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A meeting of the Police and Crime Panel took place on Thursday, 05 March 2026.

A recording of this meeting, which was also live-streamed, is now available for viewing via the SHG YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638

The report summary can be found on the SHG Website: The Royal St Helena Police Service | St Helena Government

Printed versions of the report summary and the full report are available to read at the Library and the Customer Service Centre in Jamestown.

For more information, please contact the Temporary Director of Police, Kevin Weir, by telephone on (00290) 22626 or via email through kevin.weir@sainthelena.gov.sh

#StHelena #RSHP #PoliceandCrimePanel

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SHG

11 March 2026

The St Helena Government (SHG) today announced the launch of a Business Support Scheme to provide financial relief to tourism-sector businesses directly affected by the temporary closure of St Helena Airport in February.

Background

On Friday, 6 February 2026, St Helena Airport was unable to operate under normal conditions. Unfortunately, the airport could not provide the ICAO Rescue and Firefighting Category 6 required to support the scheduled Airlink service.

This situation led to four flights being cancelled before Category 6 was restored. The interruption had an immediate and significant impact on the tourism sector, particularly for businesses reliant on visitor arrivals.

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is open to businesses that are incorporated or normally domiciled in St Helena, operating in one of the following sectors:

To qualify, businesses must be able to demonstrate that a confirmed booking or contract was directly affected by the airport closure, and that this resulted in a loss of guaranteed profit. Supporting evidence will be required as part of the application.

What Support Is Available?

Once an application has been approved SHG will provide assistance to affected businesses.

Support options approved by Executive Council are:

These schemes provide businesses with both immediate relief and confidence going forward. Businesses may apply for one or both types of support.

Minister for Economic Development, Environment, Natural Resources and Planning, Karl Thrower, stated:

“This scheme demonstrates SHG’s commitment to supporting our private sector through extraordinary circumstances. We recognise the very real impact this disruption has had on businesses and the livelihoods that depend on them, and we want to act quickly and fairly.”

How to Apply

Application forms are available on request from Head of Trade and Investment, Michael Ormrod, by telephone on 22470 or via email at invest@sainthelena.gov.sh. Completed application forms and supporting documents must be submitted to the SHG Trade and Investment Team by Thursday 9 April 2026.

If you believe you may be eligible, please get in touch as soon as possible.

#StHelena #BusinessSupportScheme

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Since early 2026, South Africa has been experiencing an escalation of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks with cases now experienced across all nine provinces. Urgent steps are being taken by the South African Government to curb the outbreak through mass vaccination, implementing a livestock identification, traceability system, managing movement controls alongside expanding diagnostic capability and awareness campaigns. On 13 February 2026 authorities in South Africa classified the FMD outbreak as a national disaster under the Disaster Management Act 2002.

The St Helena Resilience Forum has discussed a veterinary risk assessment by the Senior Veterinary Officer for the island in light of this situation in South Africa and have supported preliminary proposals to protect St Helena, which are aligned with applying the precautionary principle to reduce the risk of the disease reaching St Helena.

Relying on South Africa’s measures will not minimise the risk to the island’s livestock and St Helena needs to implement its own measures to prevent the introduction of the virus into the island.

The Executive Council has approved the prohibition on the importation of live animals and their germplasm and meat products and dairy products from cloven-hoofed animals originating from South Africa. We are applying the precautionary principle to protect St Helena.

What is being prohibited?

This below prohibition applies only to products (i) originating from, (ii) produced in, or (iii) repackaged in South Africa.

The following imports are prohibited until further notice:

The prohibition comes into effect for imports by sea for all arrivals after voyage V261702 of the MV Karoline (scheduled for 10 March 2026), and for imports by air for all arrivals after 10 March 2026.

The ban does not include tinned meats which are normally treated and sterilised, and UHT (boxed ) milk.

In addition to the prohibition on imports, additional biosecurity measures will be put in place pre-border for passengers travelling to the island and at our seaport and the airport to reduce the risk to St Helena.  At the airport, measures will be implemented to reduce the risk from small meat and dairy product imports as well as passengers’ clothing and footwear that might be contaminated from visits to locations with animals through farm or safari excursions. This will include examination and cleaning of used clothing and footwear as may be necessary.

It is not known how long this ban and implementation of additional biosecurity measures will continue, however, the Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio (ENRP) will monitor the situation and make further announcements as changing news becomes available.

To protect the island, ENRP have been working with the island’s importers to discuss their food orders from South Africa and proposals for a prohibition to reduce the risk of the disease reaching the island.

