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The MV Karoline is scheduled to arrive at James Bay on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, at 22:00. Weather permitting, the vessel will berth alongside Rupert’s Jetty at first light on Wednesday 11 March.

During this time, Rupert’s Cargo Management Facility, the beach, the Jetty, and Rupert’s Bay will be placed under Access Level 3, meaning these areas will be restricted to authorised personnel only.

Access will remain restricted until all cargo operations are completed and the vessel has departed.

Once the vessel leaves, security will reduce to Access Level 2, at which point only the Cargo Management Facility will remain restricted during normal working hours (8:00–17:00).

The beach, Jetty, and Rupert’s Bay will reopen to the public and may be accessed via the public walkway beginning at Liberation House or via the Ferry Service (charges apply).

After working hours, the Access Level reduces to Level 1, whereby vehicular access is allowed through the Facility.

St Helena Port Control thanks the public for their cooperation and understanding.

The Roads Section are pleased to advise the public that slurry works on Phase 5 of the Road Resurfacing Project (Longwood Gate to Hutts Gate) have been successfully completed. No further road closures are planned for this section.

Final finishing works will continue along the sides of the road over the coming days. Motorists are kindly asked to drive with caution, as road workers may still be operating in this area throughout this weekend and into next week.

The main slurry team has now moved to the final phase of the project, covering the stretch between Briar’s Junction and Button-up Corner. Preparation works are ongoing, and slurry operations are expected to commence during the new week.

Please note that the existing weekday road closure (09:00 – 15:00) on this section will remain in place until late March. Initial works will take place between the top of the concrete section of Side Path Road and Briars Junction, carried out in half-widths with traffic directed as required. Appropriate signage will be in place.

The Roads Section thanks the public for their continued patience and cooperation as these essential works progress.

SHG

6 March 2026

It has been reported that sand is being illegally removed from Sandy Bay Beach. Some of this sand has been dumped and abandoned on the roadside between the beach and the Sandy Bay Baptist Chapel, creating a serious hazard for drivers.

Why this matters

Please be aware that removing sand can be considered “unauthorised development” under the Land Planning and Development Control Ordinance (2013). This is a serious offense that can lead to fines, imprisonment, or both.

We kindly ask the public to leave the sand on the beach where it belongs, for the protection of our wildlife and the safety of our drivers.

Sandy Bay Beach Road

The public are reminded that the playground sites at Longwood Green and Half Tree Hollow remain active construction areas as part of the ongoing Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) Playgrounds Project. Security fencing has been erected around  these areas, and the public are asked to stay outside of these fenced zones and strictly adhere to all site signage. 

This reminder is necessary as some motorists have been driving through the playground area at Longwood Green, which is not only dangerous but could also result in damage to the equipment and facilities currently being installed.

These new playground facilities have been made possible through significant planning and investment under the EDIP, and the continued support and cooperation of the community is appreciated as the project progresses towards competition.

SHG

06 March 2026

Please be advised that the following Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio establishments will be closed on the 06 March 2026 from 12:30 to 16:00:

•The Education Learning Centre

•St Helena Community College

•Career Access

•The Public Library .

The Public Library will resume normal working hours on Saturday, 07 March 2026.

SHG

05 March 2026

The public are advised that the road between Scotland Roundabout and PEAKS Enterprise will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, 4 March 2026, from 09:00 to 15:00.

This closure is to allow the Forestry Section, ANRD, to trim trees away from the high voltage lines along this road.

All emergency vehicles will be granted access throughout the closure period.

We thank you for your continued cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience this closure may cause.

The Immigration and Customs office at Liberation House in Ruperts will be closed to the public tomorrow Wednesday 4th March 2026 to accommodate staff training. Normal operations will resume on Thursday 5th March 2026.

We thank you for your continued cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience this closure may cause.

Please be advised that the following scheduled road closures have been postponed due to weather conditions:

Both routes will remain OPEN today and are expected to remain open tomorrow. We plan to resume work as soon as weather conditions improve.

St Helena is likely to experience a north-westerly swell from midday, Saturday, 28 February 2026, resulting in unsettling sea conditions in both James and Rupert’s Bay.

Boat owners are advised to ensure their vessels are securely moored during this period.

Swimmers should exercise extreme caution when entering the water in James and Rupert’s Bay and refrain from using life rings and other lifesaving equipment for recreational swimming.

Vehicle owners are advised to avoid parking near the rails on the seafront and individuals are asked to use caution when in close proximity to the railings due to the potential risk of wave overspray and associated hazards.

The Emergency Planning Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary.

SHG

27 February 2026

The public are advised that construction works to replace the existing lighting on Jacob’s Ladder will commence on 2 March 2026. The new lighting was generously donated by Lord Ashcroft to the UK St Helena Heritage Trust, and the installation works are being funded through the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) and delivered by Solomon & Company (St Helena) Plc will be carried out in two phases and is expected to take several weeks to complete.

During the initial phase, access from the top of the ladder to the footpath connecting to Shy Road will remain open during daylight hours. However, as the existing lights will be disconnected during the works, the entire ladder will be closed nightly from 17:00 and reopen at 07:45 each morning to ensure public safety.

As the project progresses, it will also become necessary to close the full length of the ladder to protect the safety of all users. The area will be secured, and appropriate signage will be placed at all access points. Users are kindly requested to comply with the safety measures in place and to refrain from entering restricted areas.

The public are thanked for their patience and apologises for any inconvenience caused.

SHG

23 February 2026