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Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks today announced the Ministers she has selected and the Public Service Portfolios allocated to them. They are:
- Safety, Security and Home Affairs Portfolio – Councillor Gillian Brooks
- Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio – Councillor Andrew Turner
- Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio and Economic Development Portfolio – Councillor Karl Thrower
- Health and Social Care Portfolio – Councillor Martin Henry
The Chief Minister will have responsibility for the Treasury and for Central Support Services.
The Chief Minister has recommended to the Governor that he makes these appointments. Pursuant to the Constitution the Governor will now formally make the appointments and Portfolio allocations.
Each Minister will exercise general direction and policy control over departments assigned to them subject to the policies of Government.
Chief Minister Rebecca Cairn-Wicks commented:
“I would like to extend my gratitude and congratulations to the new Ministers in taking on their new roles. We know that there are challenges ahead, but together as a team we will be ready to face them.
The team has been chosen with deep consideration and care.
Our priorities are clear: to listen, to work openly, and to take forward the policies and decisions that will help move the island forwards and build a strong and sustainable future for St Helena.
I have every confidence that the Ministerial team will bring energy, dedication, and integrity to their roles. We will be accountable to the public, guided by the values of fairness, transparency, and service. Our commitment is to put people first and to work together for the good of the island.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Honourable Members of Legislative Council for the generosity of your time, consideration and support as I step into the role of Chief Minister. I am heartened by discussion and debate and the commitment to working together, facilitating good communication and transparency in the decision-making process and I am committed to work with you in this way.”
The Chief Minister, four Ministers and the Attorney General form the Executive Council. The Executive Council with the Governor are the highest decision making body of the St Helena Government.
#StHelena #ChiefMinister #Ministers
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Honourable Maureen Thompson and Honourable Connie Johnson have been elected as the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.
To be elected as Speaker a candidate is required to secure a total of seven votes. On the first day of voting, none of the candidates met this threshold and after five rounds of voting, there was a tie between the final two candidates. In accordance with Standing Order 5, Rule 25(b), the election for the Speaker was therefore deferred to the following day. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are both important roles and this provision allows Elected Members additional time to reflect on their decision, promoting a more thoughtful and deliberate outcome.
In a situation such as this, Standing Order 5 Rule 25(b) also requires that a fresh election be held. In other words, unless one or more of the six candidates who put themselves forward for election as Speaker withdraws, the election should start again with the same six candidates.
Accordingly on the second day, a fresh election was held for the Speaker, and the election for the Deputy Speaker was also conducted. This re-commencement of the election process ensures complete transparency and fairness for all candidates, reinforcing the democratic principles of the council.
The Honourable Maureen Thompson, Speaker, commented:
“I am honoured to be elected as Speaker and look forward to serving the Legislative Council and the people we represent with diligence and impartiality.”
The Honourable Connie Johnson, the newly elected Deputy Speaker, added,
“I am committed to supporting the Speaker and the work of the Legislative Council.”
The Legislative Council extends its congratulations to both Honourable Thompson and Honourable Johnson and looks forward to their leadership.
#StHelena #LegislativeCouncil
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The inaugural meeting of the newly elected Legislative Council took place in the Council Chamber today. Local media, members of the public and Public Service officials attended to witness the first formal meeting under the new elected government.
The proceedings were opened with the entry of the President, His Excellency Governor Nigel Phillips CBE, followed by Prayers and the Administration of Oaths where each Member was called forward to take before the Governor the Oath of Allegiance and Due Execution of Office of Member of the Legislative Council.
Governor Phillips presided over the meeting.
In his opening Address (full copy) HE the Governor said:
“It is a great pleasure to welcome you today as you take your seats in this Chamber, having earned the trust of the people of St Helena through democratic election. Whether you are returning to Council or joining it for the first time, your presence here reflects a commitment to public service that deserves recognition and respect.
The work of this Council is central to the life of our democracy. As elected representatives, you are entrusted with three core responsibilities: to make legislation that services the long-term interests of the island; to scrutinise the work of government with fairness and rigour; and to represent the voices, concerns, and aspirations of your constituents.”
