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The Highways Authority has granted approval for the temporary closure of the road from Bates Branch to Fairyland Junction in Blue Hill.
This essential closure is required to allow the Forestry Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Portfolio (ENRP) to conduct necessary tree pruning operations. These specific trees, located in the Cason’s area bordering the road, have been identified as posing a risk to public safety.
Closure Details:
- Dates:
- Monday, 3 November 2025
- Monday, 10 November 2025
- Time: 09:00 to 15:00 on both days.
All emergency vehicles will be granted access throughout the closure period.
We appreciate your co-operation and patience while this important work is carried out to enhance public safety. Please plan alternative routes during the specified times.
The Roads Section would like to inform the public of further upcoming essential resurfacing works scheduled to begin in November 2025. These improvements are vital for maintaining the quality and safety of St Helena’s road network and are UK-funded through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP).
With effect from Tuesday 4 November, the Roads Section will be carrying out slurry work with the micro paver on the eastern side of the island. Please note the following key closure details:
| Schedule of November 2025 Roadworks | |||
| Road Closures | Dates | Daily Closure Time | Diversion Routes |
| Tomb Road to Hutt’s Gate | Tuesday 4 November to Saturday 15 November 2025 | 09:00 to 15:00 | The Dungeon via Gordon’s Post
Haul Road |
| Bottom Woods to Longwood Gate | Monday 17 November 2025 to Monday 26 January 2026 | Haul Road | |
| Longwood Gate to Hutt’s Gate | Wednesday 28 January to Saturday 07 March 2026 | Haul Road | |
These works will affect regular public transport routes and may impact Emergency Services response times during the daily closure hours. We are working to complete this project as quickly as possible to minimise disruption.
Please be aware that on certain days, road closures may extend beyond the scheduled hours depending on progress and weather conditions.
All motorists are advised to expect delays when travelling through or around these areas during working hours. Please exercise extreme caution and strictly follow all posted signage and instructions from on-site staff.
The Roads Section would like to thank the public in advance for their co-operation, patience and understanding as these essential improvements are carried out.
Purpose
The document outlines the objectives and format of Elected Members Meetings and LegCo Forums. Both are essential for effective communication, coordination and informed decision-making within our ministerial system of government. While Ministers hold executive responsibility, all Elected Members share a collective role in shaping sound governance and representing community interests.
Elected Members Meetings
Purpose and Objectives
Elected Members Meetings provide a forum for all Councillors and Ministers to meet in a collaborative, non-partisan setting.
The meetings aim to:
- Strengthen communication and teamwork across the Council and Executive.
- Share updates from Ministers, Councillors, and constituent engagement.
- Encourage innovation and idea generation on policy, service delivery, and community initiatives.
- Provide space for discussion of emerging issues, community concerns, and sector “hot topics.”
- Receive updates from designated Council Champions (i.e. Charities Champion, Business Innovation Champion, Children’s Champion, Sports & Culture Champion & Elderly Persons Champion)
- Support ongoing awareness of operational, strategic, and community matters.
Meetings may, on occasion, include introductions or briefings involving dignitaries, consultants, officials, or other relevant guests, as appropriate. Attendance will depend on whether discussions relate to legislative matters or Members’ wider constituency and island-focused roles.
Nature of Meeting
- Informal and non-decision-making in nature
- Provides an open platform for dialogue between Councillors and Ministers.
- Chaired by a Councillor appointed “Chair of the Month”
- Focused on policy and operational matters rather than legislative or formal Government business.
Typical Agenda Items
- Ministerial and Councillor Updates.
- Working group reports where outcomes involve policy or operational change.
- Community and constituent feedback.
- Innovation or project showcases.
- Updates from Champions or advisory roles.
- LegCo Forums
Purpose and Objectives
LegCo Forums serve as structured, preparatory discussions focused on upcoming Government and legislative business. They ensure all Members are fully informed and able to participate effectively in the legislative process.
