Category: Press Releases

Following discussions with Chief Minister Julie Thomas, HE Governor Nigel Phillips CBE has agreed, at the Chief Minister’s request, that the St Helena Legislative Council be dissolved on Monday 30 June, with a General Election scheduled to take place on Wednesday 03 September 2025.

Section 76 (b) of The St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Constitution Order, 2009, as  amended in 2021, requires the Governor to dissolve Council “at the expiration of four years from the date when Council first meets after any dissolution, unless it has been sooner dissolved.” 25 October this year will denote four years since the Inaugural Meeting of the current St Helena Legislative Council took place following the October 2021 General Election; this means that 25 October 2025 is the last day that Council may be dissolved to enable a General Election to go ahead.

Publicity regarding the General Election and information about how the ministerial system of Government operates will follow in the weeks leading up to the dissolution of Council.

In the meantime, it is important to remember that if you wish to participate in this year’s General Election, either by sponsoring a candidate, nominating a candidate, casting a vote or standing for election, your name must be included in the Register of Electors (Register).

Amendments can be made to the Register, effective from 1 July 2024, at any time. However, the cut-off date by which to make any amendments prior to the publication of the 2025 Register will be mid-May. There will be no further opportunities beyond this date to have names included in the Register before the General Election takes place.

If you wish to add your name to the Register, you can do so between now and mid-May by completing the necessary Form A.   

Eligible persons who are ordinarily resident on St Helena but absent in connection with employment, education or training (for themselves/their spouse/their life partner) or for the purposes of medical treatment (for themselves/their spouse/ their life partner/a dependant) and have not been absent from St Helena for a continuous period of 30 months or for periods exceeding in aggregate 625 days in the preceding months may also apply to have their name included in the Register by completing Form B.

Both Forms A and B are accessible on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-information/elections/ and can also be obtained from the Public Library, the Castle Reception or the Customer Services Centre.

Further information on how to complete these forms can be obtained from the Registration Officer, Carol Henry, and Assistant Registration Officers, Anita Legg, Connie Johnson and Gillian Francis at the Castle, Jamestown.

#StHelena #GeneralElections #MinisterialGovernment

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The St Helena Government (SHG) and the Bank of Saint Helena (BOSH) would like to remind residents, businesses, and other users of banking services that they are still seeking feedback on the use of banking services on St Helena. This is part of an important initiative to modernise the island’s financial services, as outlined in the St Helena Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023-33.

As part of this ongoing work, SHG is developing a banking policy and action plan that will guide improvements in banking services, benefiting both the community and businesses on the island. Your feedback will play a crucial role in identifying the areas that require investment to better meet the needs of everyone on St Helena.

The survey remains open until tomorrow, 18:00, Friday 07 February 2025, and it is encouraged that all those who use banking services participate. Responses will help SHG and BOSH understand the full scope of banking activity on the island, ensuring that future improvements are targeted effectively.

How to Participate:

Online: The survey is available online at https://www.sainthelenabank.com/survey

In Person: If you do not have internet access, you can complete the survey at the Bank of Saint Helena (BOSH) branch on Market Street, Jamestown or at the Ascension branch, Administration Building, Georgetown.

SHG and BOSH are also working with independent professional advisors who will be visiting St Helena from 18 February to 25 February 2025.

If you are interested in speaking to the team in person, register your interest by contacting Alexandria Thomas, Economic Development Portfolio Assistant, via email: alexandria.thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh.

All feedback will be kept strictly confidential.

#StHelena #BankofStHelena #BankSurvey

SHG

06 February 2025

The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio (ESE) today announced it will be changing the name of the island’s only secondary school. This decision follows approval from the Portfolio Advisory Board, the Chief Minister, and Buckingham Palace. The school, currently named Prince Andrew School (PAS), believes this change is a crucial step in ensuring its name embodies the values, aspirations, and identity of its students and the wider community.

The decision to rename the school stems from several factors, including recent public controversy and negative media coverage. The school believes a neutral name will foster a positive and forward-thinking learning environment, free from contentious associations. This renaming also provides an opportunity to select a name that aligns with the school’s shared principles and aspirations for students and St Helena.

Head Teacher, Phil Toal, commented:

“While we respect history, we must also be mindful of how past associations impact the present and future. Choosing a new name allows us to honour the contributions of our students and community without the burden of controversial ties.”

