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Minister for Education, Skills and Employment, Andrew Turner, will be attending the Education World Forum 2026 in London. Minister Turner is scheduled to depart the island on 10 May and will return on 23 May 2026.
Minister Turner will join education and training ministers from around the world, alongside key multilateral organisations and industry partners, to explore how education can be reimagined to unlock opportunities for growth. Throughout the forum’s plenary sessions and workshops, he will engage with four interlinked themes: peace, planet, purpose, and pathways.
The Education World Forum underscores that education is central to navigating these intersecting challenges, equipping learners with the values needed to build sustainable societies.
Beyond the formal forum programme, Minister Turner will hold a series of bilateral meetings with officials to discuss strategic partnerships and explore solutions tailored to the island’s specific educational needs.
During the Minister’s absence, the Portfolio for Education, Skills and Employment will be overseen by the Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Gillian Brooks.
Photo
#StHelena #EducationWorldForum #EWF2026
The public are advised that the Health and Social Care Portfolio have become aware of an evolving situation regarding a severe illness, affecting several passengers on the expedition vessel MV Hondius which recently visited St Helena between 22-24 April 2026.
The suspected cause is hantavirus, which is usually spread through contact with infected rodents, but may eventually pass from person-to-person. Symptoms can include fever, extreme fatigue (feeling more tired than usual), muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or shortness of breath. Some people may develop severe breathing difficulty requiring hospital care.
Two passengers with minor symptoms came ashore and may have had some contact with members of our local community.
While the virus can be serious, no cases of this illness have been identified in St Helena and there is no significant cause for concern on the island at this time.
Public Health is working closely with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and other international partners to assess and manage the situation. A small number of people who travelled to St Helena on the MV Hondius or had very close contact with those who were showing symptoms, are being advised by Public Health to undertake a period of self-isolation as a precaution. St Helena Government (SHG) will provide full support to those who are asked to do so. A full risk-based contact tracing process is underway to identify and notify such persons.
The risk to the wider community is low and no additional precautions are necessary at this time. However out of the abundance of caution, should you experience a significant fever (>38°C), then you should contact the hospital on tele No 22500 for advice, but please DO NOT attend in person at the first instance.
For frequently asked questions about hantavirus, please visit: Hantavirus FAQ’s
The public are thanked for their support and cooperation during this time. Further updates will be provided on a regular basis.
#StHelena #Hantavirus #MVHondius
The public are advised that Environmental Health and Public Health are continuing to investigate the recent outbreak of scombroid fish poisoning.
In total, 20 human cases of probable scombroid poisoning have been reported to date. This is likely to be an underestimation due to unreported cases. None of these cases have required hospitalisation and all affected have made a full recovery.
The majority of reported cases occurred between late March and mid-April following the consumption of tuna mince. No further cases have been found to have occurred since the release of the public announcement on 16 April, requesting the public to avoid consuming products or meals containing tuna mince.
Tuna mince processed by the Saints Tuna Corporation (STC) between 17and 23 March was found to be one possible source. STC were instructed to recall all tuna mince processed between 12and 27 March as a precautionary measure.
A thorough investigation of the food chain, including interviews and site inspections, has not identified a single point of failure but rather several areas for improvement in maintaining the cold chain. Recommendations will be issued to the relevant industry stakeholders and follow-up visits are planned to ensure compliance.
An increased level of monitoring of future batches, for both local market sales and export consignments, will be undertaken to ensure the ongoing safety of tuna and tuna mince products.
Advice to the public
Tuna mince labelled as processed by STC between 12and 27 March 2026 can still be returned to the place of purchase for issuance of a refund. All other tuna products can be considered safe to eat.
However, the public are requested to continue to report any adverse reactions after eating tuna to Environmental Health at eh.office.@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Food safety reminders
- Take chilled and frozen foods straight home for refrigeration or freezing.
- Use a cooler bag with ice packs when transporting refrigerated or frozen goods.
- Keep frozen and chilled items together during transport.
- Defrost frozen items in the refrigerator.
- Cook defrosted food promptly once thawed.
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly after cooking.
About histamine fish poisoning
Also known as scombroid poisoning, histamine fish poisoning occurs following the consumption of certain types of fish that have been improperly stored after capture, or during subsequent handling, processing, retail distribution or home preparation.
