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The St Helena Government (SHG) is responding to recent media queries regarding the activities of the fishing vessel, St Albatros, which has been operating within St Helena’s fisheries. This statement is issued to provide clarity on the vessel’s licensing and to update the public on the status of its operations and recent reports.
The St Albatros is licensed to undertake both commercial and exploratory fishing in St Helena’s waters. The vessel was fishing under the terms of a licence issued by the Chief Fisheries Officer. Under the provisions of the Fisheries Ordinance 2021, it is possible for a foreign vessel to obtain a licence.
As part of SHG’s oversight procedures, an SHG Fisheries Observer was on board the St Albatros, throughout its recent fishing trip, maintaining daily communication with our Marine Enforcement Section.
One of the conditions of the fishing licence requires the vessel to have a fully functioning Automatic Identification System (AIS) in place to aid the tracking and identification of the vessel whilst at sea. The St Albatros is equipped with an AIS, however on the return of the vessel from fishing, the vessel owner advised SHG the vessel had being experiencing problems with its AIS during its fishing trip which impacted its ability to be tracked during the entire trip. As a result, he would be seeking guidance on its repair before undertaking any further fishing
Following the completion of the fishing trip, the vessel owner and Vessel Registry Authority in SA advised SHG that the St Albatros had been de-registered in SA at the request of the vessel owner. As part of this de-registration process, the vessel’s owner is required to remove all previous registry status from the vessel’s GPS, AIS, and other transmitting systems, as well as the physical registry markings on the vessel itself. This is a critical step to ensure the vessel is not interpreted as claiming to be flagged to a country where it is no longer registered.
We have received reports concerning potential breaches of international maritime law by the St Albatros and are looking into the matter. To ensure a comprehensive and impartial review, we are seeking expert advice from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the UK.
We are committed to protecting our marine environment and upholding international standards, and we will keep the public informed of the findings of the investigation when they become available.
#StHelena #Maritime #Fisheries
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St Helena Secondary School today announced an upcoming refresh and relaunch of its house system, set to officially launch in September 2026. This development was shared with students this morning during a special assembly led by Physical Education (PE) Teacher, Mrs Christine Caswell.
The current house system, comprising Cavendish, Dutton, Jenkins, and Mundens, has been a long-standing tradition fostering team spirit and community within the school. However, with the current student body numbering fewer than 200, challenges have arisen in forming competitive teams for sports and other house-based activities.
To address these challenges and ensure a more balanced and engaging experience for all students, the Senior Leadership Team, with support from the PE teachers, proposed a reduction in the number of houses from four to three. This proposal has been approved by the Portfolio Advisory Board. Rather than simply eliminating one of the existing houses, the school will introduce three entirely new houses.
The transition will involve a comprehensive student-led process to select new house names and mascots. Students will actively participate in this decision-making over the coming weeks, with their ideas shaping the identity of the new houses.
The Portfolio Advisory Board has committed to supporting this transition, generously agreeing to provide every student with a new house t-shirt free of charge, along with other branded items like banners, to help cultivate pride and identity within the new house structure.
The upcoming academic year (2025–2026) will be the final year for the current house system, with students continuing to participate in events under Cavendish, Dutton, Jenkins, and Mundens. Ahead of the September 2026 launch, all students will be allocated to one of the new houses, with careful consideration given to sporting ability to ensure balanced and fair teams.
The school believes this refresh will be a positive step forward, enhancing student engagement and fostering a strong sense of community within the new house system.
#StHelena #AltogetherBetterForChildren&YoungPeople
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The St Helena Government wishes to give notice that it has received an investment proposal for the development of Mundens and its surrounding land, comprising approximately 20 acres. This significant parcel of land boasts former military fortifications, historic buildings, and diverse coastal terrain, offering an exceptional blend of historical, cultural, and strategic importance.
As a result, on 17 June 2025, the Executive Council approved the addition of Mundens to SHG’s disposal register. In its commitment to ensuring best value and exploring all potential options, SHG is now offering developers and investors an opportunity to submit further development proposals. This is a unique opportunity to unlock a site with immense potential.
