St Helena Port Control is pleased to announce the successful recovery and restoration of the navigational aid marking the Papanui wreck in James Bay.
Thanks to the vigilance and community spirit of local fishermen, the buoy was located and returned to Port Control several days later by the crew of the MFV John Melliss.
Fisherman, Dorian Caswell, affectionately known as ‘Duffy’, commented:
“I predicted to my wife Christine, as I was leaving Friday evening 21 March, that I would find the buoy on my fishing trip on board the MFV John Melliss to Bonaparte Seamount.
On Saturday morning, 22 March, whilst on watch at 05:00, I saw the light flashing on my starboard side and immediately knew it was the buoy. I woke my crew member Donovan O’Bey and changed course towards the flashing light and we saw that it was the missing buoy. We retrieved the buoy approximately 63 nautical miles from St Helena.”
St Helena Port Control extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the captain and crew of the MFV John Melliss for their prompt and efficient action in locating and returning this vital navigational aid. Their efforts ensure the continued safety of all boat users in the vicinity of the Papanui wreck.
Following an announcement in February 2025, St Helena’s only secondary school is delighted to announce its new name:
St Helena Secondary School.
This significant development follows a creative and collaborative project undertaken by the students over the past term. The initiative was designed to celebrate the school’s unique identity, honour its place within the wider community of St Helena, and strengthen its international presence.
Students were invited to submit suggestions for a new school name, and the Student Council meticulously shortlisted the options. This process ensured that the final choices reflected the school’s core values, heritage, and future aspirations. A whole-school vote to decide the final name then empowered every student to participate in shaping the school’s future identity.
The newly approved name, St Helena Secondary School, proudly reflects the school’s deep connection to the island. It reinforces its commitment to serving the local community while also highlighting its ambition to be recognised internationally as a centre of learning, growth, and opportunity.
A soft launch of the new name will commence over the coming months. While elements such as the updated name, crest, and visual identity will be gradually introduced across signage, uniform, stationery, and the school’s digital presence. The full transition to St Helena Secondary School will be completed by September 2026.
Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, commented:
“This achievement depicts yet another step in our journey of reviewing our educational provision. Implementing standards to improve and strengthen our service offering is key to our children’s success and the success of our island, but it is of equal importance that our children’s views and opinions are taken into account as we make progress. It is therefore deeply satisfying that a key element of our rebranding initiative has been decided upon by those very people – our students, our children.”
The school extends its sincere gratitude for the ongoing support of the community as it embarks on this exciting new chapter and looks forward to sharing further updates in due course.
Select Committee 1 will hold its fourth live hearing in the Council Chamber, The Castle, on Monday 19 May 2025. The topic under scrutiny is Health & Social Care: Provision of Facilities and Services with the focus primarily on the following:
Hospital (including Palliative care)
Community Care Centre, Sheltered Accommodation and Domiciliary Care
Safe Haven and Children’s Home.
Members of the public and interested persons are invited to attend.
The meeting will start at 10:00 and the proceedings will be broadcast live on SAMS Radio 1.
The St Helena Veterans Association (SHVA) yesterday hosted a series of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, honouring the sacrifices and contributions of both international and local heroes to the Allied victory in Europe.
The day began outside The Canister with solemn Readings of the Proclamation by Cllr Robert Midwinter and then by David Harding, recalling the historic announcement that marked the end of World War II in Europe.
Mid-morning, a dignified Main Service took place at the Cenotaph. Led by Bishop Dale, the service offered a moment for reflection and remembrance. Attendees observed a reverent two-minute silence, followed by the laying of wreaths as a mark of respect for those who served and sacrificed. In the evening, the symbolic Ringing of Church Bells echoed the triumphant sounds that swept across Europe on that momentous day in 1945. Adding a visual tribute, High Knoll Fort was illuminated in the UK national colours of red, white, and blue, serving as a beacon of remembrance visible across the island.
The SHG UK Representative’s Office attended the service at Westminster Abbey and a concert held at Horse Guards Parade in London.
These events underscore St Helena’s commitment to remembering the profound impact of the Second World War and acknowledging the collective efforts that led to peace. The programme aimed to ensure that both the global significance of VE Day and the unique contributions of St Helenians are appropriately honoured.
Chairman of the SHVA, Joshua Deville, commented:
“Yesterday marked the national and international commemoration of this very important date in our memories and our calendars, the 80th Anniversary of that very important day, when the world was able to come out from the shadow of the horrific experiences of war and look to the future, in commemoration and celebration.”
“It was very heart-warming to see our communities across St Helena, come together to pay their respects and support the marking of various events throughout the day, from the two readings of the Proclamation in the morning, to the Service, two-minute silence and the Wreath Laying and then in the evening with the Ringing of Church Bells.”
“I would like to convey my sincere thanks and appreciation, on behalf of the St Helena Veterans Association, to all who supported us in bringing this event to life.”
Photos
Reading of the Proclamation by Cllr Midwinter
Attendees at the Main Service
The ‘Reveille’ being played on the bugle.
Wreaths laid on the Cenotaph
The St Helena Veterans Association, with newly appointed Chairman, Joshua Deville (5th from the right)
The Speaker of St Helena Legislative Council, the Hon Cyril K Gunnell, will depart the island on Sunday 11 May 2025 to attend the Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers Conference (COTSC) 2025 in Westminster, London, by invitation of the House of Commons Speaker, the Rt. Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, from 13 to 16 May 2025. He will be accompanied by Legislative Council Office Assistant, Miss Morgan Thomas-Henry.