Symptoms usually occur within approximately 10–60 minutes and include facial flushing (redness), headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. It can also cause a sharp, metallic, or peppery taste while eating, along with a burning or tingling sensation on the tongue.
The condition is not life-threatening and usually settles on its own within 4–6 hours. Oral antihistamines can be taken to help treat the symptoms at home.
More serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, blurred vision, tongue swelling or fainting are unlikely and suggest a different diagnosis, such as an allergic reaction. People experiencing these symptoms after consuming fish should seek immediate medical attention.
#StHelena #HistamineFishPoisoning #Investigation
The St Helena Government (SHG) would like to advise the public that they are aware of an incident involving a local vessel, The Newcastle, which sank in James Bay early this morning.
There were no injuries reported, all debris has been recovered, and there was minimal pollution.
The matter is currently under investigation by the Royal St Helena Police Service and Port Control. As this is a live investigation, SHG will be unable to provide further comment at this time.
#StHelena #PortControl #RSHP
The public is advised that the Health and Social Care Directorate has received a small number of reports of minor health issues that have been associated with the consumption of certain fish products.
Reports indicate that certain individuals have experienced symptoms of facial flushing, headaches and diarrhoea within approximately 10-60 minutes following the consumption of tuna, with tuna mince being commonly implicated in the reported cases.
The likely cause of these symptoms is scombroid fish poisoning, also known as histamine fish poisoning. Scombroid fish poisoning may occur following the consumption of certain types of fish that have been improperly stored after capture, or during subsequent handling, processing, retail distribution or home preparation.
The number of reported cases is fewer than twenty. Scombroid fish poisoning is not life-threatening and usually settles on its own within 4–6 hours. Oral antihistamines may help to alleviate symptoms.
Initial investigations and inspections conducted by Environmental Health and Public Health have identified that tuna mince processed by the Saints Tuna Corporation (STC) in March 2026 may be one possible source of the scombroid fish poisoning. STC have been instructed to recall all tuna mince processed during the period between 12 March 2026 and 27 March 2026, which represents a wider range of processing dates than those reported to the health authorities as a precautionary measure.
Further investigations and inspections across the fishing industry are ongoing, including laboratory testing to confirm the presence of elevated levels of histamine within certain fish products.
In the meantime, the public are requested to:
- avoid consuming products or meals containing tuna mince until further notice;
- seek immediate medical care if developing difficulty breathing, blurred vision, tongue swelling or fainting episodes after eating tuna;
- report any adverse reactions after eating tuna (including in the past 3 months) to Environmental Health at eh.office@sainthelena.gov.sh; and
- return any tuna mince products with labelling to prove that it was processed by STC between 12 March and 27 March 2026 to the place of purchase for issuance of a refund. Retailers will return products to STC for reimbursement.
A further update will be issued by Wednesday 29April when the majority of investigations and inspections will have concluded.
#StHelena #HistamineFishPoisoning #Investigation
Deputy Head of Maritime, Terri Clingham, has successfully completed a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Safety and Accident Investigation at Cranfield University. This qualification, funded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency UK through the UK Government, is delivered at Master’s degree level within the UK qualifications framework and is internationally recognised for its focus on improving safety across high-risk industries. Terri will formally graduate in June 2026, marking an important milestone in her professional development.
The programme provides advanced training in systemic accident investigation, equipping professionals with the skills to analyse complex incidents and identify underlying causes beyond immediate technical failures. It reflects global best practice in safety investigation and supports the development of independent, evidence-based approaches to learning from incidents.
Key areas of study include:
- Human factors and organisational influences in accidents
- Advanced investigation methodologies and analytical techniques
- Evidence gathering, analysis, and reporting
- Understanding how systems, processes, and decision-making contribute to incidents
- Promoting a no-blame, learning-focused safety culture
This achievement represents a significant investment in professional capability and strengthens the ability to support robust governance, risk management, and safety improvement across a wide range of operational environments.
Terri extends sincere thanks to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency UK for their support in funding both the programme and associated travel, enabling the successful completion of this qualification.
Terri Clingham
#StHelena #PostGradAchievement #SafetyandAccidentInvestigation
The Roads Section are pleased to announce the completion of its major resurfacing programme, delivering 9km of upgraded road, most being primary roads across the island. The project reached its target on Thursday, 26 March 2026.
