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St Helena Port Control wishes to remind the public that Rupert’s is the primary location of St Helena’s official commercial port, and access to the beach and surrounding area is managed strictly for public safety according to and depending on cargo operations.
To help you plan your visit this summer, here is a simple guide to the three access levels for the Rupert’s Cargo Management Facility:
Access Level 3: Vessel Alongside – Bay and Beach are FULLY CLOSED
This is the highest access level and is in effect when the main cargo ship or fuel tanker is alongside at Rupert’s Jetty.
| Status | Details |
| Beach Access | CLOSED. No public access to the beach area. |
| Bay Access | CLOSED. No swimming, boating, or public access to the water. |
| Vehicular/Foot Access | Restricted to authorised personnel only. Not open to the public. |
Please note:If a vessel is berthed alongside Rupert’s Jetty and relevant operations are underway and/or safety and security protocols are required, the entire bay and beach are closed for your safety and to comply with international security laws.
Access Level 2: Cargo Collection – Beach OPEN via Footpath
This level is in effect after a service vessel has departed, but while cargo operations are still underway, involving the movement and assortment of cargo within the main facility area.
| Status | Details |
| Beach Access | OPEN to the public via the designated footpath. |
| Bay Access | OPEN for swimming, boating, and other maritime use. |
| Vehicular Access | Restricted to authorised personnel only. The public is not permitted to drive or park in the lower facility area without approval from Port Control. |
Please note: You can enjoy the beach and bay, but please park elsewhere and use the footpath to stay clear of cargo operations.
Access Level 1: No Cargo Operations – All areas OPEN
This is the least restrictive level, meaning no cargo operations are underway that will impact public access.
| Status | Details |
| Beach Access | OPEN (Normal access) |
| Bay Access | OPEN (Normal maritime use) |
| Vehicular Access | The public road is open for driving. The public is permitted to drive and park in order to access the beach and bay. |
Please note: The main cargo yards remain restricted, but the beach, bay, and public road are fully open.
Planned Vessel Arrivals
The Access Level 3 Closure (Bay and Beach Fully Closed) is activated when the main cargo vessel, the MV Karoline, arrives. Please be aware of the following provisional dates for the summer season:
| Voyage | Estimated Arrival Date | Expected Closure Type |
| MACS V23 | Saturday, 07 February 2026 | Cargo (MV Karoline) |
| MACS V24 | Thursday, 05 March 2026 | Cargo (MV Karoline) |
| MACS V25 | Sunday, 05 April 2026 | Cargo (MV Karoline) |
Important Note: The Access Level 3 Closure typically lasts between 1 to 3 days following the arrival of the vessel. Closures are also enforced for fuel tankers and other critical shipping. All dates are provisional and subject to change due to weather or operational issues.
For the most accurate and up-to-the-minute confirmation of the current access level and precise closure times, please check the latest updates via:
- Radio Announcements
- SHG Social Media Channels
- Official SHG Public Announcements
We thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these periods.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) is issuing this notice to inform the public about a significant and early influenza (‘flu) threat this December.
Increased Risk of Early Outbreak
The UK is currently experiencing a severe and unusually early ‘flu season. With the high volume of visitors arriving in December from the northern hemisphere, St Helena is likely to be affected by the Northern Hemisphere virus. Please note:
- A new variant is circulating in the UK, which is causing high case numbers, including among children and young people.
- This new variant means that protection from previous infection or past vaccinations may be limited.
- Given the influx of visitors, we anticipate that an outbreak of ‘flu on St Helena is highly likely in the near future.
Vaccine Supply Update
HSC has been working to secure a supply of the Northern Hemisphere ‘flu vaccine since October. Unfortunately, we were informed last week that the vaccine will not be available until February 2026.
While the HSC would ideally vaccinate vulnerable people, this delay means the vaccine would arrive too late for the expected December/January outbreak. We want to be clear that the vaccine, even if available, offers only partial protection against the new variant, though it is still advised in the UK for certain groups.
Symptoms and Treatment
‘Flu symptoms can vary widely. Whilst some people will only have minor symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, headache), others may experience:
- High fever
- Severe muscle aches
- Fatigue/Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
A small number of people, particularly the elderly or those with chronic lung conditions, may require hospital admission.
Treatment: There are no effective antiviral treatments for the general public. For most people, treatment involves:
- Resting
- Taking Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to relieve aches, sore throat, and fever.
