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Nominations are now being invited for the following awards.
UK STATE AWARDS – 2026 BIRTHDAY HONOURS
Honours are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement or for any service carried out over and above what normally is expected. This can include making a difference to the community or in a specific field of work, innovation and entrepreneurship, improving life for people less able to help themselves and displaying moral courage. Where possible, nominations should place emphasis on voluntary services and the service must be recent. Nominees must not be made aware they are being put forward for an award.
To find out more about the different types of Honours Awards please visit: www.gov.uk/honours
CERTIFICATE AND BADGE OF HONOUR
This award is presented to public servants on behalf of St Helena Government for loyal and valuable service worthy of recognition or, in the case of other persons, for their loyal and meritorious conduct that has provided exceptional benefit to the people of St Helena. Nominees should be residents of St Helena, either being born on the Island or have been residing on St Helena for not less than ten years prior to the date of the award.
ACT OF BRAVERY AWARD
This award is presented to individuals who have shown a clear display of moral courage and bravery in adverse situations.
THE BADGE OF ST HELENA
This award is available to both St Helenians and non-St Helenians. It is of a higher status than the Certificate and Badge of Honour. The Badge of St Helena recognises exceptional service provided by individuals or organisations who make significant contribution to St Helena’s development or by supporting and/or enhancing social, cultural, economic, environmental improvement or the understanding of St Helena internationally.
FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF JAMESTOWN
This award is symbolic in nature and is the highest-level of local government award that can be conferred. It is awarded to both St Helenians and non-St Helenians whose achievements are significantly admirable and highly worthy of distinctive recognition. Those who receive this award will have made an outstanding contribution that is of huge national impact to St Helena and its citizens and will have served the best interests of the Island.
Nomination forms for all of the above awards, are available from Central Support Service at the Castle, Jamestown, or can be requested via email: linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Completed forms should be returned to the Castle in a sealed envelope marked ‘Confidential’ addressed to ‘The Secretary, Honours and Awards Committee’, by Friday, 31 October 2025.
SHG
24 September 2025
Following the recent announcement of the Ministerial Team, the remaining seven Councillors have now confirmed district representation across the Island. This important step will help strengthen engagement between Councillors and the communities we serve.
We are pleased to announce the following district representatives:
| Councillor | District Represented | Contact Details |
| Cllr. Ronald Coleman | Levelwood | ronald.coleman@parliament.sh Tel No: + 290 24250 |
| Cllr. Derek Thomas | Half-Tree-Hollow | derek.thomas@parliament.sh Tel No: + 290 23647 (H) Mobile No: + 290 66907 (M) |
| Cllr. Robert Midwinter | St. Pauls | robert.midwinter@parliament.sh Mobile No: + 290 51500 |
| Cllr. Dr Corinda Essex | Jamestown | corinda.essex@parliament.sh Tel No: + 290 22038 |
| Cllr. Dennis Leo | Longwood | dennis.leo@parliament.sh Mobile No: + 290 67109 |
| Cllr. Julie Thomas | Alarm Forest | julie.thomas@parliament.sh Mobile No: + 290 61920 |
| Cllr. Clint Beard | Blue Hill & Sandy Bay | clint.beard@parliament.sh Tel No: + 290 22351 Mobile No: + 290 64837 |
While each Councillor has been assigned to a district, members of the public are welcome to contact any Councillor of their choice. However, we encourage you to build a relationship with your nominated representative to ensure continuity and strong local connections.
In the coming weeks, Councillors will also announce the areas of interest and working groups they will be championing. This will provide further clarity on how responsibilities are shared and how your representatives will advocate for community priorities.
Your Councillors remain committed to strengthening relationships with you, our constituents, engaging openly on issues that matter, and improving communication.
As Elected Members, it is our responsibility and privilege to represent you – the people of St Helena
Legislative Council
24 September 2025
St Helena Government (SHG) are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Andrew Duncan as the new Attorney General (AG).
Mr Duncan will arrive on the island this weekend and will be officially sworn into office on Thursday 2 October 2025.
SHG wishes to express its thanks to Mr Andrew Dawson for his services as the interim Attorney General.
#StHelena #AttorneyGeneral
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
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