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The Liberated African Advisory Committee (LAAC) is proud to announce the launch of The Portrait Gallery- Stories of the Face, an exhibition commemorating the third anniversary of the reburial of Liberated Africans at Rupert’s Valley. The exhibition officially opened on Friday, 2 August 2025, and is a collaboration between Assistant Professor Andreana Cunningham, Boston University, the Museum of St Helena, and the St Helena National Trust, with support from the St Helena Tourist Office.
The exhibition features powerful portraits of three individuals from the Rupert’s Valley burial ground, created by Saint/Saint-descended artists in collaboration with a bioarchaeologist (who studies skeletal remains of the historic past). These portraits are a result of a unique process that merges scientific accuracy with artistic interpretation. Using methods of facial reconstruction traditionally used in forensic identification, the artists have brought to life what these individuals may have looked like, offering a poignant and personal way to honour their memory.
The Portrait Gallery highlights the importance of using both science and art to understand and commemorate the past. It shows that the act of creating a portrait can be a meaningful and respectful way to give a face to those who were once forgotten. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the history of the Liberated Africans on St Helena and the significance of their final resting place.
Helena Bennett, Director of the St Helena National Trust and Chairperson of the LAAC, commented:
“This exhibition is a testament to the collaborative spirit of St Helena and our shared commitment to preserving our history. By blending art and science, we are able to connect with these individuals on a deeply human level by giving them an identity and ensuring their stories are told.”
The Portrait Gallery is open to the public at the Museum of St Helena in Jamestown until 30 August 2025. The exhibition is an essential part of the ongoing efforts to honour the history and legacy of the Liberated Africans of St Helena.
Photos
Collaborators in the project (left to right): Assistant Professor and bioarchaeologist Andreana Cunningham, artist and St Helena Tourist Office representative – Sophia Joshua, SHNT representatives and LAAC members Shelley Magellan-Wade and Helena Bennett, artist Anna Henry, Museum of St Helena Director Adam Sizeland and artist Sophie Gresswell
Artists who participated in the project: Craig Peters, Sophia Joshua, Sophie Gresswell, Andreana Cunningham and Anna Henry
Attendees at the launch viewing the exhibition
Some of the artwork on display
#StHelena #MuseumofStHelena #LiberatedAfricans
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A paediatric first aid course was recently held at the Sea Rescue Base in Rupert’s, run by Rae Dickie-Clark and Armand Brits, both Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) within the Ambulance Service.
The term ‘Paediatric First Aid’ is used to refer to the skills and knowledge required to provide effective first aid to children, which is anyone under the age of 16. The course was free of charge and was open to parents, grandparents and carers so they could better respond to a child in distress if needed. The course covered recognition of life-threatening conditions, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for infant and child, choking, how to recognise the signs of concussion, burns and the use of an AED.
Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager, said:
“I’m really pleased that our team volunteered to deliver the Paediatric First Aid Course. Education is just as vital as emergency response as it equips people with the knowledge to recognise when help is needed and gives them the confidence to provide basic care before an ambulance arrives. That early action can make a real difference in outcomes, especially in paediatric emergencies where time is critical and people often feel very distressed.
This course gives members of the public the chance to learn practical skills, ask questions, and build their understanding of what to do in an emergency. It also gives us, as an ambulance service, the chance to connect with the community in a different way. We’re able to answer their concerns, build trust, and break down barriers between the public and emergency services.
Taking up opportunities like this is important. It supports prevention, strengthens our relationship with the community, and helps people feel more prepared and confident to act when it matters most. Thank you to those who attended, and to the EMTs who gave up their free time to deliver the course.”
Anel O’Bey, Deputy Emergency Planning Manager, thanked everyone who took part in the day. Emergency Planning is looking forward to continue organising similar courses in the near future, which will further increase the island’s response capacity.
Photos
Participants and trainers at the course
EMT, Rae Dickie-Clark demonstrating care on a dummy baby
Rae, demonstrating how to respond to a person in distress due to choking
Rae and fellow EMT, Armand Brits, demonstrating how to use an AED
Armand, instructing trainees how to deliver CPR on an infant using a dummy
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The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce that Mansiel Falqueza has been awarded a Chevening Scholarship. Mansiel has been accepted at the Coventry University to study for a Master’s degree in Nursing for a period of one year.
