Study reveals 60 million years of penguin evolution   19 July 2022 BAS News stories   Scientists have reconstructed more than 60 million years of evolutionary history to reveal how penguins became oceanic birds.   An international team of 40 researchers analysed the genomes – the complete set of DNA – […]

The Brass Fish Figure found at Blenden Hall, Inaccessible Island   Treasure Island Challenge       A brass fish figure was found on Blenden Hall beach by Tristan islander Jack Green on 24th March 2007. tristandc.com challenges to maritime historians to try to establish exactly what the figure is, […]

ANNUAL PRICE INFLATION RATE RISES TO 4.8%   For the second quarter of 2022, the Statistical Office has measured the Retail Price Index (RPI) at 112.8. This is an increase of 4.8% from a year ago, which is the highest annual inflation rate since 2017, which was just after the […]

Success for krill survey in South Georgia   21 July, 2022 BAS News stories   The second of six winter krill surveys in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is underway. The first winter krill survey was completed successfully on board the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands fishery patrol vessel MV Pharos […]

New Strategic Advisor for Fortuna Ltd   12/07/22 Press Statement   Falklands company Fortuna Ltd are pleased to announce the appointment of Barry Rowland as Strategic Advisor.  Barry is well known to many people in the islands.  He will be working alongside the board, supporting the Managing Director and General […]

Public Consultation on Entry Control Policy Ends   19 July 2022   Ascension Island Government Response to consultation feedback published   Between Friday 24 June and Monday 18 July a public consultation was held on a draft Policy on Entry Control to Ascension.   A robust system of entry control […]

  NEW GOVERNOR HISTORIC FIRST FOR FALKLANDS   By J Brock (FINN)   H E the Governor Mrs Alison Blake was sworn in as Governor of the Falkland Islands and Commissioner of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands on Saturday 23 July 2022 at the Court and Council Chamber […]

Lindblad Expeditions Introduces Extended-Length Voyages   by Dori Saltzman / July 27, 2022   National Geographic Orion will sail some of the line’s  new extended length voyages. Photo: Lindblad Expeditions   Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is introducing eight extended-length voyages, ranging from 18 to 38 days, that give guests more time to explore the […]

PRESS RELEASE Report on Executive Council 26 July 2022   ExCo report – 26th July 2022   A meeting of Executive Council was held on 26th July 2022.  MLAs Hansen, Pollard and Spink attended the meeting.  All papers were approved unanimously unless stated otherwise.   The first paper considered two […]

GOVERNOR DESIGNATE TO ARRIVE ON SATURDAY 13 AUGUST   The Governor Designate of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha, Mr Nigel Phillips CBE accompanied by his wife Emma, will arrive at St Helena on Saturday, 13 August 2022.   Mr Nigel Phillips CBE   The Governor Designate and […]

Troubling new research shows warm waters rushing towards world’s biggest ice sheet in Antarctica   Environment   3 Aug 2022 6:18 am AEST Share The Conversation   Warmer waters are flowing towards the East Antarctic ice sheet, according to our alarming new research which reveals a potential new driver of […]

  ALCATEL SUBMARINE NETWORKS ENGINEER ARRIVING NEXT WEEK   An engineer from Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) will arrive on-Island on Saturday, 13 August 2022, to undertake the following tasks in conjunction with the Fibre Optic Cable Project:   Witness all segment commissioning activities, as detailed in the Daily Progress Report […]

Consultation On Terrestrial Protected Area Management Plan And Supporting Regulations (2/8/22)   The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is pleased to announce the opening of the consultation period for the Specially Protected Area Management Plan and Regulations.   On 5th July 2022, GSGSSI announced the designation […]

    High levels of pollutants in Antarctic snow   28 July, 2022 BAS Press releases   Scientists have recorded markedly increased levels of ‘fluorinated forever chemicals’ in Antarctic snow which are thought to have originated from the use of CFC-replacements.   A team of researchers, led by the University of […]

  First Ever Submarine Internet Cable for Antarctica     Two Infrastructure Corporations will Build the First Antarctica Broadband Connection   The first undersea internet cable will dock on the Antarctican coast, and two infrastructure firms from Chile and Singapore are getting ready to create it.   The Humboldt Line cable, created […]

  3 August 2022 Reminder of vaccination clinic for 5 – 11 year olds   The KEMH would like to remind parents that there will be a COVID-19 vaccination clinic of the Pfizer vaccine for children aged between 5 and 11 years old on Saturday 13 August in the KEMH. […]

  Why Does the Keystone Species of the Southern Ocean Need an Awareness Day?   A krill expert explains her decade-long love for the small but mighty crustacean ARTICLE August 3, 2022 Read time: 5 min   Projects:Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN STUDYING ANTARCTIC KRILL AND OTHER […]

Alcatel Submarine Networks Engineer Arriving Next Week   An engineer from Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) will arrive on-Island on Saturday, 13 August 2022, to undertake the following tasks in conjunction with the Fibre Optic Cable Project:   Witness all segment commissioning activities, as detailed in the Daily Progress Report   […]

St Helena Participates in UKOTA Mental Health Webinar   2 August 2022   The United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) Mental Health webinar was held on Monday, 18 July 2022. This was the third webinar organised by UKOTA and on Mental Health in the Workplace.   The webinar was facilitated […]

Bristow Completes Acquisition of British International Helicopter Services Limited   NEWS PROVIDED BY Bristow Group  Aug 03, 2022, 05:00 ET   The acquisition is expected to strengthen Bristow’s leading global Government Services offering BIH will integrate into Bristow’s U.K. operations and adopt the Bristow name and brand   LONDON, Aug. 3, […]

Simulations show Antarctica’s only insect is at risk due to global warming   by Bob Yirka , Phys.org   A team of researchers affiliated with a host of institutions in the U.S., working with colleagues from the British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council and the University of Johannesburg, has […]

  ARRIVAL OF THE MT SARAH AND MV HELENA   The MT Sarah is scheduled to arrive at St Helena at 6am on Sunday, 7 August 2022. Discharge of fuel will start on Sunday, 7 August, and should be completed by Monday, 8 August.   The MV Helena is scheduled to arrive at St […]

Rockhopper diplomacy for Chief Islander Report and photographs from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy   On 21st July, Chief Islander James Glass had a face-to-face ‘bilateral’ meeting with the UK’s minister for the Overseas Territories.   Photo shows James with Amanda Milling at the FCDO on 21st July   […]

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT COVID-19 PROOF OF VACCINATION AND PRE-DEPARTURE TESTING FOR PASSENGERS DEPARTING ON SUNDAY, 19 JUNE 2022   The Health Services Directorate would like to advise passengers booked on the Airlink flight scheduled to depart St Helena on Sunday, 19 June 2022, of the following requirements prior to their departure: […]

PLANTING A TREE FOR THE JUBILEE   On Monday 6 June at High Peak, Blue Hill, the Environmental Management Division, in collaboration with the Cloud Forest Project, facilitated the planting of She Cabbage trees to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 70 years of service.   Portfolio Director of Environment Natural […]

BEACON LIT FOR QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE   A ‘Platinum Jubilee’ beacon lighting ceremony to recognise Her Majesty the Queen’s long and selfless service of 70 years on the Throne, took place on Thursday, 2 June 2022, at 8.45pm at the seafront, Jamestown.   The event was well attended with over […]

MEDICAL ADVICE: MONKEY POX   Monkeypox is an infection that is usually only seen in West and Central Africa. The virus does not have anything to do with monkeys, but is carried by rodents, especially squirrels and rats. Humans become infected by handling, eating, or being bitten by infected rodents, […]

World’s First Long-range Autonomous Marine Research Vessel Unveiled   Nolan Beilstein Jun 10, 2022     Welcome to Thomas Insights — every day, we publish the latest news and analysis to keep our readers up to date on what’s happening in industry.   Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) unveiled designs for Oceanus, a […]

ST HELENA MARINE CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENED   The new St Helena Marine Centre at the Wharf in Jamestown was officially opened with an unveiling of the marine Centre signboard and a ribbon cutting ceremony on World Oceans Day 2022 (Wednesday, 8 June).   During the ceremony, speeches were delivered by […]

 GOVERNOR RUSHBROOK HOSTS ‘STREET PARTY’ FOR QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE   His Excellency the Governor, Dr Philip Rushbrook, hosted a garden party with a difference (see photos attached) at Plantation House to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 70-year reign on Sunday, 5 June 2022. In this unprecedented time in history, where […]

INFLATION ON ST HELENA   With fuel prices rising steadily and totals at the till creeping up with each weekly shop, millions of people worldwide are faced with increased costs and are having to make tough choices about their spending.   On St Helena we are already experiencing increased fuel […]

Falklands 40 Marked in Stanley City   By J Brock (FINN)   A day of remembrance and celebration was held in Stanley on 14 June 2022.  Honouring the 252 servicemen and 3 civilians that died in the conflict began at Christ Church Cathedral with a Thanksgiving Service beginning at 0930hrs. […]

Antarctic glaciers’ ice loss “unprecedented”   16 June, 2022 In the news   Two crucial glaciers in West Antarctica may be losing ice faster than they have over the last 5,000 years, according to a new study published this month (June 2022).       The international team, led by the […]

Governor’s Address Falklands Conflict – 40th Anniversary Commemoration and Flag Raising   The Courthouse, Jamestown 14 June 2022   On 3 rd April 1982, the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher made a statement to the House of Commons. The day before, Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands. Prime Minister Thatcher got […]

GOVERNOR RUSHBROOK PAYS FAREWELL VISIT TO POLICE HEADQUARTERS   His Excellency the Governor, Dr Philip Rushbrook, paid a farewell visit to Police Headquarters this morning, Thursday 16 June 2022.  During his visit, the Governor unveiled a plaque commemorating the previous use of the site as the Middle Ground Cemetery. The Right […]

Polar research ship returns to UK   14 June, 2022 BAS News stories   Britain’s new polar research ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough, returns to the UK today (14 June) after completing its landmark maiden voyage to Antarctica.     The ship departed the UK in November last year, and has spent the past […]

PAC report into Falkland College (previously the Training Centre) project   STANLEY, FALKLANDS: The Public Accounts Committee published its report today into the planning and construction of the Falklands College. The report provides an analysis and evaluation of the building project which was completed in 2020.   The planning and […]

FAREWELL TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR MR NIGEL PHILLIPS CBE   His Excellency the Governor will be leaving the Falkland Islands on Friday 1 July 2022 at the end of his tour of duty.   The following arrangements have been put in place for his farewell.   On Thursday 30 […]

HEALTH SERVICES DIRECTORATE PREPARED FOR THE LIFTING OF QUARANTINE   The Health Services Directorate is preparing for the effects of lifting the requirement to quarantine upon arrival to St Helena.   The Island is at an optimum stage to move forward with Living with COVID-19 and there are four contributing […]

Atlantic Guardians Talk to Tristan Islanders   Photos from Emil Pirzenthal   In the evening of the 8th June 2022 – World Ocean Day – Jess Escobar Porras and Janine Lavarello gave a talk to islanders in Prince Philip Hall about the Marine Protection Zone (MPZ) and how important it […]

Protegat to provide emergency supplies to farms   Following planned routine maintenance in South America, Workboat Services have announced that there will be further delays to the return of the Concordia Bay. This is due to circumstances that have been out of their control.   In order to assist Camp […]

New South Sandwich Islands research   South Georgia Website: 15 June, 2022   A special issue of the journal Deep-Sea Research which includes contributions from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists features a range of new research which increases our understanding of the understudied South Sandwich Islands.   The South Sandwich […]

WORLD ELDERLY ABUSE AWARENESS DAY   The Health & Social Care Portfolio would like to thank everyone for their participation in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Wednesday, 15 June 2022. We were pleased with the response within our community and for the varied action of events in recognition of the day. […]

Midwinter Day 2022 in Antarctica and South Georgia   21 June, 2022 BAS news story   British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff in the UK and across three Antarctic wintering stations observe the shortest, darkest day of the year on the frozen continent with a host of unique celebrations.   Today (Tuesday […]

Variation of Electricity Price   The Public Works Department would like to inform the public that, in accordance with Regulation 10A of the Electricity Supply Regulations 1969, which allows for the variation of prices charged for electricity supplied to consumers, the following price adjustment will be made.   The costs […]

ST HELENA LIVING WITH COVID-19 Bulletin   1: WHAT IS SARSCoV2 (COVID-19) CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, DR PETER MOSS   Dr Peter Moss, has been a consultant in infectious diseases since 1999. He has worked within the full range of infectious diseases, and was the Director of Infection Prevention and Control […]

Special Committee Approves Text Requesting Governments of Argentina, United Kingdom Resume Talks to Resolve Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Sovereignty Dispute The Special Committee on Decolonization today forwarded to the General Assembly a draft resolution requesting the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom to consolidate the current process of dialogue through […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT ADDRESS TO THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE SITUATION WITH REGARD TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECLARATION ON THE GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE TO COLONIAL COUNTRIES AND PEOPLES UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE OF 24 23 JUNE 2022 by THE HONOURABLE LEONA ROBERTS MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY   […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT ADDRESS TO THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE SITUATION WITH REGARD TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECLARATION ON THE GRANTING OF INDEPENDENCE TO COLONIAL COUNTRIES AND PEOPLES UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE OF 24 23 JUNE 2022 by THE HONOURABLE GAVIN SHORT MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY   […]

