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The Royal Saint Helena Police are currently investigating the suspected criminal damage of a bench belonging to St Helena Government (SHG). The white bench, which is located next to Mylyns trailer near the Monument at Jamestown seafront, was found on the afternoon of Monday, 26 December 2026, (Boxing Day) to have been damaged and also placed away from its original position.

The public are reminded that it is a criminal offence to cause damage to public or private property. Following the damage, SHG will now need to commit public funds to fix the bench which should have been used for other public services.

If anyone has any information which might assist with this investigation, regardless of how minor it may seem, please contact the police officer of your choice on tel: 22626 or email: cid@sainthelena.gov.sh.

#StHelena #StHelenaPolice #AppealForInformation

SHG
11 January 2023

On Saturday, 14 January 2023, representatives from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will arrive at St Helena to continue Financial Aid Mission (FAM) discussions. The FAM takes place annually, and is an opportunity to review the delivery and effectiveness of the FCDO’s Financial Aid Programme in St Helena.

This is the first in-person FAM since 2019 and the FCDO visit is the second part of this year’s FAM. The first part of the FAM took place remotely in December 2022, with the upcoming visit from FCDO officials providing an opportunity to engage and seek feedback in person from Ministers and Elected Members, government portfolios, the private and third sectors, and members of the public.

The Financial Aid Programme is one of the principal mechanisms that ensures the essential needs of St Helena are met. The 2022-23 Financial Aid Programme is a one year programme with a value of £31.79m. Financial Aid is integrated into SHG’s budget and delivers essential public services and capital investment.

The visit has three key aims:

The FCDO team will be on-Island for one week and have a full schedule of engagements planned.

On the visit, Chief Minister Julie Thomas said:

“These discussions are critical to St Helena and will help us to determine what strategic policies and activities will be possible to implement in the coming years. This Government has set out its priorities in our Strategy and Vision document. Our ambition is to create a sustainable environment that creates opportunity and inspires social and economic progress, ensuring a better quality of life for all. We will be working closely with colleagues in FCDO to ensure that the financial settlement will go some way in enabling us to achieve our targets.”

#StHelena #OverseasDevelopmentAssistance #FinancialAid

SHG

11 January 2023

The following is a Public Announcement from the Royal Saint Helena Police:

The public are advised thata temporary one way system will be in place tomorrow, Thursday 12 January, from 10am to 5pm.

The one way system will be in place in the direction of Gordons Post to Hutts Gate along Tomb Road. Traffic wishing to travel in the opposite direction will be diverted from Hutts Gate to Gordons Post via The Dungeon, as per the map below:

The one way system will be clearly signed and will be removed as soon as no longer required.

The one way system has been put in place in order to more safely manage traffic and ease congestion, given the anticipated increase in vehicle volumes due to the visit of the MV Seven Seas Voyager cruise ship. This is the same process as has been put in place in previous years and is likely to also be a feature during future cruise ship visits.

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the public for their understanding in this matter.

SHG  
11 January 2023

The following is a Public Announcement from Port Control.

The public is advised that the Jamestown Wharf will be closed to all members of the public on Thursday, 12 January 2023, due to the arrival of the cruise ship MV Seven Seas Voyager.

Access to the Jamestown Wharf will be strictly prohibited and is limited only to those who have made prior arrangements with Port Control.

The public is also advised that while MV Seven Seas Voyager is in Port, a 200 meter exclusion zone around the ship must be adhered to by all marine traffic.

SHG
11 January 2023

The hospital can be a stressful place, especially for patients who are attending with injury or illness, but also for visitors and for staff. Most people show the courtesy and patience that is expected when they come to hospital with family or friends. Unfortunately however there have been occasional incidents in which members of healthcare staff have been subject to verbal abuse and threats while they are trying to go about their duties.

No-one should be expected to put up with aggressive behaviour at work, and the Health and Social Care Portfolio will be adopting a zero tolerance approach to abuse of staff. Anyone behaving inappropriately will be required to leave the hospital premises, and in the event of non-compliance or aggravated abuse (for example racial insults or physical abuse) the police may be involved.

Such events are fortunately rare, and we would again like to thank the vast majority of people who treat our staff with respect and understanding.

