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St Helena Government’s (SHG) Consolidated Fund (in other words the principal monies the Government has available to spend) is made up of eight reserves, one of which is the General Reserve (GR).

Unless otherwise required by law all revenue and expenditure generated and incurred by SHG for normal “day to day” government business, is channelled through the GR. SHG’s GR is used for the general purpose of strengthening the financial position of the Government. This includes:

In July 2021, Executive Council approved the minimum balance for the GR of                £5 million, but the current GR balance is already below that.  This sum was considered to be a prudent amount to ensure the GR could deliver its function of insurance and ideally improve the resilience of SHG finances. Setting an approved minimum balance for the GR is also considered to be good financial management. It sets a commitment to sustainable practices whilst not setting an enforceable constraint.

Currently, the projected budget outturn for the Financial Year ending 2024/2025 is a £0.5 million deficit.  This will reduce the GR balance from £4.5 million at 31 March 2024 to £4.0 million at 31 March 2025 – £1 million less than the recommended minimum balance.   

One of the principal pressures on the GR balance comes from litigation claims being made against the Government. Historic issues have given rise to a number of medical negligence claims, and human rights claims linked to conditions in HM Prison, Jamestown.  If those and other claims result in litigation fees or the Court orders SHG to pay significant compensation, the GR will be completely exhausted.  Should the GR be entirely depleted, St Helena as a whole will face extreme financial vulnerability.

Ministers have tasked officials to explore all possible options for maintaining the GR at prudent levels notwithstanding the claims being made.  Options include seeking loans as well as looking to implement measures to improve the monitoring and control of spending across all government departments. 

The United Kingdom Government (UKG), has made it very clear that it will not provide any additional financial support to St Helena or SHG to cover compensation claims or the costs of litigation.  Technical support is being offered by UKG to help explore alternative funding such as by way of a commercial loan.  This would however place an additional financial burden on the public finances as any loan would need to be serviced and repaid over time.  This would impact on the funds available to provide other essential services in future years.

Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, stated:

“I think it is very important that everyone with an interest in, or love for St Helena knows the pressures our public finances are under.  My Ministers and I believe that we are obligated to make our community aware of SHG’s financial status, so everyone understands the increased financial risk we all face and how depleted our public funds are.   

The immense financial pressure placed on the Government necessarily intensifies the need to scrutinise our current Government expenditure.  We must carefully consider the costs, risks and liabilities of existing policies and projects and any additional policies and projects that are planned for the future. We must do what we can to safeguard the public finances.  This means we must continue to take difficult decisions.

We must keep all SHG provided services and subsidies under continuous review and ensure that if they are maintained, they are maintained sustainably.  This includes setting fees for services appropriately.  It is a grave position to have to operate within.”

In light of the current financial challenges, SHG remains committed to ensuring the continued delivery of essential services to the community, but it is hoped that sharing our current financial position, will help you to understand the restricted financial parameters SHG are required to operate within.

#StHelena #General Reserve

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The public are reminded that the deadline to submit applications to amend the register is 16:00 on Friday, 23 May 2025.

If you are eligible (St Helenian Status, ordinarily resident, 17+ years), check the register and submit Form ‘A’ to:

Remember: Your name must be on the final register, dated 1 July 2025, to participate in the General Election. There will not be any further opportunities to amend the register ahead of the General Election after 16:00 on Friday 23 May.

Submit completed Forms ‘A’ to:

Offshore residents can use Form ‘B’ available at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/elections/.

#StHelena #ProvisionalRegisterOfElectors #RegisterToVote

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As part of the global Darwin 200 voyage, the historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde is currently moored in James Bay, bringing with it a world-class initiative aimed at inspiring young people to become the next generation of environmental leaders, explorers, and scientists.

The Maritime Authority currently has an ongoing project to increase capability within the maritime sector on St Helena, helping to promote and reinstate career pathways both at sea and within maritime operations. In joining forces with the St Helena National Trust (SHNT) for this initiative, the Maritime Authority has incorporated the maritime factor into the Oosterschelde visits, school talks, and conservation activities, ensuring that students gain insight into potential careers and the vital role of maritime expertise in environmental stewardship.

As part of this joint initiative, on Wednesday 14 May 2025, schoolchildren were given a unique opportunity to step aboard the Oosterschelde to explore the vessel and meet members of the international Darwin 200 crew, or view the shipvia a boat ride around it. 192 primary school learners went for the ride around the ship and 101 secondary school students went onboard.  48 staff members supported the students.