COVID-19 MEDIA BRIEFING TOP LINES   It has now been over two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, St Helena’s Response plan as well as the cooperation of St Helena’s community has contributed to the Island remaining free from community spread. The recent reduction in quarantine arrangements was the first […]

New funding to protect biodiversity in UK overseas territories   Threatened species will benefit from funding to tackle invasive species and strengthen climate change mitigation.   Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and The Rt Hon Lord Goldsmith Published 23 May 2022     Credit: Colin Davies Getty Images Threatened species […]

Brendon completes Toothfish PhD   May 23, 2022   Brendon Lee has recently completed his PhD and CFL is proud to have been a part of his journey which brings an enhanced understanding of the stock structure of Patagonian toothfish.         He said he was extremely thankful […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT   24 May 2022 COVID-19 vaccination clinics The KEMH is pleased to inform the public that they will be running more ‘by appointment only’ COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the KEMH. Starting at 10.30am, the clinics will be on:   Saturday 28 May Saturday 4 […]

Report highlights impact of changes in Antarctica   by British Antarctic Survey     Pack ice on the Weddell Sea. Credit: Susie Grant @ British Antarctic Survey   A new report published Tuesday 24 May sends a strong message to countries responsible for Antarctic governance meeting this week in Berlin, that […]

Judge Malcolm Simmons appointed to senior overseas judicial post NEWS PROVIDED BY Edward Montague Associates May 24, 2022, 18:06 GMT       Judge Malcolm Simmons sworn in as acting Supreme Court Judge   On the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict, Judge Malcolm Simmons takes up a new judicial […]

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR’S ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FRIDAY 27 MAY 2021   Scene setting Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, honoured guests. In this 40th Anniversary year, it seems fitting that we consider just how much our democracy has matured. The global pandemic has caused us to think carefully […]

ST HELENA COVID-19 STATUS UPDATE   Following negative results from the re-testing of person(s) testing positive for COVID-19 in home quarantine on Saturday, 7 May 2022, the public is advised that there are no positive cases of COVID-19 on St Helena at this time.   All COVID-19 protocols adhered to […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 25 May 2022 Weekly COVID-19 infection rates   The KEMH can confirm that since March 2020, there have been a total of 1,687 positive COVID-19 cases within the Falkland Islands.   1,512 cases have been identified from community spread (please note these are numbers […]

Report highlights impact of changes in Antarctica   24 May, 2022 BAS Press releases   A new report published today (Tuesday 24 May) sends a strong message to countries responsible for Antarctic governance meeting this week in Berlin, that there’s a need for urgent action on minimising climate change impacts in […]

SHG STRATEGY 2022-2025 PUBLISHED   This Strategy sets out our Government’s priorities for this financial year and the next three years. It includes our overall strategic framework and approach, and provides an overview of how we will focus on developments that will capitalise on the airport investment, prepare our people […]

  SOLAR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND NATURAL LIGHTING RETROFITTING INTO BUILDING AT SCOTLAND A Project to retrofit solar renewable energy and natural lighting into the Environment, Natural Resources & Planning (ENRP) Building at Scotland, St Paul’s, has recently been completed (see photos attached). The Project was announced by His Excellency the […]

ISLAND FINANCE FORUM 2022 CONCLUDES   The Island Finance Forum 2022, hosted virtually by Island Innovation, took place between 25 and 29 April 2022. St Helena was invited, along with many other islands, to participate and discuss the challenges that islands face. Topics included risk and insurance, climate finance, renewable […]

MPZ Event at the House of Commons   Photos from Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com) and Peter Millington, and Hazel Carter TDC Website   An event to celebrate the designation of the Marine Protection Zone (MPZ) around the Tristan islands was held on Wednesday the 11th May 2022 in the Speaker’s State […]

The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP Speaker of the House of Commons Accompanied by Chief of Staff, Helen Wood Deputy Chief of Staff, David Clark The Rt Hon Amanda Milling MP Accompanied by Private Secretary Madeline Roper Falkland Islands 26 May – 31 May 2022   PROGRAMME:   Wednesday […]

BATTLEGROUND ANTARCTICA   ‘Gentleman’s agreement’: Despite mining ban, Russia scours Antarctica for massive fossil fuel deposits     Moored near the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town in mid-March, the Akademik Tryoshnikov was one among several Russian polar vessels that visited Cape Town, an established port for the Russian Antarctic […]

Repelling the Invader: Turning the Tide on Ascension’s Mexican Thorn   23 May 2022     Update on Darwin Plus funded project   The Conservation and Fisheries Directorate (AIGCFD) hosted a public presentation at Two Boats Club on Wednesday 20 April 2022. It was aimed at introducing members of the […]

VISIT OF SAILING VESSEL BARK EUROPA   The sailing vessel Bark Europa arrived at St Helena today, Monday, 16 May.   The vessel will be anchored in James Bay for the duration of the visit.  The vessel came directly from Cape Town, South Africa and has been at sea for 13 […]

COVID-19 Support Schemes here to help   Following the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions in the Falkland Islands on Wednesday 4 May, the Falkland Islands Government would like to remind businesses and individuals that the original support schemes that have been in place since April 2020 have been reviewed and […]

First science onboard RRS Sir David Attenborough   16 May, 2022 Rothera BAS News Stories   Britain’s new polar ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough, has reached another exciting milestone, completing its first ever scientific assignment – retrieving a scientific mooring!   RRS Sir David Attenborough is currently on its way back to the UK, after completing […]

MINISTER BROOKS DELIVERS 2022/23 BUDGET SPEECH   The Minister for Treasury, Infrastructure & Sustainable Development, Mark Brooks, today, Friday 13 May 2022, delivered the 2022/23 Budget Speech for St Helena and marked the beginning of the first budget session in Legislative Council under the new Ministerial Government. A copy of […]

Chief Islander attends State Opening of Parliament   Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy     On Tuesday 10th May 2022 Tristan Chief Islander James Glass was a guest in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster, as HRH Prince Charles announced the UK government’s […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 17 May 2022   Appointment of new Senior Project Manager The Falkland Islands Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Rob Millar as Senior Project Manager for the port project. Rob arrives in the Falkland Islands today, Tuesday 17 May, after working with the […]

ST HELENA COVID-19 STATUS UPDATE   Following negative results from the re-testing of person(s) testing positive for COVID-19 in home quarantine on Saturday, 7 May 2022, the public is advised that the person(s) have now completed their quarantine period in compliance with St Helena’s COVID-19 protocols.   As a result […]

HEAD OF TOURISM DEPARTS FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL SHOW   St Helena Government’s Head of Tourism, Matthew Joshua, departed St Helena on Saturday, 7 May 2022, to attend the We Are Africa travel show in Cape Town. While overseas, Matthew will also meet with a range of tourism stakeholders in Johannesburg […]

Juggling polar research and family life   13 May, 2022 Diversity in UK Polar Science   It can be difficult for anyone to find the right balance between their career and family. For some jobs these challenges reach new levels when the role requires you to work away from home for […]

  FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 18 May 2022 Weekly COVID-19 infection rates   The KEMH can confirm that since March 2020, there have been a total of 1512 positive COVID-19 cases within the Falkland Islands.   1337 cases have been identified from community spread (please note these are […]

Adapted Air Corridor Protocols Introduced   Testing to be applied to all arriving air passengers: On Tuesday 26 April the St Helena Government introduced changes to the COVID19 entry, quarantine and testing protocols for all arrivals to St Helena.   These included the removal of the requirement for arrivals to […]

Jason Ivory appointed as next Administrator of Tristan da Cunha   The Tristan da Cunha Website   The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has appointed Jason Ivory to become the next Tristan Administrator when Joint Administrators Fiona Kilpatrick and Steve Townsend depart the island in September 2022. Jason and […]

Falklands War – 40th Anniversary   In 2022, we will be marking the 40th anniversary of our liberation with a year-long programme of commemoration and celebration. We will be reflecting on the brave sacrifices of those who restored our freedom, as well as showcasing the modern Falkland Islands, our achievements […]

Wonder and beauty of South Georgia to be shared with hundreds of thousands of school children through new materials in the 2022 Hanson Box   The South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) has developed a range of new and exciting educational materials about the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia & […]

BAS mapping data included in global collection   19 May, 2022 BAS News stories   The latest British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Antarctic Digital Database (ADD) data will be included in a world leading collection of geographic information.   The ADD is a compilation of the best available topographic data for Antarctica. It […]

Stanley Goes Platinum in Jubilee City Competition   By J Brock (FINN)   As part of Platinum Jubilee celebration Stanley – capital of the Falkland Islands – has been granted official city status by Her Majesty The Queen.   Stanley in the Falkland Islands has become the first town in […]

Public Meeting on the Port   A little while ago we were asked to hold a public meeting on the port. For two reasons it is felt that should wait a month or two. First is the current situation with Covid. Getting many people into a room together when we […]

Opportunities Available on the FIG e-Procurement Portal.   If you haven’t yet registered and require support, or have any other questions on the opportunities available, please contact either Helen McShane (legalsuppoff@sec.gov.fk) or Stef Seff sseff@sec.gov.fk).   Sports Complex Road Materials The supply of various materials for the Sports Complex Road Construction […]

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES REDUCED OPENING HOURS   The public is advised that with effect from Monday, 9 May 2022, and until further notice, the Visitor Information Services at the Tourist Office will be available Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 12.30pm.   Should you have any enquiries during this time, […]

ST HELENA CLOUD FOREST PROJECT UPDATE   Year 2 Funding Secured   Project partners are delighted to announce that funding has been secured to continue the St Helena Cloud Forest Project. This exciting partnership project aims to upscale cloud forest restoration activities for biodiversity, water security and socio-economic benefits on […]

BAS scientists support NASA rocket mission   9 May, 2022 BAS News stories   The Space Weather team at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) are supporting a new NASA experiment which aims to uncover unique features of our atmosphere that enable life on Earth.   It is known that one of the […]

Advice on returning to work following COVID-19   Many people in our community will be experiencing the effects of COVID-19. Returning to work will happen at different times for everyone, the KEMH would like to provide further advice on how you can return safely.   Some people feel completely well […]

Trinity House Merchant Navy Cadets are joining Britain’s new polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough.   12 May, 2022     Four  Cadets will be joining the vessel in the Falkland Islands this week for a four-month training deployment. During their time on board, the cadets will undertake a range of activities […]

International Nurses Day 2022   Nurses Day, is observed annually on 12 May and was established by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1974.  It commemorates the birth of Florence Nightingale, the foundational philosopher of modern nursing. The event also serves to highlight the important role nurses fulfill in […]

AIRFREIGHT SERVICE ON JOHANNESBURG TO ST HELENA AIRLINK FLIGHTS   Airlink flights with St Helena recommenced in March 2022. Since then, the island has seen four flights operated between here and Johannesburg, all of which have been full in terms of carrying capacity (being within the payload of cargo, passengers […]

Statement by The Honourable Gavin Short MLA to the Pacific Regional Seminar on the on the Implementation of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, Advancement of the Non-Self-Governing Territories through the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic and beyond Perspectives of the Administering Powers, the Non-Self-Governing Territories and other […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT   11 May 2022 Contract agreed for new fisheries patrol vessel   The Falkland Islands Government is pleased to announcement signing of a contract with Seagull Maritime Limited for the provision of a new fishery patrol service from 2023 for a period of 15 years. […]

ST HELENA COVID-19 STATUS UPDATE   Following routine testing on Saturday, 7 May 2022, positive COVID-19 case(s) were identified in Home Quarantine. Positive results were also received from the re-testing of person(s) testing positive for COVID-19 in Home Quarantine on Saturday, 23 April 2022.   All person(s) who have tested positive, […]

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT ___________________________________________________________________________ COVID-19 PROOF OF VACCINATION AND PRE-DEPARTURE TESTING FOR PASSENGERS DEPARTING ON SUNDAY, 22 MAY 2022   The Health Services Directorate would like to advise passengers booked on the Airlink flight scheduled to depart St Helena on Sunday, 22 May 2022, of the following requirements prior to their […]

Advice on returning to work following COVID-19   Many people in our community will be experiencing the effects of COVID-19. Returning to work will happen at different times for everyone, the KEMH would like to provide further advice on how you can return safely.   Some people feel completely well […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 11 May 2022   Weekly COVID-19 infection rates   The KEMH can confirm that since March 2020, there have been a total of 1126 positive COVID-19 cases within the Falkland Islands. 951 cases have been identified from community spread and 175 were from cases […]

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – CONSTRUCTION OF ANIMAL HANDLING FACILITY   St Helena Government is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified contractors to undertake the proposed construction of an Animal Handling Facility at St Helena Airport.   The works will include the construction of a concrete base slab and drainage […]

