As previously announced, and as a result of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Migrant Agreement Memorandum of Understanding, HM Customs and Immigration are undertaking specialised training over the next six weeks. Due to the varied scheduling requirements of this essential training, a weekly opening hours schedule will be in effect and will be published accordingly.
The opening hours for the week commencing 26 May 2025 are as follows:
Monday and Tuesday 11:00 – 15:00 (for businesses and individuals receiving and issuing items/shipments)
Wednesday and Thursday 09:00 – 15:00 (for businesses and individuals receiving and issuing items/shipments)
Friday Closed
Consequently, during this training period, the reception desk will be unattended, staff will have limited access to emails and cashier services will be slower which may result in delays. Please also be aware that the HM Customs and Immigration Offices will be closed daily for a staff lunch break between 13:00 and 13:30.
HM Customs and Immigration thanks the public for their cooperation during this important training period, which will ultimately enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of HM Customs and Immigration services in line with our obligations under the BIOT Migrant Agreement Memorandum of Understanding.
The public are reminded that the deadline to submit applications to amend the register is 16:00 on Friday, 23 May 2025.
If you are eligible (St Helenian Status, ordinarily resident, 17+ years), check the register and submit Form ‘A’ to:
Add your name
Amend details (name, address)
Change Electoral District
Remember: Your name must be on the final register, dated 1 July 2025, to participate in the General Election. There will not be any further opportunities to amend the register ahead of the General Election after 16:00 on Friday 23 May.
As part of the global Darwin 200 voyage, the historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde is currently moored in James Bay, bringing with it a world-class initiative aimed at inspiring young people to become the next generation of environmental leaders, explorers, and scientists.
The Maritime Authority currently has an ongoing project to increase capability within the maritime sector on St Helena, helping to promote and reinstate career pathways both at sea and within maritime operations. In joining forces with the St Helena National Trust (SHNT) for this initiative, the Maritime Authority has incorporated the maritime factor into the Oosterschelde visits, school talks, and conservation activities, ensuring that students gain insight into potential careers and the vital role of maritime expertise in environmental stewardship.
As part of this joint initiative, on Wednesday 14 May 2025, schoolchildren were given a unique opportunity to step aboard the Oosterschelde to explore the vessel and meet members of the international Darwin 200 crew, or view the shipvia a boat ride around it. 192 primary school learners went for the ride around the ship and 101 secondary school students went onboard. 48 staff members supported the students.
This immersive visit gave students a chance to learn about traditional sailing, ocean conservation, and the purpose of the Darwin 200 voyage, which retraces the route of Charles Darwin’s historic journey to promote environmental understanding and stewardship in young people across the globe.
To build on this engagement, the Darwin 200 team and crew also visited local schools across the island on Thursday, 15 May, where they delivered inspiring talks and presentations about the expedition, life at sea, and the importance of protecting the planet’s biodiversity.
Spotlight on the Darwin Leaders
As part of the wider Darwin 200 initiative, the project supports the development of Darwin Leaders exceptional young conservationists selected from around the world. These emerging leaders are undertaking scientific research, conservation outreach, and educational activities during the voyage.
The Darwin Leaders on St Helena, Matthew Owen and Jolan Henry, aim to tell St Helena’s story of conservation. Focusing on the history of St Helena’s environment, where we are today and what the hopes are for the future, centering on the Millennium Forest, seabirds, Wirebird and endemic invertebrates.
The SHNT is proud to support the Darwin Leaders and believes their presence on the island will be an inspiration to local youth, particularly those with a passion for St Helena’s environment, marine life, and natural heritage.
On Sunday, 18 May, the Darwin Leaders will welcome Tyanne Williams, who will collaborate with the Ascension Island Government’s Conservation Department. During her time there, Tyanne will gain firsthand experience by shadowing the department’s work, with the aim of producing films and reports that highlight Ascension’s ongoing and future conservation endeavours, as well as its past achievements in this crucial area.
Subsequently, the team will embark on the Oosterschelde to Ascension Island. Whilst on board the Oosterschelde, the Darwin Leaders will have the opportunity to work on a 180-year-old tall ship, participate in bird watching, and BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) and eDNA (environmental DNA) research. On Ascension Island, the Darwin Leaders will be hosted by the Ascension Island Government Conservation Section, where they will spend three weeks working on different conservation projects, before flying home on 15 June 2025.
Portfolio Director for Safety, Security and Home Affairs, Alex Mitham, commented:
“This is a rare and exciting opportunity for our young people. Bringing together maritime heritage, environmental science, and real-world adventure that has the potential to ignite a lifelong interest in ocean conservation and exploration.”