Inevitably, the ban on the above imports and additional biosecurity measures will result in some inconvenience to importers and the general public. The community is thanked in advance for their cooperation in helping to protect our island.

If you require further information please contact:

Alternatively, all officers can be contacted on telephone 24724.

Further information will be provided.

Note to Editors

FMD is a highly contagious, acute viral disease of cloven hooved animals (including pigs, cattle, sheep and goats) characterised by formation of vesicles and erosions in the mouth, nose, feet and teats. The virus is present in all secretions and excretions from infected animals.  Although FMD carries a low animal death rate for these animals the economic impact on the productivity of recovered animals, especially cattle, is severe, which is why the disease is treated so seriously.

Although humans can get FMD, it is rare and mild and depends on the strain. Humans can carry the virus for two to three days.

#StHelena #FootandMouthDisease

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An Extraordinary Meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 06 March 2026.

The agenda for the meeting was as follows:

CLOSED AGENDA

  1. Declaration of Interest
  2. Business Support Scheme – Airport Closure February 2026 (ExCo Memo 07/2026)
  3. Prohibiting the Importation of live Cloven-Hoofed Animals, Germplasm, Meat and Meat Products and Dairy Products from Cloven-Hoofed Animals Originating from South Africa to Reduce the Risk of Foot and Mouth Disease reaching St Helena (ExCo Memo 08/2026)

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:

1. Declaration of Interest

    The Chief Minister declared her interest in item 3. as her husband owns a farming business, and, together with his business partner, he is an importer for a wholesale and retail business.

    Minister Thrower was nominated to advise the Governor on item 3.

    2. Business Support Scheme – Airport Closure February 2026 (ExCo Memo 07/2026)

      Executive Council considered and approved the Business Support Scheme for businesses directly affected by the exceptional circumstances caused by the Airport Major Incident of February 2026, which recognises the immediate and significant impacts it has had on businesses reliant on visitor access and associated economic activity.

      The scheme will provide support for businesses directly affected by the airport closure in the form of an interest-free loan and/or SHG pre-purchase of services, subject to eligibility and assessment.

      3. Prohibiting the Importation of live Cloven-Hoofed Animals, Germplasm, Meat and Meat Products and Dairy Products from Cloven-Hoofed Animals Originating from South Africa to Reduce the Risk of Foot and Mouth Disease reaching St Helena (ExCo Memo 08/2026)

      Executive Council approved the prohibition on the importation and landing of live animals and their germplasm, meat and meat products and non-UHT dairy products originating in South Africa from cloven-hoofed animals and will be implemented in line with the prohibition recommended below.

      The Customs (Export and Import Control) Regulations, 1988 be amended through revision of its First Schedule to make provision for the prohibited imports.

      This prohibition will come into force with effect from Saturday 7 March 2026 and applies to—

      (a) imports by sea, arrivals after voyage V261702 of MV Karoline (scheduled for 10 March 2026);

      (b) imports by air, arrivals after 10 March 2026.

      Guidance will be provided to all officials involved in managing the prohibition at all ports of entry.

      SHG is aware that people travelling to, from or via the Middle East will be concerned about the ongoing conflict. The situation is changing rapidly. In the first instance you should access the FCDO travel advice website at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for up-to-date information. Stay in close contact with your airline, if you have travel planned, as schedules and routes may change at short notice.

      The wider impact on St Helena will depend on the duration and nature of the conflict and is currently hard to predict. However, we can assure those on island that we secured our next fuel shipment prior to the conflict starting and before an increase in world oil prices. This shipment is due in late March and will fully replenish our supplies.

      Due to an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in South Africa, which is being treated as a national emergency there, we must restrict the importation of cloven-hoofed animals and animal products. This applies where the product originates from, is produced in, or is repackaged in South Africa. There are some exceptions, such as fully cooked items, tinned meats and UHT milk (subject to conditions). Changes will apply to air imports from 10 March and after the March arrival of the MV Karoline for sea freight.  A separate press release will provide more details.

      Please DO NOT change your buying behaviour as a result of these issues. This adversely affects the supply chain and presents a risk to the most vulnerable in society, who may rely on buying food and fuel in small quantities, when they need it, rather than being able to buy in bulk. Please consider others, as well as yourselves.

      As always, the remoteness which makes our island so unique also presents challenges. These are nothing new and we will continue to work collaboratively to see them through. SHG will keep you updated about any significant changes.

      #StHelena #WorldEvents

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      What are Honours Awards?

