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The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK is inviting nominations from St Helena for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships tenable from September to October 2026. St Helena is invited to nominate one (1) candidate for consideration by the CSC for Master’s study. Please note, a nomination does not in any way guarantee selection or placement.
Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change and who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
The CSC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates.
The CSC is committed to supporting outreach activities and providing additional investment for scholarships for people with disabilities and in subject areas related to the rights of people with disabilities. For further information on the support available to candidates with a disability, please see the CSC disability support statement at https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply/csc-disability-support-statement
These scholarships are offered under six development themes:
1. Science and technology for development
2. Strengthening health systems and capacity
3. Promoting global prosperity
4. Strengthening global peace, security and governance
5. Strengthening resilience and response to crises
6. Access, inclusion and opportunity
Full candidate eligibility requirements are available at http://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
How to Apply:
- Candidates must apply using the CSC’s online application system which can be found on the CSC website. Each scholarship has a ‘How to apply’ section which will have information and guidance on the application process and the link to the online application system. The CSC is unable to accept any applications that are not submitted via the online application system. Applications open on 2 September and close on 14 October 2025.
- Persons seeking further information can contact Angela Benjamin Head of Lifelong Learning at the Education Learning Centre, Jamestown, via email to angela.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh or by telephone on +290 22607 or +290 53122 by no later than 30 September 2025 to avoid any delays with meeting the closing date deadline.
The Scholarship Awards Committee is the official nominating body for Commonwealth Scholarships and will decide on a suitable nomination based on the set criteria. The CSC will make the final selection of candidates.
A team of independent and impartial international election observers will arrive in St Helena ahead of the General Election to be held on Wednesday 3 September 2025.
The Election Observation Mission is made up of seven observers and is organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region (CPA BIMR).
Three parliamentarians from Isle of Man, Guernsey and Gibraltar are part of the mission, as well as two election experts, and two members of staff from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK branch (CPA UK).
In the run up to election day, the election observers will meet election officials, parliamentary candidates and local groups to get an insight into the electoral process and the specific context of the election. If anyone wishes to share their experience of the election, they can contact the Mission on: cpabimr@parliament.uk .
The election observers will assess the election against international standards, commitments and obligations, as well as domestic laws. This is the second time that international observers have been invited to St Helena. For the last election in 2021, the Mission was carried out virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions.
At the start of the mission, at 10:00 on Tuesday 26 August 2025, the mission will hold a press conference to introduce the mission and its aims. After election day, there will be a radio broadcast so that initial findings about the election can be shared. This will be on Friday 5 September 2025.
Two months later, a final report will be released with detailed findings and recommendations. It will be publicly available.
One of the observers, Deputy Chris Blin, says:
“It’s a real privilege to have been invited to observe the General Election in St Helena. It’s a special opportunity to strengthen the democratic process, encourage openness, support the upholding of international standards and foster public trust in institutions, as well as connecting with the island’s vibrant community. Over the next two weeks, we’re looking forward to learning from people across the island and sharing this important moment together.”
Notes to Editors:
- This international Election Observation Mission is impartial and independent.
- CPA UK endorses the Declaration of Principles of International Election Observation and Code of Conduct for International Election Observers.
- CPA British Islands & Mediterranean Region (BIMR) is one of nine regions of the CPA network and is committed to strengthening democracy and good governance. Its secretariat is based in the UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK).
- Since 2011, CPA BIMR has organised Election Observer Missions (EOM) across six UK Overseas Territories: Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands and St Helena. More recently, missions have gone to the Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man. CPA UK/BIMR has also overseen Election Assessment Missions (EAM) to the UK General Election in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2024.
- For further information, please email: cpabimr@parliament.uk
- Our X handle is @CPA _BIMR
- Our hashtag is: #StHelenaEOM
#StHelena #CPA #BIMR
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St Helena Secondary School is delighted to announce an outstanding set of results in this year’s public examinations, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to high expectations, inclusive education, and supporting every learner to achieve their potential.
This year’s results reflect student successes across 32 distinct qualifications, including Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 (GCSE), and Level 3 (A Level) stages. We are thrilled to celebrate several significant achievements:
- 82% of girls achieved a Level 2 qualification in English (equivalent to grades A*-C or 9-4), exceeding their CAT predictions by 1.1%.
- 37% of all students secured a Level 2 qualification in both English and Mathematics, marking a key milestone in their academic journeys.
- Nearly 50% of all assessments undertaken achieved Level 2 or above, reflecting the dedication and resilience of our students across subjects.
