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Minister Karl Thrower departed the island on Saturday, 18 October 2025, to represent St Helena at the Green Overseas Workshop on Utility-Scale Renewable Energy for Island Grids in Saint Eustatius. Minister Thrower will be attending alongside Geoffrey Augustus, Technical Manager, Electricity, Connect St Helena Ltd., and Paul Cherrett, Head of the Programme Management Office.
The experience and knowledge exchange workshop aims to strengthen the capacity of small islands to integrate large scale renewable energy such as solar and wind. For St Helena, the lessons learned will guide us in achieving our goal of 80% renewable energy by 2028.
Minister Thrower is expected to return on Saturday, 8 November 2025, but will remain contactable during the period he is away via karl.thrower@sainthelena.gov.sh.
During the Minister’s absence, Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks will serve as the primary point of contact for matters pertaining to the Economic Development and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolios and can be contacted via email at rebecca.cairns-wicks@sainthelena.gov.sh.
#StHelena #ElectedMembers
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The St Helena Government (SHG) announced today that Chief Secretary, Mrs Susan O’Bey, has retired from her position as Head of the Public Service with effect from Friday, 17 October 2025.
Mrs O’Bey served over 45 years with the SHG and as Head of the Public Service since April 2018, and the Government extends its deepest gratitude for her dedicated service and leadership.
On her retirement, Mrs O’Bey, commented:
“As I prepare to retire from my role as Chief Secretary I have been reflecting on the extraordinary privilege it has been to serve the island these past seven and a half years.
Together, with other colleagues and teams, we have weathered challenges and celebrated successes that few larger administrations would fully understand. Through the COVID pandemic, budget pressures, and times of change, what has always stood out to me is our resilience and our determination to make things work, not because it is easy, but because it matters.
As I hand over to new leadership, I do so with great confidence in the strength of the SHG Public Service and the people within it. Thank you for your dedication, your adaptability, and your belief in the value of public service. It has been an honour to lead you and to be part of this journey.”
Mr Ian Todd, the newly appointed Head of the Public Service, will assume office on Monday, 3 November 2025.
During the interim period, Mrs Gillian Francis, Deputy Chief Secretary and Portfolio Director of Central Support Services, will step in to serve as Acting Chief Secretary and Mrs Carol Henry, Head of Administration Support Service, will be appointed Acting Deputy Chief Secretary.
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Mrs Susan O’Bey
Mrs O’Bey received a Guard of Honour by members of the Public Service as she left the Castle for the final time as Chief Secretary
#StHelena #ChiefSecretary #PublicService
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A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 14 October 2025.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| CLOSED AGENDA 1. Declaration of Interest 2. *Bank of St Helena (BOSH) Dividend (ExCo Memo 61/2025) 3. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 17 June 2025 4. Matters Arising from Minutes of 17 June 2025 5. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 24 June 2025 6. Matters Arising from Minutes of 24 June 2025 7. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 30 June 2025 8. Matters Arising from Minutes of 30 June 2025 9. Commencement of Customs and Excise (Tariffs and Exemptions) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 (ExCo Memo 60/2025) 9.1 Publicity/Briefing to Press 10. Addressing the Short Notice Period on the current Sure Licence (ExCo Memo 62/2025) 11. Any Other Business 11.1 Legal Assistance Funding Criteria NB Items marked (*) are commercially sensitive and depending on the subject matter, might not be referred to in the top lines |
The following were items were considered:
2. BOSH Dividend 2025
The Head of Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) attended for this item.
3 – 8. Confirmation of Minutes and Matter arising from the Minutes
It was agreed that the minutes for 17 June 2025 would be tabled at the next ExCo meeting.
Minutes for 24 and 30 June 2025 were signed off and all matters arising captured in minutes of 14 October 2025.
9. Commencement Customs Excise Regulations
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Customs and Excise (Tariffs and Exemptions) Regulations 2025 could commence from 16 October 2025.
At the meeting:
- It was noted that the Customs and Excise (Tariffs and Exemptions) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations were presented to the Executive Council and approved on 20 May 2025. At the time it was agreed that the Regulations would come into force when Rupert’s Cargo Facility became operational. As a date could not be confirmed, the Regulations provide that they will come into force on a date fixed by the Governor by Order.
ExCo approved the commencement date of 16 October 2025.
10. Addressing the Short Notice Period on the current Sure License
The Portfolio Director for Economic Development, Chief Digital Officer, and Head of Communications Policy, Regulation and Compliance attended for this item.
ExCo was asked to consider and advise whether the Sure South Atlantic Ltd (Sure) telecoms rolling license notice period of six months should be amended to 12 months.
At the meeting:
- It was noted that ExCo agreed with Sure to amend the notice period that has to be given if either party (SHG or Sure) wanted to terminate (end) the current license for telecommunication provision from a six month to a 12-month notice period. This amendment is in the best interests of all parties and is essential to ensuring continuity and stability of services at their current level while the government determines its approach to longer term licensing for telecommunications.
ExCo approved to extend the rolling notice period from six months to 12 months.
