Category: News

The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UK Department for Transport (DfT). This significant agreement marks the first of its kind within the UK Overseas Territories, specifically designed to enhance and support the implementation of internationally recognised maritime security standards across St Helena.

This MOU is set to strengthen the already robust relationship between the DfT, SHG, and Maritime Authorities. Crucially, it will provide St Helena with international recognition that its port facilities, port operations, and the wider maritime sector adhere to internationally required maritime security obligations. These obligations are primarily set out in Chapter XI-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This adherence is especially important for engaging with the larger international maritime sector, including the cruise ship industry and future port operations, demonstrating St Helena’s readiness and capability in ensuring safety and security for all visiting vessels.

Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), Jeffrey Ellick, said:

“I am pleased to confirm that today I signed an MOU with the Department for Transport on port security. We are the first Overseas Territory (OT) to sign such an agreement, and this government, under this Portfolio, now has three MOUs (two recently – the MOU with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and lately the Home Office Watch List agreement, and now DfT MOU) with the British government, which clearly demonstrates our developing partnership, and St Helena as a leading OT, improving our safety and security”.

The signing of this MOU underscores St Helena’s dedication to maintaining a secure maritime environment, fostering confidence among international shipping lines, and ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of its maritime activities.

#StHelena #MaritimeAuthority #DepartmentforTransport

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The Minister for Treasury and Economic Development, Mark Brooks, delivered the 2025/26 budget speech today, 27 May 2025, for St Helena to the Legislative Council. A copy of the budget speech is available online at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Budget-Speech-2025.pdf.

In his opening remarks, Minister Brooks said:

“It is both an honour and a moment of reflection as I present what will be the final budget under this first ministerial form of government—and my final budget as the Minister responsible for Finance.

Last year, I stood here and emphasised the importance of teamwork across all sectors of our island. This year, I can say with confidence that teamwork is delivering results and I therefore encourage this to continue.

Our shared vision remains steadfast—to empower the people of St Helena to shape their own futures, create their own opportunities, and to do so without leaving anyone behind.

This year, I want to shift the focus slightly—to valuing and investing in our people. Government’s role is to create the conditions for prosperity, not to micromanage it, and together, I believe we have laid the foundation on which the next government can continue to build a strong and sustainable future for all.

Our priority is clear: we aim to create an enabling environment that allows people and businesses to thrive, while preserving what makes St Helena unique.”

The budget includes a 5% increase (£1.7 million), in the Financial Aid settlement from the UK Government when compared to the settlement for 2024/25.  This means total available funding from the UK Government in 2025/26 is £35.79 million.  Additionally, £13.5 million has also been allocated this year for capital expenditure—a substantial investment in the island’s infrastructure.

In his budget speech, Minister Brooks acknowledged what such an uplift in financial aid means in the context of the UK’s own fiscal tightening which he highlighted was “not just generous, I believe it depicts a vote of confidence in the direction of travel St Helena is heading, and the hard but much needed steps we are taking in moving the island forward.”

Together with the £6.65 million BIOT funding received this year, it means that St Helena will receive nearly £56 million support this year—a significant step forward in our journey of transformation. 

In concluding his budget speech, Minister Brooks expressed gratitude to His Majesty’s Government for their ongoing support, to colleagues and the public service for their dedication and hard work, and to the people of St Helena. 

He said:

“Above all, gratitude to the people of St Helena, who continue to show what makes this island truly special.  The spirit, resilience, and pride of our people. And it’s this same spirit that gives me hope for the future.  As we transition to a new government, I believe this budget gives the next Government a strong platform to build on—and a clear sense of direction.  We have challenges ahead, yes—but also real momentum. And most importantly, we have each other.  Let us never forget: what makes St Helena unique is not our isolation, but our unity.”

The motion to consider the Appropriation Bill 2025 now stands adjourned until Thursday, 29 May 2025, when the details of the Bill will be debated by Legislative Council.

Allocations for recurrent expenditure proposed in the Appropriation Bill 2025 and the Budget Book are as follows:

• Central Support Service —£10.8 million
• Attorney General’s Chambers — £0.1 million
• Safety, Security and Home Affairs — £3.0 million
• Judicial Services — £0.1 million
• Treasury — £8.9 million
• Police Operations — £0.9 million
• Economic Development — £5.9 million
• Education, Skills and Employment — £3.9 million
• Health and Social Care — £9.7 million
• Environment, Natural Resources and Planning — £1.7 million

The total amount proposed to be appropriated as recurrent expenditure in 2024/25 is £45.0 million.  In addition, £6.2 million for recurrent expenditure for pensions and benefits will be provided via standing appropriations.

