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Following the presentation of the Appropriation Bill 2025 on Thursday 29 May 2025 in Legislative Council, and the budget speech by Minister for the Treasury and Economic Development Portfolios, Mark Brooks, the Budget Book 2025/26 – 2027/28 is now available on the SHG website via: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-26-to-2027-28-Budget-Book.pdf.

The Budget Book, formally titled Estimates of Recurrent and Capital Expenditure and Revenue 2025/26 – 2027/28, covers the Government’s forecast revenue and expenditure for the 2025/26 financial year. It also explains the assumptions and methodologies applied where the Government has costed policy decisions.

Within the Budget Book you will find details about overall government finances as well as portfolio-specific finances.

#StHelena #Budget2025/26 #AltogetherWealthier

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St Helena has been nominated for the ‘Most Desirable Island – Worldwide’ category in the prestigious Wanderlust Travel Awards 2025. This significant recognition follows Wanderlust’s shortlisting of destinations that resonated with their readership of over 140,000 and broader audience, with consumers now voting on these shortlisted nominations to determine the ultimate winner. This highlights St Helena’s growing appeal as a truly unique and authentic travel destination.

Voting for the Wanderlust Travel Awards is open now until 17 October 2025. Travelers and admirers of St Helena are encouraged to cast their votes and support the island’s bid for this esteemed title.

The winners of the 24^th annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards will be unveiled at a ceremony hosted during World Travel Market, held at the National Gallery in London on 5 November 2025. The event aims to celebrate awe-inspiring worldwide destinations, as championed by Wanderlust’s discerning readership.

The Wanderlust Travel Awards are highly regarded, with categories designed to identify the most desirable cities, regions, countries and emerging destinations, all chosen by Wanderlust readers. Additionally, the awards recognise top destinations for adventure, culture and heritage, nature and wildlife, food, and sustainable travel.

This nomination provides an exceptional opportunity for St Helena to gain further international recognition and attract more visitors eager to discover our rich history, breath-taking landscapes, and friendly culture.

To vote for St Helena as the ‘Most Desirable Island – Worldwide’, please visit https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/about-us/our-awards/2025-vote/.

Head of Tourism, Jonathan Passaportis, commented: 

“Being nominated for the Most Desirable Island Worldwide is an amazing honour for St Helena.  It reflects the growing appreciation for this magnificent island’s rare beauty, unrivalled nature, deep heritage, and warm hospitality.  We invite everyone who has been inspired by St Helena, whether through travel, story or connection, to cast their vote and help share our unique island with the world.”

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Note to Editor

Wanderlust, a leading voice in independent travel, is dedicated to informing and inspiring travellers globally to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Through original travel writing, photography, and expert advice, both in print and online, Wanderlust champions unique travel experiences.

#StHelena #Tourism #ReaderTravelAwards

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The St Helena Government (SHG) is implementing significant reforms to enhance public safety and improve the island’s transportation system, focusing on taxis, buses, and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs). These reforms, approved by the Executive Council in October 2023, include a comprehensive licensing policy for drivers and vehicles and a reduced drink-driving limit, aligning with international standards. These reforms will come into effect on 1 September 2025.

Addressing Regulatory Gaps and Enhancing Public Safety

Currently, while vehicles can be registered as taxis, there are no safeguards to ensure driver vetting and authorisation. This lack of oversight poses a potential risk to public safety. To address this, SHG will introduce a new licensing policy mandating driver and vehicle licensing. This will ensure all operators undergo thorough vetting, including medical assessments and safeguarding training.

Minister for Safety, Security, and Home Affairs, Jeffrey Ellick, stated:

“This policy is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of all public transportation services. By implementing a robust licensing system, we are taking a significant step towards protecting our community and ensuring passengers, especially the most vulnerable, can have confidence in the vehicles and operators they use.”

Implementation and Financial Implications

The implementation of these reforms will involve additional costs, including vetting, photo card licenses, and administrative expenses. To cover these costs, a licensing fee structure has been established. A new driver’s license, including medical, vehicle (Class C), and vetting and administration costs, will total £60.80.

The Royal St Helena Police (RSHP) will manage the licensing renewal of approximately 213 vehicles, representing an estimated 75% of the 284 registered taxis, PSVs, and buses. Budget adjustments will be made to accommodate ongoing material and administrative expenses.

Lowering the Drink-Driving Limit

In a move to further enhance road safety, SHG is reducing the drink-driving limit from 50mg to 35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, aligning with standards in the UK, Falkland Islands, Ascension, and most other British Overseas Territories. This change, necessitating amendments to the Road Traffic Ordinance 1985, aims to reduce road accidents and promote responsible driving.

Minister Ellick added:

“St Helena previously had possibly the highest drink-driving limit in the world. Updating this limit is a step towards reducing road accidents, making our roads safer for all users and promoting responsible driving.”

#StHelena #ReducedDrink-DrivingLimit #RoadTrafficSafety

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St Helena is proud to observe Carers Week from 9 to 15 June 2025, dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of unpaid carers across the island. This year’s theme, ‘Working towards an equal society where unpaid carers are truly recognised, valued and supported,’ highlights the critical role these individuals play in our community.

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member, neighbour, or friend living with a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. While paid care professionals are essential, Carers Week specifically shines a light on those who integrate caregiving into their daily lives without financial compensation.

Caring can often be a lonely and isolating experience, and the dedication involved can be immense. During this week, we encourage everyone to reflect on how we can show our support, appreciation, and understanding for these remarkable individuals and their unwavering commitment to their loved ones, extended family, friends, and neighbours.

The St Helena community extends a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to all carers, both known and unknown, for the positive difference they make in the lives of others. Your selflessness and compassion are the backbone of our society.

#StHelena #DiabetesWeek2025 #AltogetherHealthier

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St Helena is joining the global observance of Diabetes Week, a time dedicated to elevate awareness, spark conversations, and shed light on the daily realities of living with diabetes. With an estimated 1 in 4 people on St Helena currently receiving medication for diabetes and approximately 400 individuals living with prediabetes, the island faces a significant public health challenge.

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin or effectively utilise the insulin it produces. Insulin is a crucial hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to severe complications, including damage to blood vessels, increasing the risk of blindness, amputation, kidney disease, heart attack, and stroke.

This year, Diabetes Week on St Helena shines a critical light on the importance of regular health checks for individuals living with diabetes. Whilst the constant cycle of numbers, checks, and tests can feel overwhelming, and despite feeling fine or lacking time, these routine health assessments are vital for maintaining good health and ensuring a full and active life. For those living with diabetes, it can often feel like a constant battle, but these regular health checks are your strongest defence. These vital assessments provide crucial insights into your health, enabling early intervention and preventing serious complications further down the line.

The health team on St Helena encourages the community to proactively engage in lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of developing diabetes, such as maintaining a healthy weight through healthy eating, being physically active, and not smoking.

To mark Diabetes Week, the Health Promotion Team will host a stall at The Market, Jamestown on Thursday, 12 June 2025, from 10:00. This event will offer:

• Diabetes risk score checks
• Blood pressure screenings
• Opportunities to speak with healthcare professionals about diabetes and related health topics
• Discussions with the Better Health and Smokefree team on making positive lifestyle changes

This is a valuable opportunity for community members to gain a better understanding of their diabetes risk, learn about vital health checks, and access support for healthier living.

For more information, please contact:

• Diabetic Nurse: 22500 Ext 2094
• Health Promotion Team: 22500 Ext 2079

#StHelena #DiabetesWeek2025 #AltogetherHealthier

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