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The Chief Minister and Minister for Treasury, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, today presented the St Helena Government’s Budget for 2026/27 to Legislative Council, setting out a three-year programme to stabilise the island’s finances, strengthen essential services and lay the foundations for sustainable economic growth.
Describing the Budget as a foundational budget, the Chief Minister explained that the Government’s first priority is to strengthen the systems that people rely on every day, creating the capacity to invest more in future years.
In opening the debate, the Chief Minister said:
“This is not simply an exercise in approving expenditure for the year ahead. It is a statement of direction for our island—a demonstration of how this Government intends to turn its published Vision and Strategy into practical action.”
The Budget has been prepared against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, rising living costs and the long-term challenges facing St Helena, including population decline, workforce shortages and increasing demand for public services. It reflects the Government’s commitment to protecting essential services while making responsible investments that improve resilience, strengthen public finances and support future growth.
Among the measures announced in the Budget are:
- Plans to introduce Child Benefit for children aged 0–5;
- continued investment in health, social care and education;
- support to limit increases in electricity prices;
- concessionary public transport fares for people aged over 70;
- investment in small businesses, agriculture and financial services to support economic growth;
- continued investment in infrastructure, telecommunications and renewable energy.
The Budget also reflects the recently agreed three-year Financial Aid Settlement with the UK Government, providing greater certainty for planning and enabling Government to sequence reforms over the next three years.
In concluding her speech, the Chief Minister said:
“This is not a budget that promises everything today. It is a budget that aspires to make more possible tomorrow.”
A copy of the Budget Speech and Budget Book can be found on the St Helena Government website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/treasury/.
The debate on the Appropriation Bill has now been adjourned and will resume on Monday 20 July, when Members of Legislative Council will debate the Budget in detail before considering its approval.
Allocations for recurrent expenditure proposed in the Appropriation Bill 2026 and the Budget Book are as follows:
- Central Support Service —£12.3 million
- Attorney General’s Chambers — £0.15 million
- Safety, Security and Home Affairs — £3.4 million
- Judicial Services — £0.15 million
- Treasury — £7.6 million
- Police Operations — £0.8 million
- Economic Development — £6.5 million
- Education, Skills and Employment — £4.1 million
- Health and Social Care — £11.9 million
- Environment, Natural Resources and Planning — £2.0 million
The total amount proposed to be appropriated as recurrent expenditure in 2026/27 is £49.0 million. In addition, £6.3 million for recurrent expenditure for pensions and benefits will be provided via standing appropriations.
A further £0.19 million for capital expenditure will be provided across the following portfolios:
- Central Support Service
- Safety, Security and Home Affairs
- Economic Development
- Health and Social Care
#StHelena #Budget26 #AltogetherWealthier
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A meeting of the Governor in Council was held on 08 July 2026.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| CLOSED AGENDA 1. Declaration of Interest 2. Confirmation of Minutes of the Governor in Council Meeting held on 16 June 2026 3. Matters Arising 4. Email Request for Reconsideration – Application for Dispensation under Paragraph 4, Schedule II, Immigration Ordinance 2011, ******* NB (*) confirms names are redacted as the information is sensitive. |
The following items were considered:
- Declaration of Interest.
Ministers Thrower sent his apologies for the meeting.
Minister Turner declared his association with the applicant and stated that his association would not affect his judgment and was willing to proceed with the discussion.
2-3. Confirmation of Minutes of the Governor in Council Meeting held on 16 June 2026 and Matters Arising.
The Minutes of meeting held on 16 June 2026 were approved.
4. Email Request for Reconsideration – Application for Dispensation under Paragraph 4, Schedule II, Immigration Ordinance 2011, *******
Governor in Council considered a request for reconsideration of an application for dispensation under Paragraph 4, Schedule II Immigration Ordinance 2011.
Ministers reviewed all the relevant information submitted in support of reconsideration. They noted the applicant’s period of residence on St Helena remained significantly shorter than that ordinarily required under Schedule II of the Ordinance.
