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St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Government of the United Kingdom (UKG), for an extension to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) for a period up to April 2028.
As part of this agreement, the UKG has committed to a total investment of up to £9.05 million to St Helena. A one-off payment of £8 million will be used to support the Government’s strategic priorities and reflects UKG’s continued commitment to the island’s long term sustainable development. Key investment areas include improvements in health and education outcomes, as well as investment in telecommunications and renewable energy infrastructure.
UKG, recognising St Helena’s valued place within the British family, further confirms that it will make a one-off unrestricted ex-gratia payment to SHG of £250,000.
Included in the £9.05 million, is up to £800,000 to strengthen preparedness for any potential future migrant arrivals. This includes provision of appropriate accommodation, upgrades to IT systems and data protection processes, capability training for immigration officials and funding for a dedicated project manager.
This extension represents a continuation of the current MOU, available on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/UK-St-Helena-MOU-BIOT-Migrants.pdf, and remains an interim contingency solution in the event that migrants reach BIOT. Details of the extension to the MOU will be published shortly. While UKG does not anticipate that the full duration of the extension will be required, both governments have agreed that establishing a maximum timeframe provides clarity and avoids the need for further extensions.
Thawing of the UK State Pension uplift for eligible residents was an element of the St Helena Government’s negotiating position. The UKG has confirmed there has been no change to their policy on uplifting State pensions.
There have been no new migrant arrivals on Diego Garcia since 2022. In the event migrants arrive on BIOT in the future, UKG and SHG will take reasonable steps to screen migrants prior to transfer to St Helena. Individuals will be free to depart, but will not be permitted to remain on BIOT. With funding from the UKG, St Helena will take responsibility for processing asylum claims in line with established procedures, providing accommodation and further support where appropriate. This is an extension of an existing arrangement. The arrangement gives recognition to the financial and resource constraints on St Helena and ensures there will be no additional financial burden on the island.
SHG remains committed to ensuring that all arrangements are managed responsibly, with the focus on maintaining the wellbeing of the community while respecting our humanitarian obligations.
The Chief Minister Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE said:
“I am pleased that we have reached agreement with the UK Government to extend the BIOT Memorandum of Understanding.
This arrangement secures up to an additional £9.05 million investment in St Helena which will help us progress important priorities that will benefit our community over the long term.
It is disappointing that UKG’s position on pension uplift for eligible pensioners on St Helena has not changed.
I would like to acknowledge the considerable work undertaken by both St Helena Government and UK Government officials in reaching this agreement. I also want to thank our community for its patience and understanding while these complex discussions have been taking place.
Above all, this arrangement provides an opportunity to invest in St Helena’s future, strengthening our infrastructure, supporting the community, and helping to build a more resilient, sustainable and confident island for the years ahead.”
#StHelena #BIOTAgreement #Extension
As we reach the end of the week, the St Helena Government (SHG) is providing its scheduled Friday update on the territorial hantavirus response. Local health teams, alongside international partners, continue to maintain robust monitoring systems across the islands.
Successful Cruise Ship Visit
St Helena successfully welcomed a visiting cruise ship, Azamara Onward, on Tuesday, 19 May. The visit proceeded smoothly and as planned.
All established maritime health protocols, including the mandatory advanced submission of the Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) and rigorous screening by HM Customs and Immigration, and Health officials, were successfully executed at the point of disembarkation. This successful visit reinforces that while we remain sensitive to public anxieties following recent events, the hantavirus incident was a rare and isolated occurrence. Cruise operators maintain high safety standards and work in total alignment with local authorities to ensure the continued safety of our community.
Territorial Status Update
- St Helena: There remain zero confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on St Helena.
- Ascension Island: There are currently no confirmed cases on the island.
- Tristan da Cunha: The single probable case identified earlier this month remains in stable condition.
Summary of Key Weekly Achievements
- On-Island Testing: The limited on-island laboratory testing capability managed by specialist UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) personnel is operational. Testing is strictly prioritised for clinical screening by the medical team and weekly monitoring of high-risk contacts; it is not available on request. A negative test result does not allow an individual to exit isolation early but serves as an early clinical warning system.
- Completed Relocations: Following last weekend’s successful Titan Airways charter flight, all nine relocated individuals from St Helena and Ascension are safely in the UK continuing their precautionary isolation periods near specialised medical facilities.
