Middle Landing Steps
Following the announcement of 11 March regarding the closure of the Middle Landing Steps, we are pleased to inform the public that they are now open for use, with immediate effect.
Funding for this project was provided by the Economic Development Investment Programme (EDIP) – Micro Project, in partnership with the FCDO.
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.”
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Awardee Jordana Peters with her parents and members of the Royal St Helena Police
#StHelena #LeaderoftheFutureAward #RoyalStHelenaPolice
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
SHG
14 April 2025
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.
#StHelena #BIOT #CustomsandImmigration #Training
HM Customs would like to advise the public they will be closed on Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 April 2025. This closure is due to the following reasons:
Due to the above reasons, Jamestown Wharf will have restricted access, therefore all customers are encouraged to utilise the available opening hours on the 10, 11 and 14 April between 09:00 – 15:00.
Normal operations will resume at the Jamestown wharf after the Easter holidays on Tuesday, 22 April from 09:00.
HM Customs would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and the public are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
SHG
10 April 2025
Please be advised that the Central Support Service will be closed on Friday, 11 April 2025 to allow staff to attend their Away Day.
These office closures will include the Legislative Council staff office, Statistics, the IT Section, Human Resources and Organisational Development, GIS, Administration Support, Archives, the Transport Section and the Comms Hub.
The Castle switchboard will continue to be staffed until 16:00 and can be contacted on 22470 for any urgent matters.
Normal business will resume on Monday, 14 April 2025, at 08:30.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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
The Emergency Planning Department would like to inform the public that a North-westerly swell is forecast for Saturday, 12 April, to Monday, 14 April 2025. This may result in unsettled sea conditions in James and Rupert’s Bay.
Swimmers should exercise extreme caution when entering the water in James and Rupert’s Bay.
Vehicle owners are advised to avoid parking near the rails on the seafront, and individuals are asked to use caution when in close proximity to the railings due to the potential risk of wave overspray and associated hazards.
Boat owners are urged to ensure their vessels are securely moored during this period.
The Emergency Planning Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as needed.
The cruise ship MV Bolette will arrive in St Helena at 07:00 on Wednesday, 09 April 2025. There are 990 passengers on board.
Tours are due to depart from Jamestown Wharf at 08:00. It is expected that the passengers will carry the following currencies: Euros, Dollars and Great British Pounds (GBP). Currency exchange rate information is available from the Bank of St Helena and the Tourist Office.
The MV Bolette will depart St Helena at approximately 17:00.
Temporary One-Way Traffic System
The public are advised that a temporary one way system will be in place on Wednesday, 09 April from 08:30 to 15:00 for the cruise ship visit.
This system, designed to improve safety and reduce congestion, will direct traffic from Gordons Post towards Hutts Gate along Tomb Road. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction will be diverted from Hutts Gate to Gordons Post via The Dungeon, as shown on the map below.
This is a familiar procedure, used during previous cruise ship visits, and likely to be implemented again in the future.
The one-way route will be clearly signposted and will be removed as soon as it is no longer necessary.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank the public for their understanding in this matter.
HM Customs would like to advise the public that their offices will be closed on Wednesday, 09April 2025 due to the arrival of cruise ship MV Bolette.
Normal operations will resume on Thursday, 10 April from 09:00.
HM Customs would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and the public are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
SHG
07 April 2025
The public are advised that the Jamestown Wharf will be closed to all members of the public from 06:00 on Wednesday, 09 April 2025, due to the arrival of cruise ship MV Bolette. This area will remain closed until the vessel has departed the port.
Access to Jamestown Wharf will be strictly prohibited and is limited only to those who have made prior arrangements with Port Control.
Boat owners are also advised that during the time the ship is in port, no maintenance work will be permitted to be carried out on their vessels while it remains on the wharf.
SHG
07 April 2025