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Her Excellency the Governor, Belinda Lewis was sworn in this afternoon in front of the Court House in Jamestown. The Chief Secretary and Head of Public Service, Mr Ian Todd OBE, read the Royal Commission, before the Sheriff of St Helena, Mrs Ethel Yon OBE, administered the Oaths of Office and gave the Address of Welcome. The Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, read a welcome address and spoke about welcoming Governor Belinda Lewis and her family to St Helena, celebrating the island’s community resilience, acknowledging key developmental opportunities alongside ongoing socioeconomic challenges, and emphasising the importance of a constructive partnership between St Helena and the UK. The Rt Rev, The Lord Bishop of St Helena, Dale Bowers MBE gave a prayer and blessing.
In her Inauguration Address, Her Excellency commented:
“It is a great honour to serve the people of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha on behalf of our Sovereign, His Majesty King Charles the Third. I can assure you that I will strive to discharge the responsibilities incumbent on me as Governor to the best of my ability (…) and serve you with diligence, integrity and respect.”
“I am looking forward to working closely and constructively with the Chief Minister and the elected Government in a strong spirit of partnership. St Helena has a long, proud history and a promising future: I want to celebrate this and am ready to play my part to advance the interests of the communities we are all here to serve.”
Governor’s Inauguration Speech
Photos
From left to right: Mrs Debbie Yon, HE the Governor Ms Belinda Lewis, and Major Anthony Galvin, USMC (Retd.).
The Chief Secretary and Head of Public Service, Ian Todd OBE, reading the Royal Commission
HE the Governor Belinda Lewis signing the Oaths of Office, administered by the Sheriff of St Helena, Mrs Ethel Yon OBE.
The Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, welcoming HE the Governor Belinda Lewis and her family to St Helena.
Invited guests attending the inauguration ceremony.
HE the Governor Belinda Lewis being introduced to Guides from the St Helena Girl Guide Association
1st Jamestown Scouts marching
#StHelena #Governor #InaugurationCeremony
A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 08 September 2026.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
CLOSED AGENDA
Declaration of Interest
Confirmation of Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting held on 28 July 2026
Matters Arising from Minutes of 28 July 2026
Tourism Strategy and Delivery Plan, 2026 – 2032 (ExCo Memo 34/2026)
Victims of Crime Compensation: Options for Policy (ExCo Memo 35/2026)
Terms of Reference for Children’s Champion (ExCo Memo 36/2026)
Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo
Invitation to Tender (ITT) for Main Building Works – St Helena New Prison
(ExCo Memo 32/2026)
SHG and Sure Memorandum of Understanding – Delivery, Operation and
Future Development of Electronic Communications and Broadcasting on St Helena (ExCo Memo 33/2026)
Select Committees (Establishment) Order, 2026 St Helena Government
Ministerial Updates on Significant Issues
Any Other Business
NB Items marked (*) are commercially sensitive and depending on the subject matter, might not be referred to in the top lines.
The following items were considered:
Declaration of Interest
The Chief Minister declared an interest in agenda item 5.
2 – 3. Confirmation of Minutes and Matters Arising from the Minutes from 28 July 2026.
Executive Council confirmed and signed off the minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2026.
4. Tourism Strategy and Delivery Plan, 2026 – 2032 (ExCo Memo 34/2026)
Executive Council considered whether the Tourism Strategy and Delivery Plan 2026 to 2031, as presented should be approved and used as the framework for the delivery of the island’s Tourism Development Programme (TDP).
Members recognised that, after financial aid and remittances, the tourism industry is the largest contributor to the local economy and expressed support for the approach set out in the Strategy. Members commended the evidence-based approach used to inform the Strategy, noting that a key objective is to provide stability for the industry. It was also highlighted that successful delivery will require cross-sector involvement.
Executive Council supported and approved the Tourism Strategy and Delivery Plan, 2026 – 2032.
5. Victims of Crime Compensation: Options for Policy (ExCo Memo 35/2026)
(Due to a declared conflict of interest, the Chief Minister left the room for this agenda item)
Executive Council considered options for the development of a Victims’ Code of Practice and a proposal for a scheme whereby compensation awarded to offenders would be held in a protected trust account to protect the interests of victims.
Executive Council agreed that Options 2.1.2 and 2.1.3 should be taken forward for public consultation to seek the views of the public before any decision is made.
6. Terms of Reference for Children’s Champion (ExCo Memo 36/2026)
Executive Council was asked to consider and agree the revised Terms of Reference for the Children’s Champion as per Section 3(3) of Part II of the Welfare of Children Ordinance, 2010.
