The Central Support Service Transport Section is keen to hear your views on the SHG operated Public Transport Service (PTS), which launched on 1 December 2024.

We are conducting a short survey to gather your feedback, assisting in future decision about the PTS, from timetables and journey frequency to fares and overall user experience.

The survey is anonymous, takes only a few minutes to complete, and is open to everyone whether you use the PTS regularly, occasionally, or not at all.

A survey form is available from the SHG website, the Customer Services Centre, Public Library, Tourist Office in Jamestown, PTS buses, and selected shops.

The survey is also available online via the link below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PTSStHelena

Completed surveys can be left in the designated collection boxes at the Customer Services Centre, Public Library, Tourist Office, on PTS buses, and in participating shops.

The survey closes on 24 April 2026, so don’t miss your chance to have your say. Your views will make a real difference.

QR Code

#StHelena #PublicTransportService #Survey

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An open session of Executive Council in Planning (ECiP) was held on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 in the Council Chamber.

The agenda for the meeting was as follows:

The Chief Planning Officer (CPO), Patricia Coyle, was in attendance along with members of the public.

All applications considered at the meeting were being referred to Governor in Council in accordance with the Direction issued on 14 June 2022 under section 23(1) of the Land Development Control Ordinance 2013 which requires the referral of applications for development of land (excluding street furniture installations, signage, gates, solar panels, safety equipment, alterations to existing windows and alterations to existing doors) within fifty metres of the sea.

At the meeting:

For each of the three applications listed below, Minister Karl Thrower set out the context before handing over to the CPO to describe the applications and recommendations as outlined in the published documentation.

HE The Governor then followed by opening the floor for questions and discussion which centred on the recommended conditions.

Development Application – Retention of a Covered Area at the Mule Yard, Jamestown (ECIP Memo 01/2026)

Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise whether Full Development Permission should be granted, with Conditions, as recommended for the Retention of a Covered Area at The Mule Yard, Jamestown.

This was a retrospective application seeking to retain the already erected roof that covers an extended area at the front of The Mule Yard bar.

Following deliberation, ECiP approved the development application, with conditions in line with the Land Development Control Authority (LCDA) and CPO recommendations. The approval is for two years from the date of approval. The reason for this is that the Applicant has a short-term lease of the property and if permanent, this could prejudice future changes of lease holding and plans to improve the Wharf and seaside. . It was noted that the Applicant is required to paint the roof of the covered area and upstand between it and the band stand dark slate grey to match the existing roof colour of the bar.

Development Application – Installation of Fence at St Helena Coffee Shop, Jamestown (ECIP Memo 02/2026)

Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise whether Full Development Permission should be refused with reasons, as recommended for the Installation of the Fence at the St Helena Coffee Shop.

In terms of planning history, a retrospective application for the fence was refused by the LDCA on 6 June 2024, a decision subsequently upheld by Governor in Council on 23 July 2024. The Applicant later appealed, and the Land Development Appeals Tribunal (LDAT) heard the case on 7 July 2025, ultimately upholding the earlier refusals. This new proposal was submitted in response to the Tribunal’s ruling.

This application generated much discussion and debate amongst members.

Members acknowledged the need for improved security by the business to address antisocial behaviour experienced prior to the erection of the fence and the potential impact on the business owner of not having the fence, noting that the enforcement notice for the removal of the unauthorised picket fence is due to come into force in three months. However, they also recognised that substantial time and support had been provided to the Applicant to identify more suitable alternatives that aligned with the historical setting of the Grade I historical setting.

ECiP agreed with the recommendation of the Land Development Control Authority (LCDA) and Chief Planning Officer (CPO) recommendation that Full Development Permission be refused.

Development Application – Installation of Security Fencing and Crash Barrier at Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ruperts Valley (ECIP Memo 03/2026)

Governor in Council was asked to consider and advise whether Full Development Permission should be approved with conditions, as recommended for the installation of fencing and crash barrier at the Rupert’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.

ECiP welcomed the move to preserve the historical aspects of the surrounding area in the vicinity of Plant, in what is also an area of multiple uses, i.e. it is popular recreational area, as well as having industrial/business uses. They noted that the design of the fences was similar with other fencing in the area and that the crash barriers would be erected in liaison with the Highways Authority.

Following deliberation, ECiP unanimously approved the development application in line with Land Development Control Authority (LCDA) and CPO’s recommendations.

Documentation for the meeting is available via the SHG website http://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/executive-council/

#StHelena #ECiP #Toplines www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/www.x.com/StHelenaGovt

SHG

23 March 2026

At today’s sitting of the Legislative Council, the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2026, brought forward by the Chief Minister, was not passed.

Ministers today expressed disappointment that Elected Members did not pass the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2026, legislation that would have delivered the first uplift to the personal tax‑free allowance in 14 years.