The forums are designed to:
- Provide briefings and clarification on Government bills and legislative proposals.
- Allow Members to discuss legislative implications in a neutral, non-party environment.
- Facilitate alignment on legislative priorities and upcoming sittings.
- Receive updates from working groups where outcomes may result in legislative change.
- Strengthen Members’ understanding of legislative responsibilities and processes.
Forums may, on occasion, include introductions or briefings involving dignitaries, consultants, or officials relevant to the legislative agenda. Participation will depend on whether matters under discussion are legislative or of broader strategic importance to the island.
Nature of Meeting
- Formal information-sharing forum, chaired by the Speaker or Deputy Speaker.
- Focused on legislative and procedural matters.
- Not a decision-making meeting but assists Members in preparing for formal sitting of Legislative Council.
Typical Agenda Items
- Government legislative programme and proposed bills.
- Reports from working groups with legislative implications.
- Legislative timelines and procedural matters.
- Working Groups and parliamentary updates.
- Relationship between the Two Meetings
| Aspect | Elected Members Meetings | LegCo Forums |
| Primary Focus | Policy, operational updates, collaboration | Legislative and Government business |
| Chair | Chair of the Month selected from 7 x Councillors | Speaker or Deputy Speaker |
| Nature | Informal, team-building, idea sharing | Formal, preparatory, legislative-focused |
| Updates from Working Groups | Where outcomes affect policy or practice | Where outcomes affect legislation |
| Tone | Collaborative and community-focused | Procedural and legislative-focused |
In Summary
Together, these meetings form the backbone of an informed, coordinated, and accountable governance system. They enable Ministers and Councillors to:
- Share knowledge and build collective understanding.
- Prepare effectively for legislative responsibilities.
- Foster innovation and responsiveness to community needs.
- Strengthen cohesion and transparency within a non-partisan, ministerial framework.
On 19 August 2025 the Property Service announced the Playgrounds Project, a new initiative to create modern, safe, and inclusive recreation areas for families at the existing playground in Half Tree Hollow (Lower Graveyard) and at Longwood Green. This project is part of the £30 million Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government.
Following feedback from the community, including consultation with children at New Horizons, and extensive research into suitable play equipment, the attached images depict the exact equipment that will be installed into Half Tree Hollow and Longwood respectively. Half Tree Hollow will also benefit from outdoor gym equipment specifically designed for children (health and wellbeing package) and the existing hard standing will be converted into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) that can facilitate various sports such as football, basketball, netball, hockey and soft cricket, an example picture of which is attached.
Both areas will also be enhanced with wooden benches, concrete picnic bench sets, shade gazebos, a communal recycling hub and playground signage, all of which is subject to planning permission.
As well as the £113K budget, this project has attracted generous and very much appreciated philanthropic support from both local and international businesses and organisations (all of whom will be named in the final project announcement), amounting to £18K to date, which has contributed to the enhancements that may otherwise have not been possible.
Philanthropic support from the community is still invited as this will further the developments at Half Tree Hollow and Longwood. Any businesses, organisations or individuals wishing to contribute towards the project are invited to contact Mike Durnford, Crown Estates Manager via email: mike.durnford@sainthelena.gov.sh.
It is planned for both areas to be remediated during December and January, including vegetation / shrubs removal, grass cutting and general tidying in readiness for playground equipment installation from February, for project completion by the end of March 2026.
Photos
Play equipment intended for Half Tree Hollow (Note: harness will be fitted on the inclusive seat)
Multi-Use Games Area and Children’s Outdoor Gym Equipment intended for Half Tree Hollow
Play equipment intended for Longwood Green
#StHelena #PlaygroundsProject #EDIP
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
On 16 October 2025, the ambulance team from the Health and Social Care Portfolio returned to St Helena Secondary School to train Year 9 students in CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This event marks our continued commitment to ‘Restart a Heart Day’, a global initiative promoting early intervention in cardiac emergencies.
