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A Walk-Through History

For an island so small and remote, St Helena has played host to a remarkably large number of influential figures throughout its history. Some visitors are remembered for their positive contributions to the world, while others are perhaps more infamous than famous.

As part of the UK Government funded Tourism Development Programme, an interpretative art installation titled A Walk Through History has been installed to showcase some of the island’s notable visitors.  The installation features an initial 28 plaques commemorating internationally significant figures who have visited St Helena since its discovery. 

Set along one of Jamestown’s most historic areas, the walk presents St Helena’s rich and varied past in chronological order, allowing visitors to experience its story as they move through the space.

To complement the plaques, and to encourage a relaxing feel, the area has been beautified with trellised seating and planters.

Location and Site Description

The Castle Terrace wall in Jamestown has been identified as the ideal setting for the installation. This important heritage structure has been underutilised in recent years and, at times, affected by antisocial behaviour, particularly at night.

By introducing a prominent visitor attraction, the project aims to increase positive foot traffic and encourage greater use of the area. Enhanced lighting will further improve safety and security.

The Walk also strengthens links between key nearby attractions, improving access from the Wharf to Castle Gardens and surrounding businesses. The site is sheltered from extreme weather, pedestrian-friendly, and restricted to emergency and maintenance vehicles only.

Importantly, there are no entrance barriers, allowing both residents and visitors to enjoy the installation at any time.

The Dolphin Stone

Beautification efforts extend beyond the Terrace. Near the Castle arch lies the Dolphin Stone Garden, a small but historically significant space that is often over-looked.

Recent improvements have gently enhanced the garden, drawing attention to the remarkable story of the Dolphin Stone itself. At the centre is a stone inscribed in 1645 by the crew of the British ship Dolphin during their voyage to Europe. At that time, St Helena served as a mid-Atlantic crossroads for ships of all nations.

Long before the first official Post Office in 1815, this stone acted as a simple but effective postal exchange. Sailors would leave letters beneath it or at the island chapel, trusting that other vessels would collect and deliver them to their final destination.

To further highlight this unique feature, a discreet spotlight will be installed, allowing the historic inscription to be clearly seen and appreciate after dark.

While the garden is small, it is a meaningful place of connection that represents the island’s global maritime past. It enhancement reflects the importance of preserving St Helena’s heritage, ensuring that these stories are not lost over time. By continuing to care for and thoughtfully develop such sites, renewed awareness and appreciation of the island’s history can be fostered.

Repainting of the Church Lane Arch

The repainting of the Church Lane Arch forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance the visual character of Jamestown while celebrating its historic layout. Leading into Church Lane, a traditional rear access route behind St James’ Church, the arch marks an area that once played an important role in the town’s day-to-day life. Enhancements like this help present Jamestown as a place that values both its heritage and its appearance, creating a more inviting and visually appealing environment.

St Helena Tourism is confident that the community will take pride in and help protect these shared spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Photos

Newly installed benches and interpretative art installation at the Castle Terrace wall in Jamestown

The Dolphin Stone

#StHelena #AWalkThroughHistory #Installation

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The public are advised that Safety Security & Home Affairs (SS&HA) Head Quarters at The Wharf, Jamestown will be closed on Monday 23 March 2026 from 12:00, to allow electrical works being carried out.

Normal business will resume on Tuesday 24 March from 08:30.

SS&HA staff would like to thank the public for their understanding and apologises for any inconvenience caused.

Reports have been received of rocks falling between Coal Yard and Needle’s Eye at the Jamestown Landing Steps. While the area remains accessible, swimmers are advised to enter the water at their own risk.

Safety Advice:

A further assessment will be conducted next week.

HE Governor Nigel Phillips CBE has today announced, on behalf of Executive Council, an independent investigation into the causes of the St Helena Airport closure to commercial air services between 5 and 17 February 2026.

Intended to establish the root cause and learn lessons to prevent future recurrence, a selection exercise will be taken forward to identify a suitable, independent contractor to undertake the investigation. This will also determine the cost of the investigation. The contracting will be taken forward by St Helena Government.

The investigation will focus on understanding why all three fire tenders developed similar faults within a matter of weeks of each other. It is for investigators to decide who they wish to talk to and what they wish to examine but it is likely that they will want to review commissioning, usage, servicing and maintenance, consumables and other areas to build a comprehensive understanding.

It is important that we keep the scope proportionate and relevant, with a view to learning lessons before the delivery and commissioning of our new airport fire tenders, later in the year.

We are grateful to St Helena Airport Limited and other partners for their co-operation in this matter.

Once complete, we will consider the findings of the investigation before deciding if further work is necessary.  A summary of the findings will be made public, ensuring transparency.

A further update will be issued once an investigator has been appointed and the timescales for reporting better understood.

Further to the previous public announcement regarding the lighting replacement works on Jacob’s Ladder, the project is now moving into its next stage. To safely accommodate the next phase of work, the entire length of Jacob’s Ladder will be closed from 20 March until further notice. Safety signage will be in place at all access points.

The public are kindly requested to follow all safety instructions and avoid entering any restricted areas.

The public are thanked for their cooperation.

SHG
18 March 2026

www.sainthelena.gov.sh

The MV Karoline is scheduled to arrive at James Bay on Thursday, 19 March at 18:00. Weather permitting, the vessel will berth alongside Rupert’s Jetty at first light on Friday 20 March.