  Celebratory events on St Helena to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty   Celebratory events on St Helena to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II Invitation Event   – Unfurling of the Union Jack   – Thursday, 2nd June 2022, 3:50pm at Signal House, […]

HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon ceremony –   Thursday, 2nd June 2022, 8:45pm at the seafront, Jamestown. There is a long and unbroken tradition in the United Kingdom of celebrating Royal Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations with the lighting of beacons.   Such beacons were lit in a number of […]

Nature Notes – Ascension Island’s terrestrial reptiles   11 May 2022     When thinking of Ascensions reptiles the first thing that comes to most people’s minds are green turtles. And so they should! Ascension Islanders are incredibly lucky to share the island with one of the largest green turtle […]

New Coastal Safety Devices Installed on Ascension Island   20 April 2022     Lifesaving Buoys deployed on all Ascension’s beaches   As part of the ongoing development of the Sea and Land Rescue services, assessments have been taking place as to how to improve the life saving devices available […]

28 April 2022 Road Safety Campaign: 30 April – 7 May 2022   The Royal Falkland Islands Police is running a road safety campaign across the Falkland Islands for one week, in order to help everyone in our community to understand the potential dangers and to raise awareness of the […]

Penguins, postage stamps and Russian politics: What it’s like to rule the territory with no citizens   ByJonathan Margolis 24 April 2022     Celebrating public holidays with no actual public is just part of the job for Laura Sinclair Willis, who governs British-owned South Georgia   Laura Sinclair Willis […]

UK Hydrographic Office Visit   Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy   The UK Hydrographic Office is a world leader in marine mapping, producing the Admiralty charts that guide an overwhelming majority of global commercial shipping. A briefing for Overseas Territory representatives at their impressive new […]

ELECTED MEMBERS VISIT THE PEAKS NATIONAL PARK   All Ministers along with Councillor Ronald Coleman and members of the St Helena Research Council and the Cloud Forest Project Board visited the Peaks National Park on Thursday, 21 April 2022, to see and acknowledge the amazing works being undertaken under the […]

New era for polar research takes wing in £290m upgrade programme     British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge has agreed a deal for a replacement aircraft for polar research as part of a £290 million scientific upgrade strategy.   The procurement will ensure that BAS continues to provide transport between […]

Pelagic Australis’ final adventure     April 28, 2022 Skip Novak’s final adventure on Pelagic Australis before she moves on to a new owner was a mission to save the albatross   I let go the lines at the pontoon in Cape Town and watched Pelagic Australis motor out of the basin, […]

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH BEING CONDUCTED ON ST HELENA   PhD candidate in Anthropology at the University of Florida, Andreana (Andree) Cunningham, arrived on-Island on Saturday, 23 April 2022, to conduct research on the skeletal remains of the ‘Liberated Africans’ in Rupert’s Valley prior to their reburial. Andree’s study has received approval from Executive Council, […]

The icebreaker Noosfera arrives in Chile in the middle of the war between Ukraine and Russia     El buque de investigación Noosfera en Punta Arenas. Foto: La Prensa Austral Nicolás García | Viernes, 18 de marzo de 2022, 12:00   The icebreaker Noosfera arrived in the Chilean city of Punta Arenas […]

COVID-19 Update, 4 May 2022   Welcome to May’s monthly COVID-19 update. This edition of the monthly bulletin will mainly focus on the changes that will take place as a result of the lifting of COVID-19 measures.   CURRENT CASES   The public will have noticed more cases of COVID-19 […]

British Antarctic Survey Director receives top honour   4 May, 2022 News stories   The director of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), Professor Dame Jane Francis has been awarded the prestigious Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers (IBG) Patron’s Medal for contributions to earth and environmental sciences.   […]

New judges appointed   May 4, 2022 Five new senators (senior judges) have been appointed to the College of Justice.   Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC, Jonathan Lake QC, John Scott QC, Michael Stuart QC, and Andrew Young QC will take up appointment on 16 May 2022.   Sheriff Lorna Drummond QC […]

CHANGES TO QUARANTINE AND COVID-19 TESTING   On Tuesday, 26 April 2022, Executive Council reviewed and agreed to amend the current quarantine arrangements. Changes were agreed by Executive Council as part of Phase 1 of a roadmap for St Helena to work toward a return to normality.   The quarantine […]

Report on Executive Council 26 April 2022   EXCO members, MLA Hansen, MLA Spink, and MLA Pollard (standing in for MLA Roberts) were in attendance to discuss the following papers.   The Director of Education attended to discuss two papers, the first being Modifications to Childcare subsidies. This report was […]

Illen brings the spirit of Limerick to London   Limerick Post   IRELAND’S last timber-built cargo ship became the mast-er of The Thames at a special event in London to celebrate Anglo-Irish trade and cultural links.   Actors Jeremy Irons and his wife Sinead Cusack were among the guests joining […]

Warming Western Antarctic Peninsula waters impact plankton community   Nature Magazine and BAS News Stories   Warming water and receding sea ice in the Western Antarctic Peninsula is changing the local plankton community with potential consequences for climate change, according to research led by scientists from Duke University and Duke […]

Great Egret sighted on Tristan   Report and photos from Rachel Green with additional images from Caryn Green Normally these magnificent birds are seen poised above wetlands waiting to pounce on fish. It is indeed extraordinary that this bird was instead hunting mice!  Recent interest in vagrant species discovered around […]

Argentina takes steps to bolster its presence in Antarctica, South Atlantic   Online News Editor February 24, 2022   Buenos Aires, Feb 24 (EFE).- Argentina is carrying out a series of projects aimed at strengthening its presence and activity in Antarctica and the South Atlantic Ocean, moves that come in […]

Compassionate charter flight to Chile not approved by Government of Argentina The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) has been informed that the permissions required to operate a compassionate charter flight between the Falkland Islands and Chile have not been granted by the Argentine authorities. This flight was due to travel to […]

The law of the sea in the 21st century: Lords Committee outlines actions for Government   The House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee has today published its report looking at the effective operation of the Law of the Sea in the modern era; entitled UNCLOS: The law of the sea […]

TEAM OF SCIENTISTS VISIT ST HELENA TO SUPPORT DARWIN PLUS PROJECT   A team of scientists – Plant Pathologists, Dr Rob Reeder and Phil Taylor, and Entomologist, Dr Norbert Maczey, from the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), as well as Professor Rob Jackson and PhD student, Amy Webster, from […]

Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star reaches southernmost navigable waters on Earth   By U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area on Mar 2, 2022     U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) approaching McMurdo Station.   MCMURDO STATION, Antarctica — U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WAGB 10) reached the southernmost navigable waters […]

Report reveals global impact of climate change in Antarctica   by British Antarctic Survey     A new report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published February 28 has outlined the causes, impacts and solutions to climate change.   Published four months after policymakers from around the world […]

  OUR VISION FOR ST HELENA   Ministers have today released their vision for St Helena:   A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT that creates OPPORTUNITY and inspires SOCIAL and ECONOMIC PROGRESS ensuring a better quality of life for all.   SUSTAINABLE – Provide a foundation for our community and businesses to first consolidate, then develop, and finally aspire to a prosperous […]

SALE OF PRO INSTALL TO SEAFISH CHANDLERY LTD   Steve and Rose Toolan are pleased to advise that ownership of the business known as Pro Install and Rose’s Coffee Shop will transfer to Seafish Chandlery Ltd at midnight on 31st March 2022.   The shop will be closed on Friday […]

  Falkland Islands care home sections head off from Scotframe in Inverurie   By David Porter – david.porter@hnmedia.co.uk Published: 09:59, 03 March 2022   Tussac House is set to open in 2024   THE first sections of what will be the first assisted living facility for the Falkland Islands left Inverurie based Scotframe’s […]

NS Viraat: The Unfading Legacy Mon, Mar 07 2022 06:36:41 PM New Delhi, Mar 7 (IANS): On March 6, 2017, Indias second aircraft carrier, the mighty INS Viraat, was decommissioned after 30 years of glorious service to the nation. This article is a tribute to this unique warship, which kept […]

At the Bottom of an Icy Sea, One of History’s Great Wrecks Is Found Explorers and researchers, battling freezing temperatures, have located Endurance, Ernest Shackleton’s ship that sank in the Antarctic in 1915.   By Henry Fountain New York Times March 9, 2022   The wreck of Endurance has been found […]

Report on Executive Council   22 February 2022   A meeting of Executive Council was held on 22nd February 2022.  MLAs Hansen, Roberts and Spink attended the meeting.  All papers were approved unanimously unless stated otherwise.   The subject of the first paper considered was The Falkland Islands Development Corporation […]

Joint press statement from the Falkland Islands Government and the National Sports Council   7 March 2022   National Sports Council given final approval to construct a new national sports facility   Last week, Executive Council gave final approval to the National Sports Council (NSC) to proceed with the construction […]

COUNCILLORS TO DEPART FOR OVERSEAS CONFERENCE     Councillors Gillian Brooks and Andrew Turner, accompanied by Legislative Council Office Assistant, Shanice Phillips, (see photo above) will depart St Helena on Wednesday, 9 March 2022, to attend the 2022 Westminster Seminar in London on ‘Evolving Parliaments’ from 14 to 18 March 2022. […]

Royal Navy: Crew of HMS Protector visits Ukrainian scientists in Antarctica   The crew of the Royal Navy’s icebreaker ship have provided ‘support and solidarity’ to Ukrainian scientists based in Antarctica. By Tom Morton Saturday, 5th March 2022, 1:45 pm The visit team from HMS Protector, led by Captain Michael Wood, […]

  Legislative Assembly Members attending Overseas Conferences   Legislative Assembly Members attending Overseas Conferences MLA Peter Biggs will be attending the Westminster Seminar in London 14-18 March 2022. The seminar is a peer-to-peer learning programme for Parliamentarians and Clerks from across the Commonwealth and is hosted by CPA UK.   […]

Automation in place at Halley VI Research Station   4 March, 2022 BAS News stories   In late February, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Halley VI Research Station closed for the 2021/22 season. The season saw some major developments at the station, including several significant improvements and additions to its automated […]

  Legislative Assembly Members welcome the appointment of the new Governor   The Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly very much welcome the appointment of Ms Alison Blake CMG as Her Majesty The Queen’s new Representative in the Falkland Islands, the first female representative after 189 years. Ms Blake is a very […]

The Queen’s Commonwealth Day Message 2022   Published 14 March 2022   In these testing times, it is my hope that you can draw strength and inspiration from what we share, as we work together towards a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all. Her Majesty The Queen.   St […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT   15 March 2022 Falkland Islands Government update on Covid-19 measures As we have all seen, Covid-19 restrictions are beginning to lift across the globe, including in countries with whom we are linked, and most of the devolved nations in the UK have adopted far […]

REPORT OF ILLEGAL FISHING IN ST HELENA WATERS   UPDATE   St Helena Government Marine Enforcement Section is aware of recent media reports of a Taiwanese longline vessel Chien Tsao (number 332) fishing inside St Helena waters.   The Marine Enforcement Section has been investigating the event with the UK’s Blue Belt […]

Tristan topics raised at All-Party Parliamentary Group   Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy   Key current topics for Tristan da Cunha were highlighted as MPs and members of the House of Lords gathered on Wednesday 2nd March 2022.   The occasion was the AGM of […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT   16 March 2022 ExCo reviews the port development planning application   Following a review of the Planning and Building Committee’s recommendation to refuse the Port Planning Application, and taking into consideration the Planning Officer’s original recommendation to approve the application, as well as other […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 16 March 2022 Vaccination programme   The KEMH is pleased to announce that a fourth dose (second booster) of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccination will now be offered to patients aged 75 and over; those patients in the highest risk category (i.e. those who are […]

‘Nowhere to return’: Ukrainian scientist in Antarctica watches war unfold from afar   Yan Bakhmut, 25, is a geophysicist at the Vernadsky Station, Ukraine’s only research base in Antarctica. Photograph: Yan Bakhmut   Yan Bakhmut’s assignment to Ukraine’s only research base in Antarctica is almost over, but the home he left […]

Excavated remains being transported from the Pipe Store   Excavated remains being transported from the Pipe Store, Jamestown to No. 1 Building, Rupert’s Valley   The Liberated African Advisory Committee (LAAC) would like to inform the community that on Friday, 18 March 2022 the excavated human remains currently housed in […]

The end of Antarctic exceptionalism? By ELIZABETH BUCHANAN The Interpreter   Plunging Russia into the diplomatic deep freeze has implications far beyond Europe on cooperation over global commons.                                   Published 18 Mar 2022 12:00 […]

MFV Edinburgh’s Febuary-April 2022 Fishing Voyage Report from Cynthia Green   Departure from Cape Town   The Edinburgh at Cape Town. Photo: Aniket Sardana   The MFV Edinburgh departed Cape Town in the evening of the 20th February 2022 at the start of her February-April fishing voyage.   Passengers are: Islander: Glenda […]