Members noted that the scope of the ToRs risked extending the Champion’s functions outside of the Welfare of Children Ordinance, 2010 (WoCO), noting in particular the proposed extension of the remit to young people up to the age of 25 years and blurring the distinction between strategic oversight and operational decision making. Members agreed that the revised Terms of Reference raised problematic issues requiring further consideration.
It was decided that the revised TORs should be referred back to the Safeguarding of Children Board, noting that it would an opportune time to review with the imminent arrival in post of the new Safeguarding Board Chair and Delivery Manager. Members agreed that the existing ToRs would remain in place until any revised version is agreed.
Executive Council therefore did not approve the revised ToRs and agreed that these should be referred to the Safeguarding in Children Board for further consideration.
Recording of Decision(s) made by Email ExCo
Invitation to Tender (ITT) for Main Building Works – St Helena New Prison (ExCo Memo 32/2026)
SHG and Sure Memorandum of Understanding – Delivery, Operation and Future Development of Electronic Communications and Broadcasting on St Helena (ExCo Memo 33/2026)
Select Committees (Establishment) Order, 2026
Executive Council agreed with the decisions made for 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3.
Ministerial Updates on Significant Issues
8.1 Minister Thrower outlined next steps for SHG and Sure SA Ltd following the approval of the MOU reference in 7.2 above.
Any Other Business
Executive Council approved Minister Turner’s request for a Customs Exemption
for Chrome Books for Education.
As this was the final meeting of Executive Council during HE Governor Phillips’s
tenure, the Chief Minister thanked Governor Phillips for his support, advice, honesty, hard work, and dedicated service to St Helena. She also extended best wishes to Governor and Mrs Phillips for a long and happy retirement.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
St Helena has been named Emerging Family Destination at the Family Traveller Awards 2026, recognising the island as one of the destinations and travel services delivering outstanding experiences for families.
The island was shortlisted in two categories, Adventure Family Destination and Emerging Family Destination, highlighting St Helena’s growing appeal to families seeking unique experiences, outdoor adventure and an alternative to more traditional holiday destinations.
The recognition is a significant achievement for St Helena and reflects the island’s growing profile within the family travel market. From its spectacular landscapes and outdoor adventures to its rich history, wildlife and authentic experiences, St Helena offers families a breath of fresh air: the chance to explore, discover and create lasting memories in a destination unlike any other.
The award further reinforces St Helena’s position as an emerging family friendly destination and highlights its potential to appeal to families looking for meaningful, adventurous and memorable travel experiences beyond the traditional holiday offering.
Family Traveller and St Helena Government would like to thank everyone locally and internationally who took the time to vote for St Helena in the Family Traveller Awards 2026. The support received throughout the awards is greatly appreciated and highlights the growing interest in St Helena as an adventurous family destination.
Head of Tourism, Jonathan Passaportis, commented:
“We are delighted that St Helena has been recognised in the Family Traveller Awards 2026. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, commitment and passion of the many people across our tourism industry who work every day to create positive and memorable experiences for our visitors.
Our tourism businesses and their teams play an important role in making St Helena a safe, welcoming and distinctive destination for families, offering opportunities to explore, experience adventure and discover our unique natural, cultural and historic heritage.
We thank everyone across the industry for their continued commitment to delivering a high-quality visitor experience, and everyone who voted for and supported St Helena.”
Photos
SHG UK Representative, Kedell Worboys, and Rochelle Streater, CEO of Family Traveller
The Emerging Family Destination Award
#StHelena #EmergingFamilyDestination #FamilyTravellerAwards2026
The Economic Development Portfolio is driving a focused programme of work to strengthen St Helena’s economy, improve access, support enterprise and investment, and create the conditions for a more resilient, sustainable and locally driven future.
The portfolio’s work sits at the heart of Government’s wider strategy to stabilise the population, protect living standards and core services, and enable sustainable growth. Its responsibilities include strategic economic development policy, export, trade and investment, digital development, air and sea access, tourism, financial services and management of the crown estate.
The 2026/27 budget sets out a practical programme for growth. Tourism, financial services, digital connectivity, agriculture, enterprise support and capital investment are all being taken forward as part of a joined-up approach to broaden the economy and reduce reliance on a small number of sectors. The newly agreed three-year aid settlement with the UK Government gives St Helena greater certainty to plan ahead. At the same time, the Economic Development Investment Programme will support essential capital works over the next three years.
Tourism remains one of St Helena’s most important opportunities. Visitor arrivals have recovered strongly since the pandemic, reaching close to 2019 levels in 2024/25. The next phase of the Tourism Development Programme will focus on product development and infrastructure, marketing and promotion, staffing, training, upskilling, and institutional arrangements. The objective is to support 4% annual growth in arrivals and build capacity for an industry capable of welcoming 6,000 visitors a year by 2031. A dedicated £550,000 fund supports tourism activities, and £74,000 supports the visitor information service.
