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Executive Council has today approved amendments to the Civil Litigation (Costs) Ordinance 2025 to be taken forward as Government business. The proposed amendments are intended to strengthen fairness and improve access to justice. They will now be published for public consultation before being brought to the Legislative Council for consideration and approval. The current ordinance, scrutinised by all parties in the Judicial Review proceedings, based on legal advice, will clarify the circumstances under which After-the-Event (ATE) Insurance can be recovered and ensure our legislation meets the original intention of the Civil Litigation Costs Ordinance.
A key element of the proposal is the introduction of provisions relating to ATE insurance. These changes would allow the courts to include some or all of the cost of ATE insurance premiums in cost awards for medical negligence and personal injury claims. This is intended to reduce the financial risk for individuals pursuing legitimate claims and ensure that access to justice is not limited by personal financial circumstances.
Alongside this, the Civil Litigation (Costs) Notice 2026 has been amended to provide greater clarity and transparency around recoverable legal costs. It sets out when the cost of initial legal advice may be recovered, helping individuals better understand their position from the outset. The proposals also ensure that legal cost rates remain fair, consistent, and up to date. Solicitor rates would align with the England and Wales guideline hourly rates for “National Band 1”, allowing them to adjust over time without the need for frequent revisions.
Importantly, linking St Helena’s rates to those used in England and Wales represents a significant step forward. It ensures that the island’s legal framework remains aligned with recognised and well-established standards, providing confidence to both local residents and external legal professionals. This approach also helps future-proof the system, ensuring that it keeps pace with changes elsewhere while still being applied in a way that reflects St Helena’s local context.
The use of “National Band 1” is considered appropriate for St Helena as it reflects rates typically applied to all of England and Wales, except for parts of central London. Barristers would be paid at the highest rate.
Theproposed amendments approved by Executive Council will be published and open for public consultation prior to the next Legislative Council meeting. Following consultation, they will be brought before the Legislative Council for consideration and approval.
Note to Editors
After the Event (ATE) insurance is a type of insurance used in legal cases, similar to a Conditional Fee Agreement (or “No Win – No Fee” Agreement). It is taken out after a dispute has already arisen, not before. It is insurance that protects claimants from having to pay large legal costs (for example in expert fees) if the claimant loses the case.
#StHelena #CivilLitigation #CostsOrdinance
St Helena, like many small and remote communities, faces challenges in being able to fill roles locally because of severe skills shortages and evolving demand for public services. This is primarily driven by the island’s changing demographics. Our population is both declining and ageing, meaning there are fewer people of working age to fill the roles needed in the public service and across the wider economy.
Within the Public Service, initially these challenges were evident in front-line services such as nursing, teaching and care workers. However, recently the challenge of filling roles from the local labour market is increasingly felt across a wider range of public service roles.
To ensure that essential services continue to operate effectively, we need to maintain a strong, skilled and resilient workforce.
To address these challenges responsibly, we are expanding our recruitment efforts to explore alternative and affordable labour markets, beyond St Helena and the UK. This approach allows us to bring in the required skills, experience and capacity needed to support various sectors, maintain service standards and enable long-term development. These skills will complement those of our local labour force. In this regard, we were able to successfully pilot the recruitment of a small cohort of carers from the Philippines in 2025.
At the same time, we remain committed to ensuring that St Helenians (Saints) living overseas have the same opportunity to apply for roles in the St Helena Public Service and if successful, are supported with their relocation to the island. Saints abroad bring valuable knowledge, cultural connection and commitment to our workforce and community. We will be exploring ways to expand our current advertising mediums with a view to ensuring the widest possible reach within the diaspora and encouraging Saints to return and join the Public Service.
In both approaches, we recognise that relocating to the island can be a significant and costly decision and in order to attract the right calibre of candidates, we will need to offer some enhancements on top of local salaries. In addition to local salary, support will be in the form of travel to St Helena, a contribution to relocation costs, contribution to pension and a contribution to rental costs (if the role is at the lower grade and if the individual does not have their own accommodation).
It is anticipated this will attract skilled workers to St Helena, enable participation and integration into our community and enable better engagement with Saints who are genuinely interested in returning to the Island to take up roles within the Public Service.
We see this as a balanced approach, supporting the return of Saints and responsibly accessing external labour markets where needed to ensure that we can meet the needs of our community whilst building a sustainable and inclusive future.
There is ongoing work being carried out to fully develop these approaches, and this remains a key priority in our workplans.