If patients or visitors have concerns about treatment being received at the hospital, or the actions of healthcare staff, they are encouraged to report this through the appropriate channels and by using the hospital outpatients’ complaints procedure. The complaints form can be provided at the hospital or found on the SHG website through www.sainthelena.gov.sh/public-services/hospital/.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Peter Moss, said:

“We hope that everyone has enjoyed the holidays, and wish you a happy New Year. We would like to thank all those health and social care staff who have been working over the Christmas and New Year period, keeping essential services running and looking after our patients and clients. I am very proud of the commitment and dedication shown by the staff of the Health and Social Care Portfolio, in what are often challenging circumstances, and especially so over the festive period.”

Minister for Health and Social Care, Martin Henry, said:

“Whilst it is understandable that some health matters can be stressful for patients and their families, there is no excuse for abusing staff. Staff are there to provide care and support and should be able to go about their duties with confidence. To that end, a zero tolerance approach to abuse is being implemented and we will not hesitate to ensure this is complied with. Doing so will ensure that staff are able to provide the best level of care possible to patients when they most need it.”

#StHelena #AltogetherHealthier

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SHG
10 January 2023

Following an open procurement exercise conducted in October 2022, SHG has entered into a contract with Ambledale Workshop Ltd of Nr Ladder Hill Rifle Range for the refurbishment of Bishops Bridge. These works will address the structural integrity of the bridge and associated health and safety issues. 

The total value of this contract is £32,258.29 (thirty two thousand, two hundred and fifty eight pounds, twenty nine pence).

Works will commence from Monday, 9January 2023, and are programmed to be completed by end of March 2023. 

During the period of works, Bishops Bridge will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians. Diversion routes will be signposted. Further details will be provided by Ambledale Workshop Ltd. 

The project is being funded under the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) Micro Projects. Executive Council previously agreed a number of smaller Micro Projects under EDIP, which can be implemented relatively quickly with a low total cost and which are not subject to detailed business cases.

The public will be kept informed of progress and are thanked for their understanding during this time.

SHG

5 January 2023

HE Governor Nigel Phillips is pleased to announce the following New Year 2023 Honours Awards as endorsed by His Majesty The King, and to be published in the Overseas and International Honours list on Saturday, 31st December 2022:

Jeremy Terence Roberts

Jeremy Terence Roberts is being recognised for his dedication and commitment to revolutionising Information and Communications Technology (ICT) within the St Helena Government (SHG) and for his contribution towards the sporting community of St Helena.

Jeremy has worked over thirty-eight years in ICT during which time he managed the implementation of various IT systems across government to meet the ever-changing needs of the organisation. Jeremy mentors his team of ICT specialists to deliver to the highest standard and goes over and above the remit of his role to ensure systems function optimally while pushing forward technological advancements for a more efficient St Helena public service.

One of the greatest transformational changes that St Helena will see is the introduction of superfast broadband delivered through the Fibre Optic Cable project.  Jeremy has been at the forefront in delivering the key milestones on this project that will open doors and present a wide range of opportunities key to the island’s future development.  

In addition to his work in ICT, Jeremy is being recognised for his longstanding contribution of over twenty-six years to the sporting community of St Helena. As a member of the St Helena Island Games Association (IGASH) and the National Amateur Sports Association (NASAS), he has been instrumental in supporting athletes in both local and international sporting arenas, coaching and mentoring them to perform to the highest standard and become ambassadors for the island.

Jeremy commented:

‘The aforementioned recognition would not have been possible without the support of my working colleagues and members of my immediate family, who understands in no uncertain terms the challenges that I have had to endure in terms of providing such an important and vital service to the community of St Helena. 

Additionally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to those individuals who nominated me for such a prestigious award.’

James Patrick Glass

James Patrick Glass is being recognised for his dedicated involvement in driving forward the establishment of the internationally acknowledged Tristan da Cunha Marine Protected Zone (MPZ) that was officially announced in October 2020.  This zone covers 90% of Tristan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and totals almost 700,000km2 of strictly protected ocean. This was a massive achievement and huge step towards the UK Government’s objective of protecting the world’s oceans. James is also heavily involved in the wider marine conservation, leading on projects to gather crucial data to monitor the marine environment and to develop protective measures for the various species.

With over twenty years of expert marine knowledge, James has contributed greatly to the sustainability of the Tristan Lobster fishery, which brings in over half of the island’s income.  The lobster fishery is Marine Stewardship Council-certified, due to a great extent of his work.

In addition to his outstanding contribution in establishing the MPZ and the Lobster fishery, James has been an invaluable figure of inspiration and leadership to the people of Tristan having served on the island’s Council for over 30 years, and is currently serving his fifth term as Chief Islander.