11. AOB
Legal Assistance Funding Criteria
At the request of the Chief Magistrate, HE the Governor brought to the attention of Ministers, the updated Legal Assistance Funding Criteria document.
Thanks to retiring Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey
On behalf of ExCo past and present, HE the Governor extended thanks to Susan O’Bey, Chief Secretary as this was her final ExCo meeting. In turn, Susan conveyed her thanks and appreciation, and offered her best wishes to the recently appointed ExCo.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
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An open session of Executive Council in Planning (ECiP) was held on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 in the Council Chamber.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| OPEN AGENDA 1. Declarations of Conflict of Interest 2. Development Application – Proposed Construction of a New Prison with AncillaryDojo, Service Buildings, access road, parking area and sewerage treatment plant atBottom Woods, Longwood North (ECIP Memo 04/2025) 2.1 Publicity/Briefings to the Press |
The Acting Chief Planning Officer, Shane Williams, members of the Project Management Office and Alex Mitham, Portfolio Director for Safety Security and Home Affairs were in attendance along with members of the public. The key item considered:
Development Application No. 2025/53 Development at Bottom Woods on Parcel LWN0501 Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise whether full development permission should be granted, with conditions, as recommended for the Proposed Construction of a New Prison at Bottom Woods with ancillary dojo, service buildings, access road, parking area and sewerage treatment plant.
This application had previously been considered by the Land Development Control Authority on 4 September 2025 who recommended that the Governor in Council grant development permission subject to planning conditions set out by the Chief Planning Officer.
At the meeting:
Minister Thrower set out the context for the current application, before handing over to the Acting Chief Planning Officer to detail the key changes and conditions as outlined in published documentation.
HE the Governor opened the floor for questioning and discussion which centered on the recommended conditions.
Following deliberation, ECiP unanimously approved the development application subject to recommended conditions, with amendments to reword condition 13 for the Lighting Scheme, and condition 11 for the Storm Water Management Plan and the confirmation of the fencing design and colour with the Chief Planning Officer. Minister Thrower will give details of the application together with an overview of the decision, on radio this coming Thursday.
Documentation for the meeting is available via the SHG website http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/executive-council/
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
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Join Your Elected Members for Upcoming District Meeting
Elected Members invite all residents to a series of District Meetings aimed at strengthening communication and collaboration between the Council and the Community.
These meetings are your opportunity to:
- Meet and greet with your elected representatives
- Share your views on local issues
- Raise concerns and highlight priorities
- Help to shape the future of your district and our island
This is a key step toward open, two-way dialogue – ensuring that every voice is heard and community ideas help guide decisions.
Strong communication builds good governance. Together, we can find solutions that meet your district needs whilst planning for our shared future.
Meetings will be held across all districts, giving everyone a chance to discuss what matters most locally with the entire team
Everyone is encouraged to come along, ask questions, and play an active part in contributing to shaping the direction of our community and the work of your elected Council.
Your voice matters — be a part of the conversation!
| Schedule of Meetings | ||
| Date | Venue | Chairperson |
| Monday, 20 Oct 2025 7:30pm | HTH Community Centre | Cllr Derek Thomas |
| Tuesday, 21 Oct 2025 7:30pm | Jamestown Community Centre | Cllr Dr Corinda Essex |
| Thursday, 23 Oct 2025 7:30pm | Sandy Bay Community Centre | Cllr Clint Beard |
| Monday, 27 Oct 2025 7:30pm | Harford Community Centre | Cllr Denis Leo |
| Tuesday, 28 Oct 2025 7:30pm | Alarm Forest Meeting held at Jamestown Community Centre | Cllr Julie Thomas |
| Wednesday, 29 Oct 2025 7:30pm | St Michael’s, Rupert’s | Cllr Dr Corinda Essex |
| Thursday, 30 Oct 2025 7:30pm | Kingshurst Community Centre | Cllr Robert Midwinter |
| Monday, 3 Nov 2025 7:30pm | Levelwood Bar | Cllr Ronald Coleman |
| Thursday, 6 Nov 2025 7:30pm | Blue Hill Community Centre | Cllr Clint Beard |
Please note that Minister for Economic Development and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning, Karl Thrower will be overseas.
The public are invited to review and provide comment on the options paper for the proposed Jamestown seafront redevelopment. This is available on the St Helena Government (SHG) website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/JT-redevelopment-Report-with-appendix-2025.pdf.
This important document outlines various strategies for the future development and revitalisation of the seafront area, marking a significant step in the project’s progression.
Minister Karl Thrower added,
“On behalf of the Economic Development team we would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to the process thus far. Your input has been invaluable in shaping the options presented in this paper and we now welcome all constructive feedback on the options presented as we move forward in the decision-making process.”
Submitting Feedback
Feedback can be communicated directly to the Economic Development team via email at the following addresses: ·
- invest@sainthelena.gov.sh
- Head of Property, Nikita Crowie, at nikita.crowie@sainthelena.gov.sh
Please submit your feedback by 30 November 2025.