The new name will be selected through a student-led process. All students will have the opportunity to submit name suggestions to the Student Council. The Student Council, with support from the School Leadership Team, will shortlist the options. Shortlisted names will be reviewed by the Portfolio Advisory Board before a school-wide student vote. The winning name will be submitted to the Portfolio Advisory Board for final approval.

The name selection process is expected to be completed within Term 2A (16 January to 28 February 2025), with the official launch of the new name planned for the start of the next academic year in September 2025.

In addition to the name change, the Student Council is also reviewing the school uniform. The new uniform will be phased in gradually, beginning with Year 7, over approximately five years. This phased approach will minimise the financial burden on parents and allow for the use of existing uniform stocks. Further details about the uniform will be shared as the Student Council’s review progresses.

The school encourages parents and community members to contact them with any questions or concerns. For further enquiries or to provide feedback, please contact Head Teacher, Phil Toal by telephone on 24290 or via email through phil.toal@sainthelena.edu.sh.

#StHelena #Education #SchoolNameChange

SHG
06 February 2025

Following an extensive period of public consultation, on Tuesday 21 January 2025, Executive Council approved the Property Purchase and Disposal Policy 2024 (PDPP). The Property Service, part of St Helena Government’s (SHG) Economic Development Portfolio, is now using the policy to govern all property sales, lettings, and acquisitions. 

This policy replaces the Land and Buildings Disposal Policy 2016, and sets the principles and processes by which SHG disposes and acquires property on behalf of the Crown, aligning with the Government’s Vision and Strategy and the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023-2033 (SEDS). Delivery of the PDPP is a key action contained in the SEDS delivery plan.

The policy provides:

• Enhanced transparency and accountability, by confirming the authority for decision-making and providing transparency in all property-related decisions through the Property Disposal Register, the Property Disposal Plan, and by reporting annually on Crown property disposals. Importantly, it takes into consideration the role of the minister in taking key decisions and explains where decisions are delegated to officers of the public service.
• Improved guidelines for property transactions, through detailed disposal processes, that ensure fair and consistent decision making and the timely release of Crown property.
• A focus on sustainability, through rationalisation measures that promote responsible estate management, and by encouraging the inclusion of sustainable features in new developments.
• Protection for significant built heritage,through disposal methods that ensure the effective management and maintenance of built heritage so that it is conserved and can be enjoyed by future generations.
• Incentives for primary home ownership,to support first-time buyers looking to make St Helena their primary home by offering a 60% discount on property purchases for first-time buyers.
• Business development opportunities,through processes that allow land and buildings to be identified for investment or tourism-related activities, and discounts given where use furthers the objectives of the SEDS.

On the approval of the policy, Minister for Treasury and Economic Development, Mark Brooks, says:

“Implementing the Property Disposal and Purchase Policy is a significant step in achieving the Ministerial Vision. This policy complements other policy areas, such as Immigration and the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy, which are designed to encourage population growth and increased revenues for our island. It is designed to improve the business enabling environment.

The Property Disposal and Purchase Policy 2024 ensures the best and most efficient use of Crown property by promoting sustainable estate management practices, clear, accountable, and transparent disposal processes, and targeted incentives for first-time buyers and businesses whose commercial activities meet the objectives of the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy .  These measures are essential for supporting development and economic growth, and addressing some of our key challenges.

Most importantly for me, through the consultation process, I have listened to the people of St Helena who have told me that it is too much of a challenge for young people to build their first homes. This policy takes active and radical steps to address this problem.

I wish to thank my team for their work and commitment in bringing this policy to implementation. I would also like to thank stakeholders and members of the public who contributed during the consultation process. Your feedback has been valuable in shaping this policy.”

The Property Purchase and Disposal Policy 2024 and the Property Disposal Register are available on the St Helena Government website, and can be viewed online at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/portfolios/economic-development-portfolio/property/.

The Property Disposal Plan will be shared shortly.

For further information on the policy, please contact Head of Property, Nikita Crowie, at Essex House Jamestown by telephone on +290 22270, or via email through Nikita.Crowie@sainthelena.gov.sh.

#StHelena #PropertyPurchase&DisposalPolicy2024 #PropertyDisposalRegister

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Thursday, 06 February 2025

Two development applications have been referred to Executive Council sitting as the Planning Authority. The Development Application is being referred to Governor-in-Council in accordance with Section 23(2)(b) of the Land Planning and Development Control Ordinance 2013.

