Due to unforeseen circumstances the twentieth meeting of Ministers Question Time has been postponed and will now take place on Friday 2nd May 2025 at 10:00 in the Council Chamber. This meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live via SAMS Radio 1.
The topic for this meeting is ‘The Fisheries Ordinance, 2021’.
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 this week are as follows:
Tuesday to Thursday: 11:00 – 15:00 (for businesses and individuals receiving and issuing items/shipments)
Tuesday to Friday: 09:00 – 15:45 (open to merchants only)
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 – 15:00 (for Immigration customers)
Consequently, during this training period, the reception desk will be unattended, and staff will have limited access to emails, which may result in delayed responses to queries. 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.
A Candlelit Vigil to honour victims and survivors of domestic violence will take place on Saturday, 03 May 2025, at 19:00 at the Jamestown Market.
This solemn event is part of St Helena’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness for White Ribbon Day, a global movement dedicated to ending violence against women and girls.
Community members are encouraged to attend the vigil to light a candle in remembrance and solidarity. The event will serve as a poignant reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a future free from fear, violence, and abuse.
White Ribbon Day began in Canada in 1991, when a group of men united to speak out against violence towards women. Since then, it has become an international initiative, observed in countries across the globe. St Helena’s Candlelit Vigil joins this collective voice calling for change and equality.
All members of the community are encouraged to come along to light a candle and stand together in a powerful display of commitment to ending domestic violence on St Helena and beyond.
Join us as we stand united to end domestic violence.
The primary schools will be hosting their annual Athletics Day at Francis Plain on Wednesday 23 April 2025. All parents, guardians and members of the public are invited to attend. The sports will start at 09:45 and end at approximately 14:30.
As this is a school event, the primary sector would appreciate if all spectators could adhere to the following conditions in the interests of the safety of the children:
No pets will be allowed on Francis Plain for this event.
Only the appointed marshals, helpers, invited guests and school team leaders will be allowed on the field for the duration of the event.
Only school appointed photographers will be allowed on the field to photograph the event.
No alcohol is allowed.
Smoking is restricted on the whole of Francis Plain for this event. Persons wishing to smoke must do so outside of the Francis Plain and school premises. The allocated smoking area is away from the school along Watercourse Road.
All litter is to be put into the bins provided.
Parking in the area behind the pavilion and adjacent green shed or alongside of these areas is not permitted as this is the muster point for Prince Andrew School staff and students in the case of a fire or other emergency. However, the ring road will be open for parking.
Please note, if parents/guardians wish to transport their children home after the event they are asked to ensure that they make the respective head teacher of the school or the child’s class teacher aware of this on the day so that all children can be accounted for.
We look forward to your support in making this a successful day for our children.
St Helena’s primary schools have a longstanding history of involvement in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC), established in 1883. This tradition expanded two years ago to include writers from Prince Andrew School.
Annually engaging thousands, the competition celebrates student achievement, empowers youth voices, and builds creative writing skills. Each year, a Commonwealth-focused theme promotes empathy and diverse perspectives on global challenges.
In 2024, the theme of the competition was ‘Our Common Wealth’, asking entrants to consider how they deal with adversity, and how community and culture can be used to encourage resilience and hope in a world with a growing number of global issues.
The topics for the junior category were:
Describe a new eco-friendly habit you could adopt to contribute positively to a greener Commonwealth.
Imagine a dialogue between yourself and a grandparent, discussing themes of resilience and hope, and elucidate on the insights each generation can offer the other.
Envision participating in a beach clean-up where you unexpectedly discover the ability to communicate with sea creatures. Depict the conversation and your response.
Illustrate how you would navigate making friends with peers during a school exchange program in a Commonwealth country different from your own, considering cultural similarities and differences.
The topics for the senior category were:
“In the words of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, ‘It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.’ What practical measures can you initiate to address the climate crisis?”
Craft a persuasive speech outlining today’s most pressing global challenge and propose how Commonwealth values can be instrumental in its resolution.
Reflecting on the essence of ‘aiga’ or family values in Samoan culture, explore how similar core values from your heritage can foster cooperation and community within the Commonwealth.
Compose a letter addressed to your country’s leader, advising on strategies to realize the goals of peace, liberty, and progress as envisioned in the Commonwealth’s London Declaration.
An awards ceremony was held at Plantation House on Tuesday 15 April, presented by HE Acting Governor, Tasha Harris, and Head Teacher of Harford Primary, Carlean Crowie. 19 students were awarded bronze medals, 20 were awarded silver medals and five were awarded gold medals at the ceremony.
Head Teacher of Harford Primary, Carlean Crowie, commented:
“This year, we celebrated a record-breaking 44 winners – a clear reflection of the remarkable growth and development in pupils’ writing across our schools. I hope this success inspires even more pupils to embrace the challenge of the 2025 competition with renewed enthusiasm and determination.”
Photos
Head Teacher, Carlean Crowie delivering the opening speech
HE Acting Governor, Tasha Harris, delivering congratulatory remarks
Recipients of the Bronze Award
Recipients of the Silver Award
Recipients of the Gold Award
Interim Portfolio Director, Marie Horton, delivered closing remarks
A meeting of the Police and Crime Panel will take place on Wednesday 30 April 2025 from 14:30 to 16:00. This meeting will be held at the Education Learning Centre, Jamestown.