Mansiel has worked as a Staff Nurse at the General Hospital since 2019 and has recently covered Oncology.
Mansiel stated
“As I prepare to embark on my MSc in Nursing at Coventry University, I am eager to immerse myself in a programme that focuses on contemporary perspectives of care, nursing issues, research and leadership. More than anything, I look forward to connecting with fellow scholars in the healthcare sector, exchanging insights, and sharing aspirations. Chevening’s extraordinary global network offers a unique platform to build lasting relationships, foster collaboration, and inspire collective change—an opportunity I am deeply honoured to be part of.”
Chevening Scholarships are fully funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations and offers first class a study in the UK.
The Chevening programme is aimed at developing leaders and influencers, and those who want to make positive change in their community/country. Chevening allows individuals to grow personally and professionally, through a programme of bespoke events and activities, whilst gaining a prestigious and internationally recognised qualification. Over 1000 scholarships have been awarded this year worldwide.
Applications are now open for the next round of scholarships and will close on 7 October 2025.
For more information on applying visit www.chevening.org or alternatively contact Kerry Lane, Chevening Officer in the Governor’s Office at Kerry.Lane@fcdo.gov.uk
Photo :
Successful Candidate – Mansiel Falqueza
Governor’s Office, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
5 August 2025
The St Helena Government (SHG) is responding to recent media queries regarding the activities of the fishing vessel, St Albatros, which has been operating within St Helena’s fisheries. This statement is issued to provide clarity on the vessel’s licensing and to update the public on the status of its operations and recent reports.
The St Albatros is licensed to undertake both commercial and exploratory fishing in St Helena’s waters. The vessel was fishing under the terms of a licence issued by the Chief Fisheries Officer. Under the provisions of the Fisheries Ordinance 2021, it is possible for a foreign vessel to obtain a licence.
As part of SHG’s oversight procedures, an SHG Fisheries Observer was on board the St Albatros, throughout its recent fishing trip, maintaining daily communication with our Marine Enforcement Section.
One of the conditions of the fishing licence requires the vessel to have a fully functioning Automatic Identification System (AIS) in place to aid the tracking and identification of the vessel whilst at sea. The St Albatros is equipped with an AIS, however on the return of the vessel from fishing, the vessel owner advised SHG the vessel had being experiencing problems with its AIS during its fishing trip which impacted its ability to be tracked during the entire trip. As a result, he would be seeking guidance on its repair before undertaking any further fishing
Following the completion of the fishing trip, the vessel owner and Vessel Registry Authority in SA advised SHG that the St Albatros had been de-registered in SA at the request of the vessel owner. As part of this de-registration process, the vessel’s owner is required to remove all previous registry status from the vessel’s GPS, AIS, and other transmitting systems, as well as the physical registry markings on the vessel itself. This is a critical step to ensure the vessel is not interpreted as claiming to be flagged to a country where it is no longer registered.
We have received reports concerning potential breaches of international maritime law by the St Albatros and are looking into the matter. To ensure a comprehensive and impartial review, we are seeking expert advice from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the UK.
We are committed to protecting our marine environment and upholding international standards, and we will keep the public informed of the findings of the investigation when they become available.
#StHelena #Maritime #Fisheries
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St Helena Secondary School today announced an upcoming refresh and relaunch of its house system, set to officially launch in September 2026. This development was shared with students this morning during a special assembly led by Physical Education (PE) Teacher, Mrs Christine Caswell.
The current house system, comprising Cavendish, Dutton, Jenkins, and Mundens, has been a long-standing tradition fostering team spirit and community within the school. However, with the current student body numbering fewer than 200, challenges have arisen in forming competitive teams for sports and other house-based activities.
To address these challenges and ensure a more balanced and engaging experience for all students, the Senior Leadership Team, with support from the PE teachers, proposed a reduction in the number of houses from four to three. This proposal has been approved by the Portfolio Advisory Board. Rather than simply eliminating one of the existing houses, the school will introduce three entirely new houses.
The transition will involve a comprehensive student-led process to select new house names and mascots. Students will actively participate in this decision-making over the coming weeks, with their ideas shaping the identity of the new houses.
The Portfolio Advisory Board has committed to supporting this transition, generously agreeing to provide every student with a new house t-shirt free of charge, along with other branded items like banners, to help cultivate pride and identity within the new house structure.
