Category: Press Releases

The Education, Skills, and Employment Portfolio (ESE) has concluded a series of community engagement meetings to provide updates on the St Helena Education Review. These sessions, held on 10, 24, and 25 February, 2025, demonstrated strong community interest and generated valuable feedback.

The review, which assesses education provision from early years to post-16, aims to:

• Future-proof education: Ensuring education supports the island’s economic growth and workforce development
• Improve student outcomes: Enhancing educational achievement for all learners

Discussions during the meetings indicated a clear need for change and improvement within St Helena’s education system. The adoption of the COBIS standards framework in September 2024 is considered one of the fundamental steps in this process, as the implementation of a framework will be the facilitator that will guide the educational journey now and into the future. However, discussions also emphasised that the following actions are also necessary to facilitate meaningful change:

• Structural reforms within schools
• Comprehensive and ongoing staff training
• A sustained, community-wide focus on the needs of children and young people
• Increased and sustained recurrent funding.

Concerns were raised that without these essential measures, the education system risks continued decline.

The ESE acknowledges and appreciates the valuable contributions made by parents, guardians, and the public during these sessions. The feedback received will play a crucial role in shaping the final recommendations of the St Helena Education Review.

#StHelena #EducationReview #AltogetherBetterForChildrenAndYoungPeople

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His Excellency the Governor intends to appoint a member to the St Helena Media Commission.

This position is not open to members of the Legislative Council or the Public Service.

The duties of the St Helena Media Commission are to:

• Issue Codes of Practice to the media.
• Monitor compliance with the Codes.
• Investigate and adjudicate upon alleged or suspected breaches of the Codes.

The Media Commission comprises the Chief Magistrate as President of the Commission and at least two other members. The Commission plays an important role in the community as it must ensure that the press conduct themselves in accordance with the rules that are necessary to protect individuals, while at the same time ensuring that freedom of the press is maintained.

The remuneration for this position is £35 per meeting and mileage is paid at 77p a mile.

If you think you have the necessary skills and would like to apply for the role, contact Information and Research Support Officer, Linda Benjamin for the relevant Expression of Interest (EOI) form, by telephone on 22470, or via email at linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh. 

Alternatively, the EOI form can be downloaded from the SHG website at: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EOI-Form-Member-St-Helena-Media-Commission.doc.

Please send your completed EOI to Kerry Lane, Manager of the Governor’s Office, via email at Kerry.Lane@fcdo.gov.uk by Wednesday, 26March 2025.

Shortlisted persons will be invited to a discussion with the Governor and the successful applicant will be appointed subject to receipt of a satisfactory vetting certificate.

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

03 March 2025

The position of Chairperson of the Immigration Control Board will become available from 13 March 2025.

The Immigration Ordinance 2011 provides for an Immigration Control Board with the Chairperson of the Board being appointed by the Governor.  The role of the Board is to exercise and perform powers and functions conferred upon it by the Immigration Control Ordinance, 2011.  This includes processing applications for long term entry permits, work permits, immigrant employment certificates and immigrant landholding licences. 

The Ordinance requires that the Chairperson of the Immigration Control Board must have St Helenian Status.  Justices of the Peace, Immigration Officers, and members of the Legislative Council are not eligible for appointment to the Board.

The successful candidate will receive an annual retainer fee of £1,200, paid quarterly in arrears, as well as a mileage allowance of 77p per mile for any mileage incurred using personal vehicles in connection with attendance at Board meetings, which are generally held once per month.

In addition, they will also receive a monthly payment of £6.65 towards internet costs.

For further information about the duties of Chairperson of the Immigration Board, interested persons may contact current Chairman of the Immigration Control Board, Merlin George, by telephone on 24913 or via email at GEORGES.MH@helanta.co.sh.

The relevant form – ‘Expression of Interest – Chair Immigration Control Board’ can be obtained from Information and Research Support Officer, Linda Benjamin, at The Castle by telephone on 22470, via email at linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh or on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EOI-Form-Chairperson-Immigration-Control-Board.doc.

Completed forms should be returned to Mrs Kerry Lane, email Kerry.Lane@fcdo.gov.uk in the Governor’s Office by Friday, 14 March 2025.

Shortlisted persons will then be invited to a discussion with the Governor and the successful applicant will be appointed subject to receipt of a satisfactory vetting certificate.

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

28 February 2025

The Health Service is offering free testing for bowel cancer over the next month for anyone aged between 50 to 74 years.  Those individuals who wish to take the test can call Anna Bowers or Dinah Fowler at 25818 or 25949, who will arrange for a test sample kit to be made available to you.

Those eligible for a test are strongly encouraged to take one. Early detection through testing helps to ensure you stand the best chance of receiving successful treatment if needed.

If you are unsure whether or not you wish to take the test, we suggest that you request the home sample kit and read the materials that come with it before making your decision. The sample kit has full instructions on how to use it. Results from your test will be provided within four weeks, and you may be called in to speak to a doctor about these if necessary.