This immersive visit gave students a chance to learn about traditional sailing, ocean conservation, and the purpose of the Darwin 200 voyage, which retraces the route of Charles Darwin’s historic journey to promote environmental understanding and stewardship in young people across the globe.

To build on this engagement, the Darwin 200 team and crew also visited local schools across the island on Thursday, 15 May, where they delivered inspiring talks and presentations about the expedition, life at sea, and the importance of protecting the planet’s biodiversity.

Spotlight on the Darwin Leaders

As part of the wider Darwin 200 initiative, the project supports the development of Darwin Leaders exceptional young conservationists selected from around the world. These emerging leaders are undertaking scientific research, conservation outreach, and educational activities during the voyage.

The Darwin Leaders on St Helena, Matthew Owen and Jolan Henry, aim to tell St Helena’s story of conservation.  Focusing on the history of St Helena’s environment, where we are today and what the hopes are for the future, centering on the Millennium Forest, seabirds, Wirebird and endemic invertebrates. 

The SHNT is proud to support the Darwin Leaders and believes their presence on the island will be an inspiration to local youth, particularly those with a passion for St Helena’s environment, marine life, and natural heritage.

On Sunday, 18 May, the Darwin Leaders will welcome Tyanne Williams, who will collaborate with the Ascension Island Government’s Conservation Department. During her time there, Tyanne will gain firsthand experience by shadowing the department’s work, with the aim of producing films and reports that highlight Ascension’s ongoing and future conservation endeavours, as well as its past achievements in this crucial area.

Subsequently, the team will embark on the Oosterschelde to Ascension Island.  Whilst on board the Oosterschelde, the Darwin Leaders will have the opportunity to work on a 180-year-old tall ship, participate in bird watching, and BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) and eDNA (environmental DNA) research.  On Ascension Island, the Darwin Leaders will be hosted by the Ascension Island Government Conservation Section, where they will spend three weeks working on different conservation projects, before flying home on 15 June 2025. 

Portfolio Director for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Alex Mitham, commented:

“This is a rare and exciting opportunity for our young people. Bringing together maritime heritage, environmental science, and real-world adventure that has the potential to ignite a lifelong interest in ocean conservation and exploration.”

The SHNT added:

“The Darwin 200 project aligns perfectly with our mission to promote environmental awareness and connect the younger generation with St Helena’s unique biodiversity and place in global environmental history.”

The visit of the Oosterschelde is not only a celebration of traditional seafaring but also a platform to foster environmental curiosity, responsibility, and international friendship among the island’s youth.

To learn about the Darwin 200 project, visit www.darwin200.com.

Photos

Pilling Primary School learners waiting to board ‘The Enchanted Isle’

Pilling Primary School learners on their way to the ‘Oosterschelde’

St Paul’s Primary School learners circling the ‘Oosterschelde’ aboard the ‘Enchanted Isle’

Harford Primary School learners were lucky enough to also get a visit from a whale shark (Photo courtesy of Lourens Malan)

St Helena Secondary School learners taking turns pulling down one of the sails

A crew member giving a guided tour of the ship

The deck of the ship

The sails of the ship

The bar area

A lounge area, where passengers can relax

Dining Area

#StHelena #Maritime #Darwin200

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The Education, Skills and Employment (ESE) Portfolio is offering non-compulsory nursery education for all children between the ages of three and four years.

ESE will be in contact with parents/guardians of those children born on island and who are eligible to enter nursery education in the school year September 2025 – August 2026. This is to offer a place and provide details of school placement and date of admission.

It would be appreciated if parents/guardians of children who were not born on St Helena could submit the following information in writing to the Assistant Director of Schools, Kerry Lawrence, so that an offer of placement can be made:

Once all required information has been received, parents/guardians will be advised of their child’s nursery placement.

It should be noted that ideally a child should attend the school within the catchment area where he/she is residing.  However, for non-compulsory schooling, exceptions will only be made for regular attendance outside the identified catchment area should numbers in the requested school be low enough to accommodate the extra intake or if there is a valid reason for this, such as child care.

Parents/Guardian who wish for their child to attend nursery schooling outside of their catchment area, must apply in writing to the Assistant Director of Schools, stating which school they would like their child to attend and the reason for the placement outside of their catchment area. In such cases, parents are obligated to take responsibility for transporting their child to, and from school if required. 

All correspondence pertaining to this matter can be sent to the Assistant Director of Schools, Kerry Lawrence, at the Education and Learning Centre, Jamestown, by email to: kerry.lawrence@sainthelena.gov.sh.  

