St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce that Executive Council has approved the SHG Vision and Strategy 2026–2029, setting out a clear direction for Government over the next three years and a long-term plan to build a stronger, more resilient future for the island.
The Strategy has been developed since the formation of the new Government and has been shaped by the views and experiences of St Helenians and residents, including Elected Members, the Public Service, local businesses, young people and the voluntary and community sector.
It recognises that St Helena is a unique and special place, with a strong community, a rich heritage and extraordinary natural environment. However, it also acknowledges the significant challenges facing the island, including a declining and ageing population, workforce shortages, rising living costs, pressure on health and social care, fragile infrastructure and the increasing cost of delivering public services.
The Strategy sets out a realistic plan to stabilise today’s challenges, reform the systems that support our community, and create the conditions for sustainable, locally driven growth.
At its heart, the Strategy is about creating the conditions for people to choose St Helena as a place to live, work, learn, visit, raise a family, invest and build their future. It recognises that long-term prosperity cannot be achieved by Government alone, but through partnership with businesses, community organisations, investors and residents.
The Strategy is built around three connected themes:
- Stabilising the Population and Labour Market – without people nothing else works – we need to create the conditions for people to stay, return and contribute to the island’s future.
- Protecting Living Standards and Core Services – safeguarding essential public services while improving prevention, resilience and value for money.
- Enabling Sustainable, Locally Driven Growth – supporting businesses, investment, infrastructure and economic opportunities that create jobs while protecting the island’s natural environment.
These themes are supported by nine cross-government priorities that focus on improving health and wellbeing, strengthening education and skills, investing in infrastructure and utilities, growing the economy, protecting living standards, safeguarding the environment and ensuring Government is transparent, accountable and financially sustainable. Progress will be measured through clear performance indicators and reported publicly through regular quarterly performance updates.
Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks, said:
“This Strategy is about rebuilding confidence in St Helena’s future.
We know the challenges our island face. We have a shrinking population, increasing pressures on public services, rising costs and infrastructure that needs investment. If we continue as we are, these pressures will only become greater.
“This Strategy is our commitment to address those challenges honestly and responsibly. It sets out how we will first stabilise the issues that matter most to people, reform the way Government works and invest in the foundations needed to grow our economy and strengthen our communities.
Our priorities are clear: protecting essential services, investing in our young people, supporting businesses, improving infrastructure, safeguarding our environment and building a Government that is open, accountable and focused on delivering results.
Government cannot deliver the Strategy alone. Success will require partnership across Government, businesses, community organisations and residents. By working together, we can build confidence in our future and create a St Helena that future generations are proud to call home.”
The full SHG Vision and Strategy 2026–2029 is available on the St Helena Government website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/shg-vision-strategy-2026-29/
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