HEADLINES

ACCESS TO PEAKS NATIONAL PARK – FURTHER PROHIBITION UNTIL MARCH 2024   In response to the increasing concerns of the presence of plant pathogens affecting endemic trees within the Peaks National Park and the potential for these to spread, since April 2023 access to some areas of the Peaks National […]

Scientists track rapid retreat of Antarctic glacier   28 November, 2023 BAS News stories   Scientists are warning that apparently stable glaciers in Antarctica can change rapidly and lose large quantities of ice as a result of warmer oceans.   Using satellite data, a team discovered that the ice shelf extending […]

UK Government and UK Overseas Territories Governments modernise partnership   The Governments of the UK and of the UK Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Ascension, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha, and Turks and Caicos Islands have agreed a Joint […]

WHITE RIBBON DAY 2023   White Ribbon Day is held annually on 25 November. On this day communities around the world get together to raise awareness of domestic violence. Ahead of White Ribbon Day we encourage everyone in St Helena to use your voice to ‘Change the Story by Standing Up […]

Royal conclusion to Tristan’s London talks   Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy   King Charles provided a very special moment as the events surrounding the Joint Ministerial Council drew to a close on 15th November 2023.     HM King Charles III with UK Overseas […]

Animal Health (Emergency Measures for Outbreaks of Disease) Order 2022   Avian influenza   Declaration of temporary control zone FK-366-23 2.11.23   I, Andrea Clausen Director, Department of Natural Resources make this Declaration under article 4 of the Animal Health (Emergency Measures for Outbreaks of Disease) Order 2022 (“the Order”). […]

  MINISTER HENRY MEETS WITH HEALTH OFFICIALS IN GIBRALTAR   As part of a wider overseas trip, during this week Minister for Health and Social Care Martin Henry has been in Gibraltar meeting with various elected and health officials.   Minister Henry has travelled to Gibraltar build links between the […]

Councillors Laura Shearer and Kyla Benjamin return from the Joint Ministerial Council   27 November 2023 Ascension Island Government, Press Release     Councillors Laura Shearer and Kyla Benjamin successfully represented Ascension at the Overseas Territories’ Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London. The JMC, hosted by the UK Government, is […]

DELEGATION TO REPRESENT ST HELENA AT COP28 SUMMIT IN DUBAI   A delegation consisting of the Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Christine Scipio, and the St Helena Government (SHG) UK Representative Kedell Worboys, will represent St Helena at COP28 as part of the UK delegation.   The Conference […]

Construction first for British Antarctic Survey as specialist team fit-out new building over the Antarctic winter   27 November 2023 AIMP, Press releases   Construction has begun in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) with specialists arriving at Rothera Research Station to progress several projects to secure the future of […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT   28 November 2023 Mines found on Hell’s Kitchen beach It has been confirmed that a number of mines have been discovered on Hell’s Kitchen beach on the designated Government Reserve, located on the Murrell Peninsula.   The area was a suspect area on minefield maps. During […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT 29 November 2023   Work to develop a Pollution Prevention and Waste Management Policy   On Monday 27 November, Executive Council approved consultation for a proposed Pollution Prevention and Waste Management Policy. If finalised, this policy would support the development of a pollution prevention framework […]

  Impact of ‘failed promises’ on climate, evident in Antarctica     © UN Chile/ Mark Garten       29 November 2023Climate and Environment   The impact of “failed promises” to address the rapid rise in global temperatures is strikingly evident in Antarctica in the South Pole, according to […]

Burns Seamount: Tribute to Former Administrator   30 November 2023 Ascension Island Government, Press Release       The Ascension Island Government is pleased to announce the official naming of a newly discovered seamount as “Burns Seamount.” This significant geological discovery was made on 13 November 2022, by the RRS […]

STATISTICAL UPDATE: POPULATION   The St Helena Statistics Office has released new estimates for the total population of St Helena, and the number of births and deaths. Please note that the population estimates are provisional.   At the end of September 2023 there were an estimated 4,203 people on the […]

MINISTER HENRY RETURNS FROM OVERSEAS   On Saturday 25 November 2023, Minister for Health and Social Care Martin Henry returned to St Helena following two weeks overseas.   During that time Minister Henry attended the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London, met with health officials in the UK, and travelled […]

Lonely Volcanoes of the South Sandwich Islands   Some of the loneliest volcanoes on Earth lie where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Southern Ocean. Rarely is there anyone around to see an eruption except satellites peering down from orbit.   By Erik Klemetti for Rocky Planet   Nov 30, 2023   […]

    A UK minister has described the Falklands as “an important part of the British family” ahead of a visit to the islands after Argentina’s new president suggested it was time to “get them back”.     Foreign Office minister David Rutley is visiting the Falkland Islands on Thursday […]

The UK Government have confirmed that from October 2023 there will be a phased roll out of the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.   The ETA scheme will apply to those passengers visiting or transiting the UK, who do not currently need a visa for short stays or […]

British Overseas Territories Delegates Meet King Charles   By J Brock (FINN)       Representatives of the British Overseas Territories were invited to a reception hosted by the King at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.  This was followed by an official dinner hosted by the Speaker of the House of […]

  ST HELENA TO BE REPRESENTED AT UK OVERSEAS TERRITORIES ASSOCIATION YOUTH SUMMIT AND UK YOUTH PARLIAMENT   Kelly Yon, currently studying in the UK, will be representing St Helena at the UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) Youth Summit on Thursday 16 November 2023. This year’s summit is supported by […]

Tristan helps shape new Political Declaration   Report and photos from Tristan UK Government Representative Chris Carnegy   14th November 2023 saw Tristan da Cunha take a leading role in shaping the future relationship between the UK and the Overseas Territories.     Chris Carnegy (second right) with Governor Nigel […]

CAPE TOWN FLIGHTS TO ST HELENA CONFIRMED TO RETURN FOR SUMMER 2024-2025   St Helena Government (SHG) and Airlink are pleased to announce that flights to St Helena from Cape Town will be returning in 2024.   The re-introduction of Cape Town flights will begin in December 2024 and run until […]

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY DIVINE SERVICE   The annual Remembrance Sunday Divine Service, in honour of those who lost their lives in the violence of war, as well as those who served and survived these wars, was held at the Cenotaph in Jamestown on Sunday 12 November 2023.   The Right Reverend […]

