Category: News

On 27 June 2025, Executive Council approved amendments to the Social Security Regulations 2011. These changes aim to clarify and address issues identified with respect to Income Related Benefits (IRB) and the Basic Island Pension (BIP), with the aim of ensuring a fairer and more responsive system for beneficiaries.

The agreed amendments cover several crucial areas:

• Income Related Benefits (IRB) while Overseas: For Category 3 claimants only, IRB will now be paid for up to 30 days when overseas, after which payments will cease.
• Medical Referral Stipend Disregarded: The stipend received by individuals from the Health & Social Care Portfolio during overseas medical referrals will not immediately affect their IRB. However, their IRB will be reduced to 30% of their usual amount after 42 days.
• Hospitalisation on Island (IRB): When hospitalised on St Helena, IRB will be reduced to 30% of the individual’s entitlement after 42 days.
• Basic Island Pension (BIP) During Hospitalisation: Payments of the Basic Island Pension (BIP) will continue for individuals hospitalised on the island beyond the current 42-day rule.
• IRB and Residential Care: IRB for an individual will be removed after 42 days in formal residential care where all living costs are met by the care provider.
• Young Parents and IRB Entitlement: A parent aged under 19 with a child, who is still in full-time government-provided education, will be treated as an independent family unit entitled to IRB.
• Encouraging Part-Time Work: The current £10 per week disregard under Regulation 8 for earnings whether full, part time or casual, will be increased to £30 per week and is designed to encourage part-time working.
• Disregard of Homes for IRB Clients: If IRB clients temporarily live with a relative, friend, or in respite care due to health or social reasons (not by choice), their main home will not be counted when calculating their family’s income for IRB for up to six months.
• Disregard of Other Immoveable Property for IRB Applicants: If an IRB applicant has other immovable property (not their primary residence) that cannot be immediately liquidated or derive an income from (rented), the property can be disregarded for up to six months, during which time the applicant can take appropriate action to dispose of the asset or make alternative arrangements. If the property is still held after six months, IRB payments will cease.
• Disregard of Compensation payments: A compensation payment received by an IRB client in relation to a personal injury will be disregarded, provided the compensation is held separately from all other assets.

Basic Island Pension Increase

Furthermore, as part of the 2025/26 Budget process, Ministers agreed and announced an increase in the basic rate of the Basic Island Pension (BIP) from £80.60 to £85.00 per week. This increase reinforces the Government’s commitment to supporting the island’s pensioners.  All those in receipt of the BIP will receive an individual letter from the Benefits Office setting out their new weekly amount. 

These changes came into effect from 1 July 2025.  If anyone has questions relating to the implementation of these change they are encouraged to contact the Benefits Office on 22605 for further information. 

#StHelena #SocialSecurityRegulations #Amendments

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SHG has announced that new Regulations under the Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Ordinance 2020, are now ready for adoption and are set to commence on 01 October 2025. This marks a significant step towards the full implementation of the Fixed Penalties system.

The Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Ordinance, 2020, was passed by the previous Legislative Council to streamline the handling of certain minor offenses (such as parking offences). An initial version of the Regulations required to introduce Fixed Penalties was approved by the Executive Council on 14 June 2022. However, these regulations were quickly identified as not being fit for purpose and were therefore not enacted.

Following a comprehensive review and period of consideration, new, robust regulations, specifically The Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2025, have been prepared and are ready to be brought into force. The Criminal Justice (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2022, will be revoked.

In parallel with the development of the Fixed Penalties Ordinance, an important amendment to the Police and Criminal Evidence Ordinance 2003, relating to criminal records (Section 62A), was passed in 2019. This amendment was designed to modernise criminal record keeping by shifting the requirement to record all convictions to only recording convictions for imprisonable offenses (unless specifically exempted) and any other identified offenses. Despite being passed, this amendment has not yet been brought into force.

