Category: Press Releases

A reception celebrating St Helena’s Cloud Forest Project (SHCFP) was held at the Speaker’s House State Rooms in the Palace of Westminster, London, on Monday, 07 April 2025. The SHCFP, previously funded by the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF)/Integrated Security Fund (ISF) through the CSSF Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change, and ISF Climate Security programmes, has received four years of funding from the UK Government’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), with additional support for this and other conservation projects on St Helena provided through Darwin Plus funding from the UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).  

Over 75 guests were in attendance who included, UK Parliamentarians, St Helena Cloud Forest Project partners, people connected with St Helena through charities and other groups, officials from the FCDO and Defra, and St Helenian students currently studying in the UK.

During the event, speeches were made by the Speaker of the House of Commons the Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, St Helena Government’s Environment Minister, Christine Scipio; Sarah Hulton, Interim Director of the FCDO Overseas Territories and Polar Regions Directorate representing Minister Doughty of the UK Government’s FCDO, opposition spokesperson to the Overseas Territories Andrew Rosindell MP, and Katie-Jo Luxton, Executive Director of Global Conservation of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

These celebrations highlighted the work of the St Helena Cloud Forest Project since 2021, focusing on habitat restoration, climate and water monitoring, innovative research, infrastructure upgrades and capacity-building. This work aims to safeguard our cloud forest’s habitat, crucial for St Helena’s water security, wildlife and people.  

During her speech, Sarah Hulton announced the FCDO’s Overseas Territories Climate Security Programme will provide a one-year bridging grant to ensure the continuation of this vital work whilst alternative funding is secured. 

Thanks are extended to HMG’s FCDO for their continued support and to Defra for the Darwin Plus initiative, which also plays a vital role in conserving St Helena’s natural heritage. 

The event was hosted by Speaker Hoyle and sponsored by Andrew Rosindell MP and Will Stone MP.

For more information on the SHCFP, please visit: https://www.sthelenatourism.com/st-helenas-cloud-forest-project/.  

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Sarah Hulton OBE, Kedell Worboys MBE, Will Stone MP, Katie-Jo Luxton, Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, Andrew Rosindell MP

#Sthelena #CloudForest #RestorationProject #FDCO #Defra #DarwinPlus

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Smokefree St Helena, today announced the launch of it’s new, user-friendly online referral system, designed to streamline access to vital smoking cessation support. The new online form simplifies the process for individuals seeking to quit smoking.

Smokefree St Helena provides stop-smoking services, including behavioural support and a recently expanded range of Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT). All clients utilising the Smokefree St Helena service will be provided with NRT. Our trained practitioners offer personalised guidance and encouragement to help individuals achieve their goal of becoming smoke-free.

The Smokefree St Helena programme is a six-week initiative, featuring weekly support sessions. During these sessions, clients can discuss their progress, address challenges, and receive ongoing advice and medication management from their practitioner.

To sign up for Smokefree St Helena’s behaviour change support and NRT via the online referral system, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SmokeFreeSH or scan the QR code. After completing the form, a practitioner will contact you to schedule an appointment.

QR Code

#StHelena #Smokefree #HealthPromotion

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CHARITY COMMISSIONER

St Helena Government (SHG) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the role of Commissioner of the Charity Commission of St Helena.

The Charity Commission operates under the Charities Ordinance 2005, which outlines its key responsibilities. Full details of the legislation can be found here: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/legislation/laws-of-st-helena/alphabetical-list-st-helena/.

As a Commissioner, you will play a vital role in:

• Encouraging and facilitating better management of charitable organisations
• Ensuring compliance with legal obligations, investigating mismanagement and misconduct of operations where required.

This is an opportunity to bring fresh energy and reform to the role, helping to revitalise the charity sector and further embed it within the island’s social fabric and future development.

The appointment is for a three-year term. Commissioners receive a remuneration of £35 per meeting, along with a mileage allowance of 77p per mile for personal vehicle use when attending meetings.

The relevant form – “Expression of Interest” – Charity Commissioner 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/2021/10/EOI-Form-Charity-Commissioner.pdf

Completed forms must be returned to Information and Research Support Officer, Linda Benjamin by Friday, 25 April 2025.

SHG

01 April 2025

During Marine Awareness Week, from the 17th to 21st March 2025, St Helena showcased the critical impacts of climate change on its marine life. As part of this local initiative, which has been running for over 20 years since its inception in 2003, the Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section hosted a talk at the Museum in Jamestown on Tuesday, 18 March 2025. This event was funded by the Blue Belt programme.