The upcoming academic year (2025–2026) will be the final year for the current house system, with students continuing to participate in events under Cavendish, Dutton, Jenkins, and Mundens. Ahead of the September 2026 launch, all students will be allocated to one of the new houses, with careful consideration given to sporting ability to ensure balanced and fair teams.
The school believes this refresh will be a positive step forward, enhancing student engagement and fostering a strong sense of community within the new house system.
#StHelena #AltogetherBetterForChildren&YoungPeople
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The St Helena Government wishes to give notice that it has received an investment proposal for the development of Mundens and its surrounding land, comprising approximately 20 acres. This significant parcel of land boasts former military fortifications, historic buildings, and diverse coastal terrain, offering an exceptional blend of historical, cultural, and strategic importance.
As a result, on 17 June 2025, the Executive Council approved the addition of Mundens to SHG’s disposal register. In its commitment to ensuring best value and exploring all potential options, SHG is now offering developers and investors an opportunity to submit further development proposals. This is a unique opportunity to unlock a site with immense potential.
We are seeking serious submissions that demonstrate, a clear concept and vision for the site, a business plan, and a defined project financing strategy. Crucially, all proposals must align with the island’s Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Gina Henry, Crown Estates Officer at Gina.Henry@sainthelena.gov.sh or visit https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/portfolios/economic-development-portfolio/property/ to download the full Request for Proposals and supporting information.
Closing date for submissions is 29 August 2025, proposals received after this deadline will not be considered.
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 received for St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are for the ‘Order of the British Empire’. Awards given to the territories under this Order are usually (from lowest to highest conferring level): A British Empire Medal (BEM), Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Visit https://www.gov.uk/honours/types-of-honours-and-awards to read about 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:
- What has been the personal impact of the nominee’s work?
- Is the service voluntary?
- How is it exceptional in nature?
- Is the person still active in the service or was their service recent?
- Have they overcome obstacles or challenges that might make their achievement more significant and if so, what were they?
- How have their achievements or contribution led to them being recognised as a good role model?
- What support for, and evidence of their achievements or contribution is there?
- Is the proposed level of award commensurate with the work the person has done?
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
15 July 2025
On 10 June 2025, Executive Council approved the Stamp Duties Order 2025, introducing key amendments to the Schedule of the Stamp Duties Ordinance, 1987. These changes came into effect on 03 July 2025, and form part of the St Helena Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the island’s revenue base while supporting permanent residency and home ownership. The revised stamp duty framework aligns with the goals and objectives of the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023–2033.
Key amendments include:
Introduces Stamp duty on low value land transfers
A stamp duty of 2.5% will now apply to all land transfers for value or consideration up to £10,000, which were previously exempt. This amendment is intended to broaden the duty base and enhance local revenue collection.
To support affordability and promote first-time homeownership, first-time buyers of Crown property will continue to benefit from a 60% reduction in purchase price, in accordance with the Property Disposal and Purchase Policy 2024. This targeted support helps to mitigate any potential impact of the new duty on lower-value transactions, and reflects the Government’s continued commitment to encouraging local homeownership.
Improved Access to 0% Stamp Duty Exemption for First-Time Homeowners
Purchasers wishing to make St Helena their primary home will continue to benefit from 0% stamp duty on residential property purchases up to a value of £100,000. To make this exemption more accessible, the following changes have been made:
- Purchasers with St Helenian status are no longer required to meet a qualifying residency period prior to claiming the exemption; and
- The definition of first-time home ownership has been simplified in that purchasers now only need to demonstrate that they have not previously owned any property on St Helena.
Together, these changes make it easier for more people, particularly returning St Helenians and first-time buyers, to access the benefits of homeownership on St Helena.
Commitment to Residency Requirement
To retain the 0% exemption, purchasers are required to reside on the island for at least five years from the date of purchasing their primary home, spending at least 300 days per year on St Helena during that period.
Where this condition is not met, the previously exempt stamp duty will become payable at a rate of 2.5%. Certain exceptions will be considered, such as in cases of extended overseas medical treatment or other exceptional circumstances.
The Stamp Duties Order 2025 reflects Government’s broader commitment to making St Helena a place where people choose to live, work, and build their future.
