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Councillor Denis Leo and Samantha Cherrett, Climate Security Programme Manager (Governor’s Office/FCDO), will represent St Helena at the EU-funded Green Overseas Workshop on “Building climate resilient food systems”.
The workshop, which will take place in Tahiti from 1-5 December 2025, aims to build capacity and share experience and knowledge on the development and implementation of resilient food systems in the face of climate change impacts, with a focus on real challenges, practical solutions and their limitations.
This initiative underscores the commitment to safeguarding communities against the growing impacts of climate change.
Councillor Denis Leo will depart the island on Saturday, 22 November and return on Tuesday, 9 December. During his absence, Councillor Ronald Coleman has kindly agreed to assume responsibility for the Longwood district and can be contacted on email via: ronald.coleman@parliament.sh.
#StHelena #LegCo #GreenOverseas
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At its October meeting, Executive Council gave approval to commence the Customs and Excise Regulations 2025, which were originally endorsed in May 2025 but were placed on hold until the opening of the Rupert’s Cargo Facility.
Under these new regulations, the St Helena Government (SHG) Warehouse Rental Fees have been reduced by 50% from £5.00 to £2.50 per cubic metre for each month or part thereof for the first 3 months, and £10.00 to £5.00 per cubic metre thereafter, for each month or part thereof.
Historically, fees under the Customs and Excise Ordinance 1999 were not applied or collected, as they were subsidised by SHG due to the absence of a secure cargo warehouse for consolidators. With the introduction of a purpose-built secure cargo warehouse at Rupert’s, these fees are now being implemented, establishing a transparent system that ensures a level playing field for all users of the warehouse services.
The operations of Rupert’s Port are managed under contract by Solomon & Company Plc. Please note that the SHG Warehouse Rental Fees outlined above exclude any charges applied by the contractor.
For further information regarding these fees, please contact Customs and Immigration on Tel: (+290) 22287.
#StHelena #WarehouseRentalFees #RupertsCargoFacility
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A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 18 November 2025.
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 17 June 2025 3. Matters Arising from Minutes of 17 June 2025 4. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 23 September 2025 5. Matters Arising from Minutes of 23 September 2025 6.Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo 10.1 Ship Registry – Appointment of Surveyors and Inspectors (ExCo Memo 63/2025) 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 – 5. Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes
Minutes for 17 June and 23 September 2025 were signed off.
6. Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo
6.1 Ship Registry – Appointment of Surveyors and Inspectors (ExCo Memo 63/2025)
ExCo was asked via email to consider an urgent ExCo memo to advise whether the appointment of Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Surveyors as flag state surveyors and inspectors for St Helena, in accordance with sections 103A and 103C of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 2021 as per Annex 1, should be approved.
The memo did not ask for any change in policy, funding or any other detailed matter that would normally require a face-to-face ExCo meeting but rather a technical request/authorisation by the Governor to appoint a surveyor on the advice from ExCo.
Governor Phillips recommended that ExCo agree to this request, as it was consistent with all actions to date.
On 21 October 2025, the Chief Minister confirmed agreement via email for the appointment of Surveyors and Inspectors of Ships in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 2021.
ExCo confirmed their approval of the decision made via email.
7. Ministerial Updates on Significant Issue
The following updates were provided on the following subject matters:
- Fishing – The substantive Fisheries Review
- Telecoms
- Energy – The Energy Project
- Medical Supplies – SHG continues to face a key challenge, i.e. the inability to secure essential medications due to regulatory restrictions and significant global shortages of many commonly used drugs. To obtain limited supplies, we are now required to airfreight most shipments at considerable additional cost. Despite these measures, we are still unable to source all the necessary medications.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
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The Governor’s annual Christmas Card Competition, open to all children of primary school age, has once again showcased the creativity and spirit of our island’s young people. We received a fantastic array of wonderful entries from each primary school and are delighted to announce the outcome of this year’s competition.
While every entry deserves recognition, 14 children were given special mention for their engaging and imaginative designs, all of which captured the essence of our community and the festive season. The final vote for the winner occurred at the Governor’s Residence during the King’s Birthday Party on Friday 14 November where 10 shortlisted entries were displayed and every guest was given a vote in a secret ballot.