Ministers recognise that many individuals and families across the island continue to face real financial pressures, particularly those on lower incomes who are most affected by rising living costs.

Ministers remain firmly committed to putting money back into people’s pockets and helping households manage the rising cost of living. The proposed amendment sought to provide immediate relief through an inflationary increase to the personal allowance, recognising the limited timeframe available for changes that must be in place for 1 April. Tax adjustments cannot be made mid‑year, and therefore the proposal represented the best possible route to offering short‑term support to the public.

At the meeting the Chief Minister highlighted that the window for implementing any changes to the tax system was exceptionally narrow. Despite these constraints, the proposal aimed to deliver a realistic and immediate benefit to taxpayers.

The Chief Minister spoke to the debate and said:

“This government wants to increase the personal allowance to £7,500. Believe me, when I say that I would have loved to be able to do that this year. But it was just not affordable. Over 20 different options were explored, but in reality, there was not enough time to be able to have a sufficiently robust assessment of the impacts of more complex options, like introducing a new tax band, or changing the higher rate of tax.”

Ministers acknowledge that there are differing views on how best to provide support and respects the role of Elected Members in this process. However, the outcome means that this opportunity to protect the real value of the tax-free allowance will not be realised this year.

Ministers remain focused on supporting residents and will continue seeking responsible and sustainable ways to ease financial pressures on households.

#StHelena #IncomeTaxAmendmentBill2026

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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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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.

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:

• £7,000 → £7,150: £90,000
• £7,000 → £7,500: £290,000
• £7,000 → £10,000: £1,530,000

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:

• protects households against inflation
• is affordable without cuts to health, education or social support

• sets the foundation for annual adjustments, not once-a-decade jumps
• allows Government to proceed with wider reforms supporting working families

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:

Scenario	Benefit
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:

• making sure work pays
• giving families breathing room
• keeping young people on island
• addressing St Helena’s ageing demographic
• strengthening the workforce of the future

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:

• working people
• young families
• low-income earners
• those struggling with rising prices

#StHelena #IncomeTax

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On 27 January 2026, Executive Council approved an amendment to the Registered Land Rules 1981, to increase fees for Land Registry Services, including the registration of interests in land, land surveys and other services as provided under the Registered Land Ordinance 1980.

Land Registry fees were last reviewed and updated on 1 November 2020 and have remained unchanged until now.  The increase is necessary to align fees with the cost of delivering these services, ensure the long-term viability of Land Registry, and support the timely delivery of land registry processes.

The revised fees will come into effect on 1 April 2026.

The schedule below outlines the upcoming fee changes:

Fee No.	Description	Revised Fee
1	On application for the registration of:
	A transfer (of a freehold, leasehold or charge) for each parcel affected	£40.00
	A lease or sub-lease or easement for each parcel affected	£30.00
	A mortgage or charge— If presented at the same time as an instrument to which fee 1(a) or 1(b) appliesIn every other case, the same fee as would apply on an application to register a transfer of the land or lease comprised in the charge	£12.00
	A caution or restriction	£25.00
	Discharge and removal or a charge or caution	Nil
	Other instrument (including power of attorney presented under section 114)	£12.00
2	On filing any instrument, otherwise than for the purpose of registration	Nil
3	On the issue of a Land certificate:
	If issued in consequence of registration of an instrument for which a fee in item 1(a) or 1(b) applies	Nil
	In every other case	£18.00
4	Upon opening a new register in consequence of subdivision, partition or combination – for each new register: (Payable in addition to survey fees in item 8)	£6.00
5	On application to inspect a register or filed instrument or plan or registry map:
	First document	£4.00
	Each additional document inspected	£3.00
6	On application for an official search	£6.00
7	On application for a certified copy of the register, filed instrument, plan or map:
	First page	£4.00
	Each additional page	£3.00
8	On an application for subdivision, reparcellation or fixing a boundary, or any other application necessitating a survey (in addition to any other fee):
	Standard service (within 90 days): For each hour (or part thereof) of survey work within the Standard service: Trainee surveyor Surveyor Senior Surveyor GIS Manager Crown Estates Officer	£6.00 £10.00 £13.00 £17.00 £17.00
	Premium service (within 21 days): Standard hourly fees in item 8(a) will be doubled
	Economy service (within 180 days): Standard hourly fees in item 8(a) will be reduced by one third
	For each beacon, post, or other boundary marker placed by the survey officers in the course of such survey	£3.00
9	Miscellaneous applications to the Registrar:
	For rectification of the Register	£18.00
	For partition or sale of land owned in common	£30.00
	For registration as proprietor of land, or of an easement or profit, by prescription	£25.00
10	For any matter or thing for which no provision is specifically made in this Schedule	£30.00

Land Registry

Economic Development Portfolio

12 March 2026

St Helena celebrated Commonwealth Day 2026 on Monday 9 March with assemblies at St Helena Secondary School (SHSS) and the Key Stage 1 and 2 schools, as well as a flag-raising ceremony held at Anne’s Place, Jamestown. This year’s theme, ‘Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth’, focused on partnership, sustainable economic growth, and skill development, particularly for youth and women across the 56 member countries.