Council recognised the financial and social contributions made to the St Helena community. However, it concluded that those contributions were not sufficiently exceptional to outweigh the fact that the ordinary statutory requirements were not met, nor to justify the exercise of discretion by Council to grant a dispensation.
Particular regard was also given to whether the request for reconsideration presented any new information or circumstances. Council concluded that there was nothing materially different.
Having reconsidered the application in full, Council was not satisfied that there were sufficient grounds to depart from its original decision. The request for reconsideration was therefore not upheld. A letter has been sent to the applicant to inform them of the outcome.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
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On Wednesday, 8 July 2026, the Health and Social Care Portfolio marked International Paramedics Day, recognising the contribution of paramedics across the world.
This year’s theme was Innovate & Integrate. For St Helena, this reflects the way the Ambulance Service works as part of the island’s wider urgent, emergency and pre-hospital healthcare system.
The Ambulance Service provides a 24-hour, 365-day emergency response for the community. The team responds to life-threatening emergencies, supports urgent care, provides pre-hospital assessment and treatment, assists with patient transport, and works closely with colleagues across the General Hospital, Emergency Department, community services, Allied Health Professionals, social care and partner emergency services.
On St Helena, paramedics also work alongside nurses and doctors in the Emergency Department and support outpatient triage clinics. While this differs from many larger healthcare systems, it helps make effective use of clinical skills, supports hospital flow, improves access to urgent assessment, and contributes to a more sustainable service for the community.
The service also supports emergency planning and resilience, including major incident planning, interagency training, event medical cover, and public health response work, including recent activity linked to the island’s Hantavirus response.
Innovation on St Helena is often practical and focused on local need. The Ambulance Service uses innovative digital tools such as GoodSAM and what3words to support accurate location finding, improve emergency response, and help reach patients who need urgent care.
Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager and Senior Paramedic, said:
“International Paramedics Day gives us the opportunity to recognise the role paramedics play in healthcare, but it also reminds us that safe and effective care is never delivered through individual effort alone.
The progress made by the Ambulance Service on St Helena reflects the work, commitment and support of many people, including the ambulance team, nurses, doctors, Allied Health Professionals, community services, social care, public health, emergency service partners, call handlers, volunteers and wider government colleagues. Each of these teams plays a part in helping us provide care that is responsive, joined up and sustainable for our community. Our achievements depend on people working together with a shared purpose.
As I prepare to leave St Helena to take up a new role, I want to thank my colleagues, partner agencies and the wider community for their support over the past few years. The Ambulance Service we recognise and depend on today has been built through shared effort, trust and commitment. It has been a privilege to play a part in that work and to serve the community during some of its most difficult times.”
This year, the Ambulance Service were unable to hold its annual coffee morning to mark International Paramedics Day with former colleagues, including past ambulance drivers and others who have supported the service over many years. The portfolio recognises and values their contribution to emergency care on St Helena, and hopes that a suitable venue will be available next year for a face-to-face event to recognise their support properly.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio extends its sincere thanks to all ambulance staff, emergency care assistants, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, former ambulance drivers, call handlers, trainers, volunteers and partner agencies who support emergency, urgent and pre-hospital care on St Helena.
For more information about International Paramedics Day go to: www.internationalparamedicsday.com
Photos:
Ambulance Team During A Team Building Exercise
Donated Ambulance Leading The Cancer Carnival Parade 2022
Emergency Care Assistants; (Left To Right) Martin Andrews, Craig Crowie, Carl Thomas, Patronella Mittens-Henry, Julie Brinsden
Ambulance Team Supporting Remembrance Day Memorial Service, 2025
Emergency Care Assistants
International Paramedics Day Coffee Morning, Celebrating With Previous Colleagues And Ambulance Drivers, 2024
#StHelena #InternationalParamedicsDay #IPD2026 #InnovateAndIntegrate #StHelena #StHelenaAmbulanceService #HealthAndSocialCare
Mansiel Falqueza, St Helena’s current Chevening Scholar, received a Bronze Award at the Chevening Volunteer Awards on 15 June 2026 at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The ceremony recognised scholars who have made meaningful contributions through volunteering during their studies in the UK.