Should you have any questions about this campaign please call telephone numbers 25818 or 25949. Alternatively, please speak to your doctor.

#StHelena #HealthCare #BowelCancer

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Nominations are now being invited for the following awards.

UK STATE AWARDS – 2026 NEW YEAR HONOURS 

Honours are awarded on merit for exceptional achievement or for any service carried out over and above what normally is expected. This can include making a difference to the community or in a specific field of work, innovation and entrepreneurship, improving life for people less able to help themselves and displaying moral courage. Where possible, nominations should place emphasis on voluntary services and the service must be recent. Nominees must not be made aware they are being put forward for an award.

CERTIFICATE AND BADGE OF HONOUR 2026

This award is presented to public servants on behalf of St Helena Government for loyal and valuable service worthy of recognition or, in the case of other persons, for their loyal and meritorious conduct that has provided exceptional benefit to the people of St Helena. Nominees should be residents of St Helena, either being born on the Island or have been residing on St Helena for not less than ten years prior to the date of the award. 

ACT OF BRAVERY AWARD 2026

This award is presented to individuals who have shown a clear display of moral courage and bravery in adverse situations.

THE BADGE OF ST HELENA

This award is available to both St Helenians and non-St Helenians. It is off a higher status than the Certificate and Badge of Honour. The Badge of St Helena recognises exceptional service provided by individuals or organisations who make significant contribution to St Helena’s development or by supporting and/or enhancing social, cultural, economic, environmental improvement or the understanding of St Helena internationally. 

FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF JAMESTOWN

This award is symbolic in nature and is the highest-level of local government award that can be conferred. It is awarded to anyone on St Helena whose achievements are significantly admirable and highly worthy of distinctive recognition. Those who receive this award will have made an outstanding contribution that is of huge national impact to St Helena and its citizens and will have served the best interests of the island. 

To find out more about the different types of Honours Awards please visit: www.gov.uk/honours

Nomination forms for all of the above awards, are available from Central Support Service at the Castle, Jamestown, or can be requested via email:  linda.benjamin@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Completed forms should be returned to the Castle in a sealed envelope marked ‘Confidential’ addressed to ‘The Secretary, Honours and Awards Committee’, by Thursday, 17 April 2025.

SHG

24 February 2025

Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Planning (ENRP), Christine Scipio, will be attending the “Climate Change Resilience” Community (GOCCR) in-person workshop in Brussels, Belgium, from 25 to 28 February 2025. The workshop, organised under the Green Overseas (GO) programme, focuses on mainstreaming climate change resilience into policies for Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). The GO programme will cover all costs associated with the workshop.

The GO programme, designed to build capacity and foster collaboration among OCTs, addresses key areas such as climate finance, energy transition, and climate change resilience. The Brussels workshop, implemented by Ramboll, ODI, and BRL ingénierie, aims to promote the integration of climate change resilience into OCT public policies and regulations, and facilitate the practical implementation of adaptation strategies.

The four-day workshop will cover a range of critical topics, including:

• Building a shared knowledge-base on climate risks: Participants will explore methods for understanding and assessing climate change impacts.
• Overcoming institutional barriers: Strategies for promoting leadership and coordination in climate change adaptation will be discussed.
• Field Visit: A visit to the Flemish SIGMA plan and the Polders of Kruibeke will provide practical insights into flood management and resilience.
• Climate Finance: Participants will learn about unlocking climate finance access for climate change resilience projects.

Minister Scipio will return on Saturday 8 March 2025 but will be contactable whilst overseas on christine.scipio@helanta.co.sh and christine.scipio@sainthelena.gov.sh. Minister Jeffrey Ellick can be contacted for any urgent matters related to ENRP Portfolio via email at jeffrey.ellick@sainthelena.gov.sh.

#StHelena #ElectedMembers #ClimateChangeResilience

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Minister Mark Brooks will depart the island on Saturday 22 February 2025 for a period of overseas leave in Cape Town, South Africa.

During the two-week period that Minister Brooks is away, he will also utilise this opportunity to undertake meetings in relation to his ministerial work. The Minister is scheduled to return to the island on Saturday 8 March but will remain contactable during the period he is away via mark.brooks@sainthelena.gov.sh or Mbrooks.homeimprovement@gmail.com.

The Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, can be contacted for any urgent issues in relation to the Treasury and Economic Development Portfolio in Minister Brooks’ absence.  She can be contacted by email at Julie.Thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh.

All expenses for this trip is being covered by Minister Brooks.

A Press Statement on 17 October 2024 highlighted that SHG and the UK Government (UKG) had approved an arrangement in regards to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)/Chagos Archipelago.

On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, Jeffrey Ellick, Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), and The Rt. Hon Lord David Hanson, Minister of State for the Home Office, signed a Watch List MoU.

This is a major step forward in addressing a key BIOT component between St Helena and UKG, ensuring St Helena can safeguard our borders.