James commented:

‘Although surprised, I am honoured to receive such a distinguished award. I first went to sea tagging lobster at the age of 16 and since then have been involved with the Tristan fishery and many other conservation projects including setting up and managing Tristan’s MPZ.

In 2017 my wife and I had the privilege to be guests at the United Nations in New York, where my grandson Kieran Glass represented the island and the wider UK family before the General Assembly. Kieran was among children from UNESCO’s marine World Heritage Sites who pledged to world leaders that they would protect their ocean environments. I am proud that I continue to honour his pledge.

In the future I hope my contribution to Tristan’s conservation will help deal with the impact of climate change, which should in turn help safeguard the species which live here, and the people who depend on them.’

Nominate Someone for an Honour

Honours are awarded to recognise outstanding achievements and service to the community. For example, long-term voluntary service, innovation and entrepreneurship, and improving life for people less able to help themselves. Honours are given to those working in various different fields of work.  This includes community, arts and media, health, sport, education, science and technology, environment, business and economy.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. To find out more on the Honours system visit: www.gov.uk/honours

Governor’s Office,
St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
30 December 2022

Governor Nigel Phillips CBE has issued the below Christmas message:

“Christmas is always a special time of year, but this year has particular resonance, for it will be the first time since 2019 that our three communities have been able to welcome back friends, family members and visitors from afar without the need for quarantine and other restrictions.

To re-engage with the wider world in the wake of COVID was a difficult decision.  Leaders were able to take this considered step because the conditions were right to do so; the Public Service had gone to incredible lengths to ensure we were as safe as we were ever going to be and the UK Government had been able to provide the critical enabler, a high quality vaccine programme.

I would like to take this moment to thank all who helped us to get to where we are today.  Yet I also want to thank you, the communities of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. I do not underestimate the sacrifices made and the difficulties encountered, yet you overcame. I think we can all take heart from how everyone coped, and perhaps, having been tempered in the heat of the largest public health emergency of modern times, we can believe that when we work together, we can overcome anything.

2022 has been bitter sweet for another reason; I refer of course to Her Late Majesty The Queen. Her reign embraced silver, gold, diamond and finally, through February to June, a Platinum Jubilee.  That span meant that for nearly all of us, the milestones by which we measure our lives occurred whilst The Queen was on the throne.  And then, just a few months after the jubilee celebrations had concluded, Her Majesty passed.  I know I was not alone in what felt akin to a personal bereavement.  Yet there is also reason to be grateful.  Hers was an incredible testament of service and duty; to the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the Overseas Territories.  Here in St Helena there are fond memories of her visit in 1947 as a young princess, whilst Tristanians remember with gratitude her kindness following the forced evacuation of their home. It was therefore a humbling privilege to be present, together with the Chief Minister of St Helena, at Her Late Majesty’s State Funeral. The three island communities being represented at such an important event was something we all would wish and I am thankful the air travel timings worked for it to be possible. 

This year also marked the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Island’s War. We well remember that Ascension provided an invaluable staging post for the UK to mount the operations which liberated the islands, whilst St Helena deployed its namesake, the RMS St Helena, to support naval operations. It is with justifiable pride that the crew of that vessel wear the South Atlantic medal. These acts of support deepened the bonds between the South Atlantic islands and it is fitting that Minister Scipio represented St Helena at the Falkland Islands Battle Day commemorations this month.  It is also the case that the close relationship we enjoy provides opportunity. Today, in addition to the UK, Saints are well represented in both Ascension and the Falkland Islands to mutual benefit. As we approach Christmas, I know loved ones will be reaching out across the ocean to pass festive greetings.

Having spoken of one much respected ship, I would like to mention another. The Royal Research Ship Discovery undertook a ground-breaking scientific expedition in the Ascension and St Helena Marine Protected Areas. As island communities, our seas are a crucial part of our identity and culture. Supported by local scientists, the improved understanding of our waters this expedition facilitates will allow us to better manage our waters, serving to preserve them for future generations to come.

Christmas is often a time for reflection, and this year St Helena reflected on its long, and sometimes complicated, history.  The culmination of 14 years work, in August over 300 coffins with the remains of Liberated Africans were reburied in the newly designated Liberated African Cemetery. Separately, a plaque was installed on the Waterwitch Monument in Castle Gardens to recognise the three Africans who fought alongside the Royal Navy in 1839.  Symbols of our shared identity are important. It is right that these things were done. I must say, I am also pleased the flag mast was reinstalled just above Jamestown at Signal House; it is wonderful to see the Union Flag flying so prominently.