“Leave us alone!” Islanders Admonish Argentine “Lobby” for Falklands Sovereignty Transcription by J Brock (FINN) FIG have admonished Argentina’s international “lobby” touting sovereignty over the Falklands and demanded that it “leave the territory and its inhabitants alone.”   Coming after Argentine President Alberto Fernández obtained the support of his Chinese […]

More albatross couples are calling it quits   The seabirds usually mate for life, but fewer are doing so as ocean temperatures warm.   by YCC TEAM   FEBRUARY 21, 2022 (Photo credit: kris krüg / CC BY-SA 2.0)   For an albatross, finding a mate is a serious affair. To pick […]

REMOTE ELECTRONIC MONITORING EQUIPMENT SUCCESSFULLY INSTALLED ON-BOARD THE JOHN MELLISS   The installation of the Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) equipment aboard the fishing vessel John Melliss is now complete (see photos attached). Fisheries Development Manager from the Future Fisheries Team in the UK Marine Management Organisation, Martin Arris, worked with local Electrical […]

Changes to Level One Contact advice   As part of the regular review process concerning Covid-19 measures in the Falkland Islands, the Executive Council has agreed to amend the advice that will now be given to Level One Contacts. The definition of a Level One Contact is a person who […]

Burials lay the groundwork for St Helena’s future as hub for ‘slavery tourism’   South Atlantic island plans memorial for remains of freed slaves as part of project to educate the world about the Triangular Trade   ByCraig Simpson     Archaeologists discovered the slave remains while construction work for […]

Unesco announces Antarctic Ocean exploration project   Prensa Latina   Paris, Feb 10 (Prensa Latina) Unesco provided here details on the “Polar Pod” scientific mission, which will circumnavigate Antarctica twice between 2024 and 2026, with the aim of taking data and making observations of the Southern Ocean.   February 10, […]

Protector officer makes history by visiting ‘his’ islands in Antarctica   09 February 2022 Topic: People Storyline: HMS Protector   No man is an island – except perhaps Royal Navy officer Lieutenant Commander Dave Pitt – possibly the very first Pitt to set foot on the chain bearing the family name, 8,500 miles from […]

Changes to Level One Contact advice   As part of the regular review process concerning Covid-19 measures in the Falkland Islands, the Executive Council has agreed to amend the advice that will now be given to Level One Contacts. The definition of a Level One Contact is a person who […]

RUPERTS CARGO HANDLING PORT FACILITY UPDATE   Works are progressing on the Container Freight Station Project at Ruperts (see photos attached).   All earthworks have been successfully completed as well as the concrete retaining walls. Construction of the concrete slabs is underway and three bays of nine have been casted […]

FIC Board Changes   The Falkland Islands Company is pleased to announce that Dick Sawle, stands down from his position as FIC Chairman as he leaves The Falklands to live permanently in The UK, Dick commented:   “ I joined the board of the Falkland Islands Company in late 2014. […]

AGU: Hidden Magnitude-8.2 Earthquake Source Of Mysterious 2021 Global Tsunami   Submitted by Carol A. Clark Los Alimos Daily Post on February 8, 2022 – 11:30 am     South Georgia Island, the largest island along the subduction trench. Courtesy/European Space Agency (modified Copernicus Sentinel data)   AGU News: Scientists have uncovered the source […]

Update on HPP2 work   Today, MLAs John Birmingham and Roger Spink met, via video link, with Laurent Corbaz and members of his team to discuss the progress made in HPP2 (Humanitarian Project Plan 2) work. Laurent, together with colleagues from the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross), visited […]

  More fish in ‘twilight zone’ than previously thought   7 February, 2022 BAS News stories   A new study highlights there could be up to four times more fish in the mesopelagic, or ‘twilight’, zone of the Southern Ocean than previously thought.   Scientists at British Antarctic Survey and […]

WORLD CANCER DAY   FRIDAY, 4 FEBRUARY 2022   Today, Friday 4 February 2022, is World Cancer Day – used to raise awareness of Cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.  In November 2021, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) launched a ‘Closing the care gap’ campaign […]

  Truss says Falklands part of ‘British family’ after China backs Argentina Accord signed by Alberto Fernández and Xi Jinping at Winter Olympics also supports Chinese claim to Taiwan   Guardian   Argentina’s Alberto Fernández and China’s Xi Jinping met at the Beijing Winter Olympics, where Argentina signed up to […]

  H.M. The Queen: Accession Day message:   “February 6th marks the 70th anniversary of my Accession in 1952. It is a day that, even after 70 years, I still remember as much for the death of my father, King George VI, as for the start of my reign.   […]

    REGULATIONS FOR LOBSTER FISHING   The Marine Enforcement Section is aware of recent Social Media posts regarding the catching and retaining of lobster in St Helena Waters.   Allegations have been made of illegal fishing practices, therefore an investigation was undertaken and it was found that no illegal […]

Maiden Voyage of MFV Lance to Tristan   Report from Cynthia Green   Departure from Cape Town   The newly acquired MFV Lance departed Cape Town on her maiden voyage to Tristan da Cunha on Wednesday 2nd February 2022 at about 2:30pm, a week later than scheduled.     MFV Lance pictured […]

VVIP TRIP – MARCH 2022 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS   The Expedition Is this the same Titan flight that SHG cancelled for the public in order to facilitate this trip?   The cancellation of the Titan Flight at end-March was not related to this proposed expedition.   Is SHG money going […]

Argentina signs contract with CNNC for Atucha III   3 February 2022     Nucleoeléctrica Argentina SA (NA-SA) and the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) announced that “after a fruitful period of negotiation, on 1 February both companies reached a mutual understanding and signed an Engineering, Supply and Construction (EPC) Contract […]

Putin hails Argentina as one of Russia’s key partners in Latin America – A view from the other side   The Russian president also recalled that Argentina became the first country in the western hemisphere to approve Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine     Argentine President Alberto Fernandez and Russian President […]

Update on international connectivity   The Falkland Islands Government recognises that many people are keen to receive an update on restoring our international connecting flights with mainland South America. Media across the world is starting to report on the relaxations of borders, removal of testing requirements and returning to a […]

  REMOTE ELECTRONIC MONITORING TRIAL   With fisheries laws becoming much more technical, the way coastal states are monitoring their fishing fleet is evolving.   This month, the Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio’s (ENRP) Marine Enforcement Section will be installing a Remote Electronic Monitoring System on the fishing vessel John […]

  NASA will crash the International Space Station into the ocean by 2031     The International Space Station will dive into Point Nemo, an area in the ocean that is farthest from land, approximately 3,000 miles off New Zealand’s eastern coast and 2,000 miles north of Antarctica.   By Shirin […]

FIG publishes annual financial statements   The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) has today published its annual financial statements for the financial year ending 30 June 2021. The statements have been reviewed by external auditors, Mazars LLP, who provided an unqualified and independent opinion that the documents present a true and […]

The workplace and walking for health and wellbeing   Given that we spend a significant number of our waking hours at work it makes sense to consider opportunities to be more physically active in and around the workplace. Walking is a cheap and easy way to promote better health and […]

Update on phased programme of construction works for Tussac House   The Falklands Islands Government would like to update the public on the development of Tussac House, the new assisted living facility on Ross Road East, near to the Narrows.   Work on the initial groundworks was completed in May […]

Preliminary population figures from the 2021 Falkland Islands census   The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) has today announced its preliminary population figures from the 2021 census. Work to error-check and validate the census data received is ongoing, however, provisional data on high level results are now available.   In total, […]

llegal fishing: Illex squid, Falkland Islands – A view from the other side   By Gustavo Seira   The government of the Falklands, negotiates with Korean and Taiwanese fishing companies, licenses to fish Illex Squid in waters adjacent to the Islands. More than 40 jiggers are expected. Wednesday, 02/02/2022   […]

Ancient solar storm smashed Earth at the wrong part of the sun’s cycle — and scientists are concerned   By Brandon Specktor    The 9,200-year-old storm left researchers with a stark conclusion: We are not ready for the next one.       An extremely powerful solar storm pummeled our planet […]

FISHING VESSEL CUPLE ARRIVING TOMORROW TO EVACUATE SICK CREW MEMBER   St Helena Authorities have received a request from fishing vessel Cuple for medical assistance for an injured crew member. This is not COVID-19 related and there is no indication of COVID-19 or any symptoms amongst crew members on board the vessel.   […]

SHG SERVICE DELIVERY SURVEY FEEDBACK   St Helena Government (SHG) continues to run a ‘live’ Service Delivery Survey to gauge customer satisfaction of services offered by SHG. This user-friendly survey which was launched in January 2021, gives customers a chance to rate their satisfaction with 24 services provided by SHG.  These […]

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR ST HELENA TELL US WHAT YOU THINK   What is being proposed? An opportunity that could greatly benefit the Island has arisen, especially in terms of our built heritage! To enhance understanding and to objectively consider this opportunity adequate discussions and research have been undertaken. This […]

  Polar medals awarded to BAS staff   31 January, 2022 BAS News stories   Three British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff have been awarded the Polar Medal. The announcement was published last week (Friday 28 January) in the London Gazette.   Melody Clark is a molecular scientist at BAS. Her research focuses on […]

VANDALISM IN THE CASTLE GARDENS   Over the last few weeks it has been identified by the contractor responsible for maintenance of the Castle Gardens that a number of offences had occurred in the Gardens, including hose pipe damages, resulting in the area being flooded, and bins tipped over with […]

January 26, 2022   The diplomat and environmentalist who persuaded Margaret Thatcher to take global warming seriously has died at the age of 91. Tickell’s crowning achievement was the so-called “greening” of Margaret Thatcher, whom he persuaded to become the first world leader to mention global warming and to take […]

Smartwings first airline to land with the Boeing 737 MAX in Antarctica   By André Orban 26 January 2022     Air carrier Smartwings landed its Boeing 737 MAX 8 in Antarctica.  The landing at Troll Airfield at the northern tip of Antarctica took place on January 26, 2022, and […]

  New Research and Monitoring Plan for the South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area   © The South Georgia Website       A new Research and Monitoring Plan has been launched to help support the management of the South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands Marine […]

Jonathan the 190-Year-Old Tortoise in 1886 and Today   JAN 26, 2022   MICHAEL ZHANG   Jonathan is a giant tortoise that lives on the remote island of St. Helena. He turns 190 years old this year, making him the world’s oldest tortoise to ever live. Photographed as far back […]

Governor Rushbrook concludes visit to Ascension   AIG 25 January 2022   His Excellency The Governor, Dr Philip Rushbrook, has today departed Ascension Island following his arrival on 05 January. This marked the Governor’s fourth official visit to the island since he took office in July 2019.   The Governor […]

Falkland Islands and LATAM Airlines discuss flight resumption from Chile and Brazil   By The Rio Times January 25, 2022     The resumption of commercial air links between the Falkland Islands and the South American continent was again on the table for discussion in the Legislative Assembly this week […]

  Agreement made on new fuel supply link   The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) is pleased to confirm the establishment of a new 10-year fuel supply agreement with Stanley Services Limited (SSL) from 2023. This agreement will allow for the continued supply of fuel and other services to the Islands […]

Continued safe fisheries operations for 2022 season   Following the successful fishing season in 2021, the Falkland Islands Government would like to reassure the public that in preparation for the 2022 season, the fishing industry continue to implement robust Covid-19 protocols across the fishing fleet. This not only ensures that […]

St Helena: CONSULTATION ON A PROPOSED TARGET MINIMUM WAGE AND IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE   St Helena Government (SHG) is consulting on a target Minimum Wage and three-year implementation schedule with the first increase to take effect from 1 July 2022. Minimum Wage   The Minimum Wage per hour is currently £3.25 […]

  St Helena: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION  “EDUCATION IS A HUMAN RIGHT, A PUBLIC GOOD, AND A PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY.”   The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.   St Helena Government’s Education, Skills […]

St Helena General Election assessed for the first time by international experts   Published 24 January 2022     St Helena’s electoral legal framework is conducive to holding democratic elections, according to the international experts that assessed the recent general election. The right to vote and the right to stand […]

Report on Executive Council 18 January 2022   A meeting of Executive Council was held on 18th January 2022.  MLAs Pollard, Roberts and Hansen attended.   The first paper discussed regarded the award of a contract for the provision of a fishery patrol service. This paper is not for publication […]

  FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT   24 January 2022 FIG announces new Director of Health and Social Services   The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas (Tom) Bale as the new Director of Health and Social Services, taking up the position from 14 […]

Scientists Discover New Gentoo Penguin Colony in Antarctica Jilli Cluff   24/01/2022   Photo: Arne Beruldsen   Scientists have discovered a newly established colony of 75 gentoo penguin chicks on little Andersson Island in Antarctica. It is the first documented gentoo migration to the archipelago, an unusually southern location for the […]

FIG announces local appointment for Senior Veterinary Officer   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)     The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) is delighted to confirm that, following a recruitment process at the end of 2021, Zoe Fowler was offered and has accepted the post of Senior […]

Old Year’s Night 2021 Reports and photos from Fiona Kilpatrick, James Glass, Kelly Green, Randal Repetto and Steve Townsend   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)   For “Old Years Night” (New Year’s Eve), it is the tradition on Tristan for the “Okalolies” to dress up and […]