An open session meeting will take place on Thursday 06 February 2025 commencing at 11:00 where Executive Council will consider the following applications:

• Change of Use from Residential Care Home to (HMO) House of Multiple Occupation at Barn View, Longwood
• Balcony and Verandah at the Yacht Club with Secondary Means of Escape at the Yacht Club, The Wharf, Jamestown

Documentation for this meeting is available on the Executive Council page of the St Helena Government website via: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislative-council/executive-council/.     

Members of the public who would like to view hard copies of the documents should contact the Secretary to Executive Council, Natasha Bargo, at the Castle by telephone on 22470 or via email through natasha.bargo@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Executive Council sitting as the Planning Authority comprises of Governor Nigel Phillips as Chair, Chief Minister Julie Thomas and Ministers Christine Scipio, Martin Henry, Mark Brooks and Jeffrey Ellick. The Acting Attorney General is a non-voting member of Executive Council.

#StHelena #ExecutiveCouncil #PlanningProposals

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The St Helena Government (SHG) has entered into a contract with Jeremy Benn Associates Ltd (JBA) to develop a Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP) for St Helena. This plan is essential for managing the island’s water resources for the future and improving St Helena’s resilience against climate change.

The project is part of the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) funded by the UK Government.

JBA consultants will visit St Helena for a week from 1 March 2025 to collect data and assess water resource needs, and will apply tailored methodologies to address the island’s unique challenges which will inform the WRMP. Their approach integrates data analysis, water resource modelling, planning and extensive stakeholder engagement to create a practical, actionable plan for St Helena.

In 2020, SHG approved the Water Resources Strategy 2020-2050, which aims to ensure sufficient, safe, and affordable water for the Island’s population. The WRMP is a key part of this strategy, and is significant for the island as it will help balance water supply and demand, supporting health, economic activity, food security, and environmental sustainability. It is a vital tool in achieving the goals outlined in the Water Resources Strategy.

The WRMP will be completed over 12 months, with data collection and analysis taking place in 2025. The final plan is expected by the end of 2025.

Following the initial visit in March 2025, further consultations will occur. The WRMP will be shared with the public for feedback as the project progresses.

For more information, please contact Portfolio Director, Darren Duncan on email: darren.duncan@sainthelena.gov.sh or telephone no. 24724.

Editor’s Notes
JBA Consulting, part of the JBA Group family of environmental, engineering and risk management companies, is a consultancy specialising in flood and water resource management, hydrology, and environmental planning which delivers innovative solutions to support sustainable water management and community resilience. Their portfolio spans projects worldwide, including water resource studies for the Falkland Islands and the Isle of Man, recognising the unique aspects of St Helena’s context.

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SHG
28 January 2025

With reference to the TC Job Vacancy advert, for the Head of Tourism, St Helena Government (SHG) wishes to issue an apology to the organisers of the Cape to St Helena Yacht Race, St Helena’s Day Celebrations, Festival of Lights and Carnival for the incorrect wording used within this advert. 

As can be seen from the Job Description, a requirement of the role is to “ 14. Develop and manage – or support through partnerships – established events, such as the Cape to St Helena Yacht Race, St Helena’s Day, Festival of Lights, Carnival and the Festival of Walking. Develop additional products in line with the Tourism Strategy”.   SHG acknowledges the valuable contribution made by the organisers and through this job role ensures a commitment to providing these events with support, such as international promotion or logistics. It was not the intention to discredit the event organisers, or their hard work.

Carolyn Nutkins, Head of HR and Organisational Development reported, “I sincerely apologise to everyone affected by the mistake made in the recent advertisement for Head of Tourism.  As soon as it came to our attention that it had been worded incorrectly, we have corrected it publicly.  We all recognise and appreciate the huge amount of work and effort put into arranging all of the community events such as those listed, by schools, groups and individuals, and are sorry to have caused any concern or offence to those responsible.”

SHG apologies for the incorrect version of the advert being issued.   The corrected version of the advert has been replaced through all advertising channels. 

St Helena’s Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 2023-33 outlines the modernisation of the Bank of St Helena (BOSH) as a key work stream required to enable the modernisation of St Helena’s financial services and company law – a sector identified by the government as one that can enable future transformation of the economy.

As part of the ongoing work, St Helena Government (SHG) is developing a banking policy for the island, so that both BOSH and SHG can have a clear strategy and action plan for improving banking services for St Helena’s residents, businesses, and investors.