Approved by the Project Steering Committee on 15 May 2025, the programme began with the procurement of materials, with the first shipment of bitumen arriving at the end of June 2025.
Although initial progress was delayed due to unsuitable bitumen being supplied, work formally commenced on 4 August 2025.
Key project figures include:
| Litres of Bitumen | 150,000 |
| Crusher dust yards | 1,000+ |
| Days worked | 103 |
| Days lost due to rain, cruise ships or any other requests | 16 |
| Total meters resurfaced (full width) | 9030 |
| Average meters done per month | 1129 |
| Average meters done per day (half widths) | 175 |
It is anticipated that these improvements will remain maintenance-free for the next 7 to 12 years, enabling future recurrent funding to be directed towards other priority areas.
The Roads Section extends their sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the successful delivery of this project. The public are also thanked for their continued patience and understanding throughout the works.
Photos:
Roads Team Working on Longwood Road
Button-Up Corner Road
#StHelena #RoadsSection #FCDO
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) agreement between SHG and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UKG) was due to expire on Wednesday, 15 April 2026. St Helena Government (SHG) confirms that a formal request from UKG seeking to extend the agreement was received close to the expiry date. After careful consideration, Ministers have agreed a one-month extension with the UKG under the existing terms, to provide sufficient time for further engagement and consideration of any future possible agreement.
Ministers wish to be clear that:
• No decision has been taken at this time.
• No new commitments have been entered into, and
• Any future agreement must serve the interests of St Helena.
Ministers recognise that matters relating to BIOT are of significant national interest and that Ministers, Councillors and the public place great importance on transparency and accountability.
While some aspects of the discussions must remain confidential at this stage to protect St Helena’s negotiating position, SHG is committed to providing meaningful updates as discussions progress and to ensuring that any substantive proposal is subject to appropriate consideration before a decision is made.
A further public update will be provided once Ministers are in a position to outline the way forward.
#StHelena #BIOT
A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held 13 April 2026.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| CLOSED AGENDA 1. Declaration of Interest 2. Civil Litigation (Cost) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and Civil Litigation (Costs) Notice, 2026 (ExCo Memo 15/2026) 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
Minister Andrew Turner declared his conflict of interest for agenda item 2for two reasons and absented himself from the meeting.
- Civil Litigation (Cost) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and Civil Litigation (Costs) Notice, 2026 (ExCo Memo 15/2026)
Executive Council approved the amendments to the Civil Litigation (Costs) Ordinance 2025. The amendments will be published for public consultation before being brought to the next Legislative Council Meeting for consideration and approval.
The proposed amendments are intended to strengthen fairness and improve access to justice. 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.
Executive Council also approved the Civil Litigation (Costs) Notice, 2026 to be effective immediately.
These amendments aim 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 2026 Notice links the appropriate national rates applied in England and Wales which may be amended from time to time.
It has recently been brought to the attention of SHG that Jonathan the Tortoise is being used in a possible new online scam involving cryptocurrency, specifically a type of meme coin scam.
Meme coins are a type of cryptocurrency that typically originate from internet memes as a joke or a political statement. They are also often connected to celebrities or current events.
SHG have also learnt of the possibility that persons are travelling to St Helena to promote this meme coin.
It is assessed that the creation of this meme coin has a high likelihood of being connected to a scam, where persons are encouraged or manipulated into buying these coins as a way to invest their money. This is also known as a ‘rug pull’ scam where developers create a token, promote it to drive up value and then drain the liquidity pool, taking investor funds and leaving the token worthless.
SHG would like to remind the public that, in light of the recent scam related to Jonathan the Tortoise, everyone should be particularly cautious of any persons or organisations attempting to sell any products (particularly but not limited to cryptocurrency), using his name and/or suggesting any link to SHG. SHG and St Helena Tourism do not endorse this meme coin and have had no involvement in its creation.
To protect yourself against these types of scams, do your own research and check the project’s website, as well as other channels, such as social media, for transparency and legitimacy. Also verify the creators and be cautious, especially (but not only) if the developers are anonymous or have no track record in crypto.
NOTE TO EDITOR:
Cryptocurrencies are digital tokens or digital money. They are a type of digital currency that allows people to make payments directly to each other through an online system. Cryptocurrencies are considered a high-risk investment.
#StHelena #Cryptocurrencyscam #JonathantheTortoise
Jonathan the tortoise