CHIEF MINISTER HAS BILATERAL MEETING WITH UK MINISTER FOR OVERSEAS TERRITORIES   Earlier today, Chief Minister Julie Thomas held a bilateral meeting with Minister Rutley. Minster Rutley is the UK Government Minister with responsibility for the Overseas Territories.       The Chief Minister is currently in the UK primarily […]

Report on Executive Council   1st November 2023   A meeting of Executive Council was held on 1st November 2023 to deal with two papers only. MLAs Ford, Spink and Roberts attended.   Members accepted the paper on Budget Planning for 2023/24 onwards and noted the timetable for the forthcoming […]

Beach Clean 2023   6 November 2023 Ascension Island Conservation, Press Release     On Saturday, 04 November, the Ascension Island community came together to clear the island’s turtle nesting beaches of invasive plants and litter in readiness for the upcoming turtle season. An impressive turnout of approximately 96 volunteers […]

WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES UPDATE  – ALUMINIUM DRINK CANS RECYCLING   Waste Management Services (WMS) has formed a Public-Private partnership with Mr Roddy Yon to deliver aluminium drink cans recycling (known in the waste management industry as ADC), which are compacted and baled within the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) at Horse […]

ST HELENA GIS OFFICE TO CELEBRATE GIS DAY   The St Helena Government GIS Section will celebrate GIS Day on 16 November 2023 with an event at the Jamestown Community Centre, between 9am and 3pm.   During the event the GIS section will be celebrating innovative applications of geographic information system (GIS) […]

British Antarctic Survey unveils pilotless plane for Antarctica tests   Posted 31 October 2023   Polar science could reach new heights as UK researchers prepare to test the new Windracers ULTRA autonomous drone in Antarctica this season.     Image courtesy Windracers & British Antarctic Survey The unveiling of the […]

NEW FLIGHT CONNECTION INTRODUCED BETWEEN ST HELENA AND THE FALKLANDS VIA ASCENSION   On Monday 23 October, the Ascension Island Government (AIG) announced that a new air connection was now available between St Helena and the Falkland Islands. The new connection will utilise the South Atlantic Airbridge between the Falklands […]

PRESS RELEASE 24 October 2023   PRESS RELEASE   PAC reviews into Emergency Services Digital Mobile Radio Project and VHF/2m Repeater Replacement   STANLEY, FALKLANDS: The Public Accounts Committee published its reviews today into the VHF/2m Replacement and the Emergency Services Digital Mobile Radio project. The reviews provide an analysis […]

Falkland Islands peatland project to examine greenhouse gas emissions and carbon offsetting potential   The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the Falkland Islands’ extensive peatland habitats are to be studied as part of a project that will examine their carbon sequestration and offsetting potential. The results of the work could […]

New way home for St Helenians in Falkland Islands   A new scheme is being introduced for travellers in the Falklands. From:   Strategic Command and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office   Published 24 October 2023   Currently those wishing to travel from the Falkland Islands to St Helena must travel via […]

PRESS RELEASE – 23 OCTOBER 2023 16:07   Increased West Antarctic ice sheet melting is ‘unavoidable’, say scientists   The West Antarctic ice sheet will continue to increase its rate of melting over the rest of the century, no matter how much we reduce fossil fuel use, according to British Antarctic […]

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in brown skua populations on Bird Island, South Georgia   Following reports of several potentially symptomatic birds and unexplained mortality by British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff, testing at the Animal and Plant Health Agency laboratories in Weybridge has been confirmed the presence […]

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in brown skua populations on Bird Island, South Georgia   Following reports of several potentially symptomatic birds and unexplained mortality, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff took samples which were returned to the UK and tested by the Animal and Plant Health Agency […]

Sea change: new blueprint for Southern Ocean   18 October, 2023 BAS News stories   More than 200 scientists, including several from British Antarctic Survey (BAS), from 19 countries have released the first comprehensive assessment of trends in Southern Ocean ecosystems, in a report written specifically for policy makers.   The […]

British Antarctic Survey Kicks Off 2023-2024 Field Season   British Antarctic Survey   The Antarctic field season has started, with over 600 people beginning the journey South to work on over 60 projects on station and in the field. The season of work speaks clearly to our new 10-year science […]

Little farm with big conscience   AustralianFarmers   Most of us rely on our local farmers for our food, but others rely on them for their livelihoods.   On an urban 11 acre farm just outside Port Kembla in NSW, young people and refugees are being offered work and mentorship. […]

UN Decolonization Committee Meets   October 18, 2023   The United Nations Fourth Committee on Decolonization approved nineteen draft resolutions during their recent session.   The United Nations maintains a list of what they deem to be “Non-Self-Governing Territories”, and Bermuda is included, having been listed since 1946; with all […]

Falkland Islands Government: By-election Thursday 21 September 2023   The Falkland Islands Government can confirm that there is a vacancy in the elected membership of the Camp constituency of the Legislative Assembly. A By-election is now scheduled for Thursday 21 September 2023 across the Camp constituency.   The closing date […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 07 August 2023   Have your say and help us deliver a service that works for you   The Emotional Wellbeing Service would like to hear from the community on the service that is currently being provided and how they can develop and shape […]

Tribute and Reflection in remembering the 1st Anniversary of the reburial of the Liberated Africans.     The local community is invited to participate in a Tribute and Reflection in remembering the 1st Anniversary of the reburial of the Liberated Africans.   Sunday 20th August, between 10am – 3:00pm, Liberated […]

FIH shares fall despite annual profit, revenue, and dividend increases   By J Brock (FINN)   On Monday FIH Group PLC reported higher profit and revenue and an optimistic financial outlook.   FIH, a specialist services group with businesses in the UK and the Falkland Islands said pre-tax profit in […]

Scientists aboard a research vessel near Antarctica pulled their nets out of the chilly ocean water.   Among their catch, they found a 20-armed creature with a distinctive body shape. It’s a new species. Researchers trawled the Southern Ocean on several research expeditions between 2008 and 2017, according to a […]

PUBLIC CYBER SECURITY WORKSHOPS   Do you want to know how to keep yourself, your family or your business safe on the internet? If you do then why not attend the ‘Staying Safe in Cyberspace’ workshops taking place around the Island in the coming the weeks.   These workshops are […]