A Message of Thanks to Those in Isolation
As most of us looked forward to the St Helena Day celebrations and the upcoming public holiday, SHG and Gold Command wish to extend a sincere thank you to those individuals who are currently in self-isolation. We recognise that enduring this period of isolation, especially in the midst of uncertainty and during a time of national celebration, requires immense patience and resilience. Your commitment to following these strict public health measures is a vital part of keeping our wider community safe, and your cooperation is deeply appreciated by the entire island.
Future Communications Schedule
As the hantavirus incident response has stabilised and our on-island protocols are fully established, routine updates will no longer be issued on a fixed schedule. Going forward, formal press releases and public updates will only be issued on an “as and when needed” basis, meaning we will provide updates only when new or significant information becomes available. The community is reassured that if any developments occur that require immediate public awareness, SHG will share that information as soon as possible.
The community is thanked for their continued resilience and support. If you had direct contact with the MV Hondius and experience symptoms, please call the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 for guidance before attending any medical facility.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #MaritimeTourism #TerritorialUpdate #UKHSA
St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to advise that the Playgrounds Project in Half Tree Hollow, funded by the UK Government through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), has progressed well and most facilities will be ready for use on St Helena Day, Thursday, 21 May 2026.
This new playground facility has been made possible through significant planning and investment under EDIP. AC’s Multi-skill Contractors, assisted by HM Prison, have been diligently working, in all weather conditions, to timely install the equipment. To ensure these facilities stay in top condition for years to come, we kindly ask for your help in looking after them. The continued support and cooperation of the community is appreciated.
Key Features of the New Facility
- Half Tree Hollow (Upper & Middle Terraces): Features brand-new playground equipment on the upper terrace and a dedicated children’s outdoor gym on the middle terrace. For maximum safety, all equipment on the upper terrace is fitted with high-quality Grasslok safety surfacing beneath.
- Swings and Climbing Frames: Inclusive and flat-seat swing frames, alongside a robust climbing frame, have been installed over a synthetic grass soft surface.
- Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA): Court markings have been successfully laid out on the existing hard surface. To complete the court, specialised MUGA ends, featuring built-in goals, basketball and netball hoops, rebound panels, and gated wheelchair access, will be installed in the coming weeks.
Longwood Green Playground is now fully complete. It features a large timber climbing structure with a protective Grasslok soft surface underneath, alongside various other newly installed play equipment.
Photos
Arnold Crowie, Director of AC’S Multi-skill Contractors, and Assistant Freddy Henry.
Covered picnic and seating area
Playground equipment and inclusive swing on upper terrace
The playground is wheel-chair accessible
A children’s outdoor gym can be seen on the middle terrace
The MUGA markings laid out on the existing hard surface.
Longwood Green Playground is complete following the completion of the large timber climbing structure with a protective Grasslok soft surface underneath, alongside various other newly installed play equipment.
#StHelena #PlaygroundsProject
The St Helena Government (SHG) is close to concluding negotiations with the Government of the United Kingdom (UKG), for an extension to the existing Memorandum of Understanding relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
In a series of calls with the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP and officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Chief Minister has successfully impressed the critical importance of securing a balanced outcome, which recognises the additional contribution St Helena is making to the British family and ensures commensurate UK investment in the island’s long-term sustainable development.
Chief Minister Rebecca Cairns-Wicks said:
“The St Helena Government will only agree an extension which is in the best interest of all residents and is supported by all relevant UK Government Departments. While this may mean a delay in signing an extension now, I want to ensure all aspects of the deal can be implemented long-term.”
#StHelena #BIOT #Agreement
The St Helena Government (SHG) is providing its scheduled update on the territorial hantavirus response.
Successful Pre-emptive Relocation to the UK
A coordinated territorial operation was successfully completed over the weekend to relocate individuals identified as the highest risk contacts to the United Kingdom.
A chartered Titan Airways flight arrived on St Helena on Saturday, 16 May, before flying to Ascension Island on Sunday, 17 May. The flight has since departed for the UK, successfully relocating a total of nine individuals (four from St Helena and five from Ascension Island). All individuals arrived safely in the UK, where they are continuing their isolation periods in proximity to specialised medical facilities. None of these individuals were showing symptoms of illness, and the transfer was executed purely as a pre-emptive and precautionary measure. The symptomatic patient on Ascension Island transferred to the UK by medevac on Friday 15 May also arrived safely and is now being assessed. Hantavirus tests continue to be negative and symptoms are resolving.
