SHG is currently experiencing technical difficulties with the email domain ‘sainthelena.gov.sh’. This means emails sent to or from this domain address are currently not being delivered or received.
Our IT Section are working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality. In the meantime, we encourage the public to use alternative methods for contacting Portfolios within SHG such as published telephone numbers or where there are alternative ‘helanta.co.sh’ email addresses.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the public for their patience during this time. Updates will be provided as and when they become available.
The public are advised that due to the additional Airlink flights starting from Tuesday 3 December 2024, there will be a reduced service provided from the Customs and Immigration Offices in Jamestown.
During Tuesday flight days only, Immigration enquiries by telephone are recommended and Customs will be open for the clearance of merchant cargo only.
In October and November 2024, St Helena took a stand against gender-based violence with a series of impactful events, including radio interviews, a school assembly at Prince Andrew School (PAS), a community bike cruise and White Walk Parade through Jamestown. The campaign culminated in a symbolic white rose bush planting ceremony on Monday 25 November to commemorate White Ribbon Day and mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism.
Attending the closing ceremony in The Castle Gardens were His Excellency Governor Nigel Phillips, Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Ellick, Ministers Mark Brooks and Martin Henry, Councillors Gillian Brooks and Robert Midwinter, Chief Secretary Susan O’Bey, representatives of St Helena Youth Parliament Zac Bargo and Shanice Phillips, Equality and Human Rights Commission CEO/Commissioner Catherine Turner and members of the public.
A flag was raised at the Royal St Helena Police (RSHP) headquarters during the White Walk. The flag will remain hoisted until International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Generous donations amounting to £101.62 were made by the public. These donations will be deposited into the Women Issues St Helena (WISH) charity account and banked for use in future campaigns. Solomon and Company also generously donated the printing of the banners used in this year’s campaign.
The White Ribbon Working Group extend their thanks and appreciation to their co-ordinator Deborah Knipe and everyone who supported the White Ribbon Campaign 2024.
Photos
Participants of the Bike Cruise.
Detective Constable Joshua Deville led the Bike Cruise from the seafront to Francis Plain and back.
As previously communicated, work is now progressing to develop a contingency plan in the event of any migrants arriving in the British Indian Overseas Territories (BIOT) who are then brought to St Helena.
A team of officials from the FCDO and the Home Office spent a productive and successful week on island from Saturday 9 November 2024. The focus of their visit was to work with key personnel and agencies on island to develop a Contingency Plan, establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for key areas within the plan, and identify any training needs and local resource requirements.
As a part of this planning, SHG is seeking to establish a register of rental properties to accommodate any migrants who may eventually come to St Helena, and will shortly be inviting registrations from the private sector.
The public will kept informed periodically of any updates on this mutual arrangement between SHG and UKG, and on how the £6.65m provided as part of this agreement is being spent for the benefit of St Helena. As agreed in the MOU, in addition to this one off £6.65m, UKG will fund additional costs incurred under this arrangement for preparation activities and in the event of any arrivals.
SHG is pleased to announce that Field Road is scheduled to reopen to vehicular traffic and pedestrians from 13:00 today, 28 November 2024.
Whilst the road will be open to the public, it’s important to note that some construction work, particularly the installation of gabions, will continue. This will necessitate a 300-metre section of the road to be restricted to a single-lane carriageway. To ensure the safety of all road users, the contractor will implement appropriate traffic management measures, including signage and traffic control. Road users are advised to adhere to these measures and exercise caution when travelling on this section of the road.
Important reminders for road users:
The speed limit on Field Road remains at 15mph.
Larger vehicles should exercise caution when passing each other, especially on the single-lane section.
Please familiarise yourself with the new road layout and adhere to lane markings.
The Field Road project is part of the £30m Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), funded by the UK Government.
During the week commencing Monday 18 November, St Helena schools participated in UK Parliament Week, which is run by the Speakers Office in the United Kingdom each year in order to raise awareness about what Parliament is, what it does and how young people can get involved.
In the lead up to UK Parliament Week, schools received a UK Parliament Activity Pack, from the Speaker’s Office in the UK, along with a ‘Speaker’ teddy bear. “Mr. Speaker”, the teddy bear, travelled between schools, with activities shared on social media by the Governor’s Office.