TWO DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS APPROVED BY GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL   On Tuesday, 1 August 2023, two development applications were approved at a meeting of the Governor in Council.   Proposed renovations of HM Prison Workshop for additional cells and conversion of the Pipe Store into a Rehabilitation Area   The first […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 27 June 2023 Amendments to the Travel Credit Scheme and extension to include domestic tourism accommodation   The Falkland Islands Government Treasury are pleased to advise that from the 1 July 2023 the following amendments and extensions to the Travel Credit Scheme will come […]

CHEVENING ALUMNI PROGRAMME FUND (CAPF) – ST HELENA   The St Helena Chevening Alumni has been successful, for the third consecutive year, with a bid to the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund (CAPF) 2023-2024.   The on island alumni, Dax Richards, Pamela Constantine, Tracey Williams, Tara Wortley, Zedella Young and Gareth […]

THE QUEEN’S COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION 2022 RECITAL     St Helena Primary Schools have entered the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition for a number of years, and this year was no exception. The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is the oldest school essay competition in the world, established in 1883, and […]

Lowestoft school twins with counterparts on the volcanic island 27th June   By Mark Boggis Lowestoft Journal     It is the only school on an isolated volcanic island educating just 60 pupils.   But thanks to a “unique” link up, the next generation of ocean advocates have been supported […]

FORMAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING – WEDNESDAY 28 AND FRIDAY 30 JUNE 2023   A formal meeting of Legislative Council will take place on Wednesday 28 June at 10am. A venue is still to be confirmed. This is the first sitting of the thirteenth meeting of Legislative Council and will be broadcast live via […]

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE SEAFARER 2023   The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognises 25 June each year as Seafarers’ Day. This day is an opportunity to honour the role of seafarers in a global industry that contributes greatly to the movement of supplies and goods around the world.     […]

UK to Argentina: Yes, But Have You Asked The Falkland Islanders?   By Editor, St Kitts & Nevis Observer June 26th, 2023.     British Foreign Minister for the Americas and the Caribbean, David Rutley MP gave a statement, on 23 June, to the Organization of America States in response […]

Expanded eligibility for the Family Allowance   On Tuesday 30 May ExCo approved an amendment to the Family Allowances Ordinance. This means that from 1 July 2023 families who have been ordinarily resident in the Falkland Islands for at least three years will now be eligible for Family Allowance. This is […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT   21 June 2023   Changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance and Household Fuel and Power Allowance     Expanded eligibility for the Winter Fuel Allowance   In October 2022 ExCo approved an amendment to the eligibility criteria for Winter Fuel Allowance. This means […]

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN IN DIPLOMACY 2023   The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is celebrated annually on 24 June. It was established by the United Nations (UN) on 20 June 2022 to reaffirm that women’s participation, on an equal footing with men and at all levels of decision-making, is […]

Argentine dictatorship’s ‘death flight’ plane returned to country for a historical reckoning   The plane, which was discovered in the U.S., is the first ever proven in a court to have been used by Argentina’s junta to hurl political detainees to their deaths from the sky.   BUENOS AIRES, Argentina […]

MINISTER BROOKS DELIVERS BUDGET SPEECH 2023/24 TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL   The Minister for Treasury, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, Mark Brooks, today, Wednesday 28 June 2023, delivered the 2023/24 budget speech for St Helena to the Legislative Council. A copy of the budget speech is available online at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Budget-Speech-2023-24.pdf   In his opening remarks, Minister Brooks […]

LEASE SIGNED WITH ONE-WEB FOR GROUND STATION ON ST HELENA   Earlier today, Wednesday 28 June, Minister for Treasury, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, Mark Brooks, announced the signing of a lease between SHG and OneWeb. The announcement was made during Minister Brook’s 2023/24 budget speech to the Legislative Council.   The lease […]

Consultation on the Use of a New Biocontrol Agent to Tackle Mexican thorn   2 May 2023   Ascension Island Government, Press Release     The AIG Conservation Team is running a public consultation to get the public’s views on the introduction of a new biological control agent, a moth […]

Joint Ministerial Council 2023   5 May 2023   Ascension Island Government, Press Release   Councillors Depart Island for Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council   Councillor Alan Nicholls and Councillor Laura Shearer will depart Ascension Island on Tuesday 09 May 2023, and travel to the UK to represent Ascension at […]

Falkland Islands celebrate the coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen   Today, Saturday 6 May, marks the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla.   Representatives from the Falkland Islands were able to be part of the Coronation celebrations in […]

Chief Islander’s momentous visit to UK   Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy   Chief Islander James Glass, accompanied by his wife Felicity, flew into Heathrow from Cape Town, arriving on 21st April 2023. The following week brought individual meetings, including sessions with key fisheries figures […]

Operation Deep Freeze Today May 3, 2023   Jenna Biter for Coffee or Die Magazine   Come spring, Northeasterners start planning beach days at the Jersey Shore, but that isn’t true for some of New York’s Guardsmen. Every April, parka-clad airmen load into ski-equipped cargo planes bound for a colder […]

TERRITORIES JOINT MINISTERIAL COUNCIL   Chief Minister, Julie Thomas, departed St Helena on Saturday 29 April 2023, to travel to the UK. Whilst there she will be attending the Coronation of His Majesty The King and the annual Overseas Territories (OTs) Joint Ministerial Council (JMC).   The Chief Minister and […]

OneWeb to build satellite ground station on St. Helena island in partnership with Sure   Satellite company to also take 10 percent of island’s Equiano cable capacity.   May 03, 2023 By Dan Swinhoe    Low Earth Orbit satellite firm OneWeb is set to place a ground station on the […]

Falkland Islands: Argos Resources  to Wind Up Company After Sole Asset Sale of PL001   May 3, 2023   Oil and gas exploration company Argos Resources is set to sell its sole asset, the PL 001 production license in the North Falkand Islands, which is estimated to hold around 3 […]

  Report on Executive Council 25 April 2023   The April Executive Council Meeting saw MLA Spink step in to cover for MLA Roberts who was working overseas at the time. Please assume all reports were approved unless otherwise stated.   The Clerk of Councils Report was up first which […]

An epic global study of moss reveals it is far more vital to Earth’s ecosystems than we knew   By David John Eldridge, Manuel Delgado Baquerizo, originally published by The Conversation May 2, 2023   They are everywhere; growing in cracks along roads and pathways, on the trunks of trees, on rocks and […]