The 2019 amendment also provides for the creation of regulations to govern various aspects of the criminal records database, including:

• When certain non-imprisonable offenses do or do not need to be recorded.
• When certain imprisonable offenses do not need to be recorded.
• How the criminal records database will be set up and maintained.
• How people can ask for information from the criminal records database.
• How information from the criminal records database can be shared when requested.

SHG remains committed to enhancing the efficiency and fairness of the criminal justice system and will provide further updates on the commencement of the criminal records amendment in due course.

#StHelena #CriminalJustice #FixedPenaltiesOrdinance

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The Health and Social Care Portfolio is proud to mark International Paramedics Day 2025, celebrating the vital role of paramedics under this year’s global theme: Unity and Community. This theme reflects the reality that no paramedic works in isolation, especially in a small community like St Helena.

Observed annually on 8 July, International Paramedics Day commemorates the birth of Dominique Jean Larrey, the French surgeon recognised as the father of modern ambulance services. The day honours paramedics around the world for their work in responding to emergencies, supporting patients, and saving lives.

To mark the occasion, the Ambulance Team hosted a Community Coffee Morning, welcoming current and former ambulance staff as well as colleagues from across government portfolios who work alongside paramedics. The event recognised the joint contributions involved in delivering emergency and pre-hospital care on the island.

Over the past year, the paramedic team has continued to strengthen emergency and urgent care through a range of clinical and community-focused activities:

• 571 ambulance calls were attended in 2024/25
• 21 percent of patients were seen and treated on scene without needing hospital admission
• 251 first-aiders and 40 emergency first-responders were trained
• A total of 507 learners received clinical education facilitated by the ambulance team
• Public first-aid cover was provided at 10 major community events, including St Helena’s Day, Festival of Lights, and visiting cruise ships
• 71 patient transport journeys supported timely hospital discharges, ensuring patients returned home safely
• New tools were introduced to improve emergency response, including ‘what3words’ and ‘GoodSAM’
• The team provided clinical support in the Emergency Department, working alongside doctors to triage and treat patients

Michael Gaga-Hale, Emergency Operations Manager (Senior Paramedic), said:

“This year’s theme is a timely reminder that paramedics are part of a wider team. Here on St Helena, we rely on each other. Colleagues from the hospital, social care, carers, police, fire, sea rescue, airport and many other services all contribute to the care we provide. Today was a chance to celebrate those shared efforts and reflect on how far we’ve come as a service.

We recognise that emergencies happen at all hours, which is why we’ll soon be introducing a shift pattern that provide weekend cover in the Emergency Department. This change will also improve ambulance response times and strengthen support for nurses in hospital. It is another step in our ongoing commitment to being there when our community needs us.

I’m incredibly proud of my team. The dedication they’ve shown to developing the service, the pride they take in their work, and the effort they make each day to improve what we deliver is outstanding. Without our Emergency Medical Technicians and Emergency Care Assistants, we wouldn’t have achieved the service we recognise today. Our sense of community as a team is what keeps us united.”

Since 2022, when paramedics were first introduced to the island, the ambulance service has undergone significant development. With a strong focus on clinical leadership, training, and interagency collaboration, the team continues to build a responsive and resilient service aligned to UK standards.

The Health and Social Care Portfolio extends its thanks to everyone who joined the event and to the many professionals, past and present, who continue to contribute to the delivery of emergency care.

Photos

Attendees of Community Coffee Morning

#StHelena #EmergencyService #IPD2025 #InternationalParamedics

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SHG

9 July 2025

Negotiations for a new long-term licence with Sure concluded this week without agreement, despite extensive efforts by all parties.

The parameters underpinning the negotiations sought to secure a new licence to maximise benefits from the Equiano submarine cable. Sure presented a substantial investment proposal for network infrastructure that would deliver superfast broadband capabilities aligned with agreed objectives.