      The UK State Awards known as Honours Awards are prestigious awards conferred by HM The King.  These awards recognise people who have made outstanding contributions to public life, or who have significantly enhanced the UK’s reputation and interests.  To be considered, achievements must be truly exceptional, demonstrating a commitment that goes well beyond the expected. Nominees should have made a lasting, positive impact, with benefits that extend widely across the community or a specific sector.

      Who can be nominated?

      Anyone can nominate someone for an Honour.  There are no restrictions on who can be nominated.  You cannot, however, nominate yourself. 

      The Honours system is committed to promoting diversity and nominations are actively encouraged for individuals from all backgrounds and ethnicities.  Nominations are not limited to any specific individuals or groups within society.

      When can someone be nominated?

      There is no fixed length of time which should have elapsed before an honour can be made, but the service should be recent or whilst an individual is still active in their role. Particular weight is given to voluntary work, which can be the central reason for the nomination or as an additional contribution.

      Some examples of fields where Honours have been given in the past are community and voluntary local services, arts and media, health, sport, education, science and technology, and conservation etc

      Types of Honours

      There are many different Orders and Levels of Awards, but usually nominations invited for St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are for the ‘Order of the British Empire’.  The typical level under this Order are from lowest to highest: A British Empire Medal (BEM), Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Visit  https://www.gov.uk/honours/types-of-honours-and-awards to read about the full range of awards available what level of achievement qualifies for each level of Honour.

      Submitting Strong Nominations

      Nominations for Honours Awards are invited by the St Helena Public Service twice per year – Usually in May (for the New Years Honours), and in November (for the Kings Birthday Honours).  A strong nomination should include the following:

      If you would like to nominate someone, please contact  Linda Benjamin, Information & Research Support Officer at Linda.Benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh for a nomination form. 

      Governor’s Office, St Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha

      6 March 2026

      A meeting of the Police and Crime Panel will take place on Thursday, 05 March 2026, from 13:00 to 14:30. This meeting will be held at the conference room in Customs House, Jamestown, and will be live streamed via the SHG YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638

      The agenda will include a Police and Crime Panel report from the Temporary Director of Police and a question and answer (QA) section from the panel.

      The report summary can be found on the SHG Website: The Royal St Helena Police Service | St Helena Government

      For more information, please contact the Temporary Director of Police, Kevin Weir, by telephone on (00290) 22626 or by email through kevin.weir@sainthelena.gov.sh

      A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 24 February 2026.
      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 27 January 2026
      3. Matters Arising from Minutes of 27 January 2026
      4. Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 6 February 2026
      5. Matters Arising from Minutes of 6 February 2026
      6. Ship Registry Policy, 2026 (ExCo Memo 03/2026)
      7. Policy for Safety of Large St Helena Registered Fishing Vessels and Foreign Registered Fishing Vessels and Regulations, 2026 (ExCo Memo 04/2026)
      8. Income Tax and Customs Duty Changes (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Vaping Products), 2026 (ExCo Memo 05/2026)
      9. Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025/2026 (ExCo Memo 06/2026)
      10. Ministerial Updates on significant issues

      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
      Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of the meetings held on 27 January and 6 February 2026.

      1. Ship Registry Policy, 2026 (ExCo Memo 03/2026)

        Executive Council approved the amendments to the Ship Registry Policy 2024, confirming that the publication of the Ships Registry Policy, 2026 will supersede all previous versions. The agreed will be used to inform the drafting of Ship Registry Regulations under section 16(1) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance, 2021 (MSO).
      2. Policy for Safety of Large St Helena Registered Fishing Vessels and Foreign Registered Fishing Vessels and Regulations, 2026 (ExCo Memo 04/2026)

      Executive Council approved the Policy for the Safety of Large St Helena Registered Fishing Vessels and Foreign Registered Fishing Vessels and approved the Merchant Shipping (Safety of Large St Helena Registered Fishing Vessels and Foreign Registered Fishing Vessels) Regulations, 2026 to take effect on publication.

      This will provide a modern regulatory framework for the survey and certification of large fishing vessels which are, or could be, registered on St Helena’s Ship Registry. As well as address lacunae in the provision for such regulatory framework in St Helena, as previously identified, and observed during the 2025 International Maritime Organisation (IMO) III Code Proxy Audit.

      Executive Council also requested that a cost benefit analysis of the Ships Registry be undertaken.

      1. Income Tax and Customs Duty Changes (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Vaping Products), 2026 (ExCo Memo 05/2026)

      Income Tax
      Executive Council was asked to consider options for changes to the current income tax threshold of £7,000 from 01 April 2026. Executive Council discussed the options at length, noting the budgetary impact.