During the session, students practised chest compressions and learned how to operate an AED under guided supervision. We believe that equipping young people with these skills can genuinely change outcomes in critical moments. Bystander CPR and use of an AED can more than double chances of survival when someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.
Restart a Heart Day is part of the regular Year 9 curriculum, ensuring that every cohort acquires confidence and practical ability to respond. We thank Head Teacher Mr Toal and the staff at St Helena Secondary School for their support in organising this year’s session.
Mr Toal commented:
“We’re incredibly grateful to the ambulance team for providing our Year 9 students with such an important and potentially lifesaving learning experience. Developing the confidence and practical skill to perform CPR or use a defibrillator empowers our young people to make a real difference in an emergency.”
The Ambulance Service would like to remind the public of the following AED locations across the island:
| District | Location |
| Half Tree Hollow | Half Tree Hollow Clinic (Outside of the main entrance) |
| St Paul’s | The Pavilion (White Shed) at Francis Plain |
| Levelwood | Silver Hill Shop (Outside) |
| Blue Hill | Blue Hill Community Centre (Outside) |
| Sandy Bay | Bamboo Hedge Shop (Outside) |
| Rupert’s | Sea Rescue Building (Outside the main entrance) |
| Longwood | Royal St Helena Police Post (Outside) |
| Jamestown | Customs Building (Near Immigration Office entrance) |
| Jamestown | Royal St Helena Police Service (Reception) |
If you ever need access, call 999 and the Emergency Control Centre will provide the cabinet code. Even if you’re unsure about performing CPR, the call takers are trained to talk you through each step until help arrives.
We also encourage anyone interested in learning First Aid to contact Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager on 22500 or for further details, please refer to the recent press release (https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/2025/press-releases/first-aid-training-courses-now-open-for-registration/).
Photo
#StHelena #RestartAHeartDay2025 #LifeSavingSkills #TogetherWeCare
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
The Legislative Council is pleased to announce the appointment of a new group of Councillor Champions, each dedicated to advancing key areas of community life and public interest on St Helena.
New Areas of Focus:
This year’s appointments introduce five new Champion roles:
- Charities Champion
- Disabilities Champion
- Communications Champion
- Diaspora Champion
- Sports & Culture Champion (an expansion of the former Culture Champion role)
Each champion will work with stakeholders, organisations, and the wider community to raise awareness, influence policy, and promote positive change within their areas of focus.
New Terms of Reference (TOR) will be developed by the respective champions and made public when finalised.
Appointed Champions are:
Business & Innovations Champion
Cllr Dr Corinda Essex 📞 +290 22038
Charities Champion & Disabilities Champion
Cllr Ronald Coleman 📞 +290 24250
📧 ronald.coleman@parliament.sh
Children’s Champion & Communications Champion
Cllr Julie Thomas 📞 Mobile +290 61920
Diaspora Champion
Cllr Clint Beard 📞 Mobile + 290 64837
Elderly Persons Champion
Cllr Derek Thomas 📞 +290 23647 or Mobile + 290 66907
Sports & Culture Champion
Cll. Dennis Leo 📞 Mobile +290 67109
Communications Champion, Cllr Julie Thomas said:
“Council Champions play an essential role in strengthening the connection between the Legislative Council and the people of our island. It is anticipated that each champion will bring passion, insight, and commitment to their chosen area of focus. Through our advocacy and engagement, we aim to ensure that community voices are heard and that positive practical outcomes can be achieved. I encourage all members of the public to reach out, to share your views, and support your champions as we begin this important work.”
For more information, please contact the relevant champion using the details provided, or reach out to the Legislative Council Office for further assistance.