HE the Governor concluded by saying:
“I recognise that the months ahead will bring challenges. There will be difficult decisions, competing priorities, and moments of disagreement. But I also know that this Council brings together a wealth of experience, insight, and commitment. If you approach your work with humility, with a willingness to listen, and with a focus on the common good, you will serve this island well.
Let me close by thanking each of you for stepping forward to serve. The people of St Helena have placed their confidence in you. I wish you wisdom, strength, and unity as you begin this important work.”
Elections then followed for the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Chief Minister:
At this point the Attorney General presented a motion to suspend Standing Orders concerning the election of the Speaker and to agree to the adoption of alternative procedures to allow for all candidates to be nominated and seconded en bloc. The motion was supported unanimously.
Speaker
Six nominations were received for the role of Speaker. However after five rounds of voting, votes were tied and a motion was agreed that the elections for Speaker and Deputy Speaker would be adjourned.
Chief Minister
There was one nomination for Chief Minister which resulted in the Honourable Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks being elected as the second Chief Minister for St Helena.
Legislative Council will resume tomorrow, 11 September, the main items of business will be the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
Photo
New Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks
#StHelena #LegislativeCouncil #ChiefMinister
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Legislative Council have today voted in a new Chief Minister for St Helena. Initially there were several expressions of interest for this role, however after considerable discussion among all Elected Members, only one expression of interest remained. Today the Honourable Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks received the unanimous support of all Elected Members to be the island’s new Chief Minister. Elected Members take this opportunity to congratulate Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks and to reiterate their support for her as the Chief Minister.
The inaugural meeting of St Helena Legislative Council will take place at 10am on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, in the Council Chambers.
The meeting will be broadcast live via South Atlantic Media Services (SAMS) Radio 1.
The Order Paper, can be viewed on the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/legislative-council/order-papers/.
His Excellency the Governor extends sincere thanks to everyone who took part in the General Election held on Wednesday, 3 September 2025.
A total of 1,147 valid votes were cast, representing 56% of those eligible to vote. This reflects the continuing commitment of the community to St Helena’s democratic process.
The Governor extends congratulations to the 12 candidates elected to serve as Members of the Legislative Council and appreciation to all who stood for election, contributing to open debate and providing meaningful choice for voters.
Thanks are also extended to the Returning Officer, election officials, presiding officers, poll clerks, counting staff and volunteers whose professionalism ensured the election was conducted smoothly and transparently, and to those in the community who supported others to attend the polls.
The General Election is a reminder of the importance of civic responsibility and the role each person plays in shaping the island’s future.
#StHelena #GeneralElection
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The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio (ESE) today announced that the reorganisation of the primary school structure, which will create two new schools dedicated to Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2), will begin earlier than planned. The transition will now start in January 2026 instead of the original date of September 2026.
This change is necessary to ensure the safety of all students and staff during extensive renovations at the future school sites Harford Primary School and St Paul’s Primary School, which were agreed earlier this year. Construction on this scale cannot be safely completed with pupils on-site, and the revised timeline allows the contractors to efficiently carry out this crucial work.
A Phased Plan for a Smooth Transition
To determine the best approach for the reorganisation, the ESE Portfolio carefully explored several temporary options, including using community centres and office buildings. However, these spaces were not suitable due to scheduling conflicts and the significant cost and time required to make them fit to meet educational standards. The ESE also considered relocating students to other schools, including the secondary school.
Through this detailed analysis, one clear option emerged: introducing the new KS1 and KS2 model for all primary-aged children from January 2026. This reorganisation will take place in three phases to minimise disruption to learning and limit the number of moves for students and staff.
Phase I: January 2026 – Launch Preparations
- Building work will begin at the KS1 site (Harford Primary School).
- All KS1 students from the three existing primary schools will relocate to the St Paul’s Primary School site.
- All KS2 students will relocate to the Pilling Primary School site.
This approach allows all children to remain together with their friends during the renovations and provides valuable time for staff training and planning.