Special Mentions
- Nathaniel Benjamin, Year 6, Pilling – WINNER
- Madison van Wyk, Year 6, Pilling – RUNNER UP
- Conor Phillips, Year 6, Harford – RUNNER UP
- Georgia Thomas, Year 6, Harford – RUNNER UP
- Zoey Moyce, Year 5, Harford
- Cora Richards, Year 6, Pilling
- Dre Fuller, Year 6, Pilling
- Nashaun Royles, Year 6, Harford
- Sofia Stroud, Year 4, St Paul’s
- Rutendo Nayoto, Year 6, Pilling
- Emma Jacobs, Year 6, Harford
- Elliot Bruneton, Year 6 Pilling
- Holly Bennett, Year 5, Pilling
- Ella-Rose Isaac, Year 5, Harford
We are pleased to announce that Nathaniel Benjamin was selected as the overall winner for the 3rd year! Nathaniel’s artwork will be featured on the Governor’s official Christmas card this year. Nathaniel will be invited to join the Governor for tea to recognise his success along with the three runners up – Madison van Wyk, Georgia Thomas, and Conor Phillips.
All entries will be displayed in the tourism window at The Canister in town over the festive period for all to enjoy the wonderful artwork produced by our talented young people.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the children who took part and to the schools for their support in making this event such a success.
Photos
Winning card – Nathaniel Benjamin
Runner up – Conor Phillips
Runner up – Georgia Thomas
Runner up – Madison van Wyk
#StHelena #ChristmasCardCompetition
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St Helena Government (SHG) wishes to advise the public that a wide-ranging review of the fishing sector has been initiated.
It will include an evaluation of the following:
- Policy and strategic management
- Licensing and regulatory framework
- Food security and domestic affordability
- Current fleet (including fleet safety), infrastructure, and cold chain
- Processing and quality assurance
- Market access and distribution, including export
- Governance and institutional roles
- Sustainable resource stewardship
A fisheries review task group will be appointed along with clear terms of reference to help guide its work.
For further information please contact SHG Portfolio Directors, Darren Duncan or Damian Burns via email darren.duncan@sainthelena.gov.sh or damian.burns@sainthelena.gov.sh.
#StHelena #FishingSector #Review
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St Helena Government (SHG) was pleased to celebrate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day yesterday, 19 November 2025. GIS Day is an annual global event that highlights the importance of geographic literacy and demonstrates how GIS technology helps solve real-world challenges.
GIS: A Key Tool for St Helena’s Development
GIS is a powerful system for creating, managing, analysing, and mapping all types of data. By connecting data to maps, GIS provides valuable insights into geographic data patterns and relationships, supporting informed decision-making across multiple sectors.
In the lead-up to GIS Day, the SHG GIS team engaged with the local community at the Agriculture Show at Francis Plain on Saturday, 15 November 2025. The team showcased how this technology is already being used to support and enhance St Helena’s agricultural sector.
GIS Manager, Devlin Yon, commented:
“Our presence at the Agriculture Show was a great success. It gave us the chance to show farmers and residents firsthand how GIS can be used to monitor crop health, analyse soil types, and improve irrigation efficiency. Integrating geographic data into agriculture is crucial for sustainable development and resource management on the island.”
Celebrate GIS Day
GIS Day serves as a call to action, encouraging everyone, from students to professionals, to understand and use geographic science and technology. SHG remains committed to expanding GIS use to support evidence-based planning and operations across government departments, including infrastructure, environment, emergency services, and land management.
For more information about what was showcased on GIS Day, please scan the QR code or click the link: https://arcg.is/1GXnfK0
If you would like to participate in our Crop Calendar survey please follow the link and QR code below: https://arcg.is/58SLC
QR Code to Story Map QR Code to Survey
#StHelena #GIS #GISDay
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SHG
20 November 2025
Personnel from across the St Helena Government (SHG) and key stakeholders have successfully completed International Maritime Organization (IMO) Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) Levels 1, 2 and 3 training, delivered by Ambipar Response Ltd between 21–30 October 2025.
The programme, funded by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) through the FCDO’s OT Civil Resilience programme, included both refresher and new training to maintain St Helena’s capability to prepare for and respond to marine oil spill incidents. Participants represented agencies including Port Control, Sea Rescue, Customs, Environmental Management, Police, and Solomons & Company Plc.
A certificate presentation was held at Plantation House on 30 October 2025, attended by His Excellency the Governor, SHG officials, and the Ambipar training team.
Senior Response Consultant and Trainer at Ambipar, Harry Jolly, said:
“Ambipar are extremely proud to have once again supported SHG and its partners in building resilience and developing their skills in marine oil spill response. It is clear that the island continues to take proactive steps in line with international best practice.”
Portfolio Director, Alex Mitham, added:
“This training ensures St Helena remains ready and capable to respond effectively to pollution incidents, protecting our marine environment and community.”
The training forms part of SHG’s ongoing work to strengthen environmental resilience and uphold international maritime standards.