SHG

15 May 2025

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RUPERT’S DEVELOPMENT – LANDSCAPING

St Helena Government would like to invite suitably experienced contractors to submit tenders for the following contract:

CS-1931-SHG – Rupert’s Development – Landscaping

A site visit to view the works will take place at 09:00 on Friday, 23 May 2025, meeting near the Sea Rescue Building, Rupert’s.

Contractors should note that site visits requested after this date, will not be entertained unless there is a relevant reason why the contractor could not attend the scheduled site visit.

Copies of the tender document and further details can be obtained from the Procurement Officer, Tiffany Lawrence, located at the Top Floor, Post Office Building, Jamestown on telephone no: 25932 or via email through  tiffany.lawrence@sainthelena.gov.sh .

Completed tenders should be placed in the Tender Box located on the Top Floor, Post Office Building by 12:00 on Friday, 30 May 2025, clearly marked with the tender number. 

Interested parties should note that this opportunity is not being advertised overseas.

SHG

13 May 2025

SHG is pleased to announce the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) scheduled to take place on Sunday, 18 May 2025, and invites local classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders to participate in this significant global event.

Founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders from all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. Inspired by a photo of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic motorcycle and wearing his finest suit, Mark envisioned a themed ride as a unique way of connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities whilst raising vital funds to support the men in our lives.

Now a celebrated annual occasion, the DGR sees elegantly dressed riders on their distinguished motorcycles take to the streets worldwide, combining their passion for classic motorcycles with a commitment to a crucial cause.

SHG encourages all eligible motorcycle owners on the island, possessing classic or vintage-styled machines, to register their participation online and proudly represent St Helena in this international initiative. Spectators are welcome to join and show their support.

Registration Details:

Interested individuals are requested to register via the official Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website at: www.gentlemansride.com.The online platform provides comprehensive details regarding the event, registration procedures, and opportunities for fundraising.

Event Details:

Starting point: Plantation House

Start Time: 13:00

Route: Meeting at Plantation House from 13:00 then onto Blue Hill (U-turn at the Sandy Bay viewing point/water tank) next through Sandy Bay, Green Hill (Re-group Point) towards Levelwood Shop (Re-group Point) – Longwood Avenue (Re-group Point) through Alarm Forest, down Constitution through Jamestown, ending at the Sea Front/ Yacht Club.

End Time: Estimated time of arrival is 18:00.

Representative of the organising committee on St Helena, Kyle Bennett, commented:

“Why we ride:

We ride for the friendship and camaraderie, we ride for the freedom, and we ride for our mental wellbeing. We ride for the thrill of the motorcycle and the sound of the engine.

Here on St Helena the motorcycle allows for that few minutes or hours of escape and freedom, times astride motorcycles have calmed anxious thoughts, focused on things we can control, and actually improve our overall health – lowering blood pressure, relaxing heart rate, coordinating mind and body on the action of controlling the machine. A peace behind the handlebars that few other activities afford. Cutting through the wind, carving corners, scenery flashing by as the bike propels us through time and space, the sounds of exhaust and wind roaring outside the helmet, the scent of nature, the powerful machine beneath yet firmly under our control, man and machine in sync with each other.

Thank you for your interest in this year’s event and welcome to the first of its kind for St Helena. A group of us got in touch with The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to gauge if St Helena could to take part in this global event. This year, St Helena joins approximately 120,000 riders in over 1,000 cities across 110 countries as we ride for a common cause.”

#StHelena #DistinguishedGentlemansRide #MentalHealthAwareness

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Following an announcement in February 2025, St Helena’s only secondary school is delighted to announce its new name:

St Helena Secondary School.

This significant development follows a creative and collaborative project undertaken by the students over the past term. The initiative was designed to celebrate the school’s unique identity, honour its place within the wider community of St Helena, and strengthen its international presence.

Students were invited to submit suggestions for a new school name, and the Student Council meticulously shortlisted the options. This process ensured that the final choices reflected the school’s core values, heritage, and future aspirations. A whole-school vote to decide the final name then empowered every student to participate in shaping the school’s future identity.

The newly approved name, St Helena Secondary School, proudly reflects the school’s deep connection to the island. It reinforces its commitment to serving the local community while also highlighting its ambition to be recognised internationally as a centre of learning, growth, and opportunity.

A soft launch of the new name will commence over the coming months. While elements such as the updated name, crest, and visual identity will be gradually introduced across signage, uniform, stationery, and the school’s digital presence. The full transition to St Helena Secondary School will be completed by September 2026.

Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, commented:

“This achievement depicts yet another step in our journey of reviewing our educational provision.  Implementing standards to improve and strengthen our service offering is key to our children’s success and the success of our island, but it is of equal importance that our children’s views and opinions are taken into account as we make progress.  It is therefore deeply satisfying that a key element of our rebranding initiative has been decided upon by those very people – our students, our children.”

The school extends its sincere gratitude for the ongoing support of the community as it embarks on this exciting new chapter and looks forward to sharing further updates in due course.

#StHelena #Education #SchoolNameChange    

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The St Helena Veterans Association (SHVA) yesterday hosted a series of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, honouring the sacrifices and contributions of both international and local heroes to the Allied victory in Europe.

The day began outside The Canister with solemn Readings of the Proclamation by Cllr Robert Midwinter and then by David Harding, recalling the historic announcement that marked the end of World War II in Europe.

Mid-morning, a dignified Main Service took place at the Cenotaph. Led by Bishop Dale, the service offered a moment for reflection and remembrance. Attendees observed a reverent two-minute silence, followed by the laying of wreaths as a mark of respect for those who served and sacrificed. In the evening, the symbolic Ringing of Church Bells echoed the triumphant sounds that swept across Europe on that momentous day in 1945. Adding a visual tribute, High Knoll Fort was illuminated in the UK national colours of red, white, and blue, serving as a beacon of remembrance visible across the island.

The SHG UK Representative’s Office attended the service at Westminster Abbey and a concert held at Horse Guards Parade in London.

These events underscore St Helena’s commitment to remembering the profound impact of the Second World War and acknowledging the collective efforts that led to peace. The programme aimed to ensure that both the global significance of VE Day and the unique contributions of St Helenians are appropriately honoured.

Chairman of the SHVA, Joshua Deville, commented:

“Yesterday marked the national and international commemoration of this very important date in our memories and our calendars, the 80th Anniversary of that very important day, when the world was able to come out from the shadow of the horrific experiences of war and look to the future, in commemoration and celebration.”

“It was very heart-warming to see our communities across St Helena, come together to pay their respects and support the marking of various events throughout the day, from the two readings of the Proclamation in the morning, to the Service, two-minute silence and the Wreath Laying and then in the evening with the Ringing of Church Bells.”

“I would like to convey my sincere thanks and appreciation, on behalf of the St Helena Veterans Association, to all who supported us in bringing this event to life.”

Photos

Reading of the Proclamation by Cllr Midwinter

Attendees at the Main Service

The ‘Reveille’ being played on the bugle. 

Wreaths laid on the Cenotaph

The St Helena Veterans Association, with newly appointed Chairman, Joshua Deville (5th from the right)

High Knoll Fort lit up

#StHelena #80thVEDay #VeteransAssociation

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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 week commencing 12 May 2025 are as follows:

Consequently, during this training period, the reception desk will be unattended, staff will have limited access to emails and cashier services will be slower which may result in delays. 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.

 #StHelena #BIOTFund #HMCustoms&Immigration

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The Provisional Register of Electors for 2025 has now been published by Gazette.

You can access the Gazette and the Provisional Register on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/EX-GAZ-52-Provisional-Register-of-Electors-May-2025 or by contacting any of the Assistant Registration Officers. A list of officers can be found at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/public-information/elections/.

Alternatively you will be able to view the register in person at:

The Provisional Register will be used to prepare the final Register of Electors, effective from 01 July 2025, which will determine eligibility to vote, sponsor or support a candidate, or stand in the 2025 General Election. No changes can be made after the final register is published until after the General Election has taken place.

You are encouraged to check the Provisional Register and ensure that your information is accurate. Eligible persons will have until 16:00 on Friday 23 May 2025 to submit applications using Form ‘A’ to amend the provisional register.

To be eligible, you will have St Helenian Status as defined by law (Immigration Ordinance, 2011), are ordinarily resident on St Helena, and aged 17 years or over. Examples of how the Provisional Register can be amended include:

It is your responsibility to check the Provisional Register and make any necessary changes before the deadline.

Forms can be submitted in hard copy or via email to any of the following officers at the Castle:

Alternatively, contact any of the Assistant Registration Officers (who can provide a form and assist in completing it if need be) listed at:
https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/public-information/elections/

For those who are ordinarily resident but currently off-island, Form ‘B’ is available for making amendments. Both forms can be downloaded from the SHG Elections page via the link above..

Remember: If your name is not on the Register of Electors effective from 1 July 2025, you will not be able to participate in the 2025 General Election.

#StHelena #ProvisionalRegisterOfElectors #RegisterToVote

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