Category: News

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/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.

What are Honours Awards?

The UK State Awards known as Honours Awards are prestigious awards conferred by HM The King.  These awards recognise people who have made outstanding contributions to public life, or who have significantly enhanced the UK’s reputation and interests.  To be considered, achievements must be truly exceptional, demonstrating a commitment that goes well beyond the expected. Nominees should have made a lasting, positive impact, with benefits that extend widely across the community or a specific sector.

Who can be nominated?

Anyone can nominate someone for an Honour.  There are no restrictions on who can be nominated.  You cannot, however, nominate yourself. 

The Honours system is committed to promoting diversity and nominations are actively encouraged for individuals from all backgrounds and ethnicities.  Nominations are not limited to any specific individuals or groups within society.

When can someone be nominated?

There is no fixed length of time which should have elapsed before an honour can be made, but the service should be recent or whilst an individual is still active in their role. Particular weight is given to voluntary work, which can be the central reason for the nomination or as an additional contribution.

Some examples of fields where Honours have been given in the past are community and voluntary local services, arts and media, health, sport, education, science and technology, and conservation etc

Types of Honours

There are many different Orders and Levels of Awards, but usually nominations received for St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are for the ‘Order of the British Empire’.  Awards given to the territories under this Order are usually (from lowest to highest conferring level): A British Empire Medal (BEM), Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Visit https://www.gov.uk/honours/types-of-honours-and-awards to read about what level of achievement qualifies for each level of Honour.

Submitting Strong Nominations

Nominations for Honours Awards are invited by the St Helena Public Service twice per year – Usually in May (for the New Years Honours), and in November (for the Kings Birthday Honours).  A strong nomination should include the following:

• What has been the personal impact of the nominee’s work? 
• Is the service voluntary?
• How is it exceptional in nature?  
• Is the person still active in the service or was their service recent?  
• Have they overcome obstacles or challenges that might make their achievement more significant and if so, what were they? 
• How have their achievements or contribution led to them being recognised as a good role model? 
• What support for, and evidence of their achievements or contribution is there?
• Is the proposed level of award commensurate with the work the person has done?

If you would like to nominate someone, please contact  Linda Benjamin, Information & Research Support Officer at Linda.Benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh for a nomination form. 

Governor’s Office, St Helena, Ascension & Tristan da Cunha

15 July 2025

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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