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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

Due to flight operations on Tuesday, 24 February and Wednesday, 25 February 2026, the HM Customs and Immigration Office at Liberation House, Ruperts, advises the public of the following service changes:

Normal operations for both departments will resume on Thursday, 26 February 2026.

SHG

23 February 2026

The Marine Centre Building at the Jamestown Wharf is temporarily closed while building works are carried out. The Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section Team has relocated to the Marine Enforcement Office and can still be reached on telephone numbers 25966 and 25947.

The public are thanked for their understanding and cooperation during this time.

SHG

19 February 2026

Following the successful repatriation of all passengers affected by the recent airport closure, we are pleased to announce that Airlink have reopened bookings via their website. As all previously affected travellers have now been accommodated, we have limited spare seats available for the upcoming flight on Saturday, 21 February.

Please contact your normal travel provider if you wish to purchase a ticket.

The public are advised that the scheduled closures of Longwood Road and Upper Side Path will not take place today, 17 February 2026, due to current inclement weather conditions.

Weather permitting, the closure of the stretch between Longwood Gate and Hutts Gate  will now proceed tomorrow, Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

The closure between the Briars, Side Path, Constitution Road junction and Button-up Corner (Heart-Shaped Viewpoint bus shelter)  has been rescheduled for Thursday, 19  February 2026. This adjustment will allow residents of Alarm Forest, Levelwood, and Longwood districts to collect any cargo using the normal route.

SHG

17 February 2026

Due to flight operations on Tuesday 17 February 2026, the HM Customs and Immigration Office at Liberation House, Ruperts, advises the public of the following service changes:

The department is unable to offer Immigration services, however the office will be open to the public again from Wednesday 18 February 2026.

For enquiries, please contact the HM Customs and Immigration Department at cienquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh or 22287.

The public are advised that the scheduled closures of Longwood Road and Side Path Road will not take place today, 16 February 2026, due to current inclement weather conditions.

Weather permitting, the closure of the stretch between Longwood Gate and Hutts Gate  will now proceed tomorrow, Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

The closure between the Briars, Side Path, Constitution Road junction and Button-up Corner (Heart-Shaped Viewpoint bus shelter)  has been rescheduled for Wednesday, 18 February 2026. This adjustment will allow residents of Alarm Forest, Levelwood, and Longwood districts to collect any cargo using the normal route.

SHG

16 February 2026

St Helena is likely to experience a north-westerly swell from Saturday, 14 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

13 February 2026

The Captain of the MV Karoline, together with Port Control, assessed sea conditions this morning, 12 February 2026.

The MV Karoline has now safely berthed alongside Rupert’s Jetty to begin offloading cargo for the island. All personnel involved in the offloading operation are working diligently to ensure that goods are distributed and available in shops as soon as possible.

The public are thanked for their understanding and cooperation during this time.

SHG

12 February 2026

The Azamara Journey cruise ship arrived today, and passengers were successfully brought ashore via Ruperts. The decision to use Rupert’s Jetty for passengers was  made by the Captain of the Azamara Journey.

At the same time, the MV Karoline is in harbour. However, no cargo operations are proceeding currently due to the Captain of the MV Karoline’s decision not to bring the MV Karoline alongside due to sea conditions. 

Whilst the Azamara Journey and MV Karoline are both anchored in the same general area, the processes for accessing Ruperts jetty are very different.

Cruise ship passengers are transferred using small tenders that can manoeuvre better in varying sea conditions.  In contrast, the MV Karoline must come fully alongside the jetty to discharge cargo safely. Berthing a cargo vessel requires specific sea and swell conditions to ensure the safety of crew, port staff, and equipment, as well as to prevent damage to the vessel or infrastructure.

The Captain of the MV Karoline and Port Control have advised that sea conditions will be reassessed on Thursday, 12 February 2026 to determine whether it is safe for the vessel to berth and commence offloading.

Safety remains the overriding priority in all maritime operations. The public are thanked for their patience and understanding.