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St Helena has been nominated for the ‘Most Desirable Island – Worldwide’ category in the prestigious Wanderlust Travel Awards 2025. This significant recognition follows Wanderlust’s shortlisting of destinations that resonated with their readership of over 140,000 and broader audience, with consumers now voting on these shortlisted nominations to determine the ultimate winner. This highlights St Helena’s growing appeal as a truly unique and authentic travel destination.
Voting for the Wanderlust Travel Awards is open now until 17 October 2025. Travelers and admirers of St Helena are encouraged to cast their votes and support the island’s bid for this esteemed title.
The winners of the 24th annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards will be unveiled at a ceremony hosted during World Travel Market, held at the National Gallery in London on 5 November 2025. The event aims to celebrate awe-inspiring worldwide destinations, as championed by Wanderlust’s discerning readership.
The Wanderlust Travel Awards are highly regarded, with categories designed to identify the most desirable cities, regions, countries and emerging destinations, all chosen by Wanderlust readers. Additionally, the awards recognise top destinations for adventure, culture and heritage, nature and wildlife, food, and sustainable travel.
This nomination provides an exceptional opportunity for St Helena to gain further international recognition and attract more visitors eager to discover our rich history, breath-taking landscapes, and friendly culture.
To vote for St Helena as the ‘Most Desirable Island – Worldwide’, please visit https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/about-us/our-awards/2025-vote/.
Head of Tourism, Jonathan Passaportis, commented:
“Being nominated for the Most Desirable Island Worldwide is an amazing honour for St Helena. It reflects the growing appreciation for this magnificent island’s rare beauty, unrivalled nature, deep heritage, and warm hospitality. We invite everyone who has been inspired by St Helena, whether through travel, story or connection, to cast their vote and help share our unique island with the world.”
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Note to Editor
Wanderlust, a leading voice in independent travel, is dedicated to informing and inspiring travellers globally to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Through original travel writing, photography, and expert advice, both in print and online, Wanderlust champions unique travel experiences.
#StHelena #Tourism #ReaderTravelAwards
The St Helena Government (SHG) is implementing significant reforms to enhance public safety and improve the island’s transportation system, focusing on taxis, buses, and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs). These reforms, approved by the Executive Council in October 2023, include a comprehensive licensing policy for drivers and vehicles and a reduced drink-driving limit, aligning with international standards. These reforms will come into effect on 1 September 2025.
Addressing Regulatory Gaps and Enhancing Public Safety
Currently, while vehicles can be registered as taxis, there are no safeguards to ensure driver vetting and authorisation. This lack of oversight poses a potential risk to public safety. To address this, SHG will introduce a new licensing policy mandating driver and vehicle licensing. This will ensure all operators undergo thorough vetting, including medical assessments and safeguarding training.
Minister for Safety, Security, and Home Affairs, Jeffrey Ellick, stated:
“This policy is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of all public transportation services. By implementing a robust licensing system, we are taking a significant step towards protecting our community and ensuring passengers, especially the most vulnerable, can have confidence in the vehicles and operators they use.”
Implementation and Financial Implications
The implementation of these reforms will involve additional costs, including vetting, photo card licenses, and administrative expenses. To cover these costs, a licensing fee structure has been established. A new driver’s license, including medical, vehicle (Class C), and vetting and administration costs, will total £60.80.
The Royal St Helena Police (RSHP) will manage the licensing renewal of approximately 213 vehicles, representing an estimated 75% of the 284 registered taxis, PSVs, and buses. Budget adjustments will be made to accommodate ongoing material and administrative expenses.
Lowering the Drink-Driving Limit
In a move to further enhance road safety, SHG is reducing the drink-driving limit from 50mg to 35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, aligning with standards in the UK, Falkland Islands, Ascension, and most other British Overseas Territories. This change, necessitating amendments to the Road Traffic Ordinance 1985, aims to reduce road accidents and promote responsible driving.
Minister Ellick added:
“St Helena previously had possibly the highest drink-driving limit in the world. Updating this limit is a step towards reducing road accidents, making our roads safer for all users and promoting responsible driving.”