Cape Town Wants To Become The World’s Main Gateway To Antarctica Tourism   Brunno Braga Tue, May 2, 2023 at 1:35 AM GMT     As the number of tourists interested in visiting Antarctica continues to increase, Cape Town is positioning itself as the ideal location to visit before venturing to the […]

Ecolution is back and, would you believe it, it’s our 4th season!   © Ecolution 26.04.23   Evie returns with a first episode that heads further south than we’ve been before. Wrap up well as we are going all the way to Antarctica. We dip into what is happening in […]

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION/ILLUSTRATED BY GIBBS & COX, A LEIDOS COMPANY In Antarctica, German and South Korean icebreaking research ships regularly fly helicopters to reach remote glaciers. The U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF’s) 30-year-old RV Nathaniel B. Palmer can also carry helicopters. And the British Antarctic Survey’s new RRS Sir David Attenborough has not only […]

27 April 2023   FPV Lilibet formally handed over to the Falkland Islands Government   On Wednesday 26 April the new Fishery Patrol Vessel, FPV Lilibet was formally handed over to the Falkland Islands Government and will assume her duties on Monday 1 May 2023.   FPV Lilibet’s design is that of a smaller […]

ANNUAL PRICE INFLATION RATE AT 5.4%   For the first quarter of 2023, the RPI has been measured at 114.8 (Chart 1). This is an increase of 5.4% from a year ago, when the RPI was 109.0, and it means that retail prices have, on average, increased by 5.4% over […]

UPDATE ON FIBRE CABLE PROJECT – APRIL   Further to the update provided in March 2023, there are now four project work streams that remain outstanding before the Island can begin fully enjoying the benefits of the new cable:   Finalisation of the cable landing station at Rupert’s Bay The […]

MAIL DISRUPTIONS VIA ROYAL MAIL SERVICES, UK   The Post & Customer Services Centre (P&CSC) would like to address the issue of the non-receiving of mail from the UK.   The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has issued a statement relating to the cause of the disruption to the service, which […]

Antarctica’s heart of ice has skipped a beat. Time to take our medicine   Published: April 17, 2023 9.03pm BST Author Edward Doddridge Research Associate in Physical Oceanography, University of Tasmania Disclosure statement Edward Doddridge receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Government.   University of Tasmania provides funding […]

ACCESS TO PEAKS NATIONAL PARKS PROHIBITED UNTIL DECEMBER 2023   In March, it was announced that there was increasing concern over the impact of multiple plant pathogens that are affecting endemic tree species within the Peaks National Park. At that time, we encouraged people not to access the Peaks unless […]

www.sainthelena.gov.sh     STATISTICAL UPDATE: ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES   The latest statistical updates have been released for Arrivals and Departures data on April 12, 2023 as follows:   For the month of February 2023, there were a total of 393 arrivals. Compared to the same period in 2022 this is […]

Defense ministry held meetings with US Southern Command     General Laura Richardson met with Defense Minister Jorge Taiana yesterday     BUENOS AIRES HERALD APRIL 18, 2023   Argentina’s Defense Minister Jorge Taiana and General Laura Richardson of the United States Southern Command met yesterday in Buenos Aires to […]

FIGAS: The Air Taxi Service That Keeps The Falkland Islands Connected   BY JONATHAN E. HENDRY for simply flying   The aircraft has to be booked for each flight, with each schedule released the day before.   Passengers attempting to get around the Falkland Islands are likely to and a […]

Governor’s Visit to Tristan da Cunha 2023   Photos from Carlene Glass Green   The Governor, His Excellency Nigel Phillips CBE, had a busy schedule during his recent visit to Tristan da Cunha with his wife Emma. They arrived on Monday 20th March 2023 on the MFV Edinburgh, and on Tuesday […]

Coast Guard Pleads for Commercial Icebreaker as Timeline for New Polar Cutter Falls Apart   The crew of the Coast Guard heavy icebreaker Polar Star prepares for training on the ship’s Landing Craft Vehicle/Personnel off Antarctica in Jan. 17, 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3 rd Class […]

AIR-BRIDGE SET PROVISIONALLY TO LAND ON Ascension Island ON 08 MAY   By J Brock (FINN)   At an Ascension Island Council Meeting held on Thursday, 30 March 2023, the Acting Administrator, Carl Mackennas. announced the provisional resuming of the airbridge stop-over on 08 May.  He further advised that the […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT   13 April 2022     Members of the Falkland Islands Defence Force to take part in King’s Coronation   The Falkland Islands Government are delighted to announce that members from the Falkland Islands Defence Force have been invited to participate in His Majesty King […]

ST HELENA FINANCIAL AID SETTLEMENT REACHED   St Helena Government and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) are pleased to confirm that a Financial Aid Settlement has been agreed for the financial year 2023-24, following the recent Financial Aid Mission to St Helena.   The settlement will see […]

Art Was an Easy Topic. Defining Their Relationship Was Not.   By Sadiba Hasan April 7, 2023 © New York Times   When Robert Hall and Amy Cheng, who bonded over Chinese art, first started dating, only Mr. Hall was aware of the change in their relationship status. Months later, Ms. […]

UPDATE: IAN HERBERT-JONES RESCUED British solo skipper de-masted in violent South Atlantic storm   Helen Fretter Yachting World     April 11, 2023   British solo sailor Ian Herbert-Jones has been successfully rescued following an international search and rescue operation after he was rolled, de-masted and injured in a major […]

ST HELENA’S INVESTMENT GRADE CREDIT RATING AFFIRMED   S&P Global Ratings has reaffirmed St Helena’s investment grade credit rating in a research update released on 31 March 2023.   The confirmation of St Helena’s credit rating is an endorsement of St Helena’s economic and financial management as the Island recovers […]

Deep ocean currents around Antarctica headed for collapse   March 30, 2023 University of New South Wales   Antarctic circulation could slow by more than 40 per cent over the next three decades, with significant implications for the oceans and the climate.   The deep ocean circulation that forms around […]

Chamber Publishes Report on Falkland Islands Banking Services 2022-03-29   The Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce is pleased to publish its “Review of Banking Services in the Falkland Islands”. The report is the result of collaboration and input from the Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce, the Falkland Islands Development Corporation […]

Rockhopper, Navitas Look to Reboot Falklands Project   COPYRIGHT © 2001-2023 ENERGY INTELLIGENCE GROUP, INC. / ENERGY INTELLIGENCE GROUP (UK) LIMITED. Mon, Mar 27, 2023 Kathrine Schmidt, Houston   A pair of independents are working to pull a long-delayed deepwater oil project in the Falkland Islands off the shelf, with […]