As the Children’s Champion, Councillor Gillian Brooks took this opportunity to lead a programme to educate young people about how the St Helena Legislative Council and new Ministerial system operate, and how these align with the UK Parliament. This aimed to inspire their interest in legislative proceedings, politics and democracy given the impact these have on all of our lives, whilst encouraging them to engage with the St Helena Legislative Council.
As part of the programme, Councillors Gillian Brooks and Robert Midwinter visited all of the schools. Councillor Dr Corinda Essex attended and spoke at visits to the Council Chamber by two of the primary schools and at the Pilling Primary School assembly; and Councillor Betty Knipe attended a Harford Primary School assembly. The Legislative Council would like to thank teachers and students for their engagement during these sessions.
“It is always wonderful to see how engaged our young people are when it comes to topics such as how the parliamentary system works in St Helena, and what can be done to improve the lives of people living on the island. It was therefore a delight to be able to engage with all of the schools during UK Parliament Week.”
Photos
St Pauls Primary learners visiting the Legislative Council Chamber
Councillors Gillian Brooks, Robert Midwinter and Dr Corinda Essex engaging with learners in the Council Chamber
His Excellency Governor Nigel Phillips CBE welcomed over 270 guests to the annual King’s Birthday Party (KBP) held on Friday 15 November 2024 at Plantation House. The event brought together a diverse range of community members, including state award recipients and elected officials, to celebrate the island’s rich traditions and strong connection to the United Kingdom.
Governor Nigel Phillips commented:
“It is always a pleasure to host the King’s Birthday Party. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year. As ever, they are numerous. But perhaps the biggest achievement is that in a world increasingly beset by challenge, St Helena remains a bastion of tolerance and good neighbourliness. It must be the endeavour of us all to ensure it remains so. Beyond this, the wonderful levels of attendance demonstrate the affection with which the Crown is held. In closing, I know all the guests would join me in repeating our thanks to those whose efforts made the event such a success. Happy Birthday Your Majesty!”
St Helena Government (SHG) today announced a new policy aimed at clarifying health criteria for individuals traveling to and residing on the island. The policy is designed to improve the island’s standard of living and ensure its continued appeal as a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Key Policy Points:
Individuals in full-time, permanent employment and permanently residing on St Helena are eligible for health care on the same terms as local residents. This includes access to medical referrals to South Africa, subject to valid travel documentation and visa requirements.
Persons on fixed-term contracts and not permanently residing on the island are entitled to local health care at standard rates. Overseas medical treatment will not be provided unless covered by the employer or employee, and valid travel documentation is required.
All individuals arriving to work on St Helena must undergo an initial health assessment within four weeks of arrival. This includes a chest X-ray for those coming from or having resided in countries identified by the World Health Organization as high-burden for tuberculosis.
Employers are responsible for ensuring their employees comply with pre-arrival health checks and other relevant criteria.
Non-compliance with the policy may result in refusal of entry, revocation of work permits, and potential legal action against employers.
SHG is committed to implementing this policy transparently and fairly, ensuring the health and well-being of all residents and temporary residents on island. By clarifying health criteria, SHG aims to attract and retain skilled individuals while safeguarding the island’s healthcare resources.
We would like to correct a previous statement made regarding the reopening of Field Road. It was previously stated that cycling on Field Road is prohibited. This information is incorrect.
According to Regulation 73 of the Road Traffic Regulations, cycling is permitted on Field Road. Cycling is only prohibited in the following specific areas:
Longwood Road: between Two Gun Saddle and the Briars
Side Path and Napoleon Street: between the Briars and Main Street
Half Tree Hollow and Ladder Hill: between the Salvation Army Hall and China Lane
“W” Road: between Francis Plain Ridge Gate and White Gate
We apologise for any confusion this may have caused.
This year, the St Helena Government, Health & Social Care Portfolio are taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the hard work and dedication of our Health Care Assistants (HCAs) and Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs).
HCAs and ECAs work alongside qualified nurses. They play a crucial role in providing excellent care to patients, demonstrating compassion, and going above and beyond their call of duty.
Theatre Sister, Donna Clingham said:
“We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our HCAs and ECAs. Their contributions are essential to ensuring a positive experience for all patients.”