Since beginning a Nursing degree at Coventry University in September, Mansiel has completed 54 hours of volunteering. Much of this was with The People’s Patch in Coventry, a Groundwork West Midlands community project focused on environmental development and sustainable spaces. Volunteering three to four hours each Sunday, Mansiel supported community walks, gardening, and environmental activities, helping transform an abandoned site into an eco-friendly, accessible space.
Reflecting on the experience, Mansiel said: “Seeing a neglected area evolve into a welcoming, inclusive space has been incredibly rewarding. Volunteering has allowed me not only to develop practical skills in environmental conservation and community development, but also to apply values from my nursing background—compassion, teamwork, inclusivity, and service—which continue to guide my contributions.”
In addition, Mansiel volunteered during the pre-Christmas period, gift-wrapping for an organisation supporting immigrant families, helping bring festive joy to children with limited access to celebrations.
The Chevening Scholarship Programme offers outstanding individuals the opportunity to complete a one-year master’s degree in the UK, alongside personal and professional development opportunities such as volunteering.
Applications will open in August this year, for the next round of scholarships with studies commencing September/October 2027. If you are interested in applying for a Chevening Scholarship, visit www.chevening.org for more information.
Mansiel volunteering in environmental conservation
Supported by funding from the Tourism Development Programme, St Helena will officially launch the World’s most remote parkrun on Saturday 11 July 2026.
Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5km event that welcomes people of all ages and abilities to walk, jog, run, or volunteer. The St Helena event will take place every Saturday morning in the scenic surroundings of Plantation Forest, starting at 08:00 from the Viewing Platform.
The inaugural event marks a significant milestone for the island and is expected to become both a popular community activity and a unique tourism attraction. Interest has already been generated amongst parkrun enthusiasts in the United Kingdom and Southern Africa, many of whom are keen to visit St Helena to add the world’s most remote parkrun to their collection.
Open to everyone aged four and above, parkrun encourages participation rather than competition. Children under 11 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Participation is completely free. Those wishing to have an official result recorded simply need to register online at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register and bring a barcode, either printed or displayed on a smartphone or smartwatch. You will not be able to choose St Helena as your home Parkrun until the first event has taken place, but please just choose any other parkrun as your home location and your barcode will work here.
The St Helena parkrun is officially registered with both Parkrun UK and the National Sports Association of St Helena (NSASH).
Minister Henry, who will officially start the inaugural event, welcomed the launch:
“St Helena parkrun is a fantastic initiative that captures a holistic and simple approach to improving both physical and mental wellbeing as a community. I encourage people of all ages and abilities to come, enjoy each other’s company at your own pace, and take a positive step to a “healthier St Helena” together.
Stephen Thwaites, Event Director for St Helena parkrun, said:
“It is fantastic to bring parkrun to St Helena, and I cannot wait to see residents and visitors enjoying our unique course through Plantation Forest. Not only do we claim to be the world’s most remote parkrun, but we are also the only parkrun in the world where participants may be watched by Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal.
I would like to thank the Tourism Development Programme for funding our registration and supporting the establishment of this event. My thanks also go to the dedicated volunteer committee whose hard work over the past year has made this possible.
We hope parkrun becomes a regular community event that promotes healthy living, social connection and outdoor activity, while also helping to showcase St Helena to visitors from around the world. We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible on Saturday mornings.
We are also seeking additional volunteers to help deliver the event each week and would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in getting involved.”
#StHelena #Parkrun #WorldsMostRemoteParkrun #TourismDevelopmentProgramme
St Helena Government (SHG) has taken a significant step towards strengthening its marine surveying capabilities thanks to borrowed equipment and two weeks of specialist training supported by the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO).
The training was led by Nicolay Larsen from Maritime Robotics, the company that built SHG’s Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), and Matt King, a hydrographic surveying expert working with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO). Together, they gave practical, hands-on training on how to use the survey equipment and how to collect, process and manage the information gathered from marine surveys.
Staff from the Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Marine and Meteorological sections took part in the training. They were chosen because of their experience in surveying, knowledge of the marine environment, and the ways they could use hydrographic survey data in their work. Participants gained valuable skills through a combination of classroom learning and field-based exercises.