Gold Command wishes to express its sincere thanks to all stakeholders involved in ensuring this complex operation was completed safely and efficiently, including teams at St Helena Airport, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Government, local Emergency Services, and Public Health officials.
Territorial Status and Testing Update
- St Helena: There remain zero confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on St Helena. The patient admitted last week under Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) protocols continues to receive care at the Jamestown General Hospital.
- On-Island Testing: Specialist UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) personnel continue to manage the newly established, limited on-island laboratory testing capability. Testing remains strictly reserved for clinical screening as determined by the medical team and is not available on request.
- Tristan da Cunha: The single probable case remains stable.
- Ascension Island: Further to the precautionary medevac of a patient last week, there are currently no confirmed cases on the island.
Communications Schedule and Public Guidance
In line with our adjusted schedule, routine updates have decreased in frequency. The next regular update will be shared via local radio broadcast this Wednesday, 20 May, followed by the next formal press release on Friday, 22 May. If any urgent developments occur, additional updates will be issued immediately.
If you had direct contact with the MV Hondius and develop symptoms, please contact the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 for guidance before visiting any medical facility.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #UKHSA #GoldCommand #TerritorialUpdate
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) International Day for Women in Maritime is observed on 18 May every year. The day celebrates women in the industry and is intended to promote the recruitment, retention and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector, raise the profile of women in maritime, strengthen IMO’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality) and support work to address the current gender imbalance in maritime.
The IMO-WISTA (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association) Women in Maritime Survey 2024 reported that women account for just 19% of the workforce with only 1-2% of them being a part of the seafaring workforce. For more information visit the IMO website at https://www.imo.org/en/about/events/pages/international-day-for-women-in-maritime-2026.aspx.
To mark this occasion on St Helena we are promoting one of our St Helenians working in the maritime industry, Master Nicola O’Loan (Nee Mittens).
Nicola started her career at sea at the age of 16 years. She joined the RMS St Helena under Curnow Shipping at the time as a deck cadet.
Nicola commented:
“I first stepped foot onboard the RMS on 13 November 1996 and clearly remember the first week very well en route to Cape Town. Having never left St Helena before it was definitely an eye opener into the real world”.
Nicola worked towards gaining her Certificate of Competency as a 3rd Officer at South Tyneside Nautical College in the UK. This involved a combination of studying at college and spending time at sea.
Nicola added:
“I was lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time on various types of vessels during my cadetship: the passenger liner, Queen Elizabeth (QE) 2, sailing across to New York and the Norwegian Fjords and a container ship, CGM Cavalier, travelling from Europe to South America and the Caribbean. With Trinity House maintaining navigational buoys and lighthouses around UK and at UMA dredging”.
Nicola qualified as an Officer of the Watch (OOW), 3rd Officer, in summer 2000 and then sailed for a few years as 3rd and 2nd Mate onboard the RMS St Helena. She then joined Red Funnel Ferry Company on the ‘Ro-Ro’ and Hi-speed vessels operating between Southampton and the Isle of Wight as Chief Officer and became Master on the Hi-speed vessels in 2007.
When reflecting on her career Nicola says:
“As a young girl, it was a fantastic opportunity that helped shape my future while contributing to the growing number of females in the Merchant Navy. I would encourage anyone to take the leap and pursue such an incredible career opportunity if given the chance. Not only does it offer the opportunity to see the world, but there is also so much to learn and gain from a career in the Merchant Navy”.
More Information About Women in Maritime
- In the 18th century, women were often considered bad luck on ships, believed to distract the crew and anger the sea. Despite restrictions, women served as stewardesses and keepers of ship records. Wives of captains sometimes took command in emergencies, such as the case of Caroline Mayhew in 1846.
- During WWI and WWII, women significantly increased their presence in shipbuilding, with women making up nearly 65% of West Coast US shipbuilders during World War II, though many lost these jobs after the war.