Governor’s three-day visit to a sombre Tristan da Cunha   The Governor of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha, His Excellency Nigel Phillips CBE and his wife Emma departed Cape Town aboard MFV Edinburgh on Monday 13th March 2023 for a planned three-day visit.     The visit was over-shadowed […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT 23 March 2023 The Falkland Islands retains their global A+ rating   The Falkland Islands Government is pleased to confirm that, following a detailed review of updated fiscal and economic information, supported by a process of confidential interviews with FIG officers and other stakeholders, including […]

SS Great Britain to get over £700,000 for urgent repairs   bristolpost     South West to receive a £9 million boost for museums, libraries and cultural venues     The SS Great Britain is one of Bristol’s most famous and popular visitor attractions. (Image: mattbuck) Bristol tourist attraction the SS […]

Iceberg, as large as Greater London, poses threat to shipping, fishing, wildlife     Scientists are concerned about a massive iceberg, the size of Greater London, which could potentially collide with shipping, fishing and wildlife. Two icebergs are being monitored by researchers- the A81, the size of Greater London, and […]

Governor Phillips to Visit Tristan da Cunha   Announcement from Tristan Da Cunha Administrator’s Office   His Excellency Nigel Phillips CBE will be visiting Tristan da Cunha from the 20th-22nd March 2023. The Governor will be accompanied by his wife Emma.   The Governor has a full programme and will […]

Interim Sea Freight Service between Ascension/St Helena   6 March 2023   Government, Travel and Shipping   The AIG wishes to inform the public that it has agreed a contract with Meihuizen International to provide cargo freight shipping services between Ascension, St Helena and Africa. This will be an interim […]

Argentina pulls out of pact with UK on Falklands   Thursday, 2 March 2023 By The Brussels Times with Belga     Argentina is backtracking on a compromise reached in 2016 with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands.   After a meeting with his British counterpart, James Cleverly, on the […]

Sure South Atlantic selects Intelsat to connect three British island territories   FEBRUARY 28, 2023   Intelsat and Sure South Atlantic have signed an expanded agreement to enable Sure to improve the capability and reliability of communications for residents of the Falkland Islands, Saint Helena and Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.   As the sole licensee […]

The Moon could soon get its own time zone  Credit: NASA   Moon is set to get its own time zone as launch for permanent Nasa lunar ‘colony’ draws near   Charlotte Edwards,  US SUN Assistant Technology and Science Editor   Published: 11:14 ET, Feb 28 2023 Updated: 11:22 ET, Feb 28 […]

New close-up view of melting beneath Thwaites Glacier   15 February, 2023 BAS Press releases   The rapid retreat of Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica appears to be driven by different processes under its floating ice shelf than researchers previously understood.   Novel observations from where the ice enters the ocean […]

END MARCH 2023 DATE SET FOR WIDEAWAKE COMPLETION   By J Brock (FINN)   At an Ascension Island Council meeting held on 26 January 2023, the Head of the Administrator’s Office (HoAO) updated Members on the runway project at Wideawake Airfield.     One article about the closure stated that: […]

International Tours & Travel Ltd   PRESS RELEASE – International Tours & Travel Ltd has since 1995 been serving the Falkland Islands community and businesses and we are pleased to advise that effective today the company will transfer to its new owners – Seafish (Falklands) Ltd.   Retiring Managing Director, Jennie […]

First journey to Rothera   1 February, 2023 Rothera   Simeon Anastasov, Principal Fire Engineer at OFR Consultants, is currently working at Rothera Research Station providing site supervision as part of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). In this blog he describes the mental and physical preparations he made before working […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASE 8 February 2023   The Falkland Islands take over Presidency of the UK Overseas Territories Association   Today, at the AGM of UK Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), the Falkland Islands were elected to the Presidency of UKOTA, replacing the Turks and Caicos Islands who held […]

Too many cruising accidents? Coast Guard opens investigation into Antarctica cruise casualties   NATHAN DILLER   | USA TODAY   The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the deaths and injuries of Americans on cruise ships sailing in and around Antarctica late last year.       The U.S. Coast Guard Activities Europe, the National Transportation […]

Ascension Island: Customs Attendance and Checks   6 February 2023   Ascension Island Government   The public are requested to note that Customs checks are being carried out on arrival into Ascension as per the Customs Ordinance, 2001.   Passengers arriving in Ascension must complete the customs declaration form provided to […]

      Rare and ‘elegant’ baby Orca named ‘Pompey’ after being spotted off Falkland Islands beach by passionate supporter   ‘MAGICAL’ orcas and scenery have been photographed by a Portsmouth supporter – who named one after her beloved club.   By Freddie Webb Portsmouth News   Sarah May Bonner, originally […]

RRS Sir David Attenborough begins polar science trials   31 January, 2023 BAS Press releases   The UK’s new polar ship RRS Sir David Attenborough begins its polar science trials in Antarctica this week.   A team of 30 national and international scientists, engineers and technical staff will depart the Falkland Islands today […]

US joins international partners to Investigate Antarctica cruise casualties   Photo and Article by Anne Kalosh | Feb 02, 2023       The 2022/23 Antarctica season, still under way, is a busy one   US Coast Guard Activities Europe, the National Transportation Safety Board and international flag administrations are investigating […]

Tristan da Cunha Administrator Evacuated   Bulletin from Chief Islander James Glass   The Tristan Administrator Sean Burns was taken seriously ill on the 9th March 2023 and was admitted to hospital. With Tristan having no airport or vessel of its own, an emergency call was sent out to see […]

Tristan Administrator: Passing Away of Sean Burns It is with the deepest sadness and regret to inform you Sean Burns, Administrator to Tristan da Cunha passed away last night (Thursday 16th March 2023) aboard RV Meteor, on his way to Cape Town. Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Marina, and […]

Vulnerable seabirds tracking reveals foraging patterns   19 January, 2023 BAS News stories   A project studying the at-sea distributions of white-chinned petrels from South Georgia is now running for a second season – and early data suggest there are important differences in foraging patterns across breeding sites.   In […]

Darwin Plus Local: Round 1, 2023/24     The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) is proud to promote and encourage science that contributes to developing and upholding best-practice environmental management and that supports the active management and good governance of the Territory.   We are […]

  FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT   18 January 2023   Change to fee – British passport   The Customs and Immigration Service would like to inform the public that, His Majesty’s Passport Office, have made a fee increase to passports. This increase will be implemented from Thursday 2 February 2023. […]

Brunt Ice Shelf in Antarctica calves giant iceberg   23 January, 2023 BAS Press releases   ANTARCTICA – 23 January 2023. A huge iceberg (1550 km²), almost the size of Greater London, has broken off the 150m thick Brunt Ice Shelf. It calved after cracks that have been developing naturally over […]

EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMAND AND CONTROL GROUP IN EFFECT   This press release has been issued jointly by St Helena Government and Connect Saint Helena Ltd. Earlier today, Friday 20 January 2023, SHG enacted its emergency planning protocols and convened an Incident Command and Control Group. This is in response to […]

CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS SURVEY ENDING SOON   The public are advised that the Cyber Security Awareness Campaign survey which was launched in December 2022 will be closing for responses on 31 January 2023. Therefore those who have not yet completed the survey are urged to do as soon as possible. […]

HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR DEPARTS THE ISLAND  His Excellency, Governor Nigel Phillips CBE, departed St Helena on Saturday 21 January 2023. The Governor has travelled to Ascension Island, where he is due to stay until 27 January 2023. Governor Phillips is due to return to St Helena on 04 February, […]

EDUCATION OPEN DAY FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION 2024   International Day of Education is commemorated annually on 24 January and is a day used to celebrate the role of education in the growth of peace and economic development. This year’s theme is ‘To invest in people, prioritise education’.   On St Helena, due to the current economic climate we […]

Sheep Shearing Day January 2023   Report from Kelly Green with additional photos from Bob Urquhart, Sally Wonner & Emil Pirzenthal     Sheep Shearing day was held on Saturday 21st of January 2023, having belayed from before Christmas. The day started off a bit cold and windy, but by […]

  Roadmap to net zero   25 January, 2023   Here at British Antarctic Survey, we recently opened our doors to over 40 companies in science, technology, and green innovation to help us make the next steps in reaching net zero emissions at our headquarters in Cambridge.   We are […]

GOVERNOR’S DEPUTY PRESENTS CERTIFICATES AND BADGES OF HONOUR AWARDS   The Governor’s Deputy, Greg Gibson, hosted a ceremony at Plantation House on Tuesday, 24 January 2023, to award Certificates and Badges of Honour to Mr Eric Leo and Mr Raymond Young. The Certificate and Badge of Honour is awarded for […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 25 January 2023   Diverting Children and Young People away from the Criminal Justice System   The Royal Falkland Islands Police, the Probation Service, the Social Services Department and the Prosecution Service have released a joint policy that sets out the approach taken to […]

New emperor penguin colony in Antarctica discovered from images of their guano stains from space   By Paul Brackley – paul.brackley@iliffemedia.co.uk Published: 07:00, 26 January 2023   The emperor penguin colony at Varieger Point. Picture: MAXAR Technologies     A new emperor penguin colony in Antarctica has been discovered – thanks to […]

CAREERS FAIR 2023   On Wednesday, 15 February the Education, Skills & Employment Portfolio will open the doors to Prince Andrew School at 10.30am for Careers Fair 2023. Postponed from last year to allow adaptations for ‘living with COVID’, Career Access St Helena in partnership with portfolio members and external participants […]

Cape to St Helena Yacht Race 2022: an epic ocean adventure to one of the world’s remotest islands   by St Helena 24 Jan 16:32 GMT   Cape to St Helena 2022 © St Helena Tourism   St Helena Island may be one of the most remote inhabited islands on […]

ACTS OF BRAVERY AWARDS BESTOWED ON CRISTEN YON AND KYLE JOSHUA   On Thursday 24 November 2022, Act of Bravery Awards were presented to Cristen Yon and Kyle Joshua in a reception at Plantation House. As Kyle Joshua is currently off-Island, his father Keith (KJ) Joshua received the award on […]

St Helena Looks To Move Its Only Flight From Johannesburg To Cape Town For Summer   BY LUKE BODELL   The change is still facing a multitude of regulatory obstacles.   St Helena is looking to shift its sole scheduled service from Johannesburg to Cape Town during the summer months […]

Argonaut shell found at Runaway Beach   Report from Kelly Green – Tristan photos from Amanda Swain   What is believed to be a first discovery of an argonaut shell was discovered by Ricky Swain on 27th November 2022 while on Runaway Beach.   Marine expert Sue Scott has identified […]

Royal Navy digs deep to help snowbound Antarctic scientists   05 December 2022 Topic: Fighting armsSurface Fleet Storyline: HMS Protector       Sailors from Royal Navy ship HMS Protector shifted several tonnes of snow to dig out the staff of an isolated Antarctic scientific base.   Located on a small island near […]

JONATHAN AT 190   By J Brock (FINN)   The world’s oldest land animal, Jonathan, celebrated his 190th birthday this weekend at his home on the South Atlantic Island of St. Helena.   According to his Guinness Book of World Records entry, Jonathan was born around 1832.   He is the longest-lived […]

British Antarctic Survey celebrates its 60th anniversary on Antarctica Day   1 December 2022   BAS News Story   British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is today celebrating 60 years of scientific research in Antarctica as the UK’s national operator on Antarctica Day (1 December).   For the last six decades, the […]

Start of the 2022/2023 Fishing Season Report by Clinton de Bod We have had an extraordinarily good start to the 2022/2023 Fishing Season. We had one fishing day around Tristan island at the end of July, and another five days in August. We have currently landed just over 41 tonne […]

Batelco’s Sure to buy Channel Islands MNO Airtel-Vodafone   October 06, 2022 By   Paul Lipscombe    The Channel Islands telco Sure has acquired Channel Islands mobile network operator Airtel-Vodafone.   The acquisition is tipped to bring investment to the Channel Islands, according to Sure’s parent company, Bahrain-based telco Batelco. […]

Rockhopper Completes Navitas Transaction   By J Brock (FINN)   Further to signing a definitive document announced by Rockhopper on 19 April 2022, the transaction enabling Harbour Energy plc to exit and Navitas Petroleum LP through its UK subsidiary to enter the North Falkland Basin with a 65% stake in, […]