Hydrographic surveying plays a vital role in supporting safe navigation by providing accurate information on seabed characteristics, coastal features and underwater hazards. In addition, the data collected can support environmental monitoring, habitat mapping and a greater understanding of changes within St Helena’s marine environment over time.
The programme helps St Helena build its ability to map and understand local waters, making navigation safer for vessels. It will also improve access to important marine information and support activities such as harbour operations, marine conservation, and other work at sea around the island. These reflect the principles contained within the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Chapter V, Regulation 9
The training was well received by all participants, who now have a solid foundation from which to begin using the equipment for operational surveys. SHG would also like to thank the Sea Rescue Service and Port Authority for their support during the training, which contributed significantly to its success.
SHG is grateful to UKHO for procuring and facilitating this specialist training opportunity. This investment in local knowledge and skills marks an important milestone in building sustainable hydrographic survey capacity on St Helena.
Devlin Yon, Head of Geomatic Services, said:
“This training represents a significant milestone in the development of hydrographic surveying capability on St Helena. By bringing together colleagues from across government and providing hands-on experience with modern survey technology, we are building the foundations for a sustainable, locally managed hydrographic programme. We are extremely grateful to UKHO, Maritime Robotics and all those involved in delivering and supporting the training. The skills gained will help improve our understanding of the marine environment and support safer navigation around St Helena’s waters.”
Maritime Robotics USV Otter being lowered into the water with Sea Rescue on standby for assistance.
Data collected by the USV in relation to Ruperts Jetty schematics.
Photo with the GIS Staff, Left to Right – Ryan Benjamin, Jamie Phillips, Devlin Yon, Matt King (Hydrographic Surveyor), Joelle Henry and Luke Bargo.
#StHelena #UKHydrographicOffice #UKHO #HydrographicSurveying #MarineSurveying
This year’s Red Ensign Group (REG) maritime conference took place in Bermuda, of which representatives from St Helena had the opportunity to attend. In attendance was Mia Henry (Head of Maritime), Wendy Benjamin (Maritime Capacity Building Support Officer) and Samantha Cherrett (Governor’s Office).
The conference programme comprised different forums and followed an agenda covering various topics relevant to St Helena’s maritime status, and our Flag, Port and Coastal State obligations. Topics this year also included hydrographic surveys, cyber threats and current global geopolitics.
Presentations on the International Maritime Organisations Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) audit was of particular interest whereby other REG members shared their experiences and the nature of their audit findings, which were not too dissimilar to St Helena’s experience. It was shown that there are some common themes and that even the bigger territories with more resources than St Helena, have the same challenges. St Helena underwent the III Code audit back in February 2025 and is actively addressing the findings.
The South Atlantic Working Group (SAWG) once again came together to discuss in detail the more bespoke challenges faced in our part of the world and included mass rescue operations, fishing vessels, cruise ship operations and contingency plans in response to the recent hantavirus situation. The SAWG comprises Ascension, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Tristan da Cunha and St Helena and has proven very beneficial and worthwhile for sharing of information, challenges and support to progressing our maritime administrations.
Most notable was the discussions and presentations referencing lack of capacity, across all the Overseas Territories and the gain of transferable skills from careers in maritime. Wendy Benjamin delivered a presentation within the capacity building forum, outlining what St Helena is doing to tackle this issue and what we hope to achieve in way of promoting maritime, facilitating training through our maritime training centre and creating career paths for young people.
Having these discussions and making connections with other Overseas Territories and maritime organisations across the REG are vital for gaining the much-needed support that will enable us to progress our maritime agenda and improve adherence to international maritime laws.
Note to Editors
The Red Ensign Group (REG) is a collaboration of British Shipping Registers consisting of the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Jersey), and nine British Overseas Territories, including St Helena.
As a member of the REG, St Helena operates its own shipping register under the oversight of the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). This ensures that all St Helena-flagged vessels adhere to high international maritime standards of safety, security, and environmental pollution prevention, while benefitting from the global prestige, support, and protection of the British merchant fleet.