Protect Yourself and Others: Essential Infection Control
The ‘flu virus spreads in the same way as COVID-19: through coughs, sneezes (airborne), and by touching contaminated surfaces. We must apply the basic infection control measures we all learned during the pandemic:
| Situation | Action to Take |
| If you are unwell and coughing/sneezing | STAY HOME and avoid contact with others, especially the elderly and vulnerable. |
| If you must go out while unwell | WEAR A MASK to significantly prevent the spread of droplets. |
| General Prevention | Regular and thorough hand washing or sanitising. |
| When coughing or sneezing (if no mask) | Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow. |
The HSC will be actively monitoring the ‘flu situation and will provide regular updates. Your cooperation with these measures is vital to protect our community.
#StHelena #FluOutbreak #AltogetherHealthier
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
World Civil Aviation Day, established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1994, highlights the important role of civil aviation in the global economy and in fostering international cooperation. Each year, the ICAO designates a theme to focus on key areas within aviation such as safety, sustainability, innovation, and connectivity.
The theme of World Civil Aviation Day 2025 is “Aviation for Sustainable Development: Connecting the World” which will be celebrated on Sunday, 7 December.
For St Helena, a remote island with a long history of isolation, air connectivity has transformed life on the island. Until recently, the island’s residents and visitors had to rely on lengthy sea voyages, which could take days or even weeks. The inauguration of St Helena’s first regular air service in 2017 marked a significant milestone, reducing travel time and opening up opportunities for tourism, business, and communication.
On this International Civil Aviation Day, we proudly join the global aviation community in recognisingthe vital role civil aviation plays in connecting people, places, and possibilities.
St Helena Airport’s success is the result of strong collaboration from the airline, the regulator, local partners, staff, and the wider community. Together, we ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable air services for our island and beyond.
Gwyneth Howell, CEO and Accountable Officer said:
“We celebrate this day with gratitude for the teamwork that keeps our skies open and our connections strong.”
Hon Karl Thrower, Minister for Economic Development and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning said:
“As we reflect on the tremendous progress made in aviation over the past eight years, we are proud of how St Helena Airport has opened our island to the world. We look forward to continuing this journey of collaboration with our international partners, ensuring that aviation remains a positive force in our island’s development.”
#StHelena #InternationalCivilAviationDay
SHG
7 December 2025
The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the official launch of its redesigned website on Thursday, 11 December 2025. This significant digital overhaul marks a major step forward in improving the island’s digital presence and the way SHG communicates essential information about the government, public services, and the island itself.
The redevelopment has focused on improving how the website works in terms of its structure, navigation, accessibility, and the overall user experience, rather than changing the substance of its content. This means users will benefit from a clearer, more intuitive site from day one, while any content updates can be made after launch without difficulty or disruption.
The refreshed platform is designed to be more user-friendly, more accessible, and easier to navigate for the public and for internal users.
Key Features of the Refreshed Website
The site now includes several major enhancements designed to help users find information more quickly and efficiently:
- Improved Navigation: A clearer layout with a more intuitive flow, allowing visitors to find key information about SHG Portfolios and services faster.
- Better Accessibility: A responsive design that improves performance and viewing experience across all devices, including desktop, tablet, and mobile.
- Improved Search Functionality: A new search engine that allows users to filter results by Portfolio, document type, or topic, saving valuable time.
- Enhanced Visuals: A more engaging design that reflects SHG’s visual identity and incorporates elements of the island’s unique culture and heritage.
Digital Transformation for the Public
Crucially, the new platform introduces features that will facilitate future digital service delivery:
- Subscriptions and Payments: The ability for the public to directly subscribe to official communications (like newsletters) and, as part of ongoing work, the future ability to make online payments for certain government services directly via the website.
- Form Completion and Submission System: Users will be able to submit available government forms directly through the website with a view to eventually being able to move all SHG forms to digital fill, sign, and submission via the website.
- Realtime Feedback System: A new tool integrated into various sections of the website allowing users to instantly submit comments, report issues, or provide valuable feedback on services.
Possible Website Downtime
The official launch of the new SHG website is scheduled for 11 December 2025, however the transition to the new site is set to occur on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. During this transition period, there may be brief instances of inaccessibility to the SHG website, and external links to the site from our press releases and social media pages may be temporarily unavailable. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and would like to assure our users that all efforts will be made to minimise this downtime.
SHG encourages everyone to explore the new site structure and design, launching Wednesday at www.sainthelena.gov.sh.