    HMS Protector completes first stage of Antarctic mission studying penguins   Author: Radina Koutsafti     Plymouth-based ship is on a five-year mission to research wildlife and climate change   © Royal © Royal Navy Navy The Navy’s sole Antarctic research ship has completed its first stint of […]

Reburial of Rupert’s Valley excavated human remains is imminent!   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)     The Liberated African Advisory Committee (LAAC) is pleased to inform the community that, following last week’s announcement of reallocation of government funds, the reburial of the excavated human remains […]

ARA Santísima Trinidad: de liderar la recuperación de Malvinas a irrecuperable   Noticias de Bahía BlancaInformación General martes, 18 de enero de 202209:04 hs   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)     Los planes de convertir al buque que lideró la recuperación de Malvinas museo no podrán […]

World’s Largest Fish Hatchery Found off Antarctica Kristine De Abreu (Explorersweb)   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)     On the sea floor of Antarctica’s Weddell Sea, researchers have discovered the world’s largest fish breeding ground. More than 240km wide, the area hosts 60 million nests […]

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT ST HELENA UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY   8TH ANNUAL REPORT ON QUALITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY CONNECT SAINT HELENA LTD (2020/21)   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)     The St Helena Utilities Regulatory Authority has today issued its 8th annual report on quality of services […]

Tristan da Cunha: how volcanic eruption introduced brand new community to Surrey Surrey Live   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)       A volcanic eruption on Tristan Da Cunha in 1961 saw islanders leave their South Atlantic home to move to Surrey   An island […]

  South Georgia: The museum at the end of the world reopens for business   By Owen Amos BBC News   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)     On the icy, southern edge of the Atlantic Ocean, just above the Antarctic circle, is a British island, […]

Transition of harbour control from Fisheries Department to Maritime Authority   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)     With effect from 8am on 24 January 2022, the operation of harbour control will move from the Fisheries Department to the Maritime Authority, located in the Old Design […]

Stanley Services shareholders announce the appointment of the new Managing Director   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)       2022 promises to be a very significant year for Stanley Services! Quite apart from the October landmark of the 35th Anniversary of the company’s founding, long-serving Managing […]

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT   ARRIVAL OF THE MV HELENA   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)     The MV Helena is scheduled to arrive at St Helena on Saturday, 22 January 2022, and will dock alongside Ruperts Jetty. Cargo operations will start on Saturday and should be completed by […]

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT   BOTTOM WOODS WEST COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AREA (CDA) UPDATE   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)     St Helena Government (SHG) would like to notify residents in the Bottom Woods area and members of the public that trenching and road construction related works will […]

FIVE SEA RESCUE PERSONNEL SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE 15 NM RESCUE COXSWAIN COURSE   Submitted by the South Atlantic Islands News Team (SAINT)   A certificate presentation to recognise Sea Rescue personnel was held at the Sea Rescue Facility, Ruperts, in St Helena.   During the ceremony, Jaime Yon, Liam Otten, Remi […]

Historic Reburial of excavated human remains in Rupert’s Valley is imminent!   The Liberated African Advisory Committee (LAAC) is pleased to inform the community that, following last week’s announcement of reallocation of government funds, the reburial of the excavated human remains from Rupert’s Valley is being progressed.   In 2008, […]

A compassionate charter flight to Chile: Not for the lack of trying   An Editorial by J Brock (FINN)   The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) has held conversations with the UK government about the possibility of putting on a charter flight for South American members of our community to visit […]

Last Updated: 13th January, 2022 22:51 IST   190-Yr-old Tortoise Jonathan Enters Guinness World Record As World’s Oldest Land Animal   Written By Harsh Vardhan     It is estimated that the tortoise, Jonathan, was born somewhere around 1832 and has lived on the island of St Helena since he arrived […]

LEST WE FORGET An Editorial by J Brock (FINN)   The media can be one-sided now and then.  Here in the Falklands, we have a lot to thank this Prince of a man for.     Lest we forget – this Prince of a private citizen came with the task […]

A Vast New Ocean Sanctuary in South Atlantic WHOWHATWHY EDITORS 01/13/22 A Tristan Albatross on Nightingale Island with Tristan da Cunha in the background. Photo credit: Brian Gratwicke / Flickr (CC BY 2.0) PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are […]

St Helena Cloud Forest Project update –   November 2021 What is the St Helena Cloud Forest Project?   The St Helena Cloud Forest Project is a highly collaborative multi-year project working to implement the Peaks Management Plan for St Helena’s ‘Peaks National Park’.   This globally significant area holds […]

Argentina Hits Back At British Minister As Falklands’ Row Boils Over By Aaron Sittig (SwiftHeadlines) Jan 12, 2022 The South American country – which invaded but failed to hold the islands in 1982 – “categorically” rejected Ben Wallace’s vow that the UK would defend the British Overseas Protectorate from “thugs”. Reacting […]

  At the Twenty-Second Summit of Foreign Ministers of The Community of Latin American And Caribbean States, Cuba Ratifies Its Commitment to Uphold the Declaration of Latin America And the Caribbean As A Zone of Peace       Cuba. On January 6-7, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla participated […]

  ST HELENA POPULATION PROJECTIONS 2022 TO 2051 RELEASED   The St Helena Statistics Office has today released new population projections for 2022 to 2051. Population projections are produced to help policy makers and businesses understand how current demographic patterns are likely to shape the future size of different groups […]

Search for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance to begin next month   Shane O’Brien: Jan 10, 2022     Endurance was one of two ships used by the imperial Trans-Antarctic expedition but sank after becoming stuck on pack ice on the Weddell Sea.   The search for the wreck of Sir […]

SCOTLAND EMBANKMENT STABILISATION CONTRACT AWARDED   Following an open procurement exercise conducted in December 2021, St Helena Government has entered into a contract with Grocock’s Contractors of Trap Cott for the Scotland Embankment Stabilisation Project which is the construction of a reinforced concrete retaining wall and masonry repair works at […]

  MARGARET THATCHER DAY: IN REMEMBRANCE Photos © Gilbert House MLAs paid respect to the late Baroness Margaret Thatcher on 10 January 2022.  The day marks 39 years since the late Prime Minister visited the Falklands after the 1982 Conflict with Argentina.  The Honourable Teslyn Barkman laid flowers in front […]

Whales are more important ecosystem engineers than previously thought   Research on whale feeding illustrates how the precipitous decline of large marine mammals damaged ocean ecosystems November 4, 2021   An estimated 1.5 million baleen whales that lived in the icy waters of the Southern Ocean were killed between 1910 […]

Royal Navy drones in South Sandwich Islands penguin census   Bruce Crumley – Dec. 31st 2021 6:18 am PT @BDroneDJ A UK Royal Navy research ship is on a mission in one of the most remote and isolated spots on the planet using camera and sensor-equipped drones to study the effects of climate […]

  The Clipper ‘Snow Squall’ – Part 1   Charles Lagerbom teaches AP US History at Belfast Area High School and lives in Northport. He is author of “Whaling in Maine” and “Maine to Cape Horn.”   BY HALF SEAS OVER     Charles Lagerbom teaches AP US History at Belfast […]

Shackleton’s final expedition: Reuniting Quest’s collection 100 years later   By James Ashworth First published 5 January 2022   A century ago, the era of ‘heroic’ Antarctic endeavours came to an end as the Quest expedition made its way home.   While it is sometimes overlooked, the mission’s centenary has […]

Tristan da Cunha Association gains full UK charity status   We are delighted to announce that the UK Charity Commission (CC) has reported that they were ‘satisfied that The Tristan da Cunha Association is a charity and it has been entered onto the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity […]

Ovenstone Agencies Introduces the MFV Lance   Article and Photos from Andrew James, Ovenstone Agencies     MFV Lance pictured at Hirtshals shipyard, Denmark after refit   Introduction Ovenstone Agencies (Pty) Ltd has operated the Tristan da Cunha lobster Concession since 1999. Ovenstone’s role is twofold: to catch and market […]

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECT MEMBERS FOR THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, PASS ONE BILL AND STANDING ORDERS   At the formal Legislative Council meeting held on Friday, 10 December 2021, the following Members were elected to serve on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC):   Hon Gillian Brooks Hon Dr Corinda Essex Hon […]

  Antarctic seabird faces declining populations   14 December, 2021 News stories   Data collected from a long-term study by British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists shows declining populations of an already relatively rare Antarctic seabird, the South Georgia shag.  Published in the journal Polar Biology, a 40-year census from Signy Island in […]

Polish Radio Amateur Ordered to Stop Using Falkland Islands Identifier from Antarctica     The Falkland Islands Communications Regulator has directed Polish radio amateur Sebastian Gleich, SQ1SGB, to cease his ham radio operation from Antarctica’s Halley VI Research Station on the Brunt Ice Shelf, OpenFalklands reported. Apparently following up on a complaint, […]

The threat from Thwaites: the retreat of Antarctica’s riskiest glacier   14 December, 2021 BAS News stories   Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier is retreating rapidly as a warming ocean slowly erases its ice from below, leading to a faster flow, more fracturing and a threat of collapse, according to an international team […]

“All Human, All Equal” – Falkland Islands Government advocates for Human Rights Day   Today, Friday 10 December, is the United Nations Human Rights Day, which was established in 1950 to draw the attention of ‘the peoples of the world’ to the inalienable rights of individuals as defined in the […]

  Falkland Islands Government request for a compassionate charter flight to Chile   The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) can confirm that it has held conversations with the UK government about the possibility of putting on a charter flight for South American members of our community to visit family and friends […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT 13 December 2021   Update on resumption of passenger flights   As part of the regular review process concerning Covid-19 measures affecting the Falkland Islands, the government is in regular dialogue with LATAM concerning the resumption of flights with South America, namely with Chile and […]

CLOSED SEASON FOR SPEARFISHING 1 JANUARY 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2022 DURING THIS PERIOD IT IS AN OFFENCE TO SPEARFISH AT ANY TIME OR PLACE IN ST HELENA’S WATERS   The Fisheries Ordinance, 2021 states that during a closed season, no person shall have a hand held spear or spear […]

WILDLAND FIRE SAFETY   Over the past few weeks the St Helena Fire & Rescue Service (SHF&RS) has dealt with several wild land fires in the Blue Hill and St Paul’s districts respectively. These fires were located in heavily wooded areas with grass and other shrubs, and if it had […]

ST HELENA COMMUNITY COLLEGE HOSTS ANNUAL LIFELONG LEARNING AWARDS CEREMONY   The St Helena Community College’s (SHCC) annual Lifelong Learning Awards Ceremony took place at the College Hall on Thursday, 9 December 2021.   The ceremony was opened with a welcome speech from Head of Lifelong Learning Services, Angela Benjamin. […]

Administrator Sean Burns takes off island leave   Administrator HH Sean Burns departed Ascension on leave on Sunday 12 December 2021. During his absence the Head of the Administrator’s Office Xander Halliwell will be fulfilling the duties and functions of Administrator.   Xander was appointed Acting Administrator by the Governor […]

NASA is tracking two explorers across Antarctica to prepare humans for Mars   By Ben Turner    British explorers Justin Packshaw and Jamie Facer Childs are on an 80-day trek across Antarctica.     Here, a penguin waddles on drift ice in the Antarctic’s Weddell Sea. (Image credit: Enrique Aguirre Aves/Getty Images) […]

RRS Sir David Attenborough arrives in Falkland Islands   8 December, 2021 SDA       The RRS Sir David Attenborough has completed the first leg of its journey to Antarctica, arriving in the Falkland Islands on 9 December.       The draft of Britain’s new polar ship is too large for […]

Arrival of first expedition vessel into Stanley   This week will see the arrival of the first expedition vessel into Stanley, as part of the scaled down summer tourist season which began last month. The Plancius will arrive on Friday 10 December, with 108 passengers aboard, and will be in […]

Antarctica experiences rare total solar eclipse   3 December, 2021 BAS News stories     A rare total solar eclipse in Antarctica this weekend (Saturday 4 December) is giving researchers a unique opportunity to learn more about how solar eclipses affect space weather. The next total eclipse in Antarctica will not […]

SA Agulhas II to set sail without helicopters for first time in 40 years   Erika Gibson Photo by Duncan Alfreds (News 24)     When the SA Agulhas II sets sail on its annual trip to Antarctica in a few weeks’ time, it will do so without helicopters for […]

Forum to Bring Together Key Stakeholders Across UK Overseas Territories to Strengthen Financial Oversight and Good Governance, Against the Backdrop of Pandemic Recovery   Key actors from the UK and the Overseas Territories (OTs) will meet virtually from Tuesday, 30 November, to Thursday, 2 December, for the Oversight of Public […]

Mission to drill Antarctica’s oldest ice 30 November, 2021   BAS News stories     The first campaign to drill Antarctica’s oldest ice starts this month (November). Beyond EPICA-Oldest Ice aims to drill an ice core to collect a record of past climate spanning 1.5 million years.  Scientists hope this record can […]

WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN 2021 CONCLUDES   The annual awareness raising White Ribbon Campaign – ‘Stand up and Speak out’ against Domestic Abuse – funded by the UN Development Programme St Helena Domestic Violence Project and coordinated by the Social Care Directorate concluded on Friday, 26 November 2021.   The aim […]

ST HELENA RESEARCH INSTITUTE MARKS ITS 2ND ANNIVERSARY   “Like it or not, we live in interesting times”, so said Robert F. Kennedy in a speech in 1966. The expression which seems to have its roots in English diplomatic services and interpretations of a Chinese proverb invokes feelings of opportunity, […]

NEW CHIEF JUSTICE APPOINTED   A new Chief Justice of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha has been appointed. Judge Rupert Jones’ (see photo attached) appointment is effective from 1 January 2022 and follows the retirement of Charles Ekins Esq. after 14 years of service to the Territory. Judge Jones […]

ANTARCTICA DAY On December 1st, Antarctica Day recognizes the anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty. It’s also a day to learn more about this cold and barren continent.   Humans didn’t discover Antarctica until 1820. Once discovered, several nations sought to claim the continent as their own. As tension increased, some […]

  There’s a clear-eyed vision behind China’s maritime build-up     India has neither the economic wherewithal nor the need to compete in a naval arms race with China. But we do need to ensure adequate naval capability to safeguard our vital interests   Written by Arun Prakash | Submitted by J […]

A public welcome to the RRS Sir David Attenborough   The public is warmly invited to welcome the RRS Sir David Attenborough as it makes its maiden voyage into the Falkland Islands on Thursday 9 December 2021. The plan is for the vessel to cross the reporting line into Port […]

STANLEY SUFFERS ANOTHER GORSE FIRE By J Brock (FINN) Photo © Ellya Morrison   On Sunday night at dusk, Stanley was hit with another gorse fire, this time on Reservoir near the Community School.  Thanks to the sterling efforts of the fire service, the fire was brought under control and […]

Falklands: SORRY, NO BOCCHERINI FOR THE LADYKILLERS   By J Brock (FINN)     Lady and Ladykillers take a bow at Saturday night’s performance. Photo © RMB Thanks to the sterling efforts of all at FIODA, the Ladykillers have made an eventful entrance and exit from the Stanley stage.  Starred […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 22 November 2021 Gaynor Kilmister Appointed new Principal of Primary for Infant Junior School and Camp Education     The Falkland Islands Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Gaynor Kilmister as the new Principal of Primary for the Infant Junior School and […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT 24 November 2021 Bright Beginnings Nursery announcement   In June, it was announced that Bright Beginnings nursery had become the first childcare business to open in the Falkland Islands to receive financial support from the Falkland Islands Government’s £1 million capital development grant. The aim […]

  Joint Statement from the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) and British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) 23 November 2021 FIC awarded the joint venture housing contract   Following the request for tenders from local and international companies, the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are pleased […]

  Extreme engineering: Practice makes perfect ahead of fitting out the new Discovery Building   23 November, 2021 Rothera   The new science and operations facility at Rothera Research Station, the Discovery Building, has a unique design to meet the challenges of living and working in Antarctica, along with helping British […]

WORLD FISHERIES DAY  FISHERIES ADVICE REPORTS FOR ST HELENA RELEASED   World Fisheries Day is observed on 21 November and is dedicated to highlighting the critical importance of healthy marine ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable stocks of fish within the world’s oceans. It also aims to highlight the importance of fisheries […]

MAPPING THE INFORMATION LANDSCAPES OF ST HELENA   A researcher from the University of Manchester is presently on the Island to work on a project running as part of the installation of the Equiano undersea cable, which will bring high-speed internet access to St Helena when activated in March next […]

CHRISTY BEDWELL ACHIEVES CERTIFICATE IN TEACHING & LEARNING IN PRIMARY EDUCATION   Newly Trained Teacher, Christy Bedwell, has recently achieved a Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Primary Education, following two years of study. For the first year, the course was led by previous on-Island Teacher Trainer Advisor, Gary Cameron, […]

CANDICE THOMAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES CAMBRIDGE (LEVEL 4) TEACHING & LEARNING COURSE   Harford Primary School’s Reception Teacher, Candice Thomas, has successfully completed her Cambridge (Level 4) Teaching & Learning course following a year of study.   The course was studied via distance learning with support from on-Island mentor, Robyn Sim. […]

FLIGHTS TO ST HELENA: MARCH 2022 AND BEYOND   St Helena Government is pleased that St Helena’s air service provision with Airlink will resume and is expected to commence towards the end of March 2022. This will include a fortnightly service between Johannesburg and St Helena and the monthly inter-island […]

Chief Islander holds talks with OT Minister Report from Tristan Government By UK Representative Chris Carnegy   On Friday 19th November, Chief Islander James Glass held talks with OTs minister Amanda Milling as JMC week came to its conclusion. In the discussions, James outlined the ways Tristan has coped with […]

 LOCALLY PRODUCED SHORT FILM WINS ‘IMPACT AWARD’ AT COP26   A locally produced short film has won an award at COP26 in Glasgow, resulting in one of the filmmakers being interviewed on BBC World Service Newshour.   The three-minute film, produced by Danni Thomas and Emma Weaver, was announced at […]

UK researchers join forces to put science at forefront of climate solutions   3 November, 2021 BAS News stories       Sea Ice work area during the JR240 ICEBell Cruise in the Bellingshaussen Sea. Credit: British Antarctic Survey.   British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is joining the UK’s leading climate science […]

Philanthropy: Princess Eugenie on Ascension Island’s sustainable fishing success story   12TH OCTOBER 2021 HRH Princess Eugenie and Clare Brook SPEAR’S     A remote island in the middle of the Atlantic offers hope that marine protection areas could mitigate climate change, write HRH Princess Eugenie and Clare Brook   It is no secret that […]

Tristan flag flies on RRS Sir David Attenborough Report from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy When the UK’s new Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough visited London for a VIP event, the flag of Tristan da Cunha was prominently displayed on board. The vessel was on show ahead of its first […]

Tristan’s key place at COP26 Tristan’s significant role in COP26 Glasgow climate conference   © Tristan Website     Tristan islander Lucas Swain’s moving plea on film was a highlight of the Saturday 6th November OT COP26 session – see below.   Tristan da Cunha Environment and Conservation Policy Officer […]

  United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association United Kingdom Overseas Territories Climate Change Pledge   We, the Governments of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories, are custodians of internationally important habitats which span the globe from the Antarctic to the Caribbean, the South Atlantic to the Indian Ocean.   Together with the […]

Argentina abstains from OAS vote criticising Nicaraguan government   © Buenos Aires Times   Alberto Fernández administration refuses to back Organisation of American States resolution calling for the release of political prisoners in Nicaragua.   NICARAGUAN PRESIDENT DANIEL ORTEGA SPEAKS DURING THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 51ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE PANCASAN […]

Harbour’s Sea Lion exit shows E&P will to de-risk, say, analysts   By Andrew Dykes 12/11/2021     Harbour Energy’s intention to offload its stake in the controversial Falklands Islands project shows E&P companies’ increasing wariness of new and remote oil markets, according to GlobalData.         Harbour […]

St Helena: REMEMBRANCE FLAG CEREMONY 2021   A Remembrance Flag Ceremony, to mark the moment in World War 1 when the guns fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and to honour all who have served, was held at Plantation House on Thursday, […]

St Helena: PFIZER/Bio-NTECH VACCINE ARRIVES ON-ISLAND   Arriving on the Titan Airways Charter flight from Stansted on Tuesday, 9 November 2021 was a consignment of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (see photo attached).  The Pfizer vaccine (as it is more commonly termed) is an approved vaccine against COVID-19.   One of the advantages […]

St Helena: EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION   Executive Council will meet on Monday, 15 November 2021, to discuss the Development Application for a Proposed Fuel Station, Convenience Store with In-store Café and Supporting Services.   The ExCo Memo and supporting documents are available on the St Helena Government […]

Falklands: ELECTION OF LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY MEMBERS CAMP and STANLEY CONSTITUENCIES       Front row from L to R: The Hon Mrs Leona Roberts, The Hon Mr Peter Biggs, The Hon Mr John Birmingham, The Hon Ms Teslyn Barkman. Second Row from L to R The Hon Mr Mark Polard, the […]

Submitted by J Brock (FINN)   John Birmingham – Camp Constituency   After the constituency referendum, a renumeration panel was formed to consider ways to encourage people from camp to stand for election. All the recommendations made were rejected. As one of that group, I believe there needs to be […]

Submitted by J Brock (FINN)   Mark Pollard – My Manifesto 2021   I am a husband and father of two girls who are both 7th Generation Falkland Islanders. If elected this would be my second term in office. I am still the same person who stood four years ago. […]

PUBLIC CONSULTATION MEETING DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR SATELLITE EARTH STATIONS AT HORSE POINT The Planning Service has received a development application for the development of 19 Satellite Earth Stations and a Control Building at Horse Point and is now seeking the views of the community, businesses and other interested parties. This […]

Submitted by J Brock (FINN) Ascension Island: Acting Administrator Sworn In   19 October 2021   Xander Halliwell, Left and HH Sean Burns, Right   Administrator HH Sean Burns is due to depart Ascension on leave on Tuesday 19 October. During his absence the Head of the Administrator’s Office Xander […]

ST HELENA HEALTH TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME   ORTHOPAEDIC REVIEW UPDATE   As previously announced, the Health Services Directorate is reviewing its Orthopaedic Service as part of its new St Helena Health Transformation Programme. All patients who have received orthopaedic treatment under our Orthopaedic Service within the past six years have been […]

ST HELENA POLICE EDUCATION AND AWARENESS PROGRAMME  POLICE APPEALS St Helena Police are currently conducting an education and awareness programme for the local community. Each week a different topic will be aired on local radio stations, issued via information releases and posted on Social Media. This week’s topic is Police […]

POSTGRADUATE STUDY IN THE UK – CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 2021-2022 FINAL REMINDER Applications for the Chevening Scholarship Awards for the 2022 intake will close on Tuesday, 2 November 2021 at 12 noon (GMT).  The programme is fully funded by the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office and is aimed at those with […]

Submitted by J Brock (FINN)   Manifesto of Barbara J Besley-Clark   There are local qualified personnel working along side non residents, but getting less pay, THE SYSTEM IS DISCRIMINATORY   I often wonder if our own people are being treated like second class citizens?   Senior Citizens, the cost […]

Address By the President His Excellency the Governor, Dr Philip Rushbrook   Acknowledging my commission from Her Majesty The Queen, I welcome Honourable Members, officials and others in attendance at this first Legislative Council of the new term of office.   I extend my congratulations on your election and look […]

INAUGURAL MEETING OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COUNCILLOR JULIE THOMAS ELECTED AS CHIEF MINISTER     The inaugural meeting of the newly elected Legislative Council took place in the Council Chamber today. Local media, members of the public and Public Service officials attended to witness this historic first formal meeting under the […]

Submitted by J Brock (FINN) Next phase of the KEMH vaccination programme 27 October 2021 KEMH is pleased to inform the public of the next stage in the Covid-19 vaccination programme. A third primary dose, this time of the Moderna vaccine, is being offered to people most at risk, such […]

Submitted by J Brock (FINN)   Election Manifesto of Ana Crowie   Ana Crowie Peale Cottage, Darwin Telephone 55265 Email: acrowie@horizon.co.fk     I am a 4 th generation Falkland Islander on both the Biggs and Middleton family trees, born and brought up in Darwin by hardy, practical, common-sense parents. […]

New polar ship makes London debut 28 October, 2021 BAS Press releases   RRS Sir David Attenborough visits London as pre-COP event ahead of first mission to Antarctica. The UK’s new polar research ship is making its London debut in Greenwich (Thursday 28 October – Saturday 30 October) in support of the UK Presidency […]

Election Manifesto of Chris Locke       Having been brought up by the coast in South Devon the sea greatly influenced my life. After leaving school I chose a career in the Merchant Navy, joining the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 1977. In 1986 I moved to Plymouth where I […]

Hungry humpbacks: New surveys show an abundance of humpback whales on their South Atlantic feeding grounds following whaling ban   15 October, 2021 In BAS news   Humpback whale populations are strongly recovering on their feeding grounds in the South Atlantic, with over 24,543 whales now estimated to use polar waters […]

Caring for Gough’s land birds come rain, wind and snow… Amy King Ever since my pal worked on Gough Island, it had been a place I had hoped I would one day be able to visit, especially with a love for seabirds being at the root of a lot of […]

The remote British island hoping to see more visitors By Anne Cassidy Business reporter       St Helena, pictured here is its capital Jamestown, has remained free of coronavirus © SHG   Alasdair and Gill Maclean say they felt a bit guilty having spent much of the past year […]

  Manifesto for the Camp Constituency Election 2021 –Teslyn Barkman   23 Rex Hunt Road Stanley Mobile: 53583 Home phone: 21501 Email: teslyn@hotmail.co.uk It has been a great honour to represent Camp and the Falklands.   Teslyn Barkman I have also hugely enjoyed the past four years. There have been […]