To open the ceremony at Anne’s Place, the Speaker of the St Helena Legislative Council and St Helena Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Branch President, Maureen Thompson, delivered a welcoming speech. The speech highlighted the island’s participation in the upcoming flag-raising ceremony at the Palace of Westminster and highlighted that St Helena’s future prosperity relies on international collaboration and sustainable development. Central to the message was a call to empower the island’s youth, preparing them to lead on the world stage in fields ranging from governance to technology and sports.

HE Governor Nigel Phillips CBE read the message from Head of the Commonwealth, His Majesty King Charles III. Chief Minister, Hon Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE, read a message from the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Hon Shirley Botchwey, and Vice Chairperson of the Youth Parliament, Lilli Adams, read the Commonwealth Affirmation.

Shortly after, Speaker Thompson raised the Commonwealth Flag as part of the ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’ initiative. This initiative aims to inspire participants to join with others throughout the Commonwealth, a family of 56 member states, which has a combined population of 2.7 billion, with more than 60% aged 29 or under, representing around a third of the world’s Commonwealth’s population.

Speaker Thompson commented:

“Today, we join hands with 56 nations in celebrating our shared journey, our enduring values, and our vision for a brighter future. Our prosperity is built on collaboration, it is about partnership both within our community and with our friends across the globe to invest in our infrastructure, our sustainable development, and our people.”

To commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Nations and to discuss its past accomplishments and ongoing aspirations, guest speakers Mr Jonathan Passaportis of St Helena Tourism, Youth Entrepreneur Mr Louis Youde, and Zac Bargo of the St Helena Youth Parliament were invited to speak at the ceremony.

Councillor Ronald Coleman MLC concluded the ceremony with thanks to HE the Governor, speakers, attendees, Anne’s Place staff, and the working group, marking the end of the Commonwealth Day 2026 event.

The Commonwealth Day message from the Head of the Commonwealth was read by Members of the Legislative Council at schools across the island. Minister Andrew Turner and Councillor Julie Thomas MLC attended the assembly at SHSS whilst Councillor Robert Midwinter MLC attended the assembly at the Key Stage 1 School, and Councillor Dr Corinda Essex MLC attended the Key Stage 2 assembly.

St Helena Government UK Representative, Mrs Kedell Worboys MBE, was also invited to attend several engagements to commemorate Commonwealth Day in the UK.

Representing the island in London, Mrs Worboys, attended a series of high-profile events to mark the occasion, beginning with a flag-raising ceremony at Portcullis House. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates on behalf of the Government and people of St Helena. After attending the Commonwealth Day Observance at Westminster Abbey, Mrs Worboys concluded the day’s commemorations at a reception hosted by HM The King at St James’s Palace.

Deputy Speaker of the St Helena Legislative Council, Connie Johnson, Councillor Dennis Leo MLC and Legislative Council Office Assistant, Marita Bagley, who are in the UK attending the Westminster Seminar attended the Flag-Raising Ceremony, where Connie read an extract from “The House of the Commonwealth” and the Commonwealth Day Observance at Westminster Abbey.

Photos

Speaker Maureen Thompson delivering a welcome speech

HE the Governor reading the Commonwealth Day message from HM the King

Chief Minister Cairns-Wicks reading the message from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey

Vice Chairperson of the St Helena Youth Parliament reading the Commonwealth Confirmation

The Flag-raising Ceremony

Guest speaker, Jonathan Passaportis

Guest speaker, Louis Youde

Guest Speaker, Zac Bargo

Invited guests at Anne’s Place

Minister for Education, Skills and Employment, Andrew Turner, at the SHSS assembly

Deputy Speaker, Connie Johnson, reading an extract from “The House of the Commonwealth”

#StHelena #CommonwealthDay

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A Stronger, Fairer Future for St Helena: Government Sets Out New Vision Strategy

St Helena has come a long way in recent years with the successful delivery of some key projects and policies, including the delivery of a new port in Rupert’s, improved road infrastructure, the recovery of tourism through the Tourism Recovery Strategy, internationally recognised marine and terrestrial conservation initiatives, and the commencement of primary re-organisation.