We are seeking serious submissions that demonstrate, a clear concept and vision for the site, a business plan, and a defined project financing strategy. Crucially, all proposals must align with the island’s Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact Gina Henry, Crown Estates Officer at Gina.Henry@sainthelena.gov.sh or visit https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena/government/portfolios/economic-development-portfolio/property/ to download the full Request for Proposals and supporting information.
Closing date for submissions is 29 August 2025, proposals received after this deadline will not be considered.
On 10 June 2025, Executive Council approved the Stamp Duties Order 2025, introducing key amendments to the Schedule of the Stamp Duties Ordinance, 1987. These changes came into effect on 03 July 2025, and form part of the St Helena Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the island’s revenue base while supporting permanent residency and home ownership. The revised stamp duty framework aligns with the goals and objectives of the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023–2033.
Key amendments include:
Introduces Stamp duty on low value land transfers
A stamp duty of 2.5% will now apply to all land transfers for value or consideration up to £10,000, which were previously exempt. This amendment is intended to broaden the duty base and enhance local revenue collection.
To support affordability and promote first-time homeownership, first-time buyers of Crown property will continue to benefit from a 60% reduction in purchase price, in accordance with the Property Disposal and Purchase Policy 2024. This targeted support helps to mitigate any potential impact of the new duty on lower-value transactions, and reflects the Government’s continued commitment to encouraging local homeownership.
Improved Access to 0% Stamp Duty Exemption for First-Time Homeowners
Purchasers wishing to make St Helena their primary home will continue to benefit from 0% stamp duty on residential property purchases up to a value of £100,000. To make this exemption more accessible, the following changes have been made:
- Purchasers with St Helenian status are no longer required to meet a qualifying residency period prior to claiming the exemption; and
- The definition of first-time home ownership has been simplified in that purchasers now only need to demonstrate that they have not previously owned any property on St Helena.
Together, these changes make it easier for more people, particularly returning St Helenians and first-time buyers, to access the benefits of homeownership on St Helena.
Commitment to Residency Requirement
To retain the 0% exemption, purchasers are required to reside on the island for at least five years from the date of purchasing their primary home, spending at least 300 days per year on St Helena during that period.
Where this condition is not met, the previously exempt stamp duty will become payable at a rate of 2.5%. Certain exceptions will be considered, such as in cases of extended overseas medical treatment or other exceptional circumstances.
The Stamp Duties Order 2025 reflects Government’s broader commitment to making St Helena a place where people choose to live, work, and build their future.
#StHelena #StampDutiesOrdinance
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On 27 June 2025, Executive Council approved amendments to the Social Security Regulations 2011. These changes aim to clarify and address issues identified with respect to Income Related Benefits (IRB) and the Basic Island Pension (BIP), with the aim of ensuring a fairer and more responsive system for beneficiaries.
The agreed amendments cover several crucial areas:
- Income Related Benefits (IRB) while Overseas: For Category 3 claimants only, IRB will now be paid for up to 30 days when overseas, after which payments will cease.
- Medical Referral Stipend Disregarded: The stipend received by individuals from the Health & Social Care Portfolio during overseas medical referrals will not immediately affect their IRB. However, their IRB will be reduced to 30% of their usual amount after 42 days.
- Hospitalisation on Island (IRB): When hospitalised on St Helena, IRB will be reduced to 30% of the individual’s entitlement after 42 days.
- Basic Island Pension (BIP) During Hospitalisation: Payments of the Basic Island Pension (BIP) will continue for individuals hospitalised on the island beyond the current 42-day rule.
- IRB and Residential Care: IRB for an individual will be removed after 42 days in formal residential care where all living costs are met by the care provider.
- Young Parents and IRB Entitlement: A parent aged under 19 with a child, who is still in full-time government-provided education, will be treated as an independent family unit entitled to IRB.
- Encouraging Part-Time Work: The current £10 per week disregard under Regulation 8 for earnings whether full, part time or casual, will be increased to £30 per week and is designed to encourage part-time working.
- Disregard of Homes for IRB Clients: If IRB clients temporarily live with a relative, friend, or in respite care due to health or social reasons (not by choice), their main home will not be counted when calculating their family’s income for IRB for up to six months.
