A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 22 September 2026.

The agenda for the meeting was as follows:

The following items were considered:

1. Declaration of Interest

There were none.

2 – 3. Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes from 8 September 2026.

Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2026.

4. Ship Registry Regulations, 2026 (ExCo Memo 37/2026)

Executive Council considered whether the Ship Registry Regulations, 2026, as presented should be approved and published.

Members noted that the proposed Regulations are designed to give legal effect to the Ship Registry Policy 2026; ensure there is relevant secondary legislation to the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO); implement the Flag State requirements, as described in the Ship Registry Policy 2026, and align with St Helena’s Category 2 Registry status.

The Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations 2026 apply to vessels registered, or seeking registration, on the St Helena Ship Register. The Regulations provide the legal framework for the registration and administration of ships on the Register, including commercial vessels, fishing vessels, pleasure vessels and bareboat charter ships. They do not introduce safety or licensing requirements for domestic vessels operating solely within St Helena’s waters (200nM EEZ); these are being considered separately through the Domestic Vessels Licensing and Safety Standards Policy.

Executive Council supported and approved the Ship Registry Regulations, 2026 effective from 22 September 2026.

5.  Update – British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Agreement/Programme 

Members discussed the BIOT preparedness programme report prepared by the BIOT Project Manager. The report records progress and spend against the programme activities, including the conversion of former Longwood First School and Signal House to provide accommodation in the event of future migrant arrivals, a BIOT response plan, and training for Immigration. The report forms a regular update to Executive Council under the BIOT programme governance framework. Members were pleased to note that the programme activities are largely on track.

Members discussed the timeline for the drafting of the Data Protection Ordinance. A legal drafter has been secured and is expected to be on island in November.

6. Ministerial Updates on Significant Issues

6.1 Minister Thrower sought clarification from members on the documentation that should be shared with ExCo as part of the wider Company Registration and Financial Services reform programme.  The programme comprises a significant body of interconnected policy, regulatory and legislative work. The first draft legislation is being shared with Legislative Council, alongside preparations for public consultation.

Minister Thrower noted that a number of supporting documents will also be produced by the Economic Development Portfolio which may not, individually, require formal approval by ExCo. However, these documents form fundamental parts of the wider programme of work and provide important context for the legislation and other matters that will subsequently require consideration through ExCo and Legislative Council.

Members were therefore asked whether they would find it helpful for all significant documents produced as part of the programme to be circulated to ExCo for information, including those not requiring formal approval. This would allow non-ministerial members in particular to develop a broader understanding of the overall programme and be better informed when considering those elements that subsequently require approval or progression through Council.

6.2 In the light of public concerns regarding fuel prices and food security the Chief Minister highlighted the need for and importance of providing updated information of the work of the fuel and food resilience forum to keep the issues under active review and assessment of action to address these issues. It was suggested that an update on the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in South Africa would be timely to help understand the impacts on St Helena. Minister Brooks confirmed that the Food and Fuel Resilience Forum will be meeting in early October.

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