Phase II: September 2026 – KS1 School Launch
- The new KS1 School will officially open at the renovated Harford Primary School site.
- KS2 students will remain at Pilling Primary School while renovations begin on their future school site.
Phase III: March 2027 – KS2 School Launch
- Following the completion of works, the new KS2 School will officially launch at the renovated St Paul’s Primary School site.
Our Commitment to Students and Families
We understand that this change may bring concern and will work closely with the community during this period. We know this impacts many families, from daily routines to transport arrangements. The ESE Portfolio is actively working behind the scenes on all logistical details to ensure a seamless transition.
The safety, learning, and well-being of our students remain our top priority. We will ensure ample time is given before January 2026 to help prepare them for the upcoming changes.
As part of our commitment to keeping the public informed, we are launching a communications campaign called ‘Together We Thrive: One journey. One island. One future.’ We encourage all parents and community members to stay engaged by looking out for updates online, in the media, and through the primary schools.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ESE Portfolio at info@sainthelena.edu.sh.
#StHelena #Education #TogetherWeThrive:Onejourney.Oneisland.Onefuture
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Returning Officer, Carol Henry, this morning, Thursday 4 September 2025, announced the results of Polling Day for the General Election 2025 and has accordingly declared that the following candidates have been duly elected to serve as Members of the St Helena Legislative Council:
List in alphabetical order of surname
Clint Richard Beard: of Market Street, Jamestown
Gillian Ann Brooks: of 25 Barracks Square, Jamestown
Rebecca Elizabeth Cairns-Wicks: of “Mount Pleasant”, Sandy Bay
Ronald Arthur Coleman: of Silver Hill, Levelwood
Corinda Sebastiana Stuart Essex: of “Villa Ajaccio”, Napoleon Street, Jamestown
Martin Dave Henry: of Tern Drive, Half Tree Hollow
Dennis Karl Leo: of Half Way, St Pauls
Robert Charles Midwinter: of “Vasco Da Gama House”, Tern Drive, Half Tree Hollow
Derek Franklin Thomas: of Cow Path, Half Tree Hollow
Julie Dorne Thomas: of Gordon’s Post, Alarm Forest
Karl Gavin Thrower: of The Flag, Levelwood
Andrew James Turner: of Burgh House, Barren Ground, Blue Hill
The Count took place from just before 22:00 last night to approximately 05:00 this morning.
The votes awarded to each candidate were as follows:
List in alphabetical order of surname
Colin Douglas Bargo: 309
Clint Richard Beard: 407
Gillian Ann Brooks: 543
Mark Alan Brooks: 352
Cruyff Gerard Buckley: 314
Rebecca Elizabeth Cairns-Wicks: 823
Ronald Arthur Coleman: 389
Jeffrey Robert Ellick: 326
Corinda Sebastiana Stuart Essex: 730
Melissa Kim Fowler: 306
Anthony Arthur Green: 333
Martin Dave Henry: 541
Elizabeth Knipe: 174
Cyril Kenneth Leo: 217
Dennis Karl Leo: 644
Robert Charles Midwinter: 441
Derek Pedley: 326
Derek Franklin Thomas: 629
Julie Dorne Thomas: 403
Kevin Adrian Thomas: 128
Karl Gavin Thrower: 650
Andrew James Turner: 761
Patrick Arthur Williams: 59
In total 1147 people cast valid votes. This represents approximately 56% of those eligible to vote – compared with 60% in 2021, 49% in 2017, 55% in 2013, 58% in 2009, and 47% in 2005.
There were four invalid Ballot Papers.
#StHelena #GeneralElection2025 #TheResults
St Helena’s Emergency Services hosted a successful Open Day on Friday, 22 August 2025, at the Sea Rescue Base in Rupert’s. The free, family-friendly event drew a large crowd, providing the community with a unique look at the island’s dedicated emergency responders and the vital work they do.