#StHelena #StampDutiesOrdinance
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On 27 June 2025, Executive Council approved amendments to the Social Security Regulations 2011. These changes aim to clarify and address issues identified with respect to Income Related Benefits (IRB) and the Basic Island Pension (BIP), with the aim of ensuring a fairer and more responsive system for beneficiaries.
The agreed amendments cover several crucial areas:
- Income Related Benefits (IRB) while Overseas: For Category 3 claimants only, IRB will now be paid for up to 30 days when overseas, after which payments will cease.
- Medical Referral Stipend Disregarded: The stipend received by individuals from the Health & Social Care Portfolio during overseas medical referrals will not immediately affect their IRB. However, their IRB will be reduced to 30% of their usual amount after 42 days.
- Hospitalisation on Island (IRB): When hospitalised on St Helena, IRB will be reduced to 30% of the individual’s entitlement after 42 days.
- Basic Island Pension (BIP) During Hospitalisation: Payments of the Basic Island Pension (BIP) will continue for individuals hospitalised on the island beyond the current 42-day rule.
- IRB and Residential Care: IRB for an individual will be removed after 42 days in formal residential care where all living costs are met by the care provider.
- Young Parents and IRB Entitlement: A parent aged under 19 with a child, who is still in full-time government-provided education, will be treated as an independent family unit entitled to IRB.
- Encouraging Part-Time Work: The current £10 per week disregard under Regulation 8 for earnings whether full, part time or casual, will be increased to £30 per week and is designed to encourage part-time working.
- Disregard of Homes for IRB Clients: If IRB clients temporarily live with a relative, friend, or in respite care due to health or social reasons (not by choice), their main home will not be counted when calculating their family’s income for IRB for up to six months.
- Disregard of Other Immoveable Property for IRB Applicants: If an IRB applicant has other immovable property (not their primary residence) that cannot be immediately liquidated or derive an income from (rented), the property can be disregarded for up to six months, during which time the applicant can take appropriate action to dispose of the asset or make alternative arrangements. If the property is still held after six months, IRB payments will cease.
- Disregard of Compensation payments: A compensation payment received by an IRB client in relation to a personal injury will be disregarded, provided the compensation is held separately from all other assets.
Basic Island Pension Increase
Furthermore, as part of the 2025/26 Budget process, Ministers agreed and announced an increase in the basic rate of the Basic Island Pension (BIP) from £80.60 to £85.00 per week. This increase reinforces the Government’s commitment to supporting the island’s pensioners. All those in receipt of the BIP will receive an individual letter from the Benefits Office setting out their new weekly amount.
These changes came into effect from 1 July 2025. If anyone has questions relating to the implementation of these change they are encouraged to contact the Benefits Office on 22605 for further information.
#StHelena #SocialSecurityRegulations #Amendments
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SHG has announced that new Regulations under the Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Ordinance 2020, are now ready for adoption and are set to commence on 01 October 2025. This marks a significant step towards the full implementation of the Fixed Penalties system.
The Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Ordinance, 2020, was passed by the previous Legislative Council to streamline the handling of certain minor offenses (such as parking offences). An initial version of the Regulations required to introduce Fixed Penalties was approved by the Executive Council on 14 June 2022. However, these regulations were quickly identified as not being fit for purpose and were therefore not enacted.
Following a comprehensive review and period of consideration, new, robust regulations, specifically The Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2025, have been prepared and are ready to be brought into force. The Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2022, will be revoked.
In parallel with the development of the Fixed Penalties Ordinance, an important amendment to the Police and Criminal Evidence Ordinance 2003, relating to criminal records (Section 62A), was passed in 2019. This amendment was designed to modernise criminal record keeping by shifting the requirement to record all convictions to only recording convictions for imprisonable offenses (unless specifically exempted) and any other identified offenses. Despite being passed, this amendment has not yet been brought into force.
The 2019 amendment also provides for the creation of regulations to govern various aspects of the criminal records database, including:
- When certain non-imprisonable offenses do or do not need to be recorded.
- When certain imprisonable offenses do not need to be recorded.
- How the criminal records database will be set up and maintained.
- How people can ask for information from the criminal records database.
- How information from the criminal records database can be shared when requested.
SHG remains committed to enhancing the efficiency and fairness of the criminal justice system and will provide further updates on the commencement of the criminal records amendment in due course.
#StHelena #CriminalJustice #FixedPenaltiesOrdinance