Both parties invested significant resources over recent months, with SHG technical and legal teams working intensively with Sure to find mutually acceptable terms. The negotiations addressed complex technical, commercial and regulatory requirements for building a new broadband network while ensuring continued provision of the whole range of communication services currently available to businesses and residents on St Helena.

Despite good faith efforts from all parties, agreement could not be reached within the deadline of 30 June 2025. Key challenges centred on balancing St Helena’s long-term interests with commercial operating realities in a market that is experiencing rapid technology change.

Sure will continue providing services under their existing licence issued under the Telecommunications Ordinance 1989.

The modern regulatory framework established under the Communications Ordinance 2025 is now in place, providing robust consumer protection and oversight mechanisms for future licensing arrangements and in the coming months further announcements will be made on the implementation of a Communications Regulator.

St Helena’s communications infrastructure and regulatory framework provides a strong foundation for future development.

#StHelena #LicenceNegotiations

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The Health and Social Care Portfolio has adopted the following schedule of fees, effective 28 May 2025, for individuals who visit St Helena and who are subject to a Short Term Entry Permit (STEP/holiday visa).

It is a requirement of entry for the purposes of immigration that all Short Term Entry Permit (or holiday visa) holders possess valid travel insurance; hold insurance from a St Helena provider; or have sufficient means to cover medical costs.

These fees apply to individuals who visit St Helena either for the purposes of a vacation, day trip, visiting for the purposes of business or work (and not to take up residence in the course of that employment for up to, and including, 183 days) or as part of a medical emergency attendance such as a passing vessel medical emergency.

Specific exemptions to these fees are:

Any individual

• Who takes up direct employment with the Government of St Helena
• Who obtains a Long Term Entry Permit (LTEP) (or work permit) for a non-government employer in excess of 183 days
• Who was born, registered or naturalised in St Helena; or
• Who was adopted in St Helena; or
• Who is a dependent, spouse, or long term partner of someone who was born, registered or naturalised in St Helena; or who was adopted in St Helena

These individuals will be charged at the rate applied to residents.

Additionally, in line with the UK reciprocal agreement of 11 May 2023,any individual visiting St Helena for any purpose as outlined above

• Who was born, registered or naturalised in United Kingdom; and
• Who is a British passport holder

Remains eligible for medical treatment at the rate charged to residents (dentistry excluded), up to and including any requirement for overseas medical evacuation. Access to elective overseas medical referrals is only available to those individuals who hold St Helenian status.

The Schedule of Fees 2024/25 and Criteria of Application of Overseas Fees – Decision Matrix can be viewed on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/portfolios/health/.

#StHelena #Schedule of Fees #OverseasVisitors

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Last week, the annual Red Ensign Group (REG) Conference was held in Guernsey, bringing together the UK, Crown Dependencies, and Overseas Territories to discuss maritime governance and shared international responsibilities.

St Helena, a Category 2 member of the REG, operates its own ship registry under the St Helena Merchant Shipping Ordinance 2021, whilst aligning with UK standards. This affiliation ensures strong oversight, global recognition, and access to expert support across the REG network. St Helena was represented at the conference by a four-person delegation:

• Alex Mitham – Portfolio Director, Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA)
• Mia Henry – Head of Maritime, SSHA
• Cherie Dillon – Maritime Policy Consultant
• Wendy Benjamin – Maritime Capacity Building Support

Each delegate presented on key developments, ongoing challenges, and the strategic risks facing St Helena’s maritime domain.

Mia Henry gave a detailed presentation on how St Helena balances compliance with international maritime obligations whilst ensuring policies and legislation remain fit for the local island context. This prompted broader interest from other jurisdictions, with a commitment to explore the topic further at future forums.

Mia also presented on St Helena’s Maritime Journey, covering the establishment of the Maritime Authority and Advisory Board, and the island’s successful completion of its first International Maritime Organization (IMO) III Code Audit in February 2025. Her presentation showcased the significant progress made over the past five years in embedding maritime governance within the Public Service.