      Customs Duty Changes (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Vaping Products)
      Executive Council was asked to consider and advise on proposals for changes to the duty on alcohol, tobacco and introduction of an import duty on vaping products from 1 April 2026.

      1. Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025/2026 (ExCo Memo 06/2026)
        Executive Council approved:

      a) the Supplementary Appropriation (2025/26) Bill, 2026 to be printed, published, and presented as Government Business at the next formal meeting of Legislative Council scheduled for 19 March 2026; and
      b) Subject to Legislative Council approving the Supplementary Appropriation (2025/26) Bill, 2026, Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether the Governor should approve the Withdrawal Warrant provided to fund the supplementary appropriation.

      The Supplementary Appropriation (2025/26) Bill, 2026 will be presented to Legislative Council next month.

      1. Ministerial Updates on significant issues
        Executive Council discussed updates on:
        • The Connect Saint Helena Ltd Utilities Licence; and
        • the Airport Major Incident, considerations for transparent investigation.

      Ascension Island Mobile (AIM) has recently launched mobile phone services on Ascension Island. The priority during the network launch has been to ensure that the local island network is up-and-running in advance of Sure South Atlantic exiting on 28 February 2026. There will be some disruption to international calling from Sunday, 1 March. During the transition period, residents in St Helena are advised that residents in Ascension Island may not be able to make or receive international telephone calls or send international SMS (text messages) using landline or mobile voice services.

      Telecoms operators internationally can route phone calls to Ascension Island. AIM recognises the importance of maintaining affordable routes of communication and is actively working with Sure South Atlantic and other global partners to put in place the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.

      As international dialling arrangements may vary by country and provider, callers are advised to contact the intended recipient in advance to confirm the correct number to dial from outside Ascension Island.

      To stay connected, residents are encouraged to use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and social media messaging services as temporary alternative means of communication. Applications such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger should continue to function and can be used for voice calls, video calls and messaging, subject to internet availability.

      #StHelena #Telecoms

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      SHG is pleased to confirm that the major incident regarding airport operations has now been stood down. This follows the return of all three airport fire tenders to full operational status and successful flights to and from St Helena, Ascension and South Africa this week. Normal operations have now resumed.

      Gold Command stands down

      With the airport now operating as normal, the Gold Command Group was formally stood down this morning, with a final briefing which included thanks to all teams involved from the Chief Minister.

      The work of Gold Command was underpinned by the Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command (MAGIC) training undertaken last year, as well as emergency response plan testing overseen by the Emergency Planning Department. This internationally recognised framework ensured that the Major Incident was managed with a high level of coordination.

      A formal multi-agency debrief will be conducted in the forthcoming weeks. This process is designed to identify further improvements to the process and highlight where close multi-agency working was successfully implemented.

      Strengthening resilience and infrastructure

      Whilst the major incident has concluded, further work will continue led by the airport or the relevant portfolio.

      These workstreams include:

      New fire tenders for the airport

      The issues with the airport fire tenders have caused us to speed up our scheduled replacement programme. With thanks to support from the FCDO, we have been able to order two new fire tenders for delivery early in the new financial year.

      Business support

      Work on a support package for local businesses directly impacted by the airport closure continues to progress. More information on this will be available shortly.

       

      Investigation into the incident

      The Governor has previously committed to an investigation to establish the root cause of the airport closure. This is now in the planning phase. More detail will be shared in due course. We remain committed to transparency.

      A message of thanks

      The successful restoration of services in less than two weeks is a testament to the resilience and collective spirit of our community.

      Chief Secretary and Gold Commander, Ian Todd, said:

      “I am extremely grateful to everyone involved for the long hours and hard work put into resolving this incident. That is not just public servants but also the Governor’s Office, Saint Helena Airport Ltd, Solomons and many other individuals and organisations. The teamworking ethos has been exceptional. Our major incident plans have worked effectively, which I hope reassures the public.”

      A passenger affected by the Airport Closure, Lauren Williams, conveyed her thanks:

      “Following the temporary closure of Saint Helena Airport, I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in resolving the situation and restoring flights as quickly as possible. As someone travelling alone, it was a stressful and uncertain time, and I really appreciated the regular updates and clear communication, which helped reassure us and kept us informed throughout.

      I’m also extremely grateful for how well we were looked after in Johannesburg — accommodation, meals, and support were all organised and handled smoothly, which took a huge weight off my shoulders.

      Thanks to the hard work, overtime, and commitment of everyone involved, I was able to return home safely to my family sooner than expected, and I will always be grateful for the care and effort shown during such a difficult situation.”

      #StHelena #AirAccess

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