The MoU ensures individuals intending to travel to St Helena can be checked against UK watch list information. This means that St Helena’s Customs and Immigration Department can share passenger data (either from flights or cruise ships) with the UK for watch listing, prior to those passengers arriving in St Helena. This is the first time St Helena has been able to draw upon UK watch list checks.

By sharing data, the island can improve border security, and allow SHG Customs and Immigration to make informed decisions on permitting entry into St Helena.

The Minister for SSHA, Jeffrey Ellick stated:

“Well done and thank you to the UK Government, Lord Hanson and his office (Home Office)  for facilitating the agreement along with my team here on island.

This significant agreement demonstrates a clear and visible development of the work that is ongoing to build and strengthen the relationship between the UK, and St Helena Governments, which has resulted in St Helena achieving a high level of Border Security for our island now and into the foreseeable future”.

#StHelena #MoU #UKWatchList

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This week, 10 to 16 February, marks Apprenticeship Week, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of apprenticeships to both individuals and the community. Career Access St Helena (CAS) is proud to highlight the numerous benefits of apprenticeship programmes and encourage individuals to explore this exciting pathway to career success.

The value of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship training programmes are designed to equip individuals with the specific skills employers demand. This translates to better long-term salary prospects and career progression opportunities, whether an apprentice chooses to pursue further education or advance within their workplace.

Eligibility for an Apprenticeship

To embark on an apprenticeship journey, individuals must be:

• Currently unemployed
• Driven to pursue this path as part of their career preparation
• Eager to gain the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications
• Committed to actively participating in the local economy

Benefits of Apprenticeship programmes?

Apprenticeship programmes provide numerous benefits, including the opportunity to cultivate a skilled local workforce through a combination of practical work experience, structured training, and academic study.  These programmes also offer improved career development and progression opportunities for individuals, while simultaneously raising the profile of participating organisations and employers.  Additionally, apprenticeships empower the island workforce to adapt and respond effectively to the community’s evolving needs.  Participants gain nationally recognised qualifications, develop valuable new skills and knowledge, and acquire essential work-based experience to support their future career aspirations.

Apprenticeships for Prince Andrew School (PAS) students

For PAS students interested in apprenticeships, CAS provides guidance through a series of consultations.  These consultations lead to final confirmations in August, with the apprenticeship programme beginning with an Induction Day in September.

Apprenticeships for Individuals outside of PAS

Individuals outside of PAS who are interested in apprenticeships should first register their area of interest with CAS.  CAS will then explore potential apprenticeship opportunities with relevant stakeholders.  Available positions are advertised, and interested individuals are invited to participate in interviews and consultations.  Conditional admission offers are made, followed by confirmation of the apprenticeship and work placement.  Finally, an Induction Day will mark the beginning of the apprenticeship programme.

Support and guidance from CAS

CAS, in collaboration with stakeholders, provides comprehensive careers information, advice, and guidance to help individuals determine their progression pathway through the Apprenticeship Programme.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact CAS by telephone on 25832, via email through Sherrilee.Phillips@sainthelena.gov.sh or glen.yon@sainthelena.gov.sh, or by visiting their offices in person at New Porteous House, Jamestown.

#StHelena #ApprenticeshipWeek #CareerAccessStHelena

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In light of the Equiano internet cable project enabling faster and less restricted internet access, St. Helena Government (SHG) launched a Cyber Security Awareness and Training Campaign in February 2023.

Led by Cyber Security Awareness and Training Officer, Gareth Drabble, this campaign included the distribution of educational posters, radio jingles and videos. In-person presentations and workshops were also completed with a number of SHG staff as well as the general public, in community centres and schools around the Island.

The goal of this campaign is to raise St. Helena’s overall awareness of common cyber security threats and provide the knowledge and training necessary to safeguard against these threats.

SHG would now like to determine, after two years of running this campaign, if the goal of increasing cyber security awareness is being achieved or not.

To enable this to happen members of the public are kindly asked to complete a Cyber Security Awareness Campaign Follow-Up Survey questionnaire. As many people as possible are encouraged to participate in this survey to drive a more accurate understanding of public levels of cyber awareness.

The survey can be completed digitally by clicking the link or scanning the QR code below.

Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/shgcyber             

QR Code:

The QR code is also available to scan at:

• The Post and Customer Service Centre
• The Pharmacy at the General Hospital
• Reception at the General Hospital
• Reception at the Castle
• Outpatients at the General Hospital
• The Public Library
• The Customs building

Alternatively hard copies can be obtained from the Post and Customer Service Centre in Jamestown, or by contacting Gareth directly on telephone number 22816 or via email: gareth.drabble@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Completed questionnaires can be returned to the Post and Customer Service Centre or the reception desk at the Castle. The public are encouraged to complete and return the questionnaire as soon as possible but by no later than Monday, 31 March 2025.

The public are thanked in advance for their participation and engagement in this important project.

SHG

14 February 2025