  The Short Manifesto. Election 2021   After being approached by a number of people I am offering myself as a candidate in this year’s election.   For those of you who know me, you know what I stand for but for those who don’t I come from a working-class […]

    ST HELENA CONTINUES TO MAINTAIN ‘INVESTMENT GRADE’ CREDIT RATING   St Helena has once again achieved a Credit Rating of BBB-/A-3 stable, from global credit-rating agency Standard & Poors (S&P). The credit rating is ‘investment grade’ meaning that St Helena is a low risk destination to invest relative […]

Emma Brook election manifesto 2021   I am a 6th generation Falkland Islander, born in England and just turned 50. I was elected to council in 2009, but resigned in 2011 as I was getting married to Mark, who was employed in HM Forces and he was to be posted […]

Election Manifesto of Gary Webb   My name is Gary Webb but most of you know me as Guido and I would like to put my name forward for nomination as an MLA in the forthcoming elections.   I left school with good CSE Grades, I didn’t go to College […]

  FISHING VESSEL MADRE JOSEFA UNO ARRIVING TOMORROW TO EVACUATE SICK CREW MEMBER   St Helena Authorities have received a request from fishing vessel Madre Josefa Uno for medical assistance for a sick crew member. This is not COVID-19 related and there is no indication of COVID-19 or any symptoms amongst crew members […]

COMMEMORATION OF SEAFARERS AND THE FORMER WEST AFRICA SQUADRON OF THE ROYAL NAVY   SATURDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2021   A ceremony to commemorate and honour those of the West Africa Squadron in 1839 -1843 and others of past and present naval operations of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy will take […]

    AVIATION ON ST HELENA: WHERE IS IT BEST TO FLY TO FROM ST HELENA?   Recently a number of questions have been asked about St Helena Airport (HLE) and air access to the Island in general. Over the last few weeks, St Helena Government’s (SHG) Sustainable Development Civil […]

  The unknown consequences of plastic’s legacy found in seabirds around the world   by Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology OCTOBER 11, 2021       Seabirds from Gough Island in the south Atlantic, Marion Island near Antarctica and the coasts of both Hawaii and Western Australia have a […]

AstraZeneca Covid vaccine arrives in Antarctica By Jonathan Amos BBC Science correspondent       Nine months after it was rolled out, the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine has finally reached the Antarctic.   It was flown in this week to immunise the 23 staff members who’ve been keeping the British Rothera […]

CYBER SECURITY PRESENTATION MONDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2021 Are you interested in protecting your computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft or damage to your hardware, software or electronic data? If yes, then come along to a Cyber Security presentation at the Museum of St Helena at 7pm on Monday, 11 October 2021.   The […]

  EXCO APPROVES MERCHANT SHIPPING REGULATIONS 2021   Executive Council (ExCo) has this week approved the following Regulations to underpin the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 2021, which was passed by Legislative Council in January 2021, and will be brought into force shortly:   Merchant Shipping (Safety and Health) (Load Lines) Regulations […]

  COVID-19 Update, 6 October 2021   October’s monthly Covid-19 update.   KEMH TESTING   Total number of swab tests taken and processed to date: 7643 Total number of swabs taken but not yet tested: 1 Total number of positive test results since 3 April 2020: 68 Number of current […]

FALKLANDS: Development prospects for Sea Lion gas   By J Brock (FINN)     Rockhopper Exploration has announced its semi-annual report on September 30, which follows Harbor Energy’s shocking announcement that it intends to exit the Sea Lion project in the North Falkland Basin.   Rockhopper however announced that “work […]

  AVIATION ON ST HELENA: WHO CAN FLY TO ST HELENA?   Over the last few months a number of questions have been asked about St Helena Airport (HLE) and air access to the Island in general. As a result, St Helena Government’s (SHG) Sustainable Development Civil Aviation Team this […]

HMS PROTECTOR OCTOBER VISIT TO ST HELENA   By J Brock (FINN)   The HMS Protector is back in St Helena’s waters continuing her survey work after her visit to Ascension Island.   The ship was at the anchorage from 14 – 20 October for the second crew change which coincides with […]

  CHILDREN & ADULTS SOCIAL CARE DIRECTORATE CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS AND SILVER SUNDAY   International Day for Older Persons (IDOP) is recognised each year on 1 October.   The IDOP is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness […]

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST:  SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL   Expressions of Interest are invited for the role of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Legislative Council, which became vacant on 2 August 2021, upon dissolution of Council.   The Speaker presides in meetings of Legislative Council and is responsible […]

    Ascension Island Visit for HMS Protector   By J Brock (FINN)   1 October 2021     Vessel undertakes MPA patrol and surveying work   The Royal Navy vessel HMS Protector visited Ascension Island having been in Ascension’s waters for several weeks. HMS Protector is the British Royal […]

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING AT CAREER ACCESS ST HELENA? Featured updates:  New Team Member   The Career Access St Helena team welcomed their new Support Officer, Placement Coordinator, Martin George, on Friday, 24 September.  Martin will work alongside the Career Access Manager and Workforce Development Officer providing support services to clients […]

  CLE:   Solutions to Protect Antarctica’s Keystone Species   PEW Charitable Trust   Overview At the heart of Antarctica’s Southern Ocean lives a tiny creature that must be protected: krill.   Without these small crustaceans, charismatic Antarctic predator species such as penguins, seals, and whales could not survive.   Not […]

  Falklands 40: Anniversary Photo Competition   By J Brock (FINN)   To mark the 40th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands in 2022, an Anniversary Photo Competition has been launched.  Throughout the year the event’s organisers will hold a number of events in the Falkland Islands and the […]

UK 406 MHz beacon registration for operators based in the Falkland Islands Submitted by J Brock (FINN) The beacon registry, managed by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA), confirms that all types of UK coded 406 MHz beacons carried on vessels or aircraft included in the shipping and aircraft registers […]

  TRIP2 tourism recovery incentive scheme to launch on 1 October 2021   Following the success of the initial Tourism Recovery Incentive Programme – or ‘TRIP’ – which was designed to support tourism-related businesses and stimulate economic growth across the Islands during 2020/21, the government is pleased to announce that […]

CABI to work in partnership to help protect St Helena’s biodiversity and enhance its agriculture   Submitted by J Brock (FIN)     Most people have heard of St Helena and perhaps a few are even aware that it is a UK overseas territory in the South Atlantic. Its greatest […]

Report on Executive Council    By MLA Roger Spink 22 September 2021   Executive Council met on Wednesday 22nd August to consider twenty-nine papers.  MLAs Hansen, Barkman and Spink were in attendance.   The Director of Natural Resources attended for the first three items.   The first paper on the […]

SAINT HELENA NATIONAL TRUST SECURES FUNDING TO DIGITISE THE EAST INDIA COMPANY RECORDS   The Saint Helena National Trust (SHNT) has been successful in securing funding to digitise the East India Company (EIC) records that are currently housed at the St Helena Government (SHG) Archives.   This Project (EAP reference […]

‘Ice melange’ warning over Antarctica ice shelf collapse Rob Waugh Contributor Tue, September 28, 2021, 12:35 PM· Could ice melange be crucial to ice shelf collapses?   “Ice melange” is a slushy concoction of wind-blown snow, iceberg debris and frozen seawater – and it could be key to understanding ice shelf […]

Falkland Islands Government and BAS work together on forthcoming Antarctic season   30 September 2021   Despite the global pandemic, the strong strategic relationship between the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has gone from strength to strength. Following the success of the previous austral summer research […]

We’ve been ‘panic fishing’ our resources for years   By J Brock (FINN)   Certain basic truths about over-fishing are hitting home right now, when ramifications of panic buying in food retail outlets is observed.   I will use the recent panic-buying of cat food and toilet paper as examples.   […]

ST HELENA’S COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND PROCEDURES REMINDER   St Helena Government (SHG) has recently received queries from the public about the COVID-19 Protocols and Procedures and the response to positive COVID-19 cases on the Island.  The response to COVID-19 is continually evolving internationally and on St Helena as the situation […]

2021 Marks Several Anniversaries for Diplomacy in the Polar Regions   20 September, 2021 BAS Blog     This month (19 September) we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Arctic Council. Whilst the Arctic and Antarctic are truly ‘Poles apart’, diplomacy for these icy regions shares common objectives of peace, […]

Falkland Islands Government introduces new and improved Income Support system   The Falkland Islands Government is pleased to announce a new and improved Income Support system for residents requiring financial assistance. From 4 October 2021, applicants will fill out one application and this will be processed in one location (with the exception of the […]

THE ROLE OF THE ST HELENA PUBLIC SERVICE EXPLAINED   A General Election will be held on Wednesday, 13 October 2021, if more than 12 valid nominations are received on Nomination Day. The closing date for candidate nominations is 12 noon on Wednesday, 29 September 2021. This year’s Election will […]

Announcement from the Tristan da Cunha Government, 21st September 2021   Milestone Reached as Tristan Publishes its Marine Management Plan   Downloads: – Full Plan [72 pages – 16.7MB] – Summary Plan [16 pages – 7.7MB] UK Overseas Territory in South Atlantic secures protection and sustainable future of biodiverse marine environment as new legislation passed and […]

 WORLD PATIENT SAFETY DAY THE HEALTH SERVICE RESTATES ITS COMMITMENT TO MAINTAINING PATIENT SAFETY ON-ISLAND   Today, 17 September, is the annual UN Observed World Patient Safety Day. Patient Safety is a global health priority.  On St Helena the Health Service Directorate strives to maintain patient safety and is committed to delivering […]

SA Agulhas II chartered for Endurance22 Expedition   Author: Baibhav Mishra Associate Editor, Sea News       The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust (FMHT) has signed a charter agreement for the South African Polar vessel, SA Agulhas II, for its Expedition to find the wreck of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s iconic ship, […]

Harbour Energy Decides Not to Proceed with Sea Lion Project   By J. Brock (FINN)   Rockhopper Exploration has noted this morning’s announcement by Harbour Energy regarding its decision not to proceed with the Sea Lion project, and confirms that it is in discussions with Navitas Petroleum LP (“Navitas”) around […]

Chaotic formation of genetic islands among marine molluscs   14 September, 2021 BAS News stories   New research by scientists at British Antarctic Survey and Bielefeld University explains how the chaotic formation of genetic islands can occur in marine molluscs. Usually, the individuals of a population of marine species that […]

SOUTH ATLANTIC WEBSITE TO KEEP BUSINESSES, GOVERNMENTS AND PEOPLE CONNECTED   By J Brock (FINN)   Have a look!  The South Atlantic Islands News Team have a website that replaces falklandnews.com and sartma.com.  The main targets of the website are Businesses, Governments and People.   Since the 1982 Conflict, there […]

  INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DEMOCRACY   Today, Wednesday 15 September, is International Day of Democracy. This UN observed day ‘provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world.’   On their website*, the UN states that ‘Democracy is as much a process as a goal…The values of […]

Green Light for New Falkland Islands Port   By J Brock (FINN)   Despite grumbles from Argentina, on Friday 10 September 2021, the port project received ExCo approval to proceed to Stage One B, Detailed Design, which will take place over the next 13 months.  Beginning in July 2020, Stage […]

Water supply restored   The PWD Water Section would like to inform the public that the work on the mains has been completed.   The public are advised that there may be a slight discolouration to the water for a maximum of 48 hours; however, the water will be perfectly […]

HMS Protector Visits St Helena to Help Safeguard the Island’s Marine Environment Submitted by J Brock (FINN) Royal Navy ship HMS Protector is visiting St Helena to help safeguard the Island’s marine environment, undertaking monitoring to combat potential Illegal, Unreported  and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and conduct Hydrographic Surveys. Her arrival […]

Five-year MPA Management Plan Published  Submitted by J Brock (FINN) 10 September 2021   Ascension Island Government   Five-year Marine Protected Area Management Plan, implementing active protection of 445,000 km2 of the Atlantic Ocean, published   Covering an area nearly the size of France, Ascension Island’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) is […]

Anne Green receives her MBE Honour   Report and photos from James Glass and Fiona Kilpatrick   We are delighted to report that on Thursday 9th September 2021 a reception was held for the family of Mrs. Anne Green by the Administrator Fiona Kilpatrick and her husband, to award Anne […]

  16 September 2021    Hillside House has new Residents at Last Submitted by J Brock (FINN) After more than a year of living in Liberty Lodge, residents were welcomed to their new interim accommodation, Hillside House, on 15 September 2021. Following extensive refurbishment and some incredible decoration, this will […]

Future of Life Award for ozone hole discovery and world’s “most successful environmental treaty”   16 September, 2021 In BAS news     (From left) Joseph Farman, Brian Gardiner and Jonathan Shanklin from British Antarctic Survey discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica in 1985.       The […]

Ascension Island: Nature Notes – Yellowfin Tuna Submitted by J Brock (FINN) 2 September 2021   Conservation   Nature notes is a monthly instalment bringing you information and updates about the natural world on Ascension Island. In this month’s notes – yellowfin tuna!   There are 15 species of tuna […]