In commenting, Chief Minister, Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks said:
“The challenges posed by St Helena’s declining and ageing population and the impact this has on the delivery of public services has been discussed at length in the two recent formal Legislative Council meetings. It is clear that we have to take action to retain and attract Saints in the Public Service, while also responsibly exploring alternative and affordable labour markets where necessary. This balanced approach will help to ensure the delivery of essential services and progress our policy priorities, including in particular:
- stabilise the population and labour market;
- protect health and social care and improve prevention outcomes;
- reform education and build the future workforce; and
- reform and strengthen the Public Service
The retention of existing staff working in the Public Service remains a priority. This will be supported through a range of ongoing HR initiatives such as employee engagement, development of pay progression frameworks and subject to affordability, implementation of the Reward and Recognition policy”.
#StHelena #PublicService #Workforce
The St Helena Government has welcomed the confirmation of a three‑year financial aid settlement from the UK Government, securing funding until March 2029.
The settlement delivers a 4.8% increase in core financial aid for 2026–27, followed by 2% annual increases in 2027–28 and 2028–29. This represents an additional £1.72 million in 2026–27, bringing St Helena’s core aid to £37.51 million, up from £35.79 million this year. There may also be the opportunity to unlock additional funding, subject to performance.
An additional £40 million over the next three years will be made available through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) to support essential capital investment including the Bulk Fuel Infrastructure.
For many years, SHG has had to plan budgets on an annual basis, often starting the new financial year with a temporary roll‑over budget while waiting for final confirmation on the settlement from the UK. This limited long‑term planning, delayed investment decisions, made financial management and project delivery much more challenging. A multi‑year settlement will allow SHG to: plan services and programmes with greater confidence; manage projects more efficiently and prioritise investments with the greatest social and economic impact.
SHG is currently finalising the 2026–27 budget and reviewing the EDIP project pipeline to ensure that projects already underway, and those offering the greatest community benefit, are prioritised.
The Chief Minister, Rebecca Cairns-Wicks said:
“In a very difficult financial climate, this settlement, spanning three years, gives St Helena what we have not had for several years, certainty. It gives us the opportunity to plan more effectively, invest smarter and focus on the projects that will make the biggest difference to our community.”
The confirmation of this settlement comes at a time when the UK faces significant fiscal pressures and increasing global instability. The UK Government has reduced its overall aid budget to 0.3% of Gross National Income, down from 0.5%, as it redirects resources towards defence and security commitments in an increasingly contested international environment.
This year’s negotiations also reflect a broader shift in the UK’s approach to development funding, with a stronger emphasis on investment. This was evident during discussions with the Financial Aid Mission (FAM) team in January and will continue during work to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the period to March 2029. The MoU will ensure that St Helena’s priorities are clearly understood and embedded within the funding framework.
SHG’s focus now is to ensure that the resources made available are used wisely, supporting essential public services, investing in economic development, and continuing to build a more sustainable and resilient future for St Helena.
#StHelena #FinancialAidSettlement #Budget
On Thursday, 26 March 2026, students from Years 8 to 10 at St Helena Secondary School took part in a dynamic 30-minute Question and Answer (Q&A) session with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. The session offered a unique opportunity for the youth of St Helena to engage directly with one of the most senior figures in the UK Parliament, fostering a deeper understanding of democratic processes.
The students led the conversation, posing a variety of thoughtful questions that touched on the daily responsibilities of the Speaker, the mechanics of parliamentary debate, and the relationship between the UK and its Overseas Territories. Mr Speaker responded with clear and engaging insights, creating a comfortable environment that encouraged active participation from all the students involved.
Throughout the session, the discussion highlighted the importance of respectful disagreement, and the vital role young people play in the future of their community and country. It was a highly positive and valuable experience, leaving the students with a firsthand perspective on how Parliament functions and how their voices can be heard.
During the 30-minute exchange, students asked a range of questions, including:
- The Role of the Speaker: What is the Speaker’s job, and why is it important in Parliament?
- Managing Debate: How do you keep debates fair when Members of Parliament strongly disagree with each other?
- Representation: How are people in British Overseas Territories like Saint Helena represented in UK Parliament?
- Democratic Values: Why is respectful disagreement important in a democracy?
- Future Leadership: What skills do you think are most important for future leaders?
This session served as a meaningful link between St Helena’s youth and the British parliamentary system, encouraging students to see themselves as active participants in public life.
Photos
Sir Lindsay Hoyle speaks virtually to students in Years 8 to 10
Photos courtesy of the House of Commons
#StHelena #StHelenaSecondarySchool #HouseofCommons #MrSpeaker
The St Helena Government (SHG) would like to reassure the community that Jonathan, St Helena’s beloved giant tortoise and the world’s oldest living land animal, is very much alive and well.
Yesterday, stories circulated on social media falsely claiming that Jonathan had passed away. These claims are entirely untrue and appear to be part of an online hoax. Jonathan was seen this morning at his home in the grounds of Plantation House, where he continues to enjoy his routine with the care and attention of the Plantation House staff and the St Helena Veterinary Service.