A further £0.6 million for capital expenditure will be provided across the following portfolios:

• Safety, Security and Home Affairs
• Economic Development
• Health and Social Care

#StHelena #Budget25 #AltogetherWealthier

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On Saturday, 26 April 2025 at approximately 07:30, the Spanish-flagged fishing vessel, Madre Josefa Uno arrived in St Helena port with a crew member requiring medical attention.

In line with their responsibility to protect St Helena’s Marine Protected Area (MPA), the Marine Compliance and Enforcement Section (MC&ES) used this visit as an opportunity to test the procedure to ensure the vessel’s activities adhered to St Helena’s MPA requirements. 

The vessel was tracked through St Helena’s MPA using Automatic Identification System (AIS), having previously been monitored via satellite surveillance by Blue Belt (BB) through the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). This ongoing surveillance aims to detect any irregular activity within the MPA.

Tracking data showed that the vessel entered the MPA on 25 April 2025 from the east-southeast and departed northbound on 28 April 2025. There were no signs of the vessel stopping or engaging in fishing activity as speed and AIS signals remained consistent throughout. This travel pattern suggested that no fishing gear was deployed, as retrieval would have required the vessel to return along the same route.

To confirm these observations, MC&ES personnel led by Marine Enforcement Officer (MEO) Kelly Jonas, accompanied by Marine Compliance and Enforcement Officer (MC&EO) Peter Young, conducted an informal inspection of the vessel. . During the inspection, the captain of Madre Josefa Uno reported that the vessel had ceased fishing activities on 22 April 2025, whilst operating within the 400m buffer zone of the island. The MEO reviewed the vessel’s fishing logs, which had previously been submitted to the Spanish authorities, confirming that fishing operations concluded on that date with the logs were formally closed upon the vessel’s entry into St Helena’s MPA on 25 April 2025.

The fishing gear and equipment on board the vessel was inspected and found to be dry, indicating it had not been used during the vessels time in St Helena waters. This conclusion was further evidenced by the fishing hold containing only bait and previously caught frozen swordfish, blue shark, and oil fish.

The MC&ES continues to monitor the vessel since leaving St Helena and up to 27 May 2025 tracking data shows that the vessel remains in the northern area of the island approximately 74NM outside of St Helena’s MPA. 

#StHelena #MarineProtectedArea #MarineComplianceandEnforcement

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SHG

27 May 2025

The St Helena Prison Service wishes to inform the public that, following medical advice and a report in accordance with the Prisons Rules, the Governor, having consulted the Prison Visiting Committee, approved the transfer of a seriously ill, increasingly immobile prisoner currently serving a sentence of imprisonment in HMP Jamestown from that prison to continue his detention at a location where the prisoner’s care needs can be appropriately met.  Whilst there he will continue to serve his sentence. Any form of pardon or reduction of sentence was explicitly dismissed.

Whilst continuing his detention the prisoner will remain under the supervision of the Prison Superintendent and be subject to strict conditions that include preventing him:

• leaving the property;
• accessing the internet;
• accessing alcohol; and
• having visitors other than in accordance with prison rules.

Other restrictions include limiting the rooms in the house the prisoner can use and constraining where the prisoner can go outside the house.

The prisoner will be visited daily by carers and prison staff.  The prison staff visits will be made frequently and at irregular times.  Medical staff are also expected to visit frequently.

Those most affected by the crimes committed by this prisoner have been informed of these arrangements. The location and provision of his detention will remain under review.

The St Helena Prison Service also wishes to advise the public that any unauthorised attempt to contact or approach the prisoner and any breach of detention conditions will be investigated and, if a crime is detected, it will be considered for prosecution.

#StHelena #HMPrison

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The Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) is actively monitoring and facilitating a resolution to an ongoing situation regarding the supply of essential medications to the island. Authorities are working diligently with partner agencies to ensure the timely arrival of vital medical supplies for the community.

The recent challenge stems from an unforeseen delay with a large shipment of medical supplies via the regular shipping route from Cape Town. New regulations requiring police clearance and South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) agent approval led to the most recent consignment missing its scheduled voyage after an inspection process. While such inspections are routine, the timing of this particular delay has impacted current stock levels.

