members of the community are encouraged to come along to light a candle and stand together in a powerful display of commitment to ending domestic violence on St Helena and beyond.
Join us as we stand united to end domestic violence.
#StHelena #EndDomesticViolence #WhiteRibbon
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SHG
24 April 2025
It is with great sadness that we learn today of the death of Pope Francis. As a mark of respect, all official flags will be flown at half mast.
SHG
21 April 2025
The primary schools will be hosting their annual Athletics Day at Francis Plain on Wednesday 23 April 2025. All parents, guardians and members of the public are invited to attend. The sports will start at 09:45 and end at approximately 14:30.
As this is a school event, the primary sector would appreciate if all spectators could adhere to the following conditions in the interests of the safety of the children:
- No pets will be allowed on Francis Plain for this event.
- Only the appointed marshals, helpers, invited guests and school team leaders will be allowed on the field for the duration of the event.
- Only school appointed photographers will be allowed on the field to photograph the event.
- No alcohol is allowed.
- Smoking is restricted on the whole of Francis Plain for this event. Persons wishing to smoke must do so outside of the Francis Plain and school premises. The allocated smoking area is away from the school along Watercourse Road.
- All litter is to be put into the bins provided.
Parking in the area behind the pavilion and adjacent green shed or alongside of these areas is not permitted as this is the muster point for Prince Andrew School staff and students in the case of a fire or other emergency. However, the ring road will be open for parking.
Please note, if parents/guardians wish to transport their children home after the event they are asked to ensure that they make the respective head teacher of the school or the child’s class teacher aware of this on the day so that all children can be accounted for.
We look forward to your support in making this a successful day for our children.
St Helena’s primary schools have a longstanding history of involvement in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC), established in 1883. This tradition expanded two years ago to include writers from Prince Andrew School.
Annually engaging thousands, the competition celebrates student achievement, empowers youth voices, and builds creative writing skills. Each year, a Commonwealth-focused theme promotes empathy and diverse perspectives on global challenges.
In 2024, the theme of the competition was ‘Our Common Wealth’, asking entrants to consider how they deal with adversity, and how community and culture can be used to encourage resilience and hope in a world with a growing number of global issues.
The topics for the junior category were:
- Describe a new eco-friendly habit you could adopt to contribute positively to a greener Commonwealth.
- Imagine a dialogue between yourself and a grandparent, discussing themes of resilience and hope, and elucidate on the insights each generation can offer the other.
- Envision participating in a beach clean-up where you unexpectedly discover the ability to communicate with sea creatures. Depict the conversation and your response.
- Illustrate how you would navigate making friends with peers during a school exchange program in a Commonwealth country different from your own, considering cultural similarities and differences.
The topics for the senior category were:
- “In the words of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, ‘It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.’ What practical measures can you initiate to address the climate crisis?”
- Craft a persuasive speech outlining today’s most pressing global challenge and propose how Commonwealth values can be instrumental in its resolution.
- Reflecting on the essence of ‘aiga’ or family values in Samoan culture, explore how similar core values from your heritage can foster cooperation and community within the Commonwealth.
- Compose a letter addressed to your country’s leader, advising on strategies to realize the goals of peace, liberty, and progress as envisioned in the Commonwealth’s London Declaration.
An awards ceremony was held at Plantation House on Tuesday 15 April, presented by HE Acting Governor, Tasha Harris, and Head Teacher of Harford Primary, Carlean Crowie. 19 students were awarded bronze medals, 20 were awarded silver medals and five were awarded gold medals at the ceremony.
Head Teacher of Harford Primary, Carlean Crowie, commented:
“This year, we celebrated a record-breaking 44 winners – a clear reflection of the remarkable growth and development in pupils’ writing across our schools. I hope this success inspires even more pupils to embrace the challenge of the 2025 competition with renewed enthusiasm and determination.”
Photos
Head Teacher, Carlean Crowie delivering the opening speech
HE Acting Governor, Tasha Harris, delivering congratulatory remarks
Recipients of the Bronze Award
Recipients of the Silver Award
Recipients of the Gold Award
Interim Portfolio Director, Marie Horton, delivered closing remarks
#StHelena #QueenCommonwealthEssay #QCEC2024
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A meeting of the Police and Crime Panel will take place on Wednesday 30 April 2025 from 14:30 to 16:00. This meeting will be held at the Education Learning Centre, Jamestown.
The agenda will include a Police and Crime Panel report from the Chief 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:
- Governor Nigel Phillips CBE (Chairperson)
- Administrator of Ascension Island, Simon Minshull
- Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), Jeffrey Ellick
- Elected Member of the St Helena Legislative Council, Gillian Brooks
- Portfolio Director for SSHA, Alex Mitham
- Crown Prosecutor, Simon Dykes
- Chief Executive Officer for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Catherine Turner
We welcome attendance and input from all community members and stakeholders as these reforms progress.
For more information, please contact Chief of Police, David Price, by telephone on (00290) 22626 or by email through david.price@sainthelena.gov.sh. You can also view the Police and Crime Plan online at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/St-Helena-Police-Service-Police-and-Crime-Plan-v1.1.
A recording of the meeting will be uploaded on the SHG YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638. The previous panel meetings held in January 2025 and July 2024 and now available to view.
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
The FCDO have confirmed that, following discussions during the Financial Aid Mission held in January 2025, the UK Government has allocated £35.79m of recurrent funding to the St Helena Government as a contribution to their annual budget for the 25/26 financial year. This represents an increase of just over 5% (see Table 1) from the last financial year.
Table 1
| Financial Year | TOTAL |
| 2023/24 | £33,060,000 (4% increase on previous year) |
| 2024/25 | £34,060,000 (3% increase on previous year) |
| 2025/26 | £35,790,000 (5% increase on previous year) |
In the context of an incredibly difficult fiscal position faced by the UK Government, this is a very strong result for St Helena. This funding is alongside the £6.65m that is being provided as a result of the BIOT migrant agreement. This funding allows the government to pursue its priority objectives and policies, such as the recently announced education review.
This announcement does not relate to other funding streams which include the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), the Cloud Forest and other Programmes. These programmes allow us to implement vital infrastructure projects such as the new build prison, the renewable energy programme and the Rupert’s Port project. They also allow us to continue our work on vital environmental programmes.
Deputy Director of Overseas Territories and Polar Regions Directorate, Adam Pile, said:
“Given the UK’s need to increase funding for defence and security priorities and the challenging fiscal position the UK Government finds itself in, I hope you will agree that this is an incredibly positive outcome, and one which confirms the UK Government’s continued commitment to meeting St Helena’s reasonable assistance needs.”
Chief Minister Julie Thomas commented:
“We are grateful to the UK Government for delivering an increase of 5% on our annual financial settlement, particularly set against the challenging global and UK context. Special thanks are extended to Minister Doughty for his ongoing support to the British Overseas Territories, especially noting St Helena being an aid dependent territory. To receive such an outcome during unprecedented times is a clear demonstration of the strength of partnership between SHG and the FCDO. It also cements the need for us to continue to strive to work closely together to achieve the best outcome for St Helena.”
“Despite this positive outcome, as a government we will still need to continue to take hard and difficult decisions, which I appreciate will not be well-received. However due to our financial position we will simply not be able to address all of my government’s policy priorities and will have to focus on fulfilling our essential needs.”
#StHelena #FCDO #FinancialAidMission