St Helena also had a bumper year of international sporting representation. Although their stellar efforts were unfortunately hampered by weather conditions, the cricket team set records in Rwanda. And we celebrate that once again the Island sent representatives to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.  Events like these put St Helena on the map. Jonathan helped out too. His 190th birth year attracted huge media attention in the UK and across the world. Let us hope that such attention will help reinvigorate the tourist sector.

Another island hoping the tourist sector will get back to historic norms is Tristan da Cunha. After a successful fishing season, preparations are now well in hand to welcome back cruise ship passengers. 

Ascension will also hopefully be welcoming visitors in 2023. Repair work on the runway has progressed and the island will soon once again resume its strategically important role hosting the South Atlantic Airbridge.

It is notable that Ascension elected a new Council this year. On a working island, where being an elected member does not draw a salary in its own right, I welcome our new Council and the commitment they have shown to serving their community. Democracy is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Constitution of the three communities. Yet we must never take such rights for granted. Democracy must be nurtured. In that vein, it was fantastic to see the Overseas Territories represented for the first time at the UK Youth Parliament. All the participants represented themselves and their ‘constituencies’ with skill and vigour. I am quite sure that those of us who were in the House of Commons that day witnessed the beginning of more than one political career.

I will close on two notes. First, to thank all those who will be working over the Christmas period both to keep us safe and comfortable. One can easily take for granted the operation of emergency services and essential utilities. Yet in reality it requires considerable effort and planning. I know you will spare a thought for them and their families. And second, Emma and I, in this our first year of being part of these wonderful communities, want to wish you a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

#StHelena #Christmas #GovernorsMessage

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SHG
25 December 2022

The Chief Minister, Julie Thomas has issued the following Christmas Message.

The festive season denotes a variety of events for different people.  Here on St Helena, Christmas for many is dedicated as a time for love, celebration, fun and laughter with family and friends.  For others, it may well be a time for reflection, reminiscing or a time of great sadness.  Whatever the circumstances, what makes our festive season so special are the occasions that captures our community spirit and our ability to come together to create an exhilarating atmosphere.

This year, is extra special.  It is evident that our island is buzzing, with family and friends returning along with a number of visitors visiting for the first time or returning to experience and savour Christmas on our beautiful island. Whatever your reasons for being here, welcome to St Helena and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the time you spend with us.

Re-opening our borders in August of this year after two years of restrictive travel to prevent Covid-19 entering our island, was a daunting task.  However, I will be forever grateful to our Health Team for working diligently in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (HSA) and the World Health Organisation, in providing us with much needed data and advice to best prepare us for this event.  Four months on, and we are now “Living with Covid” after experiencing our first wave.  This achievement is a testament to the advice and guidance given, which gave us the confidence to remove all quarantine restrictions and it is for this primary reason that I wish to thank you all.  I acknowledge how sceptical many within our community were, but thankfully all the necessary measures were implemented, which resulted in St Helena having a relatively easy time, transitioning to ‘Living with Covid’.  There are some meaningful lessons to be learnt from this accomplishment.  The primary being that it is important that we do all we can to work together, if we are to achieve the best possible outcomes for the greater good of our island and our future.   This is just one example of how powerful and effective teamwork can be. 

In September of this year, I had the privilege of attending Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s State Funeral. What an extremely sad, yet awe-inspiring occasion it was.  Down to the smallest of detail, it was apparent that a great deal of thought and precision went into planning this historical event.  To bear witness to the UK community and beyond coming together to pay their respects to Her Majesty, and being given the opportunity to do so, will be forever etched in my memory.  The sea of faces and floral contributions can only be described as extremely moving yet, sincere.  To have the opportunity to represent St Helena at such a prestigious event, which attracted so much international attention remains somewhat difficult to put into words, but it is important that I share with you that St Helena was not forgotten.  In actual fact it was very obvious that the Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth Countries were highly regarded by her late Majesty, by the seating arrangements at her funeral and the draping of our respective flags flanking the road way of the journey we all made on the way to St George’s Chapel.  It was a sight to behold.

This month, as is done every December, the primary schools kick-started the festive season, by hosting their well-attended advent services.  Once again, these events demonstrated what can be achieved when an event is undertaken with love, care and teamwork.  Every student had the opportunity to participate and showcase their talent, and this opportunity was accepted with vigour and immense pride, which is yet another lesson to us all on how we receive opportunities.