#StHelena #RedEsignGroup #REGConference #Maritime #MaritimeSafety
MACS Maritime Carrier Shipping (MACS), in partnership with the St Helena Government (SHG), has announced a temporary adjustment to the St Helena shipping service, with 10 sailings scheduled for 2026 instead of the originally planned 12.
The change follows discussions with the St Helena Chamber of Commerce and cargo receivers and comes in response to exceptional increases in global marine fuel costs. The ongoing Middle East conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted fuel supplies and significantly increased global bunker (marine fuel) prices, creating substantial operational cost pressures across the shipping industry.
MACS and SHG recognise the vital role that shipping plays in supporting the island’s residents, businesses and supply chains. Both organisations remain committed to maintaining reliable cargo services and ensuring the continued availability of essential goods and supplies.
A detailed sailing schedule will be circulated to all stakeholders as soon as it is finalised. MACS will continue to work closely with SHG, importers, businesses and cargo receivers to minimise disruption and maintain continuity of supply during this period.
Commenting on the decision, MACS and SHG emphasised that the adjustment is a proactive and responsible response to extraordinary market conditions and is intended to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the service for the benefit of St Helena.
MACS and SHG thank all cargo receivers, businesses and stakeholders for their understanding, cooperation and ongoing support as this temporary cost-mitigation measure is implemented.
#StHelena #MACS #ShippingSchedule
The St Helena Customs and Immigration Office wishes to remind the public of the official procedures and new support options available for passport applications.
When applying for a British passport, all requirements are strictly set by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO).
Please note that ensuring your passport application is completed correctly, signed, and accompanied by all necessary supporting documentation remains the sole responsibility of you the applicant.
New Assistance Locations Available
To help ensure your paperwork is accurate, the Immigration and Customs Office is pleased to advise that application assistance for both British and BOTC (St Helenian) passports is now available at the following locations:
- St Helena Community College (SHCC)
- The Public Library
- The Career Access St Helena (CASH) Office, at the Education Learning Centre (ELC in Jamestown)
Book an Appointment: Assistance will be available Mondays to Wednesdays from 9.30am to 1pm and is by appointment only. Please call the Public Library on 22580, or the SHCC and CASH Office on 22607 to make a booking.
Application Submission and Fees
The Immigration and Customs Office at Ruperts remains open to receive both types of applications.
- Courier Service: The office will continue to facilitate the secure postage of British passport applications directly to HMPO.
- Handling Charge: £18.80 per application – payable at the Post Office.
- Online Guidance: For detailed information on British passport applications from overseas, please visit gov.uk/overseas-passports.
- Passport application forms are also available on the St Helena Government website
Office Hours and Contact Details
To schedule an appointment at the main offices at Ruperts, please call 22287.
| Office | Day | Hours & Access Type |
| Immigration Office | Mondays and Fridays Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays | 09:00 – 15:00 (Drop-ins welcome) By Appointment Only |
| Customs Office | Mondays to Fridays | 09:00 – 15:00 (Standard Hours) |
#StHelena #PassportApplications #CustomsandImmigration
St Helena Government (SHG) wishes to inform the public that a small number of non-urgent operations at Jamestown Hospital have been postponed over the past two weeks due to an unexpected technical issue affecting essential theatre equipment.
SHG would like to reassure the community that emergency and urgent surgery will continue to be provided safely.
The postponements are the result of technical faults affecting the Hospital’s anaesthetic machines. Despite extensive efforts by local staff working remotely with the manufacturer, the faults cannot be resolved on island. The Hospital can still provide safe anaesthesia using alternative equipment, but this is a more complex and time-consuming process and is therefore being reserved for essential and urgent procedures.
As a result, non-urgent surgery will continue to be postponed until replacement anaesthetic machines arrive on the island. These machines have already been purchased and are expected to arrive on the next scheduled visit of the MV Karoline, due on 24 July. Unfortunately, these specialist items cannot be transported by air.
Throughout this period, the Hospital will continue to provide safe, emergency, and urgent surgical care.
SHG would like to thank those patients whose procedures have been postponed for their understanding and patience while we work to restore normal services.
#StHelena #Hospital #AnaestheticMachines