- The only way for most women to take part in running a merchant vessel before 1900, was through marriage or by being the captain’s daughter
- Women in Maritime – Ida Lewis (1842–1911) was a renowned American lighthouse keeper famously nicknamed “the bravest woman in America” for her daring rescues of shipwrecked sailors and residents in Rhode Island. As keeper of the Lime Rock Light Station, she officially saved 18 lives, some estimates suggest up to 36, and was the first woman to receive the Gold Lifesaving Medal.
- The Legend of Awilda: Alwilda was a Scandinavian princess in the 5th century. Her father arranged a marriage for her to Alf, the crown prince of Denmark, but Alwilda refused. To avoid this arranged marriage, together with some female friends, she decided to dress like a sailor and take command of a ship. While sailing, Alwilda’s ship encountered a pirate ship that had recently lost its captain, and the pirates elected her to be their captain. The prince of Denmark sent his son Alf to fight against the pirates. Alf’s courage impressed Alwilda and made her reveal her real identity. They married onboard the pirate ship and lived happily as King and Queen of Denmark.
Are you a woman working in the maritime industry and would like to share your story? Please get in contact with Wendy Benjamin via email at wendy.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Photos
Nicola with a fellow cadet on board the RMS St Helena
Nicola in the Master’s seat of a Red Funnell ferry
(Photos courtesy of Nicola O’Loan)
Discussions between the St Helena Government (SHG) and the Government of the United Kingdom (UKG) regarding the extension of the existing Memorandum of Understanding relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) have progressed positively.
While agreement has substantially been reached, final matters remain subject to confirmation before formal communications can be issued. All parties continue to work constructively to conclude the process as quickly as possible.
We now expect to provide a further update early next week. Thank you for your patience and understanding while these complex discussions have been taking place.
#StHelena #BIOT #Agreement
The St Helena Government (SHG) is providing its final daily update for the week regarding the hantavirus response, as local and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) teams continue their coordinated efforts across the Territory.
Pre-emptive Relocations Scheduled
Following specialised risk assessments, the planned, pre-emptive relocation of higher-risk individuals to the UK is scheduled to go ahead this weekend. Please note that these movements remain subject to weather conditions. Four individuals currently on St Helena and five individuals on Ascension Island will be relocated to the UK to complete their isolation periods near specialised medical care.
None of the individuals scheduled for relocation are currently showing symptoms of illness, and these transfers are being undertaken purely as a pre-emptive and precautionary measure.
Financial Support for Self-Isolating Individuals
To assist those impacted by public health measures, SHG will provide financial support to eligible individuals identified as higher-risk contacts who are required to self-isolate for 45 days. This scheme is specifically designed for people formally instructed by SHG Public Health to isolate at home who cannot work, resulting in a loss of income. Eligible applicants may receive support payments of up to £160 per week during their isolation period. These payments will be made weekly, and the first payment will be backdated to the start of the individual’s isolation.
Eligible individuals will be contacted directly by SHG with further details on the scheme and instructions on how to access it. Please note that employees who continue to receive their normal salary from their employer during this period (including SHG employees) are not eligible, as they have experienced no loss of income.
Adjustment to Communications Schedule
As the initial phase of the incident response stabilises and our enhanced on-island capabilities are established, the frequency of routine public updates will decrease. For the following week, information will be shared on the following scheduled basis:
- Monday and Friday: A formal update will be issued via official SHG press releases.
- Wednesday: An update will be shared via local radio broadcasts (SAMS and Saint FM) featuring public health and government officials.
The public are reassured that if a situation arises where additional or urgent communications are required, SHG will issue updates accordingly.
Territorial Status and Testing Reminders
- St Helena Status: There remain zero confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus on St Helena.
- Testing Feasibility: UKHSA laboratory personnel continue to verify safety and quality checks to establish limited, on-island testing capabilities ahead of the weekend. Testing will be strictly reserved for clinical screening and will not be available on request.
Public Information and Guidance
The next routine update will be issued on Monday, 18 May 2026.
The community is thanked for their continued support and is reminded to rely on official SHG channels for verified information. The updated Q&A can be accessed here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/hantavirus-qa/.
If you had direct contact with the MV Hondius and develop the following symptoms, please contact the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 for guidance before attending any medical facility:
- Fever
- Extreme fatigue (feeling more tired than usual)
- Muscle aches
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
- Shortness of breath
#StHelena #PublicHealth #UKHSA #TerritorialUpdate
The St Helena Resilience Forum (SHRF) have confirmed that the Gold Command structure activated specifically to manage the recent island-wide power outage is standing down today, as the electricity situation is now under control and stable.