St Helena’s tourism offer is distinctive: walking and heritage trails, marine life, dark skies, biodiversity, history, culture and the island’s remoteness all support a high-value, low-volume visitor model. Recent work has supported upgrades and accreditation of key visitor assets, including Post Box walks and heritage sites. The portfolio will continue to work with partners and businesses to improve the visitor experience, strengthen accommodation and services, and ensure tourism growth benefits the wider community.
Improving access by air and sea is central to economic growth. Reliable transport links support visitors, residents, businesses, medical referrals, imports and supply chains. The portfolio is working across Government and with partners to strengthen resilience in access arrangements, learn from recent disruptions, and support long-term planning for aviation, shipping and logistics.
Digital development is opening new possibilities. The Equiano fibre optic cable has transformed St Helena’s connectivity, with improved data capacity and lower telecommunications costs for households and businesses. Better connectivity supports digital services, remote working, education, business development and investor confidence. Government is considering long-term options for public telecommunications beyond the current licence arrangements to provide stability for residents, businesses and potential investors.
Financial services and the Company Registry are being developed carefully and ethically. The St Helena Government has allocated £320,000 to the Financial Services and Company Registry Development Programme. This will make St Helena a better place to do business, improve consumer protection, reinforce governance standards, increase locally generated revenues and strengthen regulatory effectiveness. Work includes modernising the Company Registry, supporting banking services, aligning with international standards, strengthening anti-money laundering procedures, and developing a commercially viable offer for internationally active businesses. SHG has taken an ethical approach to developing financial services and will ensure that trusts are not misused for tax-evasion purposes. It will develop a Company Registry product for businesses with strong environmental, social and governance credentials.
Support for local enterprise and productive sectors is also being expanded. The budget includes funding for agricultural development, agriculture improvement interventions, and a grant scheme for enterprises. These measures are intended to help businesses invest, improve productivity, strengthen food security and create new opportunities for local enterprise.
Minister for Economic Development, Karl Thrower, said:
“Economic development isn’t about how many projects Government can announce or how much money we can say we are spending. The test is whether people can see the difference, whether businesses have more opportunities, whether it becomes easier to invest and do business, and ultimately whether more people feel they can build a future for themselves and their families on St Helena.
We have made significant progress over the past year, and I want to recognise the considerable amount of work that has gone into that. My team and colleagues across Government have worked extremely hard to move a number of important areas forward, often while dealing with limited resources and some very difficult challenges. We should be proud of what has been achieved, but we also need to be realistic: there is still a great deal of work ahead of us, and many of the changes we are trying to make will take time before their full benefits are felt.
Government cannot achieve economic growth on its own. Our responsibility is to get the fundamentals right: reliable air and sea access, better connectivity, affordable and increasingly renewable energy, appropriate infrastructure, sensible regulation and practical support for the private sector. Moving towards renewable energy is particularly important because it can reduce our exposure to imported fuel costs, improve our resilience and, over time, help create a more competitive environment for households and businesses.
None of these things sits neatly within one portfolio. Economic development has to be a whole-of-Government effort, with portfolios working together rather than in isolation. The days of silo thinking have to be behind us. Decisions on energy, infrastructure, planning, education, housing, health, access, and the environment all affect our economy, and we will achieve far more if we look at these issues together rather than separately.
There isn’t one project or one industry that is going to solve all of St Helena’s economic challenges. We have to continue the good work already under way, build on the gains we have made, and keep pushing forward across a number of areas at the same time. Just as importantly, we have to be prepared to measure whether what we are doing is actually delivering the results we expect.”
Economic Development Budget Infographic
#StHelena #Budget26-27 #EconomicDevelopment
The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio has today published the combined findings from St Helena’s first comprehensive survey into children and young people’s internet and social media use, bringing together responses from 225 young people aged 8–18 across primary and secondary schools.
Over the past two weeks, findings from the primary and secondary school surveys have been published separately. Bringing the results together provides a broader picture of children’s digital lives across the 8–18 age range.
The survey shows that digital technology is now a routine part of childhood. Almost every child has access to the internet at home, while smartphones are an increasingly important way of accessing the online world. YouTube is the most popular platform, followed by TikTok, Snapchat and WhatsApp, with Instagram also featuring among older young people.
The results also show that many young people are already aware that excessive social media use can affect their wellbeing. Across the survey, children and young people identified tiredness, lack of sleep, reduced concentration, lower school performance and changes in mood among the impacts they associate with excessive social media use.