A recording of the meeting will be uploaded on the SHG YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638. The previous panel meetings held in January 2025 and July 2024 and now available to view.
Following each meeting, printed versions of the Police and Crime Panel report will also be made available at the Customer Service Centre and Public Library. Previous reports are now available to view at these locations.
The FCDO have confirmed that, following discussions during the Financial Aid Mission held in January 2025, the UK Government has allocated £35.79m of recurrent funding to the St Helena Government as a contribution to their annual budget for the 25/26 financial year. This represents an increase of just over 5% (see Table 1) from the last financial year.
Table 1
Financial Year
TOTAL
2023/24
£33,060,000 (4% increase on previous year)
2024/25
£34,060,000 (3% increase on previous year)
2025/26
£35,790,000(5% increase on previous year)
In the context of an incredibly difficult fiscal position faced by the UK Government, this is a very strong result for St Helena. This funding is alongside the £6.65m that is being provided as a result of the BIOT migrant agreement. This funding allows the government to pursue its priority objectives and policies, such as the recently announced education review.
This announcement does not relate to other funding streams which include the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP), the Cloud Forest and other Programmes. These programmes allow us to implement vital infrastructure projects such as the new build prison, the renewable energy programme and the Rupert’s Port project. They also allow us to continue our work on vital environmental programmes.
Deputy Director of Overseas Territories and Polar Regions Directorate, Adam Pile, said:
“Given the UK’s need to increase funding for defence and security priorities and the challenging fiscal position the UK Government finds itself in, I hope you will agree that this is an incredibly positive outcome, and one which confirms the UK Government’s continued commitment to meeting St Helena’s reasonable assistance needs.”
Chief Minister Julie Thomas commented:
“We are grateful to the UK Government for delivering an increase of 5% on our annual financial settlement, particularly set against the challenging global and UK context. Special thanks are extended to Minister Doughty for his ongoing support to the British Overseas Territories, especially noting St Helena being an aid dependent territory. To receive such an outcome during unprecedented times is a clear demonstration of the strength of partnership between SHG and the FCDO. It also cements the need for us to continue to strive to work closely together to achieve the best outcome for St Helena.”
“Despite this positive outcome, as a government we will still need to continue to take hard and difficult decisions, which I appreciate will not be well-received. However due to our financial position we will simply not be able to address all of my government’s policy priorities and will have to focus on fulfilling our essential needs.”
Police Constable Jordana Peters of the Royal St Helena Police Service has been awarded the prestigious International ‘Women in Policing Network’ Leader of the Future award, recognising her notable dedication, community involvement, and promising leadership potential.
The award was presented to Constable Peters by Acting Chief of Police, Peter Lansdown, at a ceremony held in HE the Governor’s Office on Thursday 10 April 2025. This event was conducted virtually, allowing for the participation of other British Overseas Territories award recipients and representatives.
Constable Peters, who joined the St Helena Police Service immediately after graduating high school at 18 years, has demonstrated remarkable professionalism in serving her close-knit community. In a setting where community familiarity is high, she has consistently proven her ability to maintain a balanced approach to policing, handling both reactive and proactive duties with integrity.
Further demonstrating her commitment to personal and professional growth, Jordana is currently pursuing her Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. Her skills in shooting and archery, developed through this programme, present potential for future application within her policing career.
Constable Peters has expressed aspirations to serve as Chief of Police and is a strong advocate for the Women in Policing network. Her demonstrated potential and dedication highlight her as a promising individual for St Helena. The Royal St Helena Police Service acknowledges her commitment to continued service to the communities of St Helena and Ascension.
Acting Chief of Police, Peter Lansdown commented:
“Jordana’s dedication to both her professional duties and her community is truly inspiring. She embodies the qualities we seek in future leaders, and we are confident she will make a significant impact on St Helena.”
Photo
Awardee Jordana Peters with her parents and members of the Royal St Helena Police
In accordance with the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Migrant Agreement Memorandum of Understanding, HM Customs and Immigration will be undertaking specialised training. A comprehensive six-week training programme, commencing on Monday 28 April 2025, will take place on island and aims to strengthen the capabilities of St Helena’s Customs and Immigration Section.
A team of four specialists from Border Force UK will deliver bespoke training, tailored to St Helena’s specific needs and challenges, to enhance the skills and knowledge of local Customs and Immigration personnel. This intensive programme will provide invaluable expertise and support, aimed at expanding the efficiency and effectiveness of St Helena’s border control operations.
Due to the comprehensive nature of the training, HM Customs and Immigration operating hours will require flexibility during this period. Whilst every effort will be made to minimise disruptions, temporary office closures or reduced services may occur. The Customs and Immigration Section is committed to keeping the public informed of any schedule changes with as much advance notice as possible. However, occasional last-minute closures may be unavoidable.
Head of Customs and Immigration, Owen Birkby commented:
“This training represents a significant opportunity for St Helena. The skills and knowledge gained from this collaboration with Border Force UK will directly contribute to the enhancement of our Customs and Immigration services, ensuring we can continue to effectively manage our borders and serve our community. While there may be short-term discomfort associated with the intensive nature of the training, these efforts will reap long-term benefits for the island’s security and prosperity.”
The Customs and Immigration Section appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during this training period. We are committed to providing updates and minimising any inconvenience.