Dr. Susana Lincoln, a senior scientist at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), presented findings from a comprehensive climate study, highlighting the significant impacts of climate change on St Helena’s vital marine ecosystem. This presentation coincided with Marine Awareness Week, aimed at fostering a deeper connection between communities and the ocean, with an emphasis on sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and marine biodiversity.

Dr. Lincoln’s presentation was based on research from four years of study, which culminated in the publication of the “Climate Projections and Future Thermal Suitability Assessment for Priority Marine Species in St Helena (Blue Belt report CR195).” The report, part of a multi-phase study, examines the risks climate change poses to commercially and ecologically important species. The second phase of this work focused on 23 key species identified in collaboration with the Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section. These species include (local names in brackets):

•           Humpback whale

•           Pantropical spotted dolphin

•           Whale shark

•           Yellowfin tuna

•           Skipjack tuna

•           Bigeye tuna

•           Wahoo

•           Atlantic chub mackerel

•           Mackerel scad (Kingston)

•           Bigeye scad (Steenbrass)

•           Grouper (Jack)

•           Island cowfish

•           Deepwater bullseye

•           Sergeant major (Five finger)

•           Spotted moray (Conger)

•           St Helena butterflyfish (Cunningfish)

•           Island hogfish (Parrotfish)

•           St Helena wrasse (Greenfish)

•           Strigate parrotfish (Rockfish)

•           St Helena sharpnose pufferfish

•           St Helena flounder

•           Brown spiny lobster (Crayfish)

•           Red slipper lobster (Stump)

 

The findings from this report, which detail how rising sea temperatures may affect the distribution and survival of these species, are crucial for informing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies for the island. The Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section, in collaboration with the Blue Belt programme, continues to work towards safeguarding St Helena’s marine ecosystem.

In addition to the presentations, attendees were provided with Climate Cards to take away, helping to spread the message of climate change awareness. The Marine Awareness Week initiative also reached school children across primary and secondary schools (averaging 508 total students), offering them an opportunity to engage with the topic through educational activities, including a climate change-themed board game that further consolidated their understanding of climate change impacts to marine species around St Helena.

Dr. Lincoln’s presentation will also be shown on the local television channel, allowing a wider audience to access this important information and continue the conversation around protecting St Helena’s marine environment.

The Environment, Natural Resources and Planning portfolio hopes that the findings shared during Marine Awareness Week will continue to drive discussions and influence proactive measures to protect St Helena’s unique marine heritage.

Head of Nature Conservation, Elizabeth Clingham, commented:

“…climate change is no longer a distant concern, it is a reality that is shaping our oceans, coastlines, and communities and understanding these impacts is more important than ever.  We might not be able to see the direct effect of climate just yet, here on St Helena… but it will come.”

Photos

Marine Awareness Display

Head of Nature Conservation, Elizabeth Clingham, delivering a welcome speech to the presentation

 #StHelena #MarineAwarenessWeek #Cefas

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The Emergency Planning Department would like to remind the public and visitors about the Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) located around the island.

What is an AED and when and how are they used?

Defibrillators are devices that send a safe electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat when someone is unconscious and not breathing (i.e. they are in cardiac arrest).

A defibrillator may also be referred to as a Defib, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator). Statistics show that if a defibrillator is used on a patient within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, they have a 60 – 70% chance of making a full recovery. 

The type of AEDs placed around the island are designed so that they can be used by anyone, without specialist training. Once turned on they will instruct the user through voice commands on exactly how to use the device safely, for both the patient and the operator.

If you require access to an AED, the code to the cabinet can be requested from the Emergency Control Centre when dialling 999.

A reminder of all AED locations

AEDs are placed in the following locations:

District	Location
Half Tree Hollow	Half Tree Hollow Clinic (Outside of the main entrance)
St Paul’s	The Pavilion Area (In the green shed) at Francis Plain
Levelwood	Silver Hill Shop (Outside)
Blue Hill	Blue Hill Community Centre (Outside)
Sandy Bay	Bamboo Hedge Shop (Outside)
Rupert’s	Sea Rescue Building (Outside the main entrance)
Longwood	Royal St Helena Police Post (Outside)
Jamestown	Customs Building (Near the entrance to the Immigration office)

There are also other AEDs located in Jamestown at the Royal Saint Helena Police (RSHP) Head Quarters reception and at HM Prison.