- Disregard of Other Immoveable Property for IRB Applicants: If an IRB applicant has other immovable property (not their primary residence) that cannot be immediately liquidated or derive an income from (rented), the property can be disregarded for up to six months, during which time the applicant can take appropriate action to dispose of the asset or make alternative arrangements. If the property is still held after six months, IRB payments will cease.
- Disregard of Compensation payments: A compensation payment received by an IRB client in relation to a personal injury will be disregarded, provided the compensation is held separately from all other assets.
Basic Island Pension Increase
Furthermore, as part of the 2025/26 Budget process, Ministers agreed and announced an increase in the basic rate of the Basic Island Pension (BIP) from £80.60 to £85.00 per week. This increase reinforces the Government’s commitment to supporting the island’s pensioners. All those in receipt of the BIP will receive an individual letter from the Benefits Office setting out their new weekly amount.
These changes came into effect from 1 July 2025. If anyone has questions relating to the implementation of these change they are encouraged to contact the Benefits Office on 22605 for further information.
#StHelena #SocialSecurityRegulations #Amendments
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SHG has announced that new Regulations under the Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Ordinance 2020, are now ready for adoption and are set to commence on 01 October 2025. This marks a significant step towards the full implementation of the Fixed Penalties system.
The Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Ordinance, 2020, was passed by the previous Legislative Council to streamline the handling of certain minor offenses (such as parking offences). An initial version of the Regulations required to introduce Fixed Penalties was approved by the Executive Council on 14 June 2022. However, these regulations were quickly identified as not being fit for purpose and were therefore not enacted.
Following a comprehensive review and period of consideration, new, robust regulations, specifically The Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2025, have been prepared and are ready to be brought into force. The Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2022, will be revoked.
In parallel with the development of the Fixed Penalties Ordinance, an important amendment to the Police and Criminal Evidence Ordinance 2003, relating to criminal records (Section 62A), was passed in 2019. This amendment was designed to modernise criminal record keeping by shifting the requirement to record all convictions to only recording convictions for imprisonable offenses (unless specifically exempted) and any other identified offenses. Despite being passed, this amendment has not yet been brought into force.
The 2019 amendment also provides for the creation of regulations to govern various aspects of the criminal records database, including:
- When certain non-imprisonable offenses do or do not need to be recorded.
- When certain imprisonable offenses do not need to be recorded.
- How the criminal records database will be set up and maintained.
- How people can ask for information from the criminal records database.
- How information from the criminal records database can be shared when requested.
SHG remains committed to enhancing the efficiency and fairness of the criminal justice system and will provide further updates on the commencement of the criminal records amendment in due course.
#StHelena #CriminalJustice #FixedPenaltiesOrdinance
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The Health and Social Care Portfolio is proud to mark International Paramedics Day 2025, celebrating the vital role of paramedics under this year’s global theme: Unity and Community. This theme reflects the reality that no paramedic works in isolation, especially in a small community like St Helena.
Observed annually on 8 July, International Paramedics Day commemorates the birth of Dominique Jean Larrey, the French surgeon recognised as the father of modern ambulance services. The day honours paramedics around the world for their work in responding to emergencies, supporting patients, and saving lives.
To mark the occasion, the Ambulance Team hosted a Community Coffee Morning, welcoming current and former ambulance staff as well as colleagues from across government portfolios who work alongside paramedics. The event recognised the joint contributions involved in delivering emergency and pre-hospital care on the island.
Over the past year, the paramedic team has continued to strengthen emergency and urgent care through a range of clinical and community-focused activities:
- 571 ambulance calls were attended in 2024/25
- 21 percent of patients were seen and treated on scene without needing hospital admission
- 251 first-aiders and 40 emergency first-responders were trained
- A total of 507 learners received clinical education facilitated by the ambulance team
- Public first-aid cover was provided at 10 major community events, including St Helena’s Day, Festival of Lights, and visiting cruise ships
- 71 patient transport journeys supported timely hospital discharges, ensuring patients returned home safely
- New tools were introduced to improve emergency response, including ‘what3words’ and ‘GoodSAM’
- The team provided clinical support in the Emergency Department, working alongside doctors to triage and treat patients
Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager (Senior Paramedic), said:
“This year’s theme is a timely reminder that paramedics are part of a wider team. Here on St Helena, we rely on each other. Colleagues from the hospital, social care, carers, police, fire, sea rescue, airport and many other services all contribute to the care we provide. Today was a chance to celebrate those shared efforts and reflect on how far we’ve come as a service.