To assist in developing the policy and associated strategy, BOSH and SHG are seeking feedback on the use of banking services by residents, the diaspora, and other users of banking services. It is essential that we gather as much data on banking activity as possible in order to have a complete and full understanding of the needs of businesses and individuals, so that future investment can be targeted at the most critical areas.

The survey can be accessed online at https://www.sainthelenabank.com/survey

If you do not have access to the internet, you can also complete the survey in person at the St Helena BOSH branch, Market Street, Jamestown or the Ascension branch, Administration building, Georgetown. 

This work is being supported by SHG’s and BOSH’s independent professional advisors.  The advisors will be visiting St Helena in late February to follow up on feedback received. If you are interested in speaking to the team in person, please email Economic Development Portfolio Assistant, Alexandria Thomas on Alexandria.thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh to register your interest.  All feedback will be kept strictly confidential.

The St Helena Government is currently consulting on a new minimum wage trajectory for the next three year period. This started in December with employers and continues into January 2025 with sessions planned for employees and the general public. 

Your Role in the Consultation

This consultation is an opportunity for your voice to be heard.  Your participation ensures the best possible evidence is provided to Ministers when taking a decision on the forward trajectory for the minimum wage.

Clearing Up Misconceptions about Tax

A common misunderstanding emerging is that once you have earned above the personal allowance threshold of £7,000 you then pay tax on all of your income. This is not true.  Tax is applied only to earnings above the threshold so most of your income remains yours to keep.

Here are some facts about paying tax in St Helena:

Do you know that for every £1 over the tax threshold of £7,000 (up to £25,000) you keep 74p? The same principle applies to earnings over £25,000, that you keep 69p for every pound above the £25,000.

Examples.

• For a person on the minimum wage of £150/week or £7,800/year for a 37.5 hour week this means only £800/year is liable to tax. Their pay for the week of £150, is £146/week after tax or £7,592/year.
• For someone on a wage of £192/week or £10,000/year this means £3,000 is liable to tax. Their pay for the week of £192, is £177/week after tax, or £9,220/year.
• For someone on a wage of £384/week or £20,000/year this means £13,000 is liable to tax. Their pay for the week of £384, is £320/week after tax, or £16,620/year.

Why Paying Tax Matters

Paying tax, if you are eligible, is a social responsibility. The government, any government anywhere, needs to raise revenue to pay for the delivery of public services which we all use and includes education, health and refuse collection to name but a few.

A Note on Penalties

Not declaring income that is liable to tax is an offence carrying a fine. In a worst case scenario, for example by a person knowingly giving false or misleading information to the tax office and not paying the correct tax, the fine could be as high as up to 75% of the tax shortfall in addition to the amount that should have been paid. In less serious scenarios, this could result in a penalty equal to 20% of the tax shortfall.

Strengthening Tax Compliance

SHG is working to strengthen its tax compliance function and the team will be focussing on ensuring that those businesses and individuals who should be paying tax are doing so, creating a fairer, more robust system, which will go some way in helping improve public services for the benefit of all.

SHG looks forward to your continued participation in the consultation process. Contact Head of Strategic Policy, Ann Muir, at the Castle on 22470 for a one to one session. The closing date is Friday 31 January 2025.

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SHG

22 January 2025

The third meeting of the Police and Crime Panel will take place on Wednesday 22 January 2025 from 14:30 to 16:00. This meeting will be held at the Education Learning Centre, Jamestown.

The agenda will include a Police and Crime Panel report from the Chief of Police and a question and answer (QA) section. A report summary will be made available to the public the day before the meeting via the SHG website at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/portfolios/safety-security-and-home-affairs/police-service/.

The panel consists of the following members:

• Governor Nigel Phillips CBE (Chairperson)
• Administrator of Ascension Island, Simon Minshull
• Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), Jeffrey Ellick
• Elected Member of the St Helena Legislative Council, Gillian Brooks
• Portfolio Director for SSHA, Alex Mitham
• Crown Prosecutor, Simon Dykes
• Chief Executive Officer for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Catherine Turner

We welcome attendance and input from all community members and stakeholders as these reforms progress.

For more information please contact:

Chief of Police, David Price, by telephone on (00290) 22626 or by email through david.price@sainthelena.gov.sh.

You can also view the Police and Crime Plan online at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/St-Helena-Police-Service-Police-and-Crime-Plan-v1.1.pdf.

A recording of the meeting will be uploaded on the SHG YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638.

#StHelena #RSHP #PoliceandCrimePanel

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SHG

13 January 2025