The SHNT added:
“The Darwin 200 project aligns perfectly with our mission to promote environmental awareness and connect the younger generation with St Helena’s unique biodiversity and place in global environmental history.”
The visit of the Oosterschelde is not only a celebration of traditional seafaring but also a platform to foster environmental curiosity, responsibility, and international friendship among the island’s youth.
As previously announced, and as a result of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Migrant Agreement Memorandum of Understanding, HM Customs and Immigration are undertaking specialised training over the next six weeks. Due to the varied scheduling requirements of this essential training, a weekly opening hours schedule will be in effect and will be published accordingly.
The opening hours for week commencing 19 May 2025 are as follows:
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 11:00 – 15:00
Monday and Wednesday: Closed
Consequently, during this training period, the reception desk will be unattended, staff will have limited access to emails and cashier services will be slower which may result in delays. Please also be aware that the HM Customs and Immigration Offices will be closed daily for a staff lunch break between 13:00 and 13:30.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we invest in the professional development of our team to fulfil the requirements of this important agreement. The weekly opening hours will be communicated regularly.
HM Customs and Immigration thanks the public for their cooperation during this important training period, which will ultimately enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of HM Customs and Immigration services in line with our obligations under the BIOT Migrant Agreement Memorandum of Understanding.
The Education, Skills and Employment (ESE) Portfolio is offering non-compulsory nursery education for all children between the ages of three and four years.
ESE will be in contact with parents/guardians of those children born on island and who are eligible to enter nursery education in the school year September 2025 – August 2026. This is to offer a place and provide details of school placement and date of admission.
It would be appreciated if parents/guardians of children who were not born on St Helena could submit the following information in writing to the Assistant Director of Schools, Kerry Lawrence, so that an offer of placement can be made:
The child’s full name and date of birth
Name and address of parent or guardian
Telephone number and email address (if applicable)
Once all required information has been received, parents/guardians will be advised of their child’s nursery placement.
It should be noted that ideally a child should attend the school within the catchment area where he/she is residing. However, for non-compulsory schooling, exceptions will only be made for regular attendance outside the identified catchment area should numbers in the requested school be low enough to accommodate the extra intake or if there is a valid reason for this, such as child care.
Parents/Guardian who wish for their child to attend nursery schooling outside of their catchment area, must apply in writing to the Assistant Director of Schools, stating which school they would like their child to attend and the reason for the placement outside of their catchment area. In such cases, parents are obligated to take responsibility for transporting their child to, and from school if required.
All correspondence pertaining to this matter can be sent to the Assistant Director of Schools, Kerry Lawrence, at the Education and Learning Centre, Jamestown, by email to: kerry.lawrence@sainthelena.gov.sh.
St Helena Government would like to invite suitably experienced contractors to submit tenders for the following contract:
CS-1931-SHG – Rupert’s Development – Landscaping
A site visit to view the works will take place at 09:00 on Friday, 23 May 2025, meeting near the Sea Rescue Building, Rupert’s.
Contractors should note that site visits requested after this date, will not be entertained unless there is a relevant reason why the contractor could not attend the scheduled site visit.
Copies of the tender document and further details can be obtained from the Procurement Officer, Tiffany Lawrence, located at the Top Floor, Post Office Building, Jamestown on telephone no: 25932 or via email through tiffany.lawrence@sainthelena.gov.sh .
Completed tenders should be placed in the Tender Box located on the Top Floor, Post Office Building by 12:00 on Friday, 30 May 2025, clearly marked with the tender number.
Interested parties should note that this opportunity is not being advertised overseas.
SHG is pleased to announce the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) scheduled to take place on Sunday, 18 May 2025, and invites local classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders to participate in this significant global event.
Founded in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage styled motorcycle riders from all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. Inspired by a photo of TV Show Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic motorcycle and wearing his finest suit, Mark envisioned a themed ride as a unique way of connecting niche motorcycle enthusiasts and communities whilst raising vital funds to support the men in our lives.
Now a celebrated annual occasion, the DGR sees elegantly dressed riders on their distinguished motorcycles take to the streets worldwide, combining their passion for classic motorcycles with a commitment to a crucial cause.
SHG encourages all eligible motorcycle owners on the island, possessing classic or vintage-styled machines, to register their participation online and proudly represent St Helena in this international initiative. Spectators are welcome to join and show their support.
Registration Details:
Interested individuals are requested to register via the official Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website at: www.gentlemansride.com.The online platform provides comprehensive details regarding the event, registration procedures, and opportunities for fundraising.