St Helena is currently managing two separate major incidents under distinct response structures. While the Gold Command for the power outage is now standing down, a separate Gold Command remains active and focused on managing the hantavirus response.
Connect St Helena Update: Ongoing and Upcoming Works
Although the emergency power response has concluded, Connect Saint Helena Ltd continues essential recovery works on Feeder 3 in the Deadwood area today, Friday 15 May, and tomorrow, Saturday 16 May 2026.
The final transfer of the power supply is planned for Monday, 18 May. To safely complete this work, a planned outage will be required on Feeder 3. Connect Saint Helena Ltd will communicate the exact timing of Monday’s outage to the public as soon as details are finalised.
Gold Commander for the power outage incident, Alex Mitham, expressed his gratitude to the community and the teams who worked around the clock to restore the grid:
“On behalf of this Gold Command, I want to thank every individual involved in getting the island’s electricity back to a stable level. The dedication of the engineers, technicians, and multi-agency partners has been outstanding. We also want to thank the community for their cooperation and patience while we navigated this outage.”
The public are advised to continue monitoring official channels and local radio for specific timing updates regarding Monday’s planned outage on Feeder 3.
#StHelena #EssentialInfrastructure
The St Helena Government (SHG) continues to coordinate with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and international partners to manage the ongoing response to the hantavirus. Our priority remains the safety of the community through proactive monitoring and clear public information.
Clarity on Hantavirus Testing Capability
Laboratory personnel deployed to St Helena from the UKHSA are currently exploring the feasibility of performing hantavirus testing on-island. It is important to note that testing for this virus involves complex laboratory techniques and is typically performed only in highly specialised facilities; in the United Kingdom, for example, only one such laboratory exists.
Subject to rigorous quality and safety checks, it is hoped that on-island testing will be available by this weekend, though this cannot be guaranteed at this stage. Due to limited supplies, testing will be strictly prioritised for:
- People with a suspected hantavirus infection (there have been no suspected cases on St Helena to date).
- Weekly screening of higher-risk contacts (those currently in isolation).
Hantavirus testing will not be available on request. It is also important to clarify that a negative test result will not allow a person to exit isolation early. Instead, the testing is intended to provide the earliest possible warning of infection so that appropriate clinical care can begin immediately.
Upcoming Logistics and Relocations
Following recent risk assessments, a flight for the pre-emptive relocation of a small number of higher-risk individuals is scheduled to arrive on Saturday 16 May and depart on Sunday, 17 May 2026 subject to weather. These individuals, who currently show no signs of illness, are being moved to the UK to complete their isolation period in proximity to specialised medical facilities.
Cruise Ship Visit and Maritime Protocols
The cruise ship Azamara Onward, originally travelling from South Africa, is expected to visit St Helena next Tuesday, 19 May. The visit will proceed as normal, with standard maritime health protocols in effect. This includes the mandatory submission of Maritime Declarations of Health and rigorous screening by local officials. Whilst we are sensitive to public concern, it is important to remember that the hantavirus case was a rare and isolated occurrence.
Territorial Status Update
- St Helena: Zero confirmed or suspected cases.
- Tristan da Cunha: One probable case remains stable and is improving.
- Ascension Island: No confirmed cases. Investigations continue for one high-risk contact who developed symptoms; initial tests were negative. As a precautionary measure, pre-emptive relocation efforts are in progress for this individual to be moved closer to medical care and specialised support.
Support for those self-isolating
The Government has agreed a mechanism to support those individuals who are voluntary self-isolating, the details of the support scheme will be announced by the Chief Minister on Friday.
Public Information
The public are encouraged to tune in to the scheduled radio talks tomorrow, Friday, for further updates from Public Health professionals and are reminded to use official SHG channels for the most accurate information. The updated Q&A can be accessed here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/hantavirus-qa/.
If you had direct contact with the MV Hondius and develop a fever or muscle aches, please call the Hantavirus Screening Line on 25949 immediately for guidance.
#StHelena #PublicHealth #UKHSA #MedicalTesting #MaritimeSafety