Falklands Executive Council Reports on Latest Meeting   Submitted by J Brock (FINN) Executive Council met on Wednesday 25th August to consider twenty two papers.  MLAs Bragger, Hansen and Roberts were in attendance.   The first paper on the agenda was the latest updated mental health action plan and new […]

Climate change risk to emperor penguins (c) British Antarctic Survey   Submitted by J Brock (FINN) 3 August, 2021 News stories   British Antarctic Survey scientists have contributed to a new study published today (3 August)  which provides valuable new data highlighting how emperor penguins extinction risk is increased due to […]

COVID-19 Update, 1 September 2021 Image: World Health Organisation Submitted by J Brock (FINN) Welcome to September’s monthly Covid-19 update.   KEMH TESTING   Total number of swab tests taken and processed to date: 7,531 Total number of swabs taken but not yet tested: 5 Total number of positive test […]

UN Publicises International Day Of Clean Air For Blue Skies   Submitted by J Brock (FINN) Image: UNICEF   The 2021 theme for the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies is “Healthy Air, Healthy Planet” which emphasizes the health aspects of air pollution, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s focus […]

  Two New Island Councillors Sworn In Submitted by J Brock (FINN) Report and Photo from Joint Administrator Fiona Kilpatrick     New Island Councillors Terence Green and Vera Glass in the Council Chamber at their swearing in.   The Island Council met for an informal meeting on the 27th […]

New X-Ray Set-up at the Hospital Submitted by J Brock (FINN) Report from Dr Alex Wonner. Photo from Vera Glass     Nicky Swain and Leo Glass from the IT department setting up the new DR x-ray reader for Camogli Healthcare Centre.   The Camogli Healthcare Centre has recently endured […]

Jonathan the Tortoise: How Old?   By J Brock (FINN)     Jonathan, a Seychelles giant Tortoise, lives in the South Atlantic Island of St Helena on the grounds of Plantation House, the official residence of the Governor.   What’s unique about Jonathan is the tortoise’s age – 189 years […]

Acting Governor Welcomes HMS Protector Personnel   By J Brock (FINN)   Personnel from the HMS Protector 7 September 2021   The Acting Governor hosted a reception at Plantation House on Monday, 6 September 2021, to welcome personnel from the HMS Protector.  Invited guests included St Helena Government (SHG) officials, […]

  HMS Protector Visits St Helena for the First Time By J Brock (FINN)   Image taken from royalnavy.mod.uk   HMS Protector, the Royal Navy’s only Ice Patrol Ship, has visited the St Helena from Monday, 6 September to Friday, 10 September 2021. This is the first of two visits to […]

FIBRE OPTIC CABLE LANDED AT ST HELENA   Sunday, 29 July 2021, was a ground-breaking day in St Helena’s digital history as the Island’s branch of the Equiano Subsea Cable was landed here at Ruperts Beach. This was the first shore landing of the cable in the entire Equiano Cable […]

After Argentina captured the Falkland Islands in 1982, the British navy sailed south to retake them. But the British navy lacked enough aircraft carriers for all the missions it needed to do to recover the islands.

All-woman team of Pretoria scientists sets sail for South Atlantic   01 September 2021 – 14:28BY TIMESLIVE   Caitlyn Fourie, Sade Magabotha, Francinah Ratsoma and Mancha Mabaso will spend 36 days aboard the RV SA Agulhas II.       Image: University of Pretoria/Supplied   Four postgraduate students from the University of […]

Baiting and Support Team Leaves Gough Island   A heart-felt farewell to our brilliant baiting and support team as they depart the island aboard the Cape Town-bound S.A. Agulhas II! First stop Tristan da Cunha where the Tristanian contingent from the Restoration team will be dropped off back home!   […]

After 30 years of service with British Antarctic Survey the RRS James Clark Ross has been sold to the Ukrainian National Antarctic Scientific Centre.

With the baiting stage of the Gough Restoration Programme having been completed at the beginning of August, the SA Agulhas II sailed from Cape Town on the 5th August 2021 to pick up the baiting team and take them back to Cape Town. She arrived at Gough Island on the 11th August and once back-loading had been completed, departed on the 12th August.

On Sunday the PWD Water Department informed the public that due to an issue with the supply of raw water to the filtration plant, the tanks had fallen below the normal operating level.  A subsequent drop in water pressure affected most of Stanley, with properties closer to the harbor retaining reduced gravitational pressure. Nonetheless, PWD’s water section prioritized water supply to the KEMH.

  Falklands General Election Is 4 November 2021   By J Brock (FINN)   FIG has confirmed that the current Legislative Assembly will shortly come to the end of its four-year term, and a General Election is now scheduled for Thursday 4 November 2021 across Camp and Stanley constituencies.   […]

Warming Western Antarctic Peninsula waters impact plankton community   17 August, 2021 BAS News stories   Warming water and receding sea ice in the Western Antarctic Peninsula is changing the local plankton community with potential consequences for climate change, according to research led by scientists from Duke University and Duke […]

The remains of five former Argentine combatants were exhumed from a collective grave in the Darwin cemetery, as part of the identification work carried out by a team from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Samples will be taken from each one and then analyzed and compared with blood from relatives in the laboratory that the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF) has in Córdoba.  Originally four bodies were expected in the multiple tomb and not five.

Argentina Fumes over Construction of new British port in the Falklands   Submitted by J Brock (FINN) Diplomatic disputes between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falkland Islands are common, but the latest controversy involves a new “front line” – Antarctica.   Argentina and the United Kingdom are two […]

Executive Council has approved the referral of the Fisheries (Conservations and Management) (Amendment) Bill 2021 to the Legislative Assembly next month. The bill will enable the implementation of a revised ITQ (Individual Transferable Quota) scheme (known as ITQ B), with licences to fish catch entitlement due to come into force from January 2023.

Yesterday, ExCo approved the decision to develop a fully functioning, effective and safe pilotage service for the Falkland Islands. This will be supported by changes to the existing Harbour and Ports Ordinance 2017, in order to provide the necessary framework for this service to be delivered. The implementation of the […]

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE PORT CONTROL, CUSTOMS & BIOSECURITY MAIN CONTAINER YARD   Following an open procurement exercise conducted in April/May 2021, St Helena Government (SHG) has entered into a contract with Adrian Duncan T/A AMD Engineering of Ruperts Valley, to undertake the construction of the Port Control, […]

ST HELENA TO ACQUIRE A CHIEF MINISTER   Submitted by J Brock (FINN)   Preparations are underway for a General Election to take place on St Helena before the end of October. This year’s Election will be historic – the first under a ministerial system of Government.   Leading up […]

His Excellency The Governor, acting on the advice of the Executive Council, has announced that the 2021 Award of the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour to Miss Tracy Evans for her admirable fundraising efforts during a time of significant personal adversity.   A formal presentation of the award will […]

It criticised London for its failure to hand the territory back to Mauritius.   The judges’ decision confirms a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and a vote in the UN General Assembly.   The Indian Ocean archipelago includes a US military base. The UK has said it […]

British Antarctic Survey is deeply saddened to report that former Director, Dr. Barry Heywood passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Monday 25 January.  He was 83.   Barry had a long and successful career at BAS.  He joined the Falkland Island Dependencies Survey as a biologist in 1961, […]

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By Diane Selkirk (BBC) 15 June 2020       Donkeys were introduced to Ascension Island in the early 19th Century and now roam wild (Credit: Diane Selkirk)   From the sea, volcanic Ascension Island looks as if it’s smouldering. Big mid-Atlantic swell rolling up from the Southern Ocean explodes […]

Report from Tristan da Cunha Adminstrator Steve Townsend While the MFV Edinburgh was waiting off-shore for a break in the weather so that we could finish off-loading, we got a radio message from the vessel on Friday 17 July 2020 saying that a crew member had been taken ill. We immediately launched […]

Photos and report from Rachel Green Identification by Peter Ryan   A young Kelp Gull was sighted on a beach west of Calshot Harbour on Monday 25th August. Kelp Gulls are one of the more common vagrant birds from South America that set out over the ocean and may be […]

  Report and photos by Head Teacher Julia Hagan   Almost a year after the school was damaged by the storm of July 2019, the move back to the ‘Old School’, as St Mary’s School has become known, happened on Monday 6th July 2020.   Everything was moved back to […]

Report from Administrator Fiona Townsend, 2nd September 2020   Departure from Cape Town   The delayed MFV Geo Searcher, which was originally scheduled to depart Cape Town on the 20th or 21st August, finally left on the 29th August 2020.     The MFV Geo Searcher pictured November 2019   There […]

British Antarctic Survey News Team   Rothera Research Station is the UK Antarctic hub for frontier science. Over the next decade, Rothera Research Station will be upgraded to ensure its facilities keep the UK at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research. This comprehensive modernisation includes a new wharf […]

By J Brock (FINN) Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the long awaited merger of Department for International Development and Foreign Office. Named the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, (FCDO) it officially launched on Wednesday, 2 September. “FCDO will unite development and diplomacy that brings together the best of Britain’s international […]

M 4.8 – South Sandwich Islands region   2020-08-31 23:16:12 (UTC) 58.630°S 24.880°W 10.0 km depth   Nearby Places   Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, Tristan da Cunha, 2545.6 km (1581.8 mi) NNEPopulation: 271 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina2614 km (1624.2 mi) WPopulation: 58028 Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina2632.4 […]

By J Brock (FINN) Rockhopper Exploration plc (AIM: RKH), an oil and gas exploration and production company with key interests in the North Falkland Basin, has announced the disposal of its entire shareholding in United Oil & Gas plc (“United”).   Involved in the transaction was the sale of 114,503,817 ordinary shares in […]

16 April, 2020 9C0 BAS News stories   A new £40 million wharf to moor the RRS Sir David Attenborough has been used by polar ships for the first time at British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station in Antarctica to transport staff and materials back to the UK.   A specialist team of […]

7 April, 2020 BAS News stories CAMBRIDGE: British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has announced exceptional plans to repatriate scientists, support teams and construction workers as they complete their Antarctic summer field season work.   Major disruption to international travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and restrictions imposed to limit the spread […]

By J Brock (FINN)   After an extensive global procurement process, FIG has announced the completion and signing of a contract with BAM Nuttall for the design and build of a new port in Stanley Harbour.     The existing port will be replaced     Following the announcement that BAM Nuttall had been selected […]

By J Brock (FINN)       Following an early 2019 decision by the Board of Fortuna Ltd, approval for the construction of a new trawler to join their current fleet of five trawlers was granted.   The vessel will be owned and operated by Fortuna Joint Venture Company – […]

St Helena and the Falkland Islands will be joining over 100 islands in the Virtual Island Summit.   The Summit (https://www.islandinnovation.co/summit/) is a free online event aimed at connecting islands across the globe to share common experiences through a digital platform. The Summit is run by Island Innovation, an advisory […]

by Bhavi Mandalia   August 24, 2020     Cancer is a disease for which the search for treatment is still going on. Scientists now have the hope of curing cancer from a 188-year-old turtle. Scientists are studying a turtle named Jonathan, which is the oldest living animal on land. The […]

The Ilen left Baltimore in west Cork earlier today. The Ilen used to carry cargo between the Falkland Islands Image: Gary MacMahon/PA IRELAND’S ONLY SURVIVING wooden cargo sailing boat revived a tradition lost a century ago when it embarked on a series of wind-powered supply trips to islands off the […]

Premier Oil Seeks $530m   By J Brock (FINN)   Premier Oil is seeking $530m from shareholders as part of a $2.9bn refinancing that the group hopes will end concerns over its finances.   $300m of the funds will be used to pay down part of the company’s $2.4bn debt, left […]

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Welcome to the Malvina House Hotel which is situated in the heart of Stanley, capital of The Falkland Islands.  With beautiful views overlooking the natural harbour and only a few minutes’ walk from shops, pubs and historic sites and monuments. Book A Room Our aim is to offer every visitor […]

Ocean Magazine. At the midpoint of the second largest ocean on the planet By Carlos González

Today, Tuesday 11 February, is International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2020 – a day used to recognise the contribution of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields and to promote and strengthen their participation. In recognition of the day, we introduce you to St Helena Government […]

St Helena Government (SHG) is currently seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from International Communications Providers to deliver voice and data communication services to St Helena from 1 January 2023.

FIG has announced that MLA Roger Spink was admitted to hospital on Thursday 6 February 2020; and is slowly recovering. The press release went on to say that Members of the Legislative Assembly wish him well expressed the hope that he would recover fully. MLA Spink’s family thanks the community […]

The position of Chair of the Land Development Control Authority will become available from 10 March 2020. The Governor’s Office invites all persons interested in this position to complete the relevant form for return to Mr Greg Gibson in the Governor’s Office by Friday, 21 February 2020.

Information from Administrator Steve Townsend on the 14th May 2020 We are the most remote inhabited island in the world, with a population of about 250 people. As our nearest neighbour is over 1,200 miles away, we are used to quite a lot of isolation! However we still follow the […]