Event Details:
Starting point: Plantation House
Start Time: 13:00
Route: Meeting at Plantation House from 13:00 then onto Blue Hill (U-turn at the Sandy Bay viewing point/water tank) next through Sandy Bay, Green Hill (Re-group Point) towards Levelwood Shop (Re-group Point) – Longwood Avenue (Re-group Point) through Alarm Forest, down Constitution through Jamestown, ending at the Sea Front/ Yacht Club.
End Time: Estimated time of arrival is 18:00.
Representative of the organising committee on St Helena, Kyle Bennett, commented:
“Why we ride:
We ride for the friendship and camaraderie, we ride for the freedom, and we ride for our mental wellbeing. We ride for the thrill of the motorcycle and the sound of the engine.
Here on St Helena the motorcycle allows for that few minutes or hours of escape and freedom, times astride motorcycles have calmed anxious thoughts, focused on things we can control, and actually improve our overall health – lowering blood pressure, relaxing heart rate, coordinating mind and body on the action of controlling the machine. A peace behind the handlebars that few other activities afford. Cutting through the wind, carving corners, scenery flashing by as the bike propels us through time and space, the sounds of exhaust and wind roaring outside the helmet, the scent of nature, the powerful machine beneath yet firmly under our control, man and machine in sync with each other.
Thank you for your interest in this year’s event and welcome to the first of its kind for St Helena. A group of us got in touch with The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to gauge if St Helena could to take part in this global event. This year, St Helena joins approximately 120,000 riders in over 1,000 cities across 110 countries as we ride for a common cause.”
St Helena Port Control is pleased to announce the successful recovery and restoration of the navigational aid marking the Papanui wreck in James Bay.
Thanks to the vigilance and community spirit of local fishermen, the buoy was located and returned to Port Control several days later by the crew of the MFV John Melliss.
Fisherman, Dorian Caswell, affectionately known as ‘Duffy’, commented:
“I predicted to my wife Christine, as I was leaving Friday evening 21 March, that I would find the buoy on my fishing trip on board the MFV John Melliss to Bonaparte Seamount.
On Saturday morning, 22 March, whilst on watch at 05:00, I saw the light flashing on my starboard side and immediately knew it was the buoy. I woke my crew member Donovan O’Bey and changed course towards the flashing light and we saw that it was the missing buoy. We retrieved the buoy approximately 63 nautical miles from St Helena.”
St Helena Port Control extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the captain and crew of the MFV John Melliss for their prompt and efficient action in locating and returning this vital navigational aid. Their efforts ensure the continued safety of all boat users in the vicinity of the Papanui wreck.
Following an announcement in February 2025, St Helena’s only secondary school is delighted to announce its new name:
St Helena Secondary School.
This significant development follows a creative and collaborative project undertaken by the students over the past term. The initiative was designed to celebrate the school’s unique identity, honour its place within the wider community of St Helena, and strengthen its international presence.
Students were invited to submit suggestions for a new school name, and the Student Council meticulously shortlisted the options. This process ensured that the final choices reflected the school’s core values, heritage, and future aspirations. A whole-school vote to decide the final name then empowered every student to participate in shaping the school’s future identity.
The newly approved name, St Helena Secondary School, proudly reflects the school’s deep connection to the island. It reinforces its commitment to serving the local community while also highlighting its ambition to be recognised internationally as a centre of learning, growth, and opportunity.
A soft launch of the new name will commence over the coming months. While elements such as the updated name, crest, and visual identity will be gradually introduced across signage, uniform, stationery, and the school’s digital presence. The full transition to St Helena Secondary School will be completed by September 2026.
Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, commented:
“This achievement depicts yet another step in our journey of reviewing our educational provision. Implementing standards to improve and strengthen our service offering is key to our children’s success and the success of our island, but it is of equal importance that our children’s views and opinions are taken into account as we make progress. It is therefore deeply satisfying that a key element of our rebranding initiative has been decided upon by those very people – our students, our children.”
The school extends its sincere gratitude for the ongoing support of the community as it embarks on this exciting new chapter and looks forward to sharing further updates in due course.
Select Committee 1 will hold its fourth live hearing in the Council Chamber, The Castle, on Monday 19 May 2025. The topic under scrutiny is Health & Social Care: Provision of Facilities and Services with the focus primarily on the following:
Hospital (including Palliative care)
Community Care Centre, Sheltered Accommodation and Domiciliary Care
Safe Haven and Children’s Home.
Members of the public and interested persons are invited to attend.
The meeting will start at 10:00 and the proceedings will be broadcast live on SAMS Radio 1.