- The school has also seen a 10% increase in students achieving the highly coveted benchmark of 5+ A-C / 9-4 grades including English and Mathematics. From 19% in 2024 to 29%.
Headteacher, Phil Toal, commented:
“I am incredibly proud of the achievements of our students this year. Every grade represents not just academic success but also the personal journeys, challenges, and milestones our students have overcome along the way.
I would also like to recognise the extraordinary efforts of our staff, whose passion and dedication ensure that every student is given the opportunity to thrive. Our teachers work tirelessly to spark ambition and deliver engaging lessons that bring learning to life. I would like to make special mention of Kerry Peters, whose meticulous organisation, and unwavering commitment have had an immense impact in supporting the smooth and successful running of this year’s examinations series.
These results also highlight the strength of our wider school community. The encouragement and belief shown by families have played a vital role in helping our students reach this stage. At St Helena Secondary School, we believe education is about more than qualifications, it is about nurturing confident, compassionate, and independent young people who are ready to embrace the future with courage and ambition.
To all our students, remember that today’s results are only one chapter of your journey. Whether you achieved top grades, exceeded personal goals, or overcame significant challenges to get here, your success deserves to be celebrated. We are inspired by your perseverance, proud of your accomplishments, and excited to see the incredible futures you are destined to create.”
Photos
Results and certificates to be handed out
Headteacher, Phil Toal, delivering a congratulatory speech
Teacher, Linda Yon, presenting a student with their results and certificate
Students and their parents reading their results
#StHelena #SecondarySchool #PublicExaminationResults
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Polling Day in the 2025 General Election will be Wednesday, 3 September 2025, with Polling Stations open from 10:00 to 19:00.
Employers are reminded that the Elections Ordinance, 2009, requires employers to allow employees a reasonable period of time for voting and that no deduction must be made from an employee’s pay or other remuneration when they are given time off for voting, nor must any penalty be imposed on an employee who is given time off to vote.
Employers who refuse an employee a reasonable period of time for voting commit an offence; the penalty for such is a fine of £1,000 or imprisonment for 6 months, or both.
Polling Stations will be at the following venues:
St Mary’s Church the Briars for the Alarm Forest Electoral District
Blue Hill Community Centre
Half Tree Hollow Community Centre
Jamestown Community Centre
Levelwood Clinic
Harford Community Centre
Sandy Bay Community Centre
Kingshurst Community Centre
You may only vote at the Polling Station in the Electoral District in which you are registered.
Voters are encouraged to attend the Polling Stations well before 19:00, as the Poll will close at 19:00 sharp. Voters will not be allowed into the Polling Station or given a ballot paper after 19:00.
#StHelena #GeneralElection2025
Returning Officer, Carol Henry, this afternoon announced the names of 23 Candidates who will be standing in this year’s General Election. The electorate now has the opportunity to vote for up to 12 candidates to represent the Island on the Legislative Council.
The Candidates (listed in alphabetical order of last name, first name) are as follows:
Colin Douglas Bargo
Clint Richard Beard
Gillian Ann Brooks
Mark Alan Brooks
Cruyff Gerard Buckley
Rebecca Elizabeth Cairns-Wicks
Ronald Arthur Coleman
Jeffrey Robert Ellick
Corinda Sebastiana Stuart Essex
Melissa Kim Fowler
Anthony Arthur Green
Martin Dave Henry
Elizabeth Knipe
Cyril Kenneth Leo
Dennis Karl Leo
Robert Charles Midwinter
Derek Pedley
Derek Franklin Thomas
Julie Dorne Thomas
Kevin Adrian Thomas
Karl Gavin Thrower
Andrew James Turner
Patrick Arthur Williams
The full Declaration, including the names of Sponsors, will be Gazetted as soon as possible and published on the St Helena Government (SHG) website.
Polling Day is set for Wednesday, 3 September 2025. Information on voting will be published in this week’s and next week’s newspapers and on the SHG website, here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/public-information/elections/.
Photo
#StHelena #GeneralElection2025
The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce that the island will host the Momentum Multiply Titans, a South African professional cricket team. This marks the first time that a professional cricket team of this calibre has held a training camp on the island. The full squad and coaching staff are scheduled to arrive on St Helena on Saturday, 23 August, and will hold their intensive pre-season training camp on-island until Saturday, 30 August 2025.
Based in Centurion, South Africa, the Titans have a history of championship titles and are well-known for producing players for the South Africa international side, the Proteas. This visit provides a unique opportunity for the community to observe elite professional athletes training at Francis Plain.