We understand the concern these misleading stories have caused. Jonathan is deeply cherished by the St Helenian community and has become an international icon. The level of global affection for him is clear from the many messages received from people reaching out for confirmation.
SHG encourages the public to rely only on official SHG channels for accurate and verified information about Jonathan and other matters of public interest. We would like to thank everyone who contacted us with concern and support.
Photo: Jonathan at his home in Plantation House this morning
#StHelena #JonathanTheTortoise #Plantation
The St Helena Resilience Forum (SHRF) met on Monday, 30 March, to assess the potential impacts of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on the island. Stakeholders gathered to evaluate risks to the local supply of essential commodities and services, including fuel, food, medicines and building materials.
Following the delivery of fuel this week, the St Helena Resilience Forum (SHRF) are reassured that St Helena has sufficient fuel supplies to last until at least August 2026 based on current usage.
The SHRF continues to monitor global events and developments closely and stands ready to implement any measures necessary to maintain steady supply chains and safeguard the island’s resilience.
While the SHRF is actively managing risks, the public can also play a positive role. By making sensible efficiencies where possible, such as reducing unnecessary fuel usage, minimising waste and supporting local products and services, everyone can contribute to strengthening on-island resilience.
Travellers undertaking holidays abroad, work trips or other journeys are advised that delays, cancellations and wider travel disruption may occur. Those transiting through the Middle East should check with their travel providers for the latest information and ensure they have appropriate travel insurance in place.
St Helena Government thanks the community for its continued cooperation and encourages the public to stay informed through official updates.
#StHelena #ResilienceForum #EssentialSupplies
St Helena recently welcomed a delegation from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), reinforcing the island’s ongoing commitment to strengthening maritime safety, governance and capability.
The visit formed part of continued collaboration between St Helena and the MCA, supporting the island’s development as a compliant and responsible maritime administration aligned with international standards and Red Ensign Group expectations.
The highlight of the week was the official opening of the St Helena Maritime Training Centre, a significant milestone in the island’s maritime journey. The event was attended by invited guests including His Excellency Governor Phillips, alongside representatives from the MCA, government officials and key stakeholders.
The new training centre, funded by the UK Government represents a major investment in building local maritime capability. It will support the development of seafarers, improve safety standards and provide a sustainable platform for maritime training on island. The initiative aligns with St Helena’s long-term vision to enhance resilience, strengthen compliance with international conventions, and create opportunities within the maritime sector.
Throughout the visit, the MCA delegation engaged with local teams, reviewed operational arrangements and provided technical support, further strengthening the partnership between St Helena and the United Kingdom in maritime matters.
This visit represents another important step forward in St Helena’s maritime development, demonstrating a clear commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration and the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Photos
Mrs Wendy Benjamin, Capacity Building Support, delivers a presentation to stakeholders
The St Helena Maritime and UK MCA Teams
Mrs Wendy Benjamin with Ms Elise Carlo and Ms Alison Leighton of the UK MCA
#StHelena #Maritime #MCA
St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the launch of “Our Island, Our Space, Our Responsibility,” a new community campaign delivered through a cross-portfolio collaboration between Economic Development (ED), Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA) and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP). This initiative calls on every resident to take an active role in caring for our island. The aim is to build lasting community pride in our shared spaces.
A Call to Community Action
At the core of this initiative is the belief that a beautiful St Helena is a reflection of the pride we take in our community. We have seen what is possible through the dedicated efforts of Crown Estates and HM Prison, who have significantly contributed to a brighter, cleaner island through improvement works. Improvement works delivered to date include:
Landscape and Grounds Maintenance
- Playground Remediation: HTH and Longwood (pre-equipment installation).
- Blue Hill Field Centre: Ongoing quarterly maintenance.
- Ladder Hill Business Park: Ongoing weekly maintenance.
- Vegetation and Litter Clearance: Sisters Walk, The Colonnade (including bulky waste), The Moat, and the Sand Yard.
- Grounds maintenance for SHAPE 20th Anniversary and the Agricultural Show (signage production).
- Community and Heritage Sites: Strimming at Levelwood / Blue Hill Community Centres and Head Owain/St Mark’s Church.
- Hedge Planting: Installed 300+ saplings at Dungeon Cemetery.
Facility Upgrades and Repairs
- Essex House: Internal/external painting and gardening for Property Service.
- Plantation House: Shutter renovation.
- Furniture and Carpentry: Assembled furniture for Maritime Centre; produced raised plant boxes for CCC and Cape Villa.
- Infrastructure: Erected fencing around the Horse Point Landfill silo.
Logistics and Support
- Immigration and Customs: Assisted relocation from Customs House to Rupert’s.
- Maritime Centre: Exterior site tidying.
These improvements help restore and maintain spaces that are important to the community. The campaign invites all of us to act as guardians of these restored spaces by helping keep these areas clean and cared for.