Four women to run post office and count penguins in Antarctica   Text by BBC   Photos by UK Antarctic Trust via PA Media     IMAGE SOURCE,PA MEDIA / UKAHT   (L-R) Lucy Bruzzone, Clare Ballantyne, Natalie Corbett and Mairi Hilton will spend five months on Goudier Island   […]

40th Anniversary Veteran’s Pilgrimage – appeal for accommodation   The 40th Anniversary Committee is keen to hear from anyone in our community who may be able to host visitors on a four-day pilgrimage from Wednesday 9 to Monday 14 November. It has been confirmed that there will now be 135 visitors […]

Report on Executive Council   27 September 2022   A meeting of Executive Council was held on 27th September 2022.  MLAs Hansen, Roberts and Spink attended the meeting.  All papers were approved unanimously unless stated otherwise.   The first paper was an exempt paper covering the Internal Audit Annual Report […]

Study hints at how fishes in the twilight zone evolved   29 September, 2022 BAS News stories   A new study, led by British Antarctic Survey and the University of Bristol, provides the first evidence that a controversial evolutionary process may be responsible for lanternfishes becoming one of the most diverse […]

Text of a letter from the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt. Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, to St Helena Speaker, Cyril Gunnell. On behalf of the House of Commons of the UK Parliament and the peoples of the United Kingdom, I would like to thank you for your […]

VISIT OF THE UKHSA TEAM FOR JOINT STRATEGIC NEEDS ASSESSMENT   The Health & Social Care Portfolio would like to inform the public that a team from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will be arriving on-Island on Saturday, 8 October 2022. The team will deliver the analysis of St […]

Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce AGM 2022 2022-10-04   The Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce held its 29th Annual General Meeting on Friday, 30th September 2022.   During the meeting, members re-elected Mike Summers as Chairperson and Marika McKay as a Director of the Board.  Mark Neves stepped down as […]

Winners unveiled for MNWB’s prestigious annual award   All About Shipping –       The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s annual award.   Debbie Lake and Mick Howarth are the two chosen recipients of MNWB’s Service to Seafarers’ Welfare Award, […]

WORLD MARITIME DAY 2022   Today, Thursday 29 September 2022, is the United Nations’ World Maritime Day. This year’s theme is ‘New technologies for greener shipping’.   The theme provides a focus on ‘the importance of a sustainable maritime sector and the need to build back better and greener in […]

Statement from  FIFCA in respect of FIG’s decision not to proceed with the port at this time. Falkland Islands Fishing Companies Association   Whilst disappointed that the port isn’t going ahead, FIFCA  are not surprised by it. All along, we have recognised the benefits and economic value that a new […]

ExCo decides not to proceed with Phase 2 of the new port facility   FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT 28 September 2022     On Tuesday 27 September ExCo considered a paper on whether or not to proceed with moving to building a new port facility (Phase 2). Following consideration of […]

STRATEGIC ASSET DISPOSAL   St Helena Government (SHG) is inviting interested bidders to purchase by leasehold a number of state-owned properties:   New Ground House Red Roof.   Further details of these properties, including the terms & conditions that apply to the purchase process, are included in the Strategic Asset […]

COVID-19 Statistics for St Helena, 16-22 September 2022   23 September 2022   The St Helena Health Services Directorate would like to inform the public that 849 positive cases of COVID-19 were identified within the community during the period Friday, 16 September, to Thursday, 22 September 2022.   A total of 1,355 positive cases have […]

Weekly COVID-19 Statistics – 21 September   26 September 2022       Monitoring of community spread continues   On Monday 08 August, Ascension recorded its first case of COVID-19 within the community. Since then, further cases of COVID-19 have been recorded and authorities are monitoring the spread of virus. […]

BBC’s Frozen Planet II: science into television   23 September, 2022 BAS News stories   In 2011, Frozen Planet gave BBC viewers an unprecedented insight into life in the Poles. The final episode featured British Antarctic Survey (BAS) glaciologist Dr Andy Smith using explosives to see how the ice interacts with […]

Socioeconomic diversity in Polar Science 26 Septeolar Sciencember, 2022 Diversity in UK Polar Science © BAS   Professor Martin Siegert is a glaciologist at Imperial College London and co-director of the Grantham Institute. He’s co-Chair of the Diversity in Polar Science Initiative and Chair of the UK Arctic and Antarctic Partnerships Committee. […]

Atlantic runway reopens, increases U.S., British military capabilities   Published Sept. 8, 2022 By Mila Cisneros AFIMSC Public Affairs   JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – After a year of construction, Ascension Island Auxiliary Airfield resumed full flight operations recently with the opening of the newly paved eastern portion of the runway.   […]

BAS bids farewell to Captain John Harper   20 September, BAS 2022 News stories   Captain John Harper retires this month after a long and successful career at British Antarctic Survey (BAS). In fact, with an incredible 42 years of service, Captain Harper is the longest ever serving member of maritime […]

COVID-19 STATISTICS UPDATE FOR ST HELENA   The St Helena Health Services Directorate would like to inform the public that 449 positive cases of COVID-19 were identified within the community during the period Friday, 9 September, to Thursday, 15 September 2022.   A total of 506 positive cases have been […]

Scientists expose vulnerabilities of critical Antarctic ice shelf   21 September, 2022 BAS Press releases   Pine Island Ice Shelf in West Antarctica, which holds back enough ice to raise sea levels by 0.5 metres, could be more vulnerable to complete disintegration than previously thought. A new study led by British […]

THE ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES & PLANNING PORTFOLIO CONSULTS ON DRAFT REVISED MARINE MANAGEMENT PLAN   St Helena’s Marine Protected Area (MPA), covers the entire 200 nautical miles of St Helena’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The MPA is a protected area classed as one that allows sustainable use of natural resources.  This […]

Construction of New Trawler Commences   By Fortuna Ltd   Over recent weeks, the Boards of Fortuna Ltd and our partners have approved the construction of a new trawler to replace the FV Capricorn in the Loligo fishery in early 2025.  The vessel will be owned and operated by Fortuna […]

FISHING VESSEL QUOTA ALLOCATIONS   The Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio (ENRP) would like to advise that further to the Saints Tuna Corporation (STC) recent publication in the local Newspapers, the quota allocation for fishing vessel Bonito is 6 metric tonnes and not 26 metric tonnes as published.   […]