The visit also includes dedicated community engagement activities designed to provide inspiration and development opportunities. These will include coaching clinics for young, aspiring cricketers on the island and multimedia workshops where local filmmakers and content creators can gain insights from SuperSport’s production staff.
Key events during the week-long visit include:
- Sunday, 24 August: The team will attend the Annual Scouts’ Sports Day to participate in the traditional event.
- Monday, 25 August: The Titans will hold a cricket session with the St Helena Cricket Association (SHCA). A simultaneous Sports Videography Masterclass will be held with Derek Alberts from SuperSport, covering the theory and practice of sports content creation.
- Tuesday, 26 August: The Titans will join New Horizons Youth Club for youth-focused activities in the morning before undertaking the iconic Jacob’s Ladder Challenge in the afternoon.
- Thursday, 28 August: The team will return to the pitch for another session with the SHCA, providing local players with a valuable opportunity to hone their skills alongside professional athletes.
This visit has been made possible through a collaboration with several key partners, including Airlink, Sure St Helena, The St Helena Cricket Association and The Mantis Hotel, along with support from other local businesses and services. This event highlights St Helena’s growing capability as a destination for high-profile sporting events.
SHG welcomes the Momentum Multiply Titans and looks forward to showcasing the island’s unique hospitality and culture during their stay.
#StHelena #MomentumMultiplyTitans
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SHG
20 August 2025
The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce its continued support for the St Helena Open Oceans Fund, a unique partnership with ocean adventure company Wavysail. This initiative offers life-changing offshore sailing opportunities to Saints and individuals with strong personal ties to the island.
Following the success of previous grant recipients Josh Herne and Louis Youde, applications are now officially open for the next fully funded voyage, a blue-water sailing expedition from Cape Town to Jamestown, scheduled to depart in October 2025.
Previous grant recipient, Louis Youde, commented:
“My journey with WavySail was truly incredible, a real once in a lifetime experience. Some of the highlights were often really simple moments such as watching the Moon rise during the night shift or seeing the Albatross flying past the yacht. This was one of the most challenging things I have done, being on a relatively small boat for that much time, dealing with the day-to-day tasks and working the shifts was not always easy however very rewarding. If you like to challenge yourself or have always been interested in sailing then do consider this opportunity.”
Sebastian Stent, Senior Marketing Manager for SHG added:
“Wavysail has done incredible work creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences at sea, and we’re proud to continue supporting this initiative. This is a rare opportunity for a young Saint to gain hands-on sailing experience alongside some of the world’s best skippers, building skills, confidence, and global connections that will last a lifetime.”
The Open Oceans Fund aims to make offshore sailing more accessible to the local community while celebrating the island’s deep connection to the sea. The grant includes the following benefits:
- Flight from St Helena to Cape Town
- Up to three nights of accommodation in Cape Town before departure
- A fully funded place on the Cape Town to St Helena voyage aboard Wavysail’s yacht, Aurora
No prior sailing experience is necessary. Wavysail’s experienced crew will provide all the required training, support, and safety equipment to ensure participants are fully prepared for the journey.
Andrew Cowen, Co-founder of Wavysail said:
“We established Wavysail to promote inclusive and sustainable ocean adventures, led by the world’s top skippers. Our very first destination was St Helena, so our yacht, Aurora, is already a familiar sight to many on the island. We are proud to continue offering opportunities for people to experience everything St Helena has to offer.”
Applications for the next Open Oceans Fund grant are now open and will close on 31 August 2025. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of departure and must either live on St Helena or have a strong personal connection to the island. For complete details, terms and conditions, and to apply, please visit: www.wavysail.com/OpenOceans or email info@wavysail.com. Follow updates on social media using the hashtags below.
About Wavysail
Wavysail is a UK-based adventure sailing company offering tailored, sustainable sailing experiences for individuals of all skill levels. Founded on a commitment to inclusivity and environmental responsibility, Wavysail provides exceptional hands-on sailing expeditions to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Its groundbreaking Open Oceans Fund continues to transform lives by enabling new audiences to experience the magic of sailing while ensuring the planet’s protection for future generations. Visit www.wavysail.com for more information.
For media enquiries, please get in touch with Kim Darbyshire at Kim@gingeragency.co.ukgency.co.uk.
#StHelena #OpenOceans #WavySailingAdventure
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SHG
20 August 2025
The Property Division is pleased to announce 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.