We invite the public to submit constructive feedback through our official designated channels (e.g. Public Service Delivery Survey, Report It, Sort It, or email the Comms Hub through communications@sainthelena.gov.sh) to assist in the continued improvement of the site.
#StHelena #OfficialWebsite #Relaunch
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG
10 December 2025
response to complaints raised with SHG regarding the operations of the fishing vessel St Albatros, we committed to providing a public response.
Following an investigation conducted by Crown Counsel, the St Albatros and its operations have been found to be compliant with our international fishing commitments with the exception of the following two errors by SHG:
- Notification to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) that Ruperts Port was being utilised to land catches made by an internationally flagged vessel; and
- An appropriate access agreement being in place between SHG and South Africa, given that the vessel was sailing under a South African flag.
These errors are now considered historic, given that St Albatros is currently operating under the St Helena flag.
The errors were made by the Public Service and arise from the ambiguities between local Ordinance and ICCAT rules. However, we have been advised that the errors are considered to be minor, administrative issues.
Nonetheless, they should not have happened and I would like to apologise to all of those concerned, whether directly, indirectly or as islanders who simply expect the highest standards from their Public Service. We are reporting these errors to ICCAT to ensure accountability in our fishing sector and will learn from these errors to ensure that they do not happen again.
We are now committed to supporting the comprehensive fishing sector review announced by Minister Thrower, and consider this matter closed.
#StHelena #FishingSector
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
Ian Todd
Chief Secretary and Head of the Public Service
World Civil Aviation Day, established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1994, highlights the important role of civil aviation in the global economy and in fostering international cooperation. Each year, the ICAO designates a theme to focus on key areas within aviation such as safety, sustainability, innovation, and connectivity.
The theme of World Civil Aviation Day 2025 is “Aviation for Sustainable Development: Connecting the World” which will be celebrated on Sunday, 7 December.
For St Helena, a remote island with a long history of isolation, air connectivity has transformed life on the island. Until recently, the island’s residents and visitors had to rely on lengthy sea voyages, which could take days or even weeks. The inauguration of St Helena’s first regular air service in 2017 marked a significant milestone, reducing travel time and opening up opportunities for tourism, business, and communication.
On this International Civil Aviation Day, we proudly join the global aviation community in recognisingthe vital role civil aviation plays in connecting people, places, and possibilities.
St Helena Airport’s success is the result of strong collaboration from the airline, the regulator, local partners, staff, and the wider community. Together, we ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable air services for our island and beyond.
Gwyneth Howell, CEO and Accountable Officer said:
“We celebrate this day with gratitude for the teamwork that keeps our skies open and our connections strong.”
Hon Karl Thrower, Minister for Economic Development and Environment, Natural Resources and Planning said:
“As we reflect on the tremendous progress made in aviation over the past eight years, we are proud of how St Helena Airport has opened our island to the world. We look forward to continuing this journey of collaboration with our international partners, ensuring that aviation remains a positive force in our island’s development.”
#StHelena #InternationalCivilAviationDay
St Helena Government (SHG), working alongside Connect St Helena, has released tender documents for the fabrication and installation of two new wastewater treatment plants at the proposed locations of The Guns, Ladder Hill and The Sand Yard, Jamestown marking a significant step forward in upgrading the island’s wastewater infrastructure.
This marks an exciting step forward in modernising the island’s wastewater infrastructure. The new plants will support improved environmental protection, strengthen public health outcomes, and ensure more sustainable wastewater management for our communities.
This project forms part of the £30 million Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government. Through EDIP, SHG remains committed to delivering essential infrastructure upgrades that improve quality of life and support St Helena’s long-term development.
The Project Management team invites the public to a drop-in session to discuss the project. This is an opportunity to get updates, ask questions, and provide feedback directly to the team.
- Date and Time: Thursday, 11 December 2025, 09:00 – 13:00
- Location: The Canister
For further information on this project, please send enquiries to: Richard.Wotton@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Photo
A map showing the proposed locations of the wastewater treatment plants
#StHelena #WastewaterTreatmentPlant
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
As St Helena prepares for the joyous atmosphere of the festive season, St Helena Government (SHG) urges all residents and visitors to prioritise road safety and make responsible choices when travelling and socialising. The message is clear: Road Safety is Your Responsibility.
The holiday period in December brings with it increased activity, with more people on the island and potentially inexperienced drivers on the road. This rise in road usage necessitates greater caution and vigilance from everyone.