Alex Mitham contributed to the Coastal State Forum on Search and Rescue (SAR), highlighting the island’s unique geographical position, international support challenges owing to the remote location and the need for tailored assistance. It was agreed that St Helena’s requirements will form part of forthcoming workshops, particularly around external support on the development of relevant policies and procedures.

Cherie Dillon, Maritime Policy Consultant, presented on the St Helena Ship Registry, outlining its current challenges and the island’s ongoing efforts to modernise and strengthen its legal and administrative systems.

Cherie commented:

“The REG Conference was a fantastic opportunity to connect with counterparts. The support and collaboration from other members will be invaluable as we continue developing our maritime capabilities.”

Wendy Benjamin, Maritime Capacity Building Support, spoke in the Capacity Building Working Group, sharing St Helena’s journey to rebuild maritime skills and awareness. She highlighted past gaps, current initiatives, and future plans to promote maritime careers despite ongoing challenges.

Wendy commented:

“It was a privilege to attend the conference. The experience helped build valuable connections, and I’ve already received offers of support that will aid our efforts in St Helena.”

The REG Conference also enabled an in-person meeting of the South Atlantic Working Group (SAWG)—a regional forum of maritime authorities from St Helena, Ascension Island, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and Tristan da Cunha. St Helena currently serves as the Secretariat for SAWG, which promotes collaboration on maritime safety, environmental protection, and legislative alignment across the South Atlantic Overseas Territories. Discussions focused on key priorities such as SAR, fishing vessel regulation, and training, all vital for strengthening regional maritime capacity. St Helena’s contributions received strong recognition from REG members, with appreciation expressed for the substantial progress achieved in a relatively short time. Special thanks were extended to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for its continued support, particularly the financial assistance that has enabled St Helena to build its maritime capacity.

Alex formally thanked the MCA for all their support over the past years and as a gesture of thanks, the St Helena delegation presented a commemorative plaque to Richard Pellew, Assistant Director for Maritime Governance, Improvement and Assurance of the MCA and Chair of the Conference, which was warmly received.

The Maritime Authority extends sincere gratitude to all stakeholders on the Island who have contributed to building the current foundation of the territory’s maritime sector and to colleagues from the other OTs who have supported St Helena consistently.

Photos

The South Atlantic Working Group (SAWG)

Mia Henry presenting a St Helena plaque to another delegate

The delegates of the REG Conference

#StHelena #Maritime  

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Following from the previous public announcements, the public are advised that Ladder Hill Road will now only be closed from Tuesday, 01 July until 15:30 on Friday, 04 July 2025. During this time, the Roads Section will conduct preparation work to the road surface. This includes replacing a section of slipper drain, repair any road defects and milling of areas.

This change in closure dates is due to the recent shipment of slurry bitumen being below the required specification. As this will have an impact on the surface quality, it is therefore unusable.

New closure dates are scheduled to take place from Monday 04 August 2025 until Friday, 22 August 2025. This will be confirmed once a suitable supply of bitumen arrives on Voyage 18 later in July and is dependent on favourable weather conditions. Planned works include full road width re-surfacing using the mechanised slurry paver, starting from the bottom of the road at China Lane to the top at the Ball Alley.

The Roads Section sincerely apologises for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciates your understanding and continued support.

SHG

01 July 2025   

The Register of Electors effective from 30 June 2025 was published yesterday in an Extraordinary Gazette. This register will be used for the forthcoming General Election. Only those named on this register will be able to vote, stand, sponsor or support a candidate to stand in the election.

The 2025 Register of Electors is available on the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/EX-GAZ-71-Register-of-Electors-July-2025.pdf

Alternatively, hard copies of the register will be available for viewing at the following locations:

• Customer Service Centre, Jamestown
• Public Library, Jamestown
• Rural sub-post offices and retailers
• ENRPP Offices, Scotland
• The Office of the Registration Officer, the Castle, Jamestown

#StHelena #RegisterOfElectors

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