My Christmas message this year, is a message of hope and aspiration that focuses on the need for teamwork, togetherness and seizing the opportunity.  We here on St Helena possess the ingredients of a society that we can all be proud of.  We are known to be kind, loving and caring.  We are a welcoming nation, where community spirit is alive and well.  Hence, I would encourage all of us to hone in on these attributes as we close 2022 and move into 2023, as it is qualities such as these that will enable us to achieve more as a community.

It is no secret that the world is in turmoil.  We are bearing witness to relentless war in Ukraine, financial recession in most parts resulting in escalating costs of living the world over coupled with adverse weather patterns due to climate change.  It is time that we are ask ourselves – “what can we do better, can we become less reliant on others, what can I do to help shape a better future?”

St Helena is a unique and special place to live, work and visit, but we must take ownership of our destination.  I truly believe that this can be achieved if we work together and become a solution based or problem solving community.  The innovative talent that we possess cannot be allowed to fade, if it is our desire to build a better and brighter St Helena for ourselves and our future generations.  We must work together with the little we have to achieve the best possible results, as there is no guarantee that we will be recipients of additional financial aid when considering the current economic climate.  We must be the drivers of change of our current circumstances and be the facilitators of our own destiny. 

In closing, I take this opportunity to wish you all an enjoyable festive period amongst family and friends and a year ahead that is full of ambition, joy and happiness.

Remember – the holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us. 

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy and Healthy 2023!

#StHelena #ChristmasMessage

SHG
25 December 2022

On Wednesday 21 December, the Executive Council agreed that SHG would proceed with entering into a contract with Meihuizen International to provide cargo freight shipping services to serve St Helena. This will be on a 12 month interim service. The transhipment service will begin in January 2023, with the first arrival of goods at St Helena expected on 11 March 2023.

This follows the announcement on 10 November 2022 that the current MV Helena service would not continue beyond February 2023, following which interested parties were invited to submit proposals by the beginning of December 2022.

The new service will be operated using the MV Maria da Paz. The full route will take approximately 21 days to complete, and will commence in Luanda. The route will therefore operate from Luanda to Walvis Bay, Walvis Bay to St Helena, and then St Helena to Luanda. Discussions regarding an additional service to Ascension Island as an extension of the main St Helena service are ongoing.

The new route will operate nine voyages a year calling at St Helena every six weeks. The estimated arrival dates for the first three voyages are 11 March 2023, 26 April 2023 and 09 June 2023. A full schedule for the next 12 months is being finalised and will be published in due course.

Officials have worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce and Island merchants in considering the options available, and determining the structure of the new service. By implementing a six weekly service, the level of forecast cargo demand is balanced most effectively against the capacity of the ship and its running costs. Whilst rates for different types of cargo will vary, it is anticipated that these will remain similar to the current shipping rates for most cargo when compared to the current MV Helena operation, with a small reduction in rates on other types of cargo.

The new service will allow for two transhipment routes, one from London Tilbury and another from Cape Town, along with introducing new consolidators and opening up new options to source goods and materials in Luanda and Walvis Bay.

As the interim service is due to operate until February 2024, a tender for a substantive replacement service will be issued shortly. Several operators have shown interest, and we expect to attract a number of robust proposals. This timeframe will allow for a thorough assessment of the options received, including potential new service models, with a view to obtaining the best option for our long term needs.

Further details of the new service will be made available in the New Year.

Minister for Treasury, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Mark Brooks, said:

“We thank AW Ship Management Ltd (AWSML) for their time operating the MV Helena, but we are excited to announce this change in service operator. This secures cargo shipping services for the next 12 months, providing the public and merchants with the confidence needed to invest and develop. The new route and structure of the service will allow us to test out a new shipping itinerary, new transhipment options and even new consolidators and intermediaries.”

“Whilst this provides assurance to the Island for the next 12 months, we are also about to issue a tender for a substantive service to serve the Island beyond February 2024. The interim service will provide important context for both SHG and potential operators as we look to establish a new long-term shipping solution.”

Notes to Editor:

Meihuizen International was established in 1983 and is a South African based, logistics supply chain agency. The shipping firm has close links to St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha having operated services in the past, and continuing to operate services throughout the south Atlantic to this day.

#StHelena #CargoShipping

SHG

23 December 2022