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The Roads Section will continue with the ongoing Road Maintenance Programme and will commence Phase 5 of the project, covering the stretch from Longwood Gate to Hutts Gate, on Monday, 26 January 2026.
Please be advised that day-time road closures will be in effect from 09:00 to 15:00 daily, starting from 26 January 2026 until 07 March 2026 along this section of road.
Residents living along this section of road should contact the Roads Supervisory Staff on telephone numbers 23765 or 23640 to inform them of any planned travel during closure times, so that arrangements can be coordinated.
Appropriate signage will be installed, and the cooperation of the public is kindly requested to support the timely completion of these important works.
The Roads Section thanks the public for their understanding and apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.
SHG
20 January 2026
The island’s service tanker, MT Ardbeg, is scheduled to arrive at St
Helena on Sunday 18 January 2026 at 01:00 UTC.
Weather permitting, the MT Ardbeg will berth alongside Rupert’s Jetty at
06:00 UTC on Sunday 18 January . Upon completion of clearance
procedures, ship to shore fuel transfer (bunkering) operations will
commence immediately.
The public are therefore advised that lower Rupert’s, including the beach
area, will be closed to the public from 06:00 on Sunday 18 January 2026
until bunkering operations are completed.
Due to the floating pipeline, all mariners are advised that Rupert’s Bay
will be closed for the duration of the operation.
These areas will be strictly prohibited, and access will be limited to
authorised persons only, who have made prior arrangements and
received approval from Port Control.
The public are thanked in advance for their patience and co-operation.
SHG
14 January 2026
The Emergency Planning Department is seeking residents on-island who can translate languages other than English. These persons would form part of a volunteer group ready to assist in emergencies involving visitors with limited English.
To register interest please contact Head of Emergency Planning, Anel O’Bey, via email through anel.obey@helanta.co.sh or by telephone on 25052 with your name, contact details and the languages you speak.
As part of a wider commitment to the island’s tourism sector, significant efforts are currently underway to beautify and upgrade our public attractions. These improvements are designed to ensure that our historical and natural sites remain vibrant, welcoming spaces for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
In particular, we would like to acknowledge the work being undertaken by landscaper, Martin “Kunya” Buckley and his team. Their dedication to the landscaping and maintenance of the Castle Gardens is a vital part of making this area a point of pride for our community.
Addressing Recent Vandalism
Despite these positive developments, we must regretfully report that the Castle Gardens have recently been targeted by repeated acts of vandalism. Over 25% of newly installed solar lights on the walkways have been vandalised. The total cost of replacement amounting to approximately £1, 100.
It is extremely disheartening for the progress made by the team to be undermined by such deliberate damage. This type of anti-social behaviour is not acceptable; these actions do not just affect one area, but tarnishes the image and spirit of our island as a whole.
As our public spaces are for the pleasure and enjoyment of all, we call for a renewed sense of respect for these areas and the work required to maintain them.
How You Can Help
We encourage the community to take an active role in protecting our shared spaces. If you have any information regarding these recent incidents, or if you witness suspicious activity in the Castle Gardens or elsewhere on the island, please report it to the Royal St Helena Police at 22626.
Let us work together to ensure that the beauty of our island is preserved for everyone to enjoy.
Photos
Newly installed solar lights have been deliberately damaged in the Castle Gardens recently.
Scheduled road maintenance will continue throughout the Longwood area during the month of January commencing Tuesday 6 January 2026. Works are projected to reach Longwood Gate by the end of the month.
To facilitate these essential improvements, road works will take place as follows:
- Duration: Every weekday throughout January 2026.
- Hours of Closure: Daily from 09:00 to 15:00.
- Affected Areas: The road between the Golf Club House and Longwood Gate, including Longwood Avenue.
Appropriate signage will be in place to direct road users. The public is kindly requested to follow all temporary traffic signals to ensure the safety of the workforce and to help us complete the project on schedule.
We thank you for your continued cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience these necessary works may cause.
The Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) is pleased to announce the relocation and integration of two of our clinical services to better serve our community.
Service Integration
Effective immediately, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services have moved and are now co-located as a single, unified Rehabilitation Department. This move is designed to provide a more seamless and collaborative care experience for our clients.
New Location
The Rehabilitation Department is now located at the General Hospital, occupying the space previously known as the Health Education Centre (Classroom).
Contact Information
For appointments, referrals, or general inquiries, please use the following contact details:
- Phone: 22500
- Point of Contact: Please report to the General Hospital Reception upon arrival.
A Note to Our Clients
The team is currently in the process of finalising the setup of a new clinic space. We are working diligently to resume full operations and address our existing client requirements.
We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we work through the current waiting list during this transition period.
The Marine & Fisheries Conservation section is pleased to announce the publication of its second MMP Annual Report, covering the period from 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025. This report marks another significant milestone in the ongoing commitment to protect and enhance St Helena’s Marine Protected Area (MPA), showcasing the progress achieved over the past year.
The 2024–2025 highlights reflect a year of continued growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Notably, the section released the film “A Small Island with a Big Future: St Helena’s Marine Protected Area” during MPA Day in August 2024, celebrating the island’s rich marine heritage. Research activity remained strong, with scientific contributions, including to the IUCN’s global review of sharks, rays, and chimaeras – helping to deepen understanding of St Helena’s marine environment.
During Marine Awareness Week in March 2025, the team presented key findings from four years of climate change research on priority marine species, offering valuable insights into future resilience. Adding to these achievements, a special stamp issue in September 2024 showcased deep-sea species discovered during a 2022 research cruise, highlighting the island’s unique biodiversity.
The publication of this second MMP Annual Report reflects the dedication of teams, partners, and community, reinforcing a shared commitment to safeguarding St Helena’s marine environment for generations to come.
Read the full report here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/app/uploads/2025/12/5012-St-Helena-MMP-Annual-Report_WEB-1.pdf
SHG
17 December 2025
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 public are advised that Pilling Primary School (PPS) will host their Festival of Lights Parade on Thursday, 18 December 2025 commencing at 19:45.
Vehicle owners are kindly requested to remove their vehicles from the Grand Parade/Court House area on Thursday, 18 December by 16:00 to allow the school to prepare for the evening’s event.
Please also note that the 3-4 parking spaces immediately in front of the Court House steps will be closed from Wednesday, 17 December, to allow a small stage to be mounted for the Festival of Lights.
All of the above arrangements have been approved by the Highways Authority.
PPS would like to thank the public in advance for their understanding and co-operation.
SHG
16 December 2025
The MV Karoline is scheduled to arrive at James Bay on Tuesday, 17 December at 18:00. Weather permitting, the vessel will berth alongside Rupert’s Jetty.
During this time, Rupert’s Cargo Management Facility, The beach, jetty, and Rupert’s Bay will be under Security Access Level 3. This means 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 departs, security will reduce to Access Level 2. At this level, only the Cargo Management Facility will remain restricted during normal working hours (08:00–17:00).
The beach, jetty, and Rupert’s Bay will reopen to the public and can be accessed via the public walkway beginning at Liberation House or via the Ferry Service (charges apply).
After working hours, the Security Access Level will reduce to Level 1, allowing vehicular access through the facility.
St Helena Port Control thanks the public for their cooperation and understanding.
SHG
15 December 2025