Minister for ED and ENRP, Karl Thrower, commented:
“By bringing together the Economic Development, SSHA, and ENRP Portfolios, we are demonstrating that we are one team with one goal: a cleaner, prouder St Helena. The sheer variety of work achieved, from the vital grounds’ maintenance at our community centres and historic sites to the essential infrastructure improvements at HPLS, is a testament to what we can accomplish when we break down silos and pull in the same direction.
However, the Government can only do so much on its own. We have worked hard to restore these spaces to their rightful standard, but their longevity depends on all of us. I urge the public to join us in this partnership. By participating in the new domestic recycling pilot, you aren’t just managing waste; you are helping us secure a more sustainable future for the generations to come.”
Launch of the Domestic Recycling Pilot
To support caring for our island and reducing the pressure on the Horse Point Landfill Site (HPLS), Waste Management Services (WMS) is inviting households to register for a new domestic recycling service. Participants will be supplied with a 120L green wheelie bin specifically for clean plastics, cardboard, paper, and cans, with this collection service expected to commence in April or May 2026. Whilst glass is not included in this doorstep collection during the pilot phase, WMS will keep the option under review and encourages residents to continue depositing clean glass at existing island-wide recycling hubs. For households currently using communal skips, WMS is reviewing the installation of communal recycling hubs alongside existing skips to ensure everyone can participate in this recycling effort.
How to Participate
For more information on how to join this multi-agency effort, please contact the WMS team at Scotland by email at karl.martin@sainthelena.gov.sh, or by telephone on 24724 with your name, contact number, and address.
WMS will keep this new service under constant review, using participant feedback to make necessary adjustments.
Photos
Work completed Essex House by the Crown Estates Development Team, before and after
Saplings planted at The Dungeon Cemetery
The Colonnade, before and after
SHAPE, before and after
#StHelena #OurIslandOurSpaceOurResponsibility #AltogetherGreener
The Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) is calling on all residents, particularly those born before 1989, to check their measles vaccination status as part of a new Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination campaign.
Measles is one of the most contagious viral infections known, spreading rapidly through coughing and sneezing. While routine childhood vaccinations were introduced on St Helena in 1989, many residents born before this date may lack natural immunity or full vaccination coverage.
The Risk to the Island
With measles cases rising globally, there is a significant risk of the virus being introduced to the island. Because a significant portion of the adult population lacks immunity, an outbreak could spread quickly, leading to severe illness or even death.
The Catch-Up Campaign
To mitigate this risk, the HSC Portfolio, supported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), is launching a targeted vaccination drive expected to begin in mid-April. Residents are encouraged to register their interest if they:
- Were born before 1989
- Believe they missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine
- Are unsure of their vaccination status
Safety and Eligibility
The MMR vaccine has a proven global safety record. If you are unsure if you have been vaccinated, there is no risk in receiving an additional dose. Note: Individuals who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system should consult a health professional before registering.
How to Register
To check your record or register your interest, please contact the Health Promotion Team on 25949. Please leave your name, contact details, and whether you wish to check your status or receive the vaccine. We will share further information on dates and times for the vaccination clinics once we have gauged interest.
#StHelena #MMRVaccine
St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to advise that the Playgrounds Project on Longwood Green, funded by the UK Government through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), is progressing well and is anticipated that the majority of the facilities will be ready for use by Maundy Thursday, 02 April 2026.
In addition to the existing equipment, the playground will include a junior slide set, motorbike and donkey springers, a swing fitted with a team seat, a separate swing fitted with a cradle seat (for infants), and a children’s timber fitness trail.
Some of the family friendly facilities such as shade gazebos, concrete picnic bench sets and wooden seats will also be installed.
Please note: the large timber climbing frame (next to the fitness trail) will not be available for use from Maundy Thursday, a soft surface has to be installed beneath and around it, which is planned for later in of April/May. This equipment will be fenced off and should not be used.
AC’s Multi-skill Contractors, the contractor selected for playgrounds installation, and His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) residents, are diligently working towards the playground being ready for use by Maundy Thursday.
The public will be updated further when all works on the playground at Longwood Green is completely finished and use of the large timber climbing frame is permitted.
The playground being developed at Half Tree Hollow remains a construction area, with no equipment installed, albeit significant ground works have been completed. This area should not be used until announced that the playground is ready for use, which is likely to be in May.
To ensure these facilities stay in top condition for years to come, we kindly ask for your help in looking after them.
Photos
Donkey and Motorbike Springers
Junior slide set
Shade Gazebos
Pictured is Arnold Crowie, Director of AC’s Multi-skill Contractors, with a new playground sign.
Children’s timber fitness trail
Residents of the HMP Prison working on the project
#StHelena #PlaygroundsProject #LongwoodGreen