Key Road Safety Messages for the Festive Season:
- Vehicle Roadworthiness Checks: Before setting out, especially for longer journeys, ensure your vehicle is in good working order.
- Tyres: Check the tread depth and pressure of your tyres. Properly inflated tyres with sufficient tread are crucial for safe braking and handling.
- Lights: Check that all headlights, brake lights, and indicators are clean and functioning correctly.
- Fluid Levels: Ensure your oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid levels are adequate.
- Do not use your mobile phone whilst driving, it is an offence: Using a mobile phone while driving significantly impairs your ability to focus on the road.
- It can take up to 30 seconds to regain your full focus after a significant distraction.
- This distraction slows your reaction time and can lead to inappropriate speed and poor spatial awareness. Your attention must be fully on the task of driving.
- Be Alert and Attentive: With increased traffic levels, stay focused on the road at all times. Avoid distractions and maintain a keen awareness of other vehicles, pedestrians, and island hazards.
- Allow More Travel Time: Roads can be busier than usual. Plan your journeys well in advance and allow extra time for travel to avoid rushing and making unsafe decisions.
- Exercise Caution at Hotspots: Take extra care at road junctions and areas where roads are narrower. Reduce your speed and be prepared to yield, particularly in known traffic bottlenecks.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance: The increase in road users means you should leave ample space between your vehicle and the one ahead to allow for sudden stops or unexpected manoeuvres.
- Practice Courtesy: Be patient and courteous to fellow drivers, especially those who may be unfamiliar with the island’s roads. Cooperation helps keep traffic flowing safely.
SHG reminds the public that enforcement patrols will be active throughout the festive period. Choosing to drive carelessly risks not only legal consequences but, more tragically, causing serious injury or death.
Remember: Your choice behind the wheel impacts everyone on the road. Drive safe. Drive responsibly.
#StHelena #RoadSafety #AltogetherSafer
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
The Government of St Helena wishes to inform residents of the imminent arrival of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) TIDESPRING, which will be visible from various vantage points around the island from approximately 10:00 tomorrow, Tuesday 25 November. The vessel is expected to anchor off St Helena at around 07:00 on Wednesday 26 November when they will be laying a wreath on the Darkdale.
RFA TIDESPRING has recently detached from the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG) after a seven-month deployment on Operation HIGHMAST and is now transiting home. During their brief visit, the ship’s company will be conducting a circumnavigation of the island.
Key Information
- Visibility: Residents may see RFA TIDESPRING and its Merlin helicopter operating around the island from tomorrow morning. The Merlin will be flying between 08:30–10:30 and 12:00–15:00 and will be visible from the island.
- Shore Visits: Of the ship’s company, approximately 100 personnel are expected to come ashore to visit St Helena. The first Liberty Boat is planned for around 08:00 on Wednesday. The ship’s Commanding Officer will be laying a wreath at the Cenotaph, and visiting key sites around the island, including a tea at Plantation House.
- Departure: RFA TIDESPRING is scheduled to depart St Helena at approximately 16:30 on Wednesday 26 November.
#StHelena #RoyalFleetAuxiliary
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
The St Helena Government extends a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in the recent community engagement evenings and the drop-in session at The Canister regarding the Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP). Your invaluable contributions have already played a crucial role in shaping the direction of this vital project. The questionnaire remains open until 10 December 2025.
We are now entering the final stages of developing the WRMP, and it is important that we hear from as many members of the public as possible. If you have not yet completed the questionnaire, we strongly encourage you to take a few minutes to do so.
Your opinions, ideas, and local knowledge are vital. They will strengthen the final plan that will guide how St Helena secures reliable and sustainable water supplies for our households, agriculture, businesses, and the natural environment in the years ahead.
By completing the questionnaire, you are helping us:
• Improve how water is sourced, stored, and used
• Build resilience to drought and climate change
• Protect our natural environment
• Ensure community needs are fully understood and reflected
Please use the QR code below to access the questionnaire and share your views.
Hard copies are also available at Essex House, the Public Library, and ENRP Scotland for anyone who prefers to complete it by hand.
Thank you for taking the time to support this important project and for helping secure St Helena’s water future.
This project forms part of the £30 million Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government, supporting a sustainable future for St Helena.
QR Code
Link: St Helena Water Resource Management Plan – Fill in form
#StHelena #WaterResourceManagement #Plan