Minister Karl Thrower departed the island on Saturday, 18 October 2025, to represent St Helena at the Green Overseas Workshop on Utility-Scale Renewable Energy for Island Grids in Saint Eustatius. Minister Thrower will be attending alongside Geoffrey Augustus, Technical Manager, Electricity, Connect St Helena Ltd., and Paul Cherrett, Head of the Programme Management Office.
The experience and knowledge exchange workshop aims to strengthen the capacity of small islands to integrate large scale renewable energy such as solar and wind. For St Helena, the lessons learned will guide us in achieving our goal of 80% renewable energy by 2028.
Minister Thrower is expected to return on Saturday, 8 November 2025, but will remain contactable during the period he is away via karl.thrower@sainthelena.gov.sh.
During the Minister’s absence, Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks will serve as the primary point of contact for matters pertaining to the Economic Development and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolios and can be contacted via email at rebecca.cairns-wicks@sainthelena.gov.sh.
#StHelena #ElectedMembers
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
The Property Service is undertaking an exercise to establish an accurate record of all containers and tenancies within the Container Park at Half Tree Hollow. This information is vital for the Property Service to consider possible next steps for the site.
All current users are required to contact the Property Service by Friday, 21 November 2025.
Required Information
Please provide the following details in your correspondence:
- Your Name
- Number of Containers you currently have within the Park.
- Use of the container(s) (e.g., private storage, business operations).
- Details of when you first secured a container space.
Contact Details
Please contact either of the following team members by telephone at 22270 or via email at:
- Gina Henry gina.henry@sainthelena.gov.sh
- Mike Durnford mike.durnford@sainthelena.gov.sh
Thank you in advance for your prompt co-operation in this important matter.
The Dental Clinic is committed to providing consistent and high-quality dental care to all residents. We value the dedication of our dental staff and their commitment to patient well-being.
To ensure staff are able to maintain a proper work-life balance and provide focused professional service during operating hours, we must respectfully request the general public to refrain from contacting Dental Services staff at their private residences for any dental-related issues.
Accessing staff through private channels outside of the official service hours is inappropriate and can disrupt their personal time.
All dental inquiries, appointments, or concerns must be directed through the official Dental Services contact numbers 25387 / 22500 (Jamestown Hospital).
Reminder of Official Working Hours
Our normal working hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 08:30 to 16:00
We kindly ask for the public’s full cooperation in respecting this policy and using the established contact procedures during the official hours listed above.
We thank you for helping us support our team and maintain professional standards of care.
The St Helena Government (SHG) announced today that Chief Secretary, Mrs Susan O’Bey, has retired from her position as Head of the Public Service with effect from Friday, 17 October 2025.
Mrs O’Bey served over 45 years with the SHG and as Head of the Public Service since April 2018, and the Government extends its deepest gratitude for her dedicated service and leadership.
On her retirement, Mrs O’Bey, commented:
“As I prepare to retire from my role as Chief Secretary I have been reflecting on the extraordinary privilege it has been to serve the island these past seven and a half years.
Together, with other colleagues and teams, we have weathered challenges and celebrated successes that few larger administrations would fully understand. Through the COVID pandemic, budget pressures, and times of change, what has always stood out to me is our resilience and our determination to make things work, not because it is easy, but because it matters.
As I hand over to new leadership, I do so with great confidence in the strength of the SHG Public Service and the people within it. Thank you for your dedication, your adaptability, and your belief in the value of public service. It has been an honour to lead you and to be part of this journey.”
Mr Ian Todd, the newly appointed Head of the Public Service, will assume office on Monday, 3 November 2025.
During the interim period, Mrs Gillian Francis, Deputy Chief Secretary and Portfolio Director of Central Support Services, will step in to serve as Acting Chief Secretary and Mrs Carol Henry, Head of Administration Support Service, will be appointed Acting Deputy Chief Secretary.
Photos
Mrs Susan O’Bey
Mrs O’Bey received a Guard of Honour by members of the Public Service as she left the Castle for the final time as Chief Secretary
#StHelena #ChiefSecretary #PublicService