The event brought together the Ambulance Service, Sea Rescue, Royal St Helena Police, Fire and Rescue, HM Prison, the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre (JESCC), GIS, and the Medical Laboratory Team. Attendees of all ages were able to interact with the teams and participate in a range of engaging activities.
Highlights of the day included:
- Live demonstrations by the Police, Ambulance, Fire, and Sea Rescue teams, showcasing their skills in action.
- Interactive stalls that allowed the public to get hands-on with equipment and learn about each service’s capabilities.
- A challenging obstacle course that tested participants’ skills.
- The fire truck pull challenge, a test of strength and teamwork that drew a crowd of spectators.
- A multi-agency demonstration that illustrated how the services work together seamlessly during a real-life emergency.
In addition to the demonstrations, the Medical Laboratory Team was on hand to share information and encourage blood donations, an essential life supporting service for the island’s community.
Deputy Emergency Planning Manager, Anel O’Bey, commented:
“On behalf of the Emergency Planning Department, SHG Blue Light Services and supporting agencies we would like to thank all those who attended and participated in the recent Multi-Agency Emergency Services Open Day!
Your presence at this event underscored the vital partnership between our emergency services and the community we proudly serve. We hope you gained valuable insights into the rigorous training, state-of-the-art equipment, and collaborative spirit that define our daily operations. From live demonstrations of rescue and respond techniques to interactive exhibits showcasing individual services, the day was designed to foster a deeper understanding of how we work together to ensure your safety and well-being.
We are particularly grateful for those who assisted us in the lead up and on the day. Special thanks goes out to Solomon & Company, St Helena Tourism, New Horizon Youth Club, St Helena Secondary School, Jamestown Community Centre, Johnny Isaac Contractors, Dan’s Bakery, Uncle John’s Ice Cream, Colin Peters, Debbie Yon, Port Control and the SHG Communications Hub.
The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, and we were inspired by your enthusiasm and support. Events like these are invaluable for strengthening community ties, promoting safety awareness, and encouraging the next generation of first responders.
Thank you once again for your participation and unwavering support. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and serving you with the highest level of dedication and professionalism.”
Photos
The Emergency Services Team
Fire and Rescue Service Stall
GIS Stall
Participants were invited to board the Sea Rescue boat
Rescue demonstration
Ambulance Team
Members of the Sea Rescue Team
Members of the Royal St Helena Police
Members of the Police and GIS Teams
A participant engaging with Police equipment
The Fire Truck Pull Challenge, carried out by the Ambulance Team
Children in the audience were also given a turn to attempt the Fire Truck Pull Challenge
The Medical Laboratory Team
#StHelena #EmergencyServices #OpenDay
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK is inviting nominations from St Helena for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships tenable from September to October 2026. St Helena is invited to nominate one (1) candidate for consideration by the CSC for Master’s study. Please note, a nomination does not in any way guarantee selection or placement.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change and who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
The CSC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates.
The CSC is committed to supporting outreach activities and providing additional investment for scholarships for people with disabilities and in subject areas related to the rights of people with disabilities. For further information on the support available to candidates with a disability, please see the CSC disability support statement at https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/csc-disability-support-statement
These scholarships are offered under six development themes:
1. Science and technology for development
2. Strengthening health systems and capacity
3. Promoting global prosperity
4. Strengthening global peace, security and governance
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
6. Access, inclusion and opportunity
Full candidate eligibility requirements are available at http://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
How to Apply:
- Candidates must apply using the CSC’s online application system which can be found on the CSC website. Each scholarship has a ‘How to apply’ section which will have information and guidance on the application process and the link to the online application system. The CSC is unable to accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system. Applications open on 2 September and close on 14 October 2025.
- Persons seeking further information can contact Angela Benjamin Head of Lifelong Learning at the Education Learning Centre, Jamestown, via email to angela.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone on +290 22607 or +290 53122 by no later than 30 September 2025 to avoid any delays with meeting the closing date deadline.
The Scholarship Awards Committee is the official nominating body for Commonwealth Scholarships and will decide on a suitable nomination based on the set criteria. The CSC will make the final selection of candidates.