#StHelena #ReducedDrink-DrivingLimit #RoadTrafficSafety
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
The Emergency Planning Department wishes to provide an update regarding the Public Warning Systems installed in Rupert’s and Jamestown under the EDIP Micro Project funding during the 2022-23 fiscal year.
The systems continue to experience difficulties in establishing reliable communication with the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre- a critical function for their operational effectiveness. The Emergency Planning Department is maintaining continuous and active communication with both Sure SA Ltd and the manufacturer to seek a definitive and timely resolution to these outstanding matters.
Further updates will be provided to the community as significant progress is made.
The Rock Guards will carry out a controlled rock removal on the hillside of Ladder Hill, above the Museum on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, from 10:00 to 13:00.
During this time, the road from the back of the Prison to the entrance of the Grand Parade will be closed to pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Vehicular traffic will be diverted through Church Lane and Shy Road.
Parking will be prohibited at the Museum car parks during this time. Vehicle owners are asked to move their vehicles prior to this closure. Pedestrians using Jacob’s ladder will be diverted at the half way footpath where appropriate signage and marshals will be in place.
The Rock Guards extends sincere thanks to the public for their continued support and cooperation during these necessary works.
SHG
12 June 2025
The Highways Authority has approved the temporary closure of the road at Knollcombes on Monday, 16 June, and Tuesday, 17 June 2025 from 09:00 to 15:00. This is to allow the Roads Section to carry out essential general maintenance work.
During this period, the diversion route for all traffic will be via Watercross Road and the Redhill Treatment Plant.
Only emergency services will be granted access to the closed section of the road.
Residents residing in the Knollcombes area will also be permitted to access their properties through the closed road.
The Roads Section extends its sincere thanks to all residents and road users for their continued support and cooperation during these necessary works. Your understanding helps us maintain safe and reliable road infrastructure.
St Helena is proud to observe Carers Week from 9 to 15 June 2025, dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of unpaid carers across the island. This year’s theme, ‘Working towards an equal society where unpaid carers are truly recognised, valued and supported,’ highlights the critical role these individuals play in our community.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, neighbour, or friend living with a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. While paid care professionals are essential, Carers Week specifically shines a light on those who integrate caregiving into their daily lives without financial compensation.
Caring can often be a lonely and isolating experience, and the dedication involved can be immense. During this week, we encourage everyone to reflect on how we can show our support, appreciation, and understanding for these remarkable individuals and their unwavering commitment to their loved ones, extended family, friends, and neighbours.
The St Helena community extends a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to all carers, both known and unknown, for the positive difference they make in the lives of others. Your selflessness and compassion are the backbone of our society.
#StHelena #DiabetesWeek2025 #AltogetherHealthier
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
The Programme Management Office (PMO) will be holding public information meetings in June 2025 to provide an update on the Wastewater Management Project. This project focuses on improving the sewage in, Half Tree Hollow and Jamestown and is being delivered under the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP). These sessions will be held as a joint engagement with the PMO, Connect St Helena, and Environmental Health.
These meetings are intended to share the latest developments on the project and to gather feedback from the community. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and engage directly with the team responsible for delivering this important infrastructure work.
All meetings will commence at 19:00 and will take place as follows:
| Date | Venue |
| Tuesday, 24 June | Community Centre, Half Tree Hollow |
| Thursday, 26 June | Museum, Jamestown |
Tea, coffee, and cake will be provided.
Public participation and input are welcomed, as community views will help shape the future of this essential service.
SHG
10 June 2025
St Helena is celebrating further international recognition with St Helena Tourism’s video, ‘Come and Find Me’, receiving a Gold Award at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) in the Tourism Destination – International category. This achievement builds on the island’s previous successes at global film festivals, further showcasing St Helena as a unique destination in the film industry.
‘Come and Find Me’, an innovative tourism film, has garnered international attention for its narrative-driven approach and celebration of St Helena’s wonders. Recently, it won a Director’s Choice special award at the Japan World’s Tourism Film Festival (JWTFF).