At the same time, the findings highlight areas where continued awareness, guidance and support are needed.
Across the combined 8–18 age group:
- 14% reported experiencing cyberbullying.
- 40% had been contacted, or may have been contacted, by strangers online.
- 37% spend 16 or more hours each week on social media.
- Nearly half use mobile data outside the home, meaning parental controls based only on home Wi-Fi may not provide complete protection.
Online gaming is also significant, with some young people spending considerable amounts of time gaming and interacting with strangers through games.
Children and young people are telling us what they need
The findings show that many young people recognise the challenges of spending excessive amounts of time online and identify parents, carers, friends, siblings and other trusted adults as people they would turn to if something online worried or made them uncomfortable. This provides an important foundation for continued work.
The survey is not intended to tell parents how to raise their children, nor does it suggest that technology or smartphones are inherently harmful. Instead, it provides St Helena with a shared understanding of how young people are using technology and the issues families, schools and the wider community may need to consider.
The Digital Literacy and Boundaries Group was established in response to these concerns and brings together representatives from education, safeguarding, health, policing, Youth Parliament and other community partners. The Group’s aim is to understand children’s digital lives, consider the evidence and identify ways to support children and families to use technology positively and safely.
Children’s Champion and member of the Safeguarding Board, Cllr Julie Thomas, said:
“The findings from this survey provide us with an invaluable, clear picture of our children’s digital lives, but they must also serve as an urgent call to action. As Children’s Champion and a member of the Safeguarding Board, my absolute priority is ensuring that our young people are kept safe online at all costs. We are not looking to strip technology away from our youth, but rather to empower our community with the awareness and education needed to establish healthy boundaries.
By equipping parents, guardians, and the children themselves with the right knowledge, we can collectively make informed, cautious choices about device usage and connectivity. Protecting our children in this fast-evolving digital space requires a shared commitment, and we must ensure every decision we take is guided by a proactive dedication to their safety, well-being, and protection.”
Continuing the conversation
The findings come at a time when communities internationally are considering how best to help children navigate an increasingly digital world.
The focus is not on removing young people from technology, but on helping them develop the knowledge, confidence and boundaries they need to benefit from it safely and positively.
Parents and carers, young people, schools, health professionals, police and safeguarding partners, politicians and policymakers all have a role to play in supporting digital safety.
The survey also provides an opportunity for families to keep asking simple but important questions about what children use their devices for, how much time they spend online and who they are interacting with.
The survey has given St Helena something many communities do not have: a clearer picture of how our children and young people are experiencing the digital world.
The opportunity now is to use that information to shape what comes next.
To view the results of the survey, please click the link at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/2026/09/Children-Young-Peoples-Social-Media-Use-Findings-All-Schools-Final.pdf
#StHelena #OnlineSafety #AltogetherBetterfortheSafetyofChildrenandYoungPeople
His Excellency Governor Nigel Phillips CBE will end his term of office on Friday, 11 September 2026.
As is customary on St Helena, His Excellency the Governor will make himself available in the Governor’s Office to bid members of the public farewell.
Accordingly, Governor Phillips will be available in the Governor’s Office, the Castle, Jamestown, from 10:00 to 11:00 this Friday, 11 September 2026, to receive members of the public and bid farewell to those who wish to attend.
#StHelena #HEGovernor #Farewell
The Inauguration Ceremony for Governor Designate Ms Belinda Lewis will be held on Saturday, 12 September 2026 at 14:00 on the Supreme Court Terrace, Jamestown.
Uniformed contingents will parade from the Canister to take up their positions on the Grand Parade at approximately 13:50 where the Combined Brass Band will provide music for the event.
Following the reading of the Royal Commission appointing Ms Lewis as Governor of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha by Chief Secretary Mr Ian Todd, OBE, the Oaths of Office will be administered by the Sheriff of St Helena, Mrs Ethel Yon, OBE.
Welcome addresses will be read by the Sheriff of St Helena and the Hon Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, to which Ms Lewis will respond before inspecting the Parade accompanied by her Aide de Camp and the Parade Commander. The Rt Rev the Lord Bishop of St Helena, Dale Bowers MBE, will then give a Prayer and a Blessing before the Parade Commander requests permission to march off parade. Contingents will then march past to enable Her Excellency to receive the salute.
Following the ceremony, Her Excellency accompanied by her husband, Major Anthony Galvin (USMC Retd.), will proceed to the Court House where they will be able to greet members of the Legislative Council, officials, dignitaries and members of the public.
#StHelena #Governor #InaugurationCeremony
SHG
02 September 2026
The public are advised that the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 was passed by Formal Legco on 17 July 2026 and was approved by the Governor on 3 August 2026.