Despite these wins, St Helena still faces a complex set of interlinked social, economic, and environmental challenges that threaten the island’s long-term sustainability and the well-being of our community. Rising costs of living, an aging and declining population, labour shortages, fragile national infrastructure, and declining trust in institutions have eroded public confidence and reinforced a cycle of uncertainty and outward migration. These dynamics reinforce one another. Population decline reduces the labour force and tax base; weak systems undermine confidence; environmental degradation threatens water, food and health; and uncertainty drives outward migration.

The Government is developing its new Vision and Strategy setting out a clear path to first stabilise and start to reverse these trends and build a fairer, more resilient, and forward-looking St Helena. We believe in a community where every person is valued, has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and where families, businesses, and the environment can thrive together.

Our vision is for a fair, inclusive, more resilient and forward-looking St Helena, confident in its future, responsible in its stewardship and united in purpose to become a sustainable thriving community with people at its heart.

We recognise that rebuilding confidence will require phased reform, and a clear focus on what is affordable and what can be delivered sustainably within our financial and institutional capacity. We also recognise the increasing costs of service delivery, as a result of our aging population and shrinking worforce as well as the impact of increasing international costs, for example supply of pharmaceuticals. This means we need to look carefully at the sustainability of our current range of service delivery.

The strategy will be built around three themes that have been shaped by the voices and experiences of St Helenians across the island:

1. Stabilising the Population and Labour Market: Creating conditions for people to stay, return, and contribute through fulfilling careers, skills development, and fair access to services.
2. Protecting Living Standards and Core Services: Ensuring immediate support for those under pressure, while reforming health, social care, education, and infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
3. Enabling Sustainable, Locally Driven Growth: Diversifying the economy, investing in digital and physical infrastructure, and developing productive economic sectors which safeguard the environment as a strategic asset, creating an enabling environment to accelerate opportunities for growth.

Key actions include aligning education and workforce planning with current and future needs, commitment to partnership with the community in preventative healthcare, affordable utilities, and public service modernisation. The strategy also recognises the need for incremental tax and revenue reform and disciplined public financial management. The strategy will support initiatives already in train, such as the continued implementation of the Tourism Development Programme,  Company Registry and Financial Services Development Programme, and completion of the long overdue immigration reforms. It also seeks to explore new areas of goverment intervention, with fresh thinking already commenced with the fishery, in high value agriculture, wharf redevelopment, and on expanding the St Helena Research Institute.

Implementation will be phased, with clear milestones and measurable outcomes, which will be shared pending the outcome of budget discussions with the UK Government. Government will communicate openly about progress and constraints, adapt as needed based on evidence and lived experience, and work in partnership across portfolios, communities, business, and civil society.

Government is clear that St Helena cannot only tax its way out of structural challenges by increasing the burden on wages in a shrinking population. Long-term sustainability requires a broader and fairer revenue base, improved compliance, and growth-linked revenues, alongside disciplined public financial management.

By focusing first on stabilising people’s lives and rebuilding trust, while strengthening the foundations of our economy, services, and environment, we will restore confidence and set St Helena on a more secure and hopeful path, step by step, and together.

Policy Priorities 2026–2029

Following on from the above, the Government will focus on nine cross government policy priorities:

1. Stabilise the population and labour market

2. Protect health and social care and improve prevention outcomes

3. Reform education and build the future workforce

4. Reduce the cost of living through investment in utilities and infrastructure

5. Enable sustainable, locally driven economic growth

6. Grow revenues fairly

7. Reform and strengthen the public service

8. Safeguard the environment as a strategic asset

9. Protect living standards during transition

These priorities are aligned with a set of Strategic Outcomes, that reflect the importance of cross portfolio partnerships, the reality of resource limitations, and the interconnections and interdependencies inherent in bringing about changes.

Each outcome guides the various work streams and activities across the different sectors, for example:

• Health: stabilising hospital flow, reducing overseas referrals, expanding residential care, developing sustainable financing models.
• Education: COBIS accreditation, primary school reorganisation, Additional Educational Needs reform, post-16 vocational pathways, a more inclusive educational system and establishing a Higher Educational Provision on St Helena.
• Utilities: renewable energy transition, telecoms regulation, water security.
• Growth: tourism development, Impact Company Registry, financial services reform, agriculture and fisheries revival.
• Public Service: digital transformation, workforce planning, performance management.

Over the coming weeks, the Government will discuss the draft strategy more widely with focused stakeholder groups and invite discussion to help identify any remaining gaps, including issues relevant to groups we have not yet reached. Our aim is to finalise and publish the strategy once we have confirmation of our budgetary aid settlement, expected in April 2026 and at this time clear milestone and timelines will be confirmed. We will review the strategy annually to ensure it remains responsive to the island’s changing needs which time we expect to know our budgetary aid settlement, and we will review it annually to ensure it remains responsive to the island’s changing need.

#StHelena #VisionandStrategy

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