During this time, Rupert’s Cargo Management Facility, the beach, the Jetty, and Rupert’s Bay will be placed under Access Level 3, meaning these areas will be restricted to authorised personnel only.

Access will remain restricted until all cargo operations are completed and the vessel has departed.

Once the vessel leaves, access will be reduced to Level 2, at which point only the Cargo Management Facility will remain restricted during normal working hours (08:00–17:00).

The beach, Jetty, and Rupert’s Bay will reopen to the public and may be accessed via the public walkway beginning at Liberation House or via the Ferry Service (charges apply).

After working hours, the Access Level reduces to Level 1, whereby vehicular access is allowed through the Facility.

St Helena Port Control thanks the public for their cooperation and understanding.

SHG

17 March 2026

Please note that flight operations today, 16 March 2026, will cause disruptions to normal Customs and Immigration services.

The public are thanked for their patience and understanding.

SHG

16 March 2026

The public are advised that the Highways Authority has approved the temporary closure of Shy Road from today, Monday, 16 March, to Monday, 23 March 2026 from 09:00 – 15:00.

This closure is required to allow the Roads Section to rebuild a section of retaining wall that was damaged in a road traffic collision (RTC)

During this period, access will be restricted to Emergency Services only.

The Roads Section thanks the public in advance for their cooperation and understanding.

SHG

16 March 2026

An Executive Council in Planning Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 at 11:00 in the Council Chamber, The Castle.
 
The agenda includes the following Development Applications for consideration:
 
Development Application – Retention of a covered area at the Mule Yard Jamestown (ECIP Memo 01/2026)
Publicity/Briefings to the Press
Development Application – Installation of Fence at St Helena Coffee Shop, Jamestown (ECIP Memo 02/2026)
Publicity/Briefings to the Press
Development Application – Installation of Security Fencing and Crash Barrier at Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ruperts Valley (ECIP Memo 03/2026)
      4.1 Publicity/Briefings to the Press   
 
Documentation for this meeting is available on the Executive Council page of the St Helena Government website via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/executive-council/
 
Members of the public who would like to view hard copies of the documents should contact the Secretary to Executive Council, Natasha Bargo, at the Castle on 22470 or via email at natasha.bargo@sainthelena.gov.sh.
 
Executive Council sitting as the Planning Authority comprises Governor Nigel Phillips as Chair, Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks and Ministers Gillian Brooks, Martin Henry, Andrew Turner and Karl Thrower. The Attorney General is a non-voting member of Executive Council.
 
 
#StHelena #ExecutiveCouncil #PlanningProposals
 
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SHG
16 March 2026

For the first time in 14 years, the Government is proposing an increase to the Personal Tax-Free Allowance (PTFA). Since its introduction in 2012, the allowance has remained frozen at £7,000, even as the cost of living has steadily risen year on year. When tax allowances stay frozen while prices increase, your spending power is eroded.

Our policy intention is to limit the impact of cost-of-living increases. We know this change is not as much as many people had hoped for.

How We Got to £7,150

Inflation in the last quarter of 2025 was 2.2%. To prevent further erosion of living standards, the Government has proposed raising the PTFA from £7,000 to £7,150; a modest but meaningful increase aligned with inflation. This uplift is not a short-term “perk”; it is a correction to ensure the real value of the tax allowance is maintained. It also signals a significant shift in approach: instead of allowing thresholds to stagnate for a decade.

Why Not £7,500 or £10,000?

Government explored more than 20 models, including increases to £7,500 and £10,000. But choices must be affordable.

Financial impacts in 2026/27:

Increasing to £7,500 immediately would require cutting essential services like public transport or abandoning new initiatives like the planned child benefit scheme.

Increasing to £10,000 would be unaffordable without significant reductions to frontline services, something this Government refuses to do.

Why £7,150 is the Responsible Choice?

The proposed increase:

This is part of a balanced cost-of-living package, not a one-off measure.

How the Personal Allowance Fits with Other Measures

Government is developing multiple measures designed to support those most affected by rising costs of which the tax-free allowance increase is a small part.

1. Personal Tax-Free Allowance Increase

Keeps more income in the pockets of working people, particularly those on low or middle wages.

2. Proposed Minimum Wage Increase

Minimum wage has been reviewed for 2026. The Employment Rights Committee recommendation is a rise of 35p per hour, bringing the minimum wage to £4.85. This delivers immediate, direct benefits as listed in the table below:

ScenarioBenefit
Adult on minimum wage (40 hrs/week)£577.72
2 adults on minimum wage£1,155.44
Part-time worker (20 hrs/week)£364

These increases alone will meaningfully improve disposable income for the lowest‑paid.

3. Child Benefit Scheme

Government is working on the introduction of a Child Credit / Child Benefit Scheme during the next financial year. While figures cannot yet be published, the intention is to provide substantial, recurring support for young families.

This is key to Government’s wider demographic strategy: Supporting young families today strengthens St Helena’s future tomorrow.

4. Will the workload to do this cost more than the increase?

No. The proposed uplift is a simple numerical change, not a restructure of the tax system. It is intentionally modest to avoid additional administrative complexity or staffing demands within both the public and private sector.

5. Why This Matters for St Helena’s Future?

This is about more than tax thresholds. It is about:

By protecting income, supporting families and ensuring stable public finances, Government is building a fairer and more sustainable St Helena.

This package is designed for:

#StHelena #IncomeTax

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