Speaker Gunnell said,
“It will be an honour to participate in this face-to-face COTSC meeting on behalf of the Legislative Council. I have agreed to present a keynote speech on Presiding and Proceedings”.
The Hon Speaker will return to the island, following a period of medical leave in Johannesburg, on Saturday 14 June 2025. Miss Thomas-Henry will return on 17 May 2025.
In the absence of the Speaker, the Honourable Deputy Speaker and Legislative Council Office Staff will conduct business accordingly.
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 week commencing 12 May 2025 are as follows:
Monday 09:00 – 15:00 (for businesses and individuals receiving and issuing items/shipments)
Tuesday: 11:00 – 15:00 (for businesses and individuals receiving and issuing items/shipments)
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: Closed
Consequently, during this training period, the reception desk will be unattended, staff will have limited access to emails and cashier services will be slower which may result in delays. 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.
The Provisional Register will be used to prepare the final Register of Electors, effective from 01 July 2025, which will determine eligibility to vote, sponsor or support a candidate, or stand in the 2025 General Election. No changes can be made after the final register is published until after the General Election has taken place.
You are encouraged to check the Provisional Register and ensure that your information is accurate. Eligible persons will have until 16:00 on Friday 23 May 2025 to submit applications using Form ‘A’ to amend the provisional register.
To be eligible, you will have St Helenian Status as defined by law (Immigration Ordinance, 2011), are ordinarily resident on St Helena, and aged 17 years or over. Examples of how the Provisional Register can be amended include:
Adding your name
Amending any details in the Provisional Register, e.g. if you have changed your name or address
Changing the Electoral District in which you can vote
It is your responsibility to check the Provisional Register and make any necessary changes before the deadline.
Forms can be submitted in hard copy or via email to any of the following officers at the Castle:
For those who are ordinarily resident but currently off-island, Form ‘B’ is available for making amendments. Both forms can be downloaded from the SHG Elections page via the link above..
Remember: If your name is not on the Register of Electors effective from 1 July 2025, you will not be able to participate in the 2025 General Election.
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 week commencing 12 May 2025 are as follows:
Monday: 09:00 – 15:00 (for businesses and individuals receiving and issuing items/shipments)
Tuesday and Friday: 11:00 – 15:00 (for businesses and individuals receiving and issuing items/shipments)
Wednesday and Thursday: Closed
Consequently, during this training period, the reception desk will be unattended, staff will have limited access to emails and cashier services will be slower which may result in delays. 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.
As the world marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May, the St Helena Veterans Association (SHVA) will hold a series of commemorative events, with the support of various island agencies and partners, to remember the significant contribution of the island to this crucial Allied effort.
VE Day marks the official surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945, a moment of collective relief and celebration after years of devastating war. But even in this remote corner of the South Atlantic, the impact of the war was felt deeply. Whilst initial plans for a St Helena naval station did not fully materialise, the island’s strategic importance became apparent. The sinking of the RFA Darkdale in October 1941 brought the realities of the conflict to St Helena’s shores, highlighting its vulnerability. Nevertheless, the island adapted and continued to contribute to the broader Allied effort. The island later served as a place of refuge for survivors ofthe British passenger steamship S.S. City of Cairo. These events illustrate the far-reaching impact of the Battle of the Atlantic and the part played by St Helena during this critical period.
These experiences will be reflected in the island’s programme of events organised by the SHVA, designed to honour both international and local contributions to the Allied victory:
The programme will include:
09:00 – Reading of the Proclamation, outside The Canister
11:00 – Main Service led by Bishop Dale, two minutes of Silence and Wreath Laying, at the Cenotaph
18:30 – Ringing of Church Bells
Additionally, High Knoll Fort will be illuminated today and tomorrow in red, white, and blue lights.
The legacy of St Helena’s wartime contribution reminds us that even the most remote places can be profoundly connected to world events. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, the events planned to take place on Thursday 8 May 2025 will serve as a poignant reminder of the wartime experiences and contributions of the people of St Helena alongside the wider Allied forces in the pursuit of peace.
Photos (Courtesy of the Museum of St Helena)
The wreck of the RFA Darkdale the morning after the attack.
The Provisional Register of Electors for 2025 will be published on Friday 9 May 2025.
Following its publication, eligible persons will have until 16:00 on Friday 23 May 2025 to submit applications using Form ‘A’ to amend the provisional register.
If you have St Helenian Status as defined by law (Immigration Ordinance, 2011), are ordinarily resident on St Helena, and aged 17 years or over, examples of how the Provisional Register can be amended include:
Adding your name
Amending any details in the Provisional Register, e.g. if you have changed your name or address
Changing the Electoral District in which you can vote
Remember it is your responsibility to check the Provisional Register when it is issued and to make an application to amend it if you wish to. This includes adding your name if it is not already listed.
The final register, dated 1 July 2025, will be the register which will be used for this year’s General Election. To participate in the democratic process, whether by sponsoring, supporting, standing as a candidate, or voting, your name must be included in this register. No further additions will be permitted after the final register is published.
Completed Forms ‘A’ can be submitted to any of the following officers at the Castle, between 09 and 23 May 2025 in hard copy or via email:
Remember, if your name is not on the Register of Electors you will not be able to sponsor or support a candidate, nor to stand or vote in the 2025 General Election.