We recognise that emergencies happen at all hours, which is why we’ll soon be introducing a shift pattern that provide weekend cover in the Emergency Department. This change will also improve ambulance response times and strengthen support for nurses in hospital. It is another step in our ongoing commitment to being there when our community needs us.
I’m incredibly proud of my team. The dedication they’ve shown to developing the service, the pride they take in their work, and the effort they make each day to improve what we deliver is outstanding. Without our Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Care Assistants, we wouldn’t have achieved the service we recognise today. Our sense of community as a team is what keeps us united.”
Since 2022, when paramedics were first introduced to the island, the ambulance service has undergone significant development. With a strong focus on clinical leadership, training, and interagency collaboration, the team continues to build a responsive and resilient service aligned to UK standards.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio extends its thanks to everyone who joined the event and to the many professionals, past and present, who continue to contribute to the delivery of emergency care.
Photos
Attendees of Community Coffee Morning
#StHelena #EmergencyService #IPD2025 #InternationalParamedics
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SHG
9 July 2025
Negotiations for a new long-term licence with Sure concluded this week without agreement, despite extensive efforts by all parties.
The parameters underpinning the negotiations sought to secure a new licence to maximise benefits from the Equiano submarine cable. Sure presented a substantial investment proposal for network infrastructure that would deliver superfast broadband capabilities aligned with agreed objectives.
Both parties invested significant resources over recent months, with SHG technical and legal teams working intensively with Sure to find mutually acceptable terms. The negotiations addressed complex technical, commercial and regulatory requirements for building a new broadband network while ensuring continued provision of the whole range of communication services currently available to businesses and residents on St Helena.
Despite good faith efforts from all parties, agreement could not be reached within the deadline of 30 June 2025. Key challenges centred on balancing St Helena’s long-term interests with commercial operating realities in a market that is experiencing rapid technology change.
Sure will continue providing services under their existing licence issued under the Telecommunications Ordinance 1989.
The modern regulatory framework established under the Communications Ordinance 2025 is now in place, providing robust consumer protection and oversight mechanisms for future licensing arrangements and in the coming months further announcements will be made on the implementation of a Communications Regulator.
St Helena’s communications infrastructure and regulatory framework provides a strong foundation for future development.
#StHelena #LicenceNegotiations
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The Health and Social Care Portfolio has adopted the following schedule of fees, effective 28 May 2025, for individuals who visit St Helena and who are subject to a Short Term Entry Permit (STEP/holiday visa).
It is a requirement of entry for the purposes of immigration that all Short Term Entry Permit (or holiday visa) holders possess valid travel insurance; hold insurance from a St Helena provider; or have sufficient means to cover medical costs.
These fees apply to individuals who visit St Helena either for the purposes of a vacation, day trip, visiting for the purposes of business or work (and not to take up residence in the course of that employment for up to, and including, 183 days) or as part of a medical emergency attendance such as a passing vessel medical emergency.
Specific exemptions to these fees are:
Any individual
- Who takes up direct employment with the Government of St Helena
- Who obtains a Long Term Entry Permit (LTEP) (or work permit) for a non-government employer in excess of 183 days
- Who was born, registered or naturalised in St Helena; or
- Who was adopted in St Helena; or
- Who is a dependent, spouse, or long term partner of someone who was born, registered or naturalised in St Helena; or who was adopted in St Helena
These individuals will be charged at the rate applied to residents.
Additionally, in line with the UK reciprocal agreement of 11 May 2023,any individual visiting St Helena for any purpose as outlined above
- Who was born, registered or naturalised in United Kingdom; and
- Who is a British passport holder
Remains eligible for medical treatment at the rate charged to residents (dentistry excluded), up to and including any requirement for overseas medical evacuation. Access to elective overseas medical referrals is only available to those individuals who hold St Helenian status.