The film’s success is particularly significant as it was an output of the St Helena Showcase, an event held in April 2024, which connected local and international tourism and investment representatives. The showcase aimed to highlight St Helena’s as an emerging travel destination for travel trade and investors interested in adventure, marine life, responsible tourism, history, and culture.
Minister of Treasury and Economic Development, Mark Brooks, commented:
“We are incredibly proud of the continued success of ‘Come and Find Me’ and its recognition on the international stage. This film beautifully captures the essence of St Helena and its unique tourism offerings. I commend the work of my portfolio and the St Helena Showcase for facilitating this film, which continues to demonstrate its valuable outputs.”
To view the ‘Come and Find Me’ film, click the link below:
Come and Find Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATenzRrnCJc
#StHelena #Tourism #Film
https://www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
St Helena is joining the global observance of Diabetes Week, a time dedicated to elevate awareness, spark conversations, and shed light on the daily realities of living with diabetes. With an estimated 1 in 4 people on St Helena currently receiving medication for diabetes and approximately 400 individuals living with prediabetes, the island faces a significant public health challenge.
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin or effectively utilise the insulin it produces. Insulin is a crucial hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to severe complications, including damage to blood vessels, increasing the risk of blindness, amputation, kidney disease, heart attack, and stroke.
This year, Diabetes Week on St Helena shines a critical light on the importance of regular health checks for individuals living with diabetes. Whilst the constant cycle of numbers, checks, and tests can feel overwhelming, and despite feeling fine or lacking time, these routine health assessments are vital for maintaining good health and ensuring a full and active life. For those living with diabetes, it can often feel like a constant battle, but these regular health checks are your strongest defence. These vital assessments provide crucial insights into your health, enabling early intervention and preventing serious complications further down the line.
The health team on St Helena encourages the community to proactively engage in lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of developing diabetes, such as maintaining a healthy weight through healthy eating, being physically active, and not smoking.
To mark Diabetes Week, the Health Promotion Team will host a stall at The Market, Jamestown on Thursday, 12 June 2025, from 10:00. This event will offer:
- Diabetes risk score checks
- Blood pressure screenings
- Opportunities to speak with healthcare professionals about diabetes and related health topics
- Discussions with the Better Health and Smokefree team on making positive lifestyle changes
This is a valuable opportunity for community members to gain a better understanding of their diabetes risk, learn about vital health checks, and access support for healthier living.
For more information, please contact:
- Diabetic Nurse: 22500 Ext 2094
- Health Promotion Team: 22500 Ext 2079
#StHelena #DiabetesWeek2025 #AltogetherHealthier
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
Four constituency meetings have been organised to take place during the month of June 2025. These meetings will constitute the final round of constituency meetings before the dissolution of Council on 30 June 2025. It is unfortunate that meetings cannot be arranged for every district, due to time limitations and other competing priorities. It is hoped however, that constituents from all districts will make every effort to attend, at a meeting venue convenient to you.
It is hoped, that where possible, all Elected Members will be in attendance at these meetings, however all meetings will be chaired by the Ministerial Team and will specifically focus on the following four key topics:
- The approved Budget for 2025/26 and its allocation to Portfolios & service areas
- The recently approved £13.5M for Capital Funding and it intended utilisation
- The utilisation of the £6.65M BIOT Funding in key strategic areas
- Achievements in respect of the Ministers’ Vision for St Helena (2022 – 2025) – what has been achieved, what is being worked on and what remains outstanding
Due to the imminent dissolution of Council, these round of constituency meetings will not provide the opportunity to raise any issues that fall outside of the topics listed, nor will Ministers discuss matters pertaining to SHG’s plans for the future. This is to prevent the likelihood of being in breach of the Elections Ordinance and Regulations.
All meetings will start at 19:30 and will be held on the following dates at the locations listed.
| Date | Venue |
| Wednesday, 11 June 2025 | Kingshurst Community Centre |
| Thursday, 12 June 2025 | Harford Community Centre |
| Thursday 19 June 2025 | Half Tree Hollow Community Centre |
| Tuesday, 24 June 2025 | Jamestown Community Centre |
We are looking forward to engaging with you.