We are seeking public feedback, particularly from young people and families, to inform the design of these new spaces. The community is invited to submit their preferences for new play equipment and facilities. Suggestions can be as simple as a general description, such as “climbing frame” or “swings”, or can include a specific web link to an example or a particular piece of equipment. All equipment choices will be subject to available funding.
In addition to new play equipment, the project is considering a range of other facilities to enhance the recreation areas. These include outdoor gym equipment designed specifically for children, locally crafted wooden seating and concrete picnic benches, solar-powered street lighting, and communal litter and recycling bins. Prior to the installation of any new equipment, both locations will undergo grounds maintenance, including the removal of weeds, vegetation, and litter, to visually improve the areas.
The Project Manager is also reaching out to businesses and members of the public who may wish to support this initiative through philanthropic sponsorship of equipment or facilities. Maximising the project’s budget through such support will allow for the creation of higher-quality and more comprehensive recreation spaces.
Feedback can be submitted to the Project Manager, Mike Durnford, via email at Mike.Durnford@sainthelena.gov.sh by Friday, 29 August 2025. All contributions will be instrumental in shaping these new and improved community assets.
#StHelena #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople #PlaygroundsProject
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At a reception held at Plantation House on Thursday evening, HE The Governor, Nigel Phillips, presented the Certificate and Badge of Honour Awards to Kerry Sim and Nicholas Yon.
The Certificate and Badge of Honour Award was endorsed by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 and is awarded for valuable service or meritorious conduct that is of an exceptional nature and benefit to St Helena. Under the statutory rules governing this award, the Certificate and Badge of Honour is only available to residents of St Helena i.e. someone who has St Helena ‘Saint status’ or has been resident on the island for not less than 10 years. Previously recipients have been granted the Certificate and Badge of Honour in a number of fields, which include teaching, nursing, safeguarding of children, and service to the community, longstanding and loyal service on the RMS St Helena and in some local government functions.
In a speech given during the reception, HE The Governor, highlighted the achievements and service to the island by both Kerry and Nicholas, noting also that they were recognised and nominated by members within the community and approved by the National Honours and Awards Committee.
Kerry was awarded for her dedication to the St Helena Veterinary Service and exceptional commitment to the care and welfare of animals, and Nicholas for his unwavering commitment to the work of the Salvation Army and selfless service to the community.
Congratulations are extended to both Kerry and Nicholas on their achievements.
Photos
Kerry being presented with her award from HE The Governor
Nicholas being presented with his award from HE The Governor
Kerry and Nicholas displaying their Certificates and Badges
HE The Governor with both awardees
#StHelena #CertificateandBadgeofHonour #HonoursAwards
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SHG
19 August 2025
As the world marks the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August, the St Helena Veterans Association (SHVA) and Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) will hold commemorative events, with the support of various island agencies and partners, to remember the significant contribution of the island to this crucial Allied effort.
VJ Day marks the official surrender of Imperial Japan in 1945, and the official end of World War II, a moment of collective relief and celebration after years of devastating war. Even in this remote corner of the South Atlantic, the impact of the war was felt deeply. Whilst initial plans for a St Helena naval station did not fully materialise, the island’s strategic importance became apparent. The sinking of the RFA Darkdale in October 1941 brought the realities of the conflict to St Helena’s shores, highlighting its vulnerability. Nevertheless, the island adapted and continued to contribute to the broader Allied effort. The island later served as a place of refuge for survivors of the British passenger steamship S.S. City of Cairo. These events illustrate the far-reaching impact of the Battle of the Atlantic and the part played by St Helena during this critical period.
These experiences will be reflected in the island’s programme of events organised by the SHVA, designed to honour both international and local contributions to the Allied victory:
The programme will include:
- 11:00 – Main Service led by Bishop Dale, two minutes of Silence and Wreath Laying, at the Cenotaph, with the Governor and Heads of Uniformed Services in attendance.
- 11:00 – Memorial Dive to the Deck of the Darkdale (a WWII War Grave) by members of the FCDO from the Governors Office and Dive St Helena to Light the Wreck in commemoration.
- Sunset – 23:00 – Lighting of High Knoll Fort to commemorate the occasion.
The legacy of St Helena’s wartime contribution reminds us that even the most remote places can be profoundly connected to world events. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan, the events planned to take place on Friday 15 August 2025 will serve as a poignant reminder of the wartime experiences and contributions of the people of St Helena alongside the wider Allied forces in the pursuit of peace
Photos (Courtesy of the Museum of St Helena)
The wreck of the RFA Darkdale the morning after the attack.
The S.S City of Cairo
#StHelena #80thVJDay #VeteransAssociation
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SHG
15 August 2025