#StHelena #Jamestown #SeafrontDevelopment #PublicConsultation
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The Ambulance Service is offering an accredited Qualsafe ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ training course, open to all St Helena Government (SHG) staff and members of the public. The one-day course will be held at the St Helena Community College from 09:00 to 16:00 on the scheduled dates.
This course provides participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies in the workplace. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Qualsafe Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, which remains valid for three years.
Course Dates and Fee
The course will be offered on the following dates:
- Tuesday, 18 November 2025
- Friday, 28 November 2025
- Tuesday, 16 December 2025
- Wednesday, 18 February 2026
- Thursday, 26 March 2026
The course fee is £20 per person. This fee covers all training materials, printing, and the learner registration fee that must be paid to Qualsafe, the awarding body. This contribution also supports the ongoing costs of maintaining accreditation, ensuring that the island can continue to deliver nationally recognised qualifications in the future.
How to Book
To book a place, please contact Carley Peters on +290 22607.
Alternatively, you can register online using the St Helena Community College registration form, by clicking here. Please note that the ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ course can be found under the ‘Qualsafe’ course category. You are not required to enter an SHCC Membership number – you can bypass this step and continue to complete the form.
#StHelena #AltogetherHealthier #FirstAidTraining
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Following the recent revocation of the Immigration Ordinance commencement date of 01 October 2025, the St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to report that priority work has begun on refining the legislation. The revision to the Ordinance will ensure closer alignment with the policy intent whilst also adequately protecting the community’s needs.
It is expected that the revised draft of the legislation will be presented at Legislative Council towards the end of this year for approval. In parallel, with the legislative process, the new immigration digital platform will be adjusted to meet the requirements of the updated legislation. SHG is focused on ensuring the system is as streamlined and user-friendly as possible for all users.
Should Legislative Council approve the revised Ordinance, a transition period of approximately three months will be necessary to publicise the changes and ensure everyone is aware of how to use the new immigration digital platform before it comes fully into effect.
SHG remains committed to a robust, fair, and transparent immigration system. We will provide further updates as this process moves forward.
#StHelena #ImmigrationOrdinance #Changes
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A development application has been referred to Executive Council sitting as the Planning Authority. The Development Application is being referred to Governor-in-Council in accordance with Section 23(2)(b) of the Land Planning and Development Control Ordinance 2013.
An open session meeting will take place on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 commencing at 09:30 where Executive Council will consider the following application:
- Proposed Construction of a New Prison at Bottom Woods with ancillary dojo, service buildings, access road, parking area and sewerage treatment plant at the former goat pen, Bottom Woods, Longwood North
Documentation for this meeting is available on the Executive Council page of the St Helena Government website via: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/executive-council/.
Members of the public who would like to view hard copies of the documents should contact the Secretary to Executive Council, Natasha Bargo, at the Castle on 22470 or via email at natasha.bargo@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Executive Council sitting as the Planning Authority comprises Governor Nigel Phillips as Chair, Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks and Ministers Gillian Brooks, Martin Henry, Andrew Turner and Karl Thrower. The Attorney General is a non-voting member of Executive Council.
#StHelena #ExecutiveCouncil #PlanningProposals
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Hon. Derek Thomas from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) St Helena Branch is currently attending one of the largest annual gatherings of Commonwealth Parliamentarians that is taking place this week at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) hosted by the Parliament of Barbados and the CPA Barbados Branch.
The flagship event will bring together over 500 parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and decision-makers from across the Commonwealth for this unique conference. The CPC offers the prospect of the coming together of the CPA’s global membership to address the critical issues facing today’s parliaments.
The 68th CPC will be attended by Speakers, Presiding Officers and Members of Parliament from across the membership of the CPA. The CPA is the only parliamentary association to bring together national, state, provincial and territorial legislatures and the CPA’s membership includes almost 180 parliaments and legislatures across the Commonwealth.
The Head of the CPA St Helena Branch’s delegation, (President) Hon. Maureen Thompson said:
“We are delighted to be able to attend the 68th CPC and CPA General Assembly to represent the St Helena Legislative Council. The CPA’s annual conference offers the opportunity for Members to benefit from professional development, supportive learning and the sharing of best practice with colleagues from Commonwealth Parliaments together with the participation of leading international organisations.”
The main conference theme for the 68th CPC is ‘The Commonwealth: A Global Partner’. The conference will explore a wide range of workshop topics including strengthening parliaments to support democracy, leveraging technology and AI to transform parliaments, examining the impact of climate change on global health and building trust in Legislatures.
During the 68th CPC, there will also be a number of additional conferences and meetings including the 41st CPA Small Branches Conference; the 9th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference; meetings of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network; the 2025 CPA General Assembly and meetings of the CPA Executive Committee; and the 59th Society of Clerks-at-the-Table (SOCATT) meetings.
During the conference, a number of elections will also take place for the Chairpersons of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD), the CPA Treasurer and the CPA Vice-Chairperson.
Information about the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) can be found at the CPA website www.cpahq.org/68-cpc.
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