The Schedule of Fees 2024/25 and Criteria of Application of Overseas Fees – Decision Matrix can be viewed on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/portfolios/health/.
#StHelena #Schedule of Fees #OverseasVisitors
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Last week, the annual Red Ensign Group (REG) Conference was held in Guernsey, bringing together the UK, Crown Dependencies, and Overseas Territories to discuss maritime governance and shared international responsibilities.
St Helena, a Category 2 member of the REG, operates its own ship registry under the St Helena Merchant Shipping Ordinance 2021, whilst aligning with UK standards. This affiliation ensures strong oversight, global recognition, and access to expert support across the REG network. St Helena was represented at the conference by a four-person delegation:
- Alex Mitham – Portfolio Director, Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA)
- Mia Henry – Head of Maritime, SSHA
- Cherie Dillon – Maritime Policy Consultant
- Wendy Benjamin – Maritime Capacity Building Support
Each delegate presented on key developments, ongoing challenges, and the strategic risks facing St Helena’s maritime domain.
Mia Henry gave a detailed presentation on how St Helena balances compliance with international maritime obligations whilst ensuring policies and legislation remain fit for the local island context. This prompted broader interest from other jurisdictions, with a commitment to explore the topic further at future forums.
Mia also presented on St Helena’s Maritime Journey, covering the establishment of the Maritime Authority and Advisory Board, and the island’s successful completion of its first International Maritime Organization (IMO) III Code Audit in February 2025. Her presentation showcased the significant progress made over the past five years in embedding maritime governance within the Public Service.
Alex Mitham contributed to the Coastal State Forum on Search and Rescue (SAR), highlighting the island’s unique geographical position, international support challenges owing to the remote location and the need for tailored assistance. It was agreed that St Helena’s requirements will form part of forthcoming workshops, particularly around external support on the development of relevant policies and procedures.
Cherie Dillon, Maritime Policy Consultant, presented on the St Helena Ship Registry, outlining its current challenges and the island’s ongoing efforts to modernise and strengthen its legal and administrative systems.
Cherie commented:
“The REG Conference was a fantastic opportunity to connect with counterparts. The support and collaboration from other members will be invaluable as we continue developing our maritime capabilities.”
Wendy Benjamin, Maritime Capacity Building Support, spoke in the Capacity Building Working Group, sharing St Helena’s journey to rebuild maritime skills and awareness. She highlighted past gaps, current initiatives, and future plans to promote maritime careers despite ongoing challenges.
Wendy commented:
“It was a privilege to attend the conference. The experience helped build valuable connections, and I’ve already received offers of support that will aid our efforts in St Helena.”
The REG Conference also enabled an in-person meeting of the South Atlantic Working Group (SAWG)—a regional forum of maritime authorities from St Helena, Ascension Island, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and Tristan da Cunha. St Helena currently serves as the Secretariat for SAWG, which promotes collaboration on maritime safety, environmental protection, and legislative alignment across the South Atlantic Overseas Territories. Discussions focused on key priorities such as SAR, fishing vessel regulation, and training, all vital for strengthening regional maritime capacity. St Helena’s contributions received strong recognition from REG members, with appreciation expressed for the substantial progress achieved in a relatively short time. Special thanks were extended to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for its continued support, particularly the financial assistance that has enabled St Helena to build its maritime capacity.
Alex formally thanked the MCA for all their support over the past years and as a gesture of thanks, the St Helena delegation presented a commemorative plaque to Richard Pellew, Assistant Director for Maritime Governance, Improvement and Assurance of the MCA and Chair of the Conference, which was warmly received.
The Maritime Authority extends sincere gratitude to all stakeholders on the Island who have contributed to building the current foundation of the territory’s maritime sector and to colleagues from the other OTs who have supported St Helena consistently.
Photos
The South Atlantic Working Group (SAWG)
Mia Henry presenting a St Helena plaque to another delegate
The delegates of the REG Conference
#StHelena #Maritime