The HSC has been in constant communication with its supplier and other relevant stakeholders, exploring all available options to mitigate the situation. Efforts included investigating a chartered flight, which, due to various circumstances, was not feasible this week.

To address the immediate need, plans are in place toairfreight a portion of the necessary medical supplies on scheduled Airlink flights. Due to space requirements, the full consignment may need to be transported in smaller quantities over several flights. This airfreight effort will also include regular cold chain medications that require air transport in accordance with SAHPRA requirements.

St Helena Government (SHG) is fully committed to ensuring that all residents have access to the medications they need. It is anticipated that once the normal sea freight consignments resume, the current issue will be resolved.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Martin Henry, commented:

“We understand the importance of timely access to these medications for the health and well-being of our community. We are all well aware of the physical limitations with the supply chains to St Helena, however the added specific requirements for the export of certain medications is very stringent.

We want to reassure the public that every effort is being made to ensure a steady supply. The HSC are actively working with all parties involved to find a solution and prevent any further potential shortages.  We understand the anxiety this situation may cause and we assure you that we are doing everything in our power to resolve it as quickly as possible.”

We thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.

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SHG

23 May 2025

St Helena Government’s (SHG) Consolidated Fund (in other words the principal monies the Government has available to spend) is made up of eight reserves, one of which is the General Reserve (GR).

Unless otherwise required by law all revenue and expenditure generated and incurred by SHG for normal “day to day” government business, is channelled through the GR. SHG’s GR is used for the general purpose of strengthening the financial position of the Government. This includes:

• facilitating capital investments and longer-term recurrent expenditure, which cannot be delivered within a single year’s budget
• delivering statutory payments which must come from the reserves legally
• enabling Government both to meet its expected liabilities and any unexpected liabilities, contingencies, events and emergencies that may arise
• funding the legal costs of litigation claims involving the Government and, as needs be making compensation payments

In July 2021, Executive Council approved the minimum balance for the GR of                £5 million, but the current GR balance is already below that.  This sum was considered to be a prudent amount to ensure the GR could deliver its function of insurance and ideally improve the resilience of SHG finances. Setting an approved minimum balance for the GR is also considered to be good financial management. It sets a commitment to sustainable practices whilst not setting an enforceable constraint.

Currently, the projected budget outturn for the Financial Year ending 2024/2025 is a £0.5 million deficit.  This will reduce the GR balance from £4.5 million at 31 March 2024 to £4.0 million at 31 March 2025 – £1 million less than the recommended minimum balance.   

One of the principal pressures on the GR balance comes from litigation claims being made against the Government. Historic issues have given rise to a number of medical negligence claims, and human rights claims linked to conditions in HM Prison, Jamestown.  If those and other claims result in litigation fees or the Court orders SHG to pay significant compensation, the GR will be completely exhausted.  Should the GR be entirely depleted, St Helena as a whole will face extreme financial vulnerability.

Ministers have tasked officials to explore all possible options for maintaining the GR at prudent levels notwithstanding the claims being made.  Options include seeking loans as well as looking to implement measures to improve the monitoring and control of spending across all government departments. 

The United Kingdom Government (UKG), has made it very clear that it will not provide any additional financial support to St Helena or SHG to cover compensation claims or the costs of litigation.  Technical support is being offered by UKG to help explore alternative funding such as by way of a commercial loan.  This would however place an additional financial burden on the public finances as any loan would need to be serviced and repaid over time.  This would impact on the funds available to provide other essential services in future years.

Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, stated:

“I think it is very important that everyone with an interest in, or love for St Helena knows the pressures our public finances are under.  My Ministers and I believe that we are obligated to make our community aware of SHG’s financial status, so everyone understands the increased financial risk we all face and how depleted our public funds are.   

The immense financial pressure placed on the Government necessarily intensifies the need to scrutinise our current Government expenditure.  We must carefully consider the costs, risks and liabilities of existing policies and projects and any additional policies and projects that are planned for the future. We must do what we can to safeguard the public finances.  This means we must continue to take difficult decisions.

We must keep all SHG provided services and subsidies under continuous review and ensure that if they are maintained, they are maintained sustainably.  This includes setting fees for services appropriately.  It is a grave position to have to operate within.”

In light of the current financial challenges, SHG remains committed to ensuring the continued delivery of essential services to the community, but it is hoped that sharing our current financial position, will help you to understand the restricted financial parameters SHG are required to operate within.

#StHelena #General Reserve

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