Photos
Governor Phillips delivers his opening speech at the Certificate Presentation Reception at Plantation House
Ambipar Trainer, Harry Jolly
Certificate recipients
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- The OPRC Levels 1, 2, and 3 training is part of the International Maritime Organization’s Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation framework.
- Ambipar Response Ltd are internationally recognised specialists in environmental emergency response and training.
- Funding for this initiative was secured through the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA.
#StHelena #Maritime #OilSpillResponseTraining
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Looking Ahead – Protecting St Helena
The St Helena Government (SHG), in partnership with Connect Saint Helena Ltd and JBA Consulting, invites all residents to take part in the public consultation for the island’s new Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP).
This important plan will guide how St Helena can secure reliable and sustainable water supplies for our homes, agriculture, businesses, and natural environment over the coming decades. It will explore:
•How water is currently supplied and used across the island;
•Options for improving storage, sourcing, and efficiency;
•Ways to strengthen our resilience to climate change and drought;
•Opportunities to protect our environment while meeting community needs.
Why Your Voice Matters
Water affects everyone on St Helena. Your local knowledge, ideas, and feedback are vital to shaping a plan that reflects our island’s priorities and requirements. By getting involved, you’ll help guide how water is managed and invested in to meet our current needs and the needs of future generations. Please hit the QR code below to complete our questionnaire and be part of securing water for St Helena.
How to Take Part
Join one of our community consultation events:
St Pauls: Kingshurst Community Centre– Tuesday 18th November 7pm -8pm
Longwood: Harford Community Centre – Wednesday 19th November 7pm – 8pm
Jamestown: Saint Helena Community College Hall – Thursday 20th November 7pm – 8pm
Consultation materials will also be available online and at key public venues, with opportunities to submit feedback in writing. Your input will help refine and evaluate the resourcing options being proposed before the plan is finalised later this year.
This project forms part of the £30 million Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government, supporting a sustainable future for St Helena.
11 November 2025
Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, is due to depart St Helena on Saturday 15 November 2025, to travel to the UK to attend the annual Overseas Territories (OTs) Joint Ministerial Council (JMC).
The JMC takes place every year in London and is hosted by the UK Government. It brings together elected leaders and representatives from all the OTs, as well as UK Ministers, and provides the principal forum for political dialogue and consultation between the UK and the OTs.
The JMC is due to begin on 24 November 2025, with the main formal discussion meetings taking place between 26 and 27 November. The Chief Minister will also have a number of official engagements before and after the event itself. These engagements will include a bilateral meeting with Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories and meetings with other UK Government Ministers, OT leaders and other representatives.
The Chief Minister will be joined by His Excellency the Governor Nigel Philips CBE and SHG UK Representative, Kedell Worboys MBE.
The Governor and the Chief Minister are due to arrive back on St Helena on Saturday 6 December. Whilst they are off-island, Tasha Harris, Head of the Governor’s Office, will be sworn in as Acting Governor and Minister Martin Henry will be appointed Deputy Chief Minister.
In speaking about her attendance at the JMC, the Chief Minister said:
“I am honoured to represent St Helena at my first UK Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council. This is the most important annual political event in the calendar for St Helena and all UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs). Bringing together UK Ministers and elected leaders from each Territory to discuss key issues, agree priorities, progress action and strengthen the partnership between the Territories and the UK Government. This is an important opportunity for our new Government to raise St Helena’s voice directly in the UK, to showcase St Helena’s progress and achievements over the last year, highlight our challenges, set out our plans for development and advocate for the support needed to build a more sustainable and resilient future for our island.”
11 November 2025
Recently, St Helena was nominated for ‘Most Desirable Island (World)’ at the 24th annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. The results were announced yesterday at a special event held during the World Travel Market (WTM) in London.
While St Helena did not win this year, the nomination itself signifies St Helena’s growing reputation and positioning on the international tourism map.
The awards are voted for by thousands of well-travelled readers of the UK’s leading travel magazine, Wanderlust and St Helena Government would like to thank everyone locally and internationally who voted for St Helena.
Minister for Economic Development and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning, Karl Thrower, commented:
“Our nomination at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards confirms that the unique beauty, history, and genuine warmth of the St Helenian people resonate deeply with discerning travellers. It signals a growing appetite for unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations offering authentic, immersive experiences, which St Helena has in spades. We thank everyone for taking the time to vote for St Helena and hope we can call on your support for similar opportunities in future.”
Photos
Tourism Manager, Dianne Venning and Economic Development Officer, Marcella Mittens at awards ceremony.
#StHelena #WanderlustTravelAwards #ABreathOfFreshAir
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SHG
10 November 2025