The AEDs at these locations are clearly signposted and are contained in a bright yellow box as shown in the accompanying image.

#StHelena #Defibrillator #AED

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Please be advised that the previously announced visit of Minister Jeffrey Ellick to the UK has been delayed. This delay is due to a processing issue in South Africa, which is currently being addressed.

#StHelena #ElectedMembers #Overseasvisit

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On Thursday 20 March 2025, the Education Skills and Employment Portfolio (ESE) presented a successful Careers Fair 2025. The fair provided a valuable platform for members of the public, students, and job seekers to explore career opportunities on St Helena.

Held at New Horizons Leisure Park and the Mule Yard, the fair provided all attendees with a chance to meet employers face-to-face and gain a real insight into the requirements for different careers on the island. The fair also highlighted opportunities available and allowed participants to market themselves to prospective employers.

Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, delivered brief remarks before Interim Portfolio Director for ESE, Marie Horton, officially declared the fair open.

The Chief Minister said:

“This day has been generated for you; whether you are a student entering the work environment, an individual progressing in your chosen career or indeed those who wish to undertake a changed career path or simply someone looking for inspiration or confidence to pursue a business idea. This is your day!”

“I hereby encourage you to seize the opportunities that Careers Fair 2025 has to offer you. Be the positive change in your life. Always remember that opportunities don’t happen, you create them.”

Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, encouraged attendees to utilise the fair to engage with the businesses and organisations and to recognise the different possible career pathways available to them.

Support Officer (SHCC) Carley Peters said:

“Career’s Fair 2025 was designed to equip attendees with essential career advice, showcase exciting job opportunities, and foster overall professional development.

We really hope everyone found valuable insights throughout the day! It was fantastic to see such a great turnout, and the atmosphere was buzzing with enthusiasm! A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making this event a success. Here’s to more great career-building experiences!

Businesses and organisations taking part in the fair included various SHG portfolios and sections, Legislative Council, Judicial Services, Connect Saint Helena, Sure Saint Helena, Solomon and Company (St Helena) Plc, St Helena Brewery, the Saint Helena National Trust, Bank of St Helena, Smudge Dog, Audit St Helena, Peaks Enterprises, Rose and Crown, and SHAPE.

Presentations were delivered by representatives of the Graduate Scheme, Marine Conservation, St Helena National Trust, Emergency Care, Royal St Helena Police, Health and Social Care, and the St Helena Fire and Rescue Service.

Demonstrations throughout the day were delivered by the St Helena Fire and Rescue and Emergency Services in the Mule Yard.

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Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, delivers opening remarks

SHAPE display

Members of the St Helena Research Institute team at their stall

A model of a Raw Water System at Red Hill, displayed at the Connect Saint Helena stall

Peaks Enterprise Stall

Solomons Employee Progression Display

St Helena Brewery Stall

Legislative Council Stall

Members of the St Helena National Trust at their stall

SHG Occupational Therapy Team Display

Emergency Planning and Royal St Helena Police

HM Prison Stall

ENRP displays at the Mule Yard

Vanessa Thomas-Williams at the Terrestrial Conservation Stall

Agriculture Display

#StHelena #Education #CareersFair2025

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The St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to announce the launch of a public consultation on the proposed Communications Bill 2025, which aims to modernise the island’s telecommunications regulatory framework to support digital transformation and economic growth.

Modernising St Helena’s Digital Infrastructure

The Communications Bill 2025 will replace the outdated Telecommunications Ordinance 1989 and establish a modern regulatory framework essential for maximising the benefits of the Equiano fibre optic cable connection that was activated in October 2023.

Minister for Treasury and Economic Development, Mark Brooks said:

“This legislation represents a crucial step in St Helena’s digital journey, with the island now connected to high-speed fibre, we need an appropriate legal framework to ensure these benefits reach all residents and businesses while supporting economic development. I thank the public for their patience while officers have been working hard to review and update the new Communications Ordinance. I encourage everyone to engage with our team to help ensure this new legal framework meets the needs of all.”

The Bill implements the Policy for Communications, Networks and Services, approved by the Executive Council in 2020 and reaffirmed in 2024, focusing on a wide range of issues including:

• Communications Regulator – Establishing an independent regulator to oversee compliance, investigate breaches, and ensure licensees act in customers’ best interests
• Universal Service Obligation – Guaranteeing access to communication services island-wide
• Consumer Safeguards – Introducing quality of service standards, complaint procedures, and privacy protections
• Price Controls – Balancing affordability for consumers with fair returns for service providers
• Spectrum Management – Creating effective procedures for managing electromagnetic spectrum and licensing radiocommunications

The consultation seeks feedback on whether the draft legislation accurately reflects the previously approved policy objectives and how implementation might affect stakeholders.