This follows the revocation of the previous Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 in September 2025.
Why Was the Previous Version revoked?
The Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 was passed in April 2025 but its commencement was revoked in September 2025 due to errors in the drafting which would have brought about unintended consequences should the ordinance have come into force. .
What the New Amendment Means for Our Community
- Streamlined Work and Stay Permits for Local Businesses and Workers: The separate long-term entry permit, work permit, and immigrant employment certificate have been combined into a single, unified Permission to Stay and Work Permit (valid for up to 5 years). This simplifies hiring for local businesses and speeds up turnaround times for workers.
- Clearer “Holiday Permits” for Visitors: The traditional short-term entry permit is now designated as a Holiday Permit. Valid for up to 183 days (and extendable up to 365 days), it allows visitors to enjoy extended stays. To support local community initiatives, Holiday Permit holders may also undertake up to 30 days of voluntary work for registered local charities or non-profit organisations.
- Flexible Discretionary Leave: An Immigration Officer can now grant Discretionary Leave in emergency situations, during unexpected travel delays, or for short-term essential work (such as visiting medical specialists or key technical contractors).
- Faster Administrative Reviews: Responsibility for processing applications and status determinations is centralised under the Chief Immigration Officer, supported by a structured administrative review process to resolve queries quickly without unnecessary delay.
- Clear Protections for Existing Permit Holders: All existing permits, work permissions, and legal rights granted prior to this Ordinance remain fully valid for their remaining duration. Current permit holders do not need to take immediate action.
Next Steps and Implementation
The Ordinance will come into effect on a date fixed by the Governor by Order. Ahead of implementation, the St Helena Immigration department will share key information and host public awareness sessions to walk community members and local businesses through the new processes.
#StHelena #ImmigrationUpdate #ImmigrationOrdinance
SHG
25 August 2026
St Helena Secondary School is celebrating an impressive set of public examination results, with students achieving strong outcomes across a wide range of qualifications and demonstrating the breadth of talent, hard work and determination within this year’s cohort.
This year, students achieved qualifications across a broad range of subjects and levels, including Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 (GCSE), and Level 3 (A Level) stages. The results also represent a positive step forward from the previous year, with the proportion of students achieving the school’s key measure (five or more subjects at grade 4/C or above, including English and Mathematics) increasing from 29% in 2025 to 56% this year, an increase of 27 percentage.
We are thrilled to celebrate several other significant achievements:
- 91% of girls achieved a Level 2 qualification in English (equivalent to grades A*-C or 9-4)
- 76.5% of students achieved Level 2 qualification in English (equivalent to grades A*-C or 9-4)
- 59% of all students secured a Level 2 qualification in both English and Mathematics, a 22% increase on last year.
- 73% of all assessments undertaken achieved Level 2, a 23% increase on last year.
- The English result compares particularly well with the latest National Reference Test benchmark for England. In 2025, 67% of students were estimated to achieve grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language
Headteacher Phil Toal commented:
“I am incredibly proud of the achievements of our students this year. These results represent much more than numbers on a page. Behind each result are individual stories of perseverance, progress and achievement. Examination results measure only one part of a young person’s journey, I am proud of students who achieved top grades, met or exceeded their targets, made significant progress, or overcame personal challenges to complete their studies.
I would like to thank our teachers and support staff for the dedication, expertise and care they have shown throughout the year. Their commitment to helping every student achieve their potential is at the heart of these results.
I would also like to thank our families for the encouragement and support they have given our young people. Success in examinations is a team effort, and these results belong to the whole St Helena community.
Most importantly, I want to congratulate our students. Whether you achieved the grades you were hoping for, exceeded your expectations, or simply persevered through difficult circumstances, you should be proud of what you have accomplished.
Today marks an important milestone, but it is not the destination. I look forward to seeing our students take the next steps in their education, employment and wider lives with confidence, ambition and determination.”
#StHelena #StHelenaSecondarySchool #ExamResults
In response to public comments about the length of the Situational Analysis of the St Helena Fishing Industry, SHG has published a public summary, available at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/2026/08/FRSA-Public-Summary-260813.pdf
The document setting out options for the future of the fishing industry will be published for public consultation on 11 September. This public summary highlights the key policy issues identified in the Situational Analysis at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/situational-analysis-of-the-st-helena-fishing-industry/.
Neither document makes recommendations. The role of these documents is to inform discussion and decision-making.
Ministers will consider the available options and make recommendations for policy to Cabinet, which will then be considered by Executive Council.
#StHelena #FishingIndustry #PublicConsultation
SHG
19 August 2026