The consultation document and draft Bill are available on the Public Consultation page on the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/public-consultation/.

The consultation period will end onWednesday 16 April 2025. Any questions or views on the draft Communications Bill 2025 may be submitted to Portfolio Assistant, Alexandria Thomas, via email through Alexandria.Thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh.

Following the consultation, responses will be reviewed by the Attorney General’s Chambers, with necessary amendments made before the Bill proceeds to the Legislative Assembly. The government aims to enact the legislation by June 2025.

Notes to Editors

• The Policy for Communications Networks and Services was first approved in October 2020 following public consultation. The policy can be found on the Public Information, Reports and Policies page at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/final-communications-networks-and-services-policy-october-2020/.
• The Equiano cable connection in October 2023 has already begun transforming internet services on the island.
• Further information about St Helena’s Sustainable Economic Development Strategy is available at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sustainable-Economic-Development-Strategy-2023-2033.pdf.

#StHelena #DraftCommunicationsBill2025 #PublicConsultation

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On 21 January 2025, Executive Council approved the Financial Services Regulation Policy 2025. The Financial Services Regulation Policy aims to modernise selected parts of our financial services regulatory framework. It is driven by the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy (SEDS) 2023-2033, as well as SHG’s Vision and Strategy.

The SEDS states that “SHG has identified that St Helena’s financial services laws and regulations require reform and modernisation in order to encourage competition within the sector and support economic growth. There are substantial gaps in current legislation. SHG’s objective is to enhance the financial services landscape by removing barriers to entry, while working toward compliance with international best practice and recommendations.” It notes that comprehensive reform and updates to existing financial services laws and regulations are required in order for St Helena to achieve its development goals.

The Financial Services Regulation Policy 2025 has four key objectives:

• Enhance the attractiveness of St Helena as a place to do business
• Strengthen consumer protection
• Reinforce governance standards
• Improve the effectiveness of our regulatory framework

The objectives are all inter-related. In particular, success in making St Helena a commercially attractive destination for financial services businesses in turn requires a more modern regulatory framework to cope with the needs and expectations of new businesses, especially overseas owned or managed businesses which choose to establish a presence in St Helena. In addition, the regulatory architecture helps to fulfill the customers’ needs of improved consumer protection measures and high-level service standards, in turn increasing the confidence and accountability within the financial service sector.

Minister Mark Brooks commented:

“The Financial Services Regulation Policy 2025 is an essential step towards improving the financial services landscape. The policy’s specific aim is to modernise SHG’s financial sector, which includes broadening the access to services and products for residents and investors. With regulations and policies in place to enable smooth, safe investment in financial services, this policy supports an enabling environment that allows people and businesses to thrive. The improved framework is designed to attract new firms to establish themselves in St Helena, positioning the island as a strategic base for delivering financial services to global customers. This aligns with the government’s broader vision of becoming ‘Altogether Wealthier’ by fostering a thriving financial services sector while upholding the highest standards of international regulatory compliance.”

Should members of the public wish to provide feedback on the policy, please contact Economic Development Portfolio Assistant, Alexandria Thomas, via email through alexandria.thomas@sainthelena.gov.sh.

This policy is now available on the Public Information, Reports and Policies page of the SHG website at https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Financial-Services-Regulation-Policy-2025.pdf.  

#StHelena #FinancialServicesRegulations #EconomicDevelopment

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Minister Jeffrey Ellick will depart the island on Saturday, 22 March 2025 to attend a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Small Branches Workshop on ‘Strong and Independent Parliaments in Small Jurisdictions’. This workshop will take place from 01 to 03 April 2025 in the Isle of Man.

In addition to the workshop, Minister Ellick will also be undertaking visits and meetings with various government departments and parliamentarians in the UK. These meetings are related to ongoing business within the Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA) Portfolio.

Minister Ellick is expected to return on Saturday, 12 April 2025.

During the Minister’s absence, Minister Christine Scipio will serve as the primary point of contact for matters pertaining to SSHA Portfolio and can be contacted via email at Christine.scipio@sainthelena.gov.sh.

#StHelena #ElectedMembers #CPAWorkshop

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