Family Loses Everything in a Tristan House Fire Report from Sue Ivory with photos from Paula Swain and Tracy Tough   Fighting the fire at its height. An alarm was raised in the settlement at about midnight on Saturday 10th September 2022. The home of Eugene and Kirsty Repetto was […]

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE   On behalf of the communities of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, I would like to express our profound sorrow at the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.   In the period following the sad news, members of the community have […]

Text of letter from Hon. Cyril Gunnell, Speaker of the St Helena Legislative Council, to Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons   Dear Mr Speaker,   On behalf of the St Helena Legislative Council, I would like to express our profound sorrow at the […]

REGISTERING LAND OR PROPERTIES WITH THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TEAM   Real Estate Agents and private property landlords/owners are invited to register their vacant commercial/residential property or land with St Helena Government’s Sustainable Development team.   This will allow the Sustainable Development team to put you in contact with businesses looking […]

    Tristan’s New Administrator Swears Allegiance to King Charles III   Photos from Sue Ivory     Above: Jason Ivory (left) with outgoing Administrators Fiona Kilpatrick and Steve Townsend.   Jason Ivory was sworn in as the new Administrator in the Residency on Monday 12th September 2022 during a […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GAZETTE Extraordinary PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY Vol. 131 12 September 2022 No. 13 PROCLAMATION   Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of Blessed and Glorious Memory, by whose Decease the Crown is solely and rightfully come […]

SHG ANNOUNCES PREFERRED BIDDER IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROCUREMENT   Executive Council agreed in April this year that in order to maximise the benefit of the Subsea Cable for the people of St Helena, it will be in the Island’s best interest to build and own a new Fibre Network to deliver […]

Official arrangements for mourning   Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and for the Proclamation of the new Sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III All times are local (St Helena). The Proclamation The accession of the new Sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III, will be proclaimed at a meeting of […]

Proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III in St Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha In a ceremony in Jamestown, St Helena on 11 September, His Majesty King Charles III was proclaimed in St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha in a proclamation issued by His Excellency Governor Phillips.   […]

Statement by H M Charles III   “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will […]

St Helena: Statement on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II   8 September 2022   Statement on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II   The following statement was issued by Buckingham Palace:   “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon”.   A personal statement by […]

Falkland Islands: Statement on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II   8 September 2022     It is with deep sadness that the Falkland Islands Government has today learned of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.   The Queen dedicated her life to the service of […]

GOVERNOR PHILLIPS WELCOMES BACK THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES TEAM   Governor Phillips was pleased to welcome home the St Helena Commonwealth Games Team at a special reception held at Plantation House on Tuesday, 6 September 2022. Invited guests included the athletes who represented St Helena in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, their families and […]

Bristow Awarded a Multi-Year Equinor Search and Rescue Contract   Bristow Group  Sep 07, 2022, 08:30 ET   Equinor awarded Bristow Norway a search and rescue contract starting September 1, 2023. The initial contract is for four years and includes three one-year options for a potential total of seven years   Bristow will […]

Update on Tussac House – Important milestone achieved   Last week the Tussac House project reached an important milestone in its construction, the west wing, Shearwater is now successfully watertight. In reaching this milestone it greatly reduces weather-related delays to the projects and marks part of the completion of phase […]

FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT   5 September 2022   Former UK Foreign Secretary Elected as New Leader of the Conservative Party and Next Prime Minister   Today, Monday 5 September 2022, it was announced that the Rt Hon Liz Truss MP had been elected the new leader of the […]

COVID-19 STATISTICS FOR ST HELENA   The St Helena Health Services Directorate would like to inform the public that five (5) positive cases of COVID-19 were identified within the community during the period Friday, 26, August to Thursday, 1, September 2022.   A total of sixteen (16) positive cases have […]

Seafloor images explain Thwaites Glacier retreat   5 September, 2022 BAS News stories   New high resolution images of the the seafloor in West Antarctica show past retreat of Thwaites Glacier. They reveal that at times in its past, retreat of the massive Thwaites Glacier was even quicker than it is […]

Albatrosses from space: wildlife detectives need   4 September, 2022 BAS News stories   British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and RSPB are recruiting albatross detectives to help to search for wandering albatrosses in satellite images taken from space. This is to help us learn more about how these sentinels of the sea are being impacted by […]

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Farewell speech as Broadcast at on Tuesday, 06 September 2022 0400hrs LMT   Transcript by J Brock (FINN) for the South Atlantic Islands News Team   Boris Johnson giving his farewell speech Photo © BBC   Thank you everybody for coming out so early this morning. […]

Weekly COVID-19 Statistics – 31 August 2022 1 September 2022 Government, Press Release Weekly COVID-19 Statistics   Monitoring of community spread continues   On Monday 08 August, Ascension recorded its first case of COVID-19 within the community. Since then, further cases of COVID-19 have been recorded and authorities are monitoring […]

British Antarctic Survey’s aerogeophysical data: releasing 25 years of airborne gravity, magnetic, and radar datasets over Antarctica     Over the past 50 years, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has been one of the major acquirers of aerogeophysical data over Antarctica, providing scientists with gravity, magnetic, and radar datasets that […]

ST HELENA MARITIME AUTHORITY AND SHIPPING REGISTRY EXPOSURE VISIT AND CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE   Three representatives from St Helena’s Maritime Authority and Shipping Registry – Harbourmaster, Steve Kirk, Head of Maritime, Mia Henry, and Deputy Registrar of Shipping and Seafarers, Alan Bennett – recently undertook a four-week exposure visit to the […]

Marine Protected Areas in Antarctica should include young emperor penguins, scientists say   by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution   Scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and European research institutions are calling for better protections for juvenile emperor penguins, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers listing the species […]

Falkland Islands Government Management Trainee Programme: August 2022   In November 2020, the Falkland Islands Government launched its new Management Trainee programme as part of a two-year initiative aimed at identifying and supporting the next generation of government leaders.   Shannon Alazia and Ariane Brownlee were successful in their applications […]

How is climate change affecting ocean waters and ecosystems?   by Kevin Krajick, Earth Institute at Columbia University   AUGUST 30, 2022   Ducklow at a glacial ice cave near Palmer Station, Antarctica, 2006. The glacier collapsed and wasted away a year or two later. Credit: Hugh Ducklow     Biological […]

The Falkland egg producer who sources UK chicks, 8,000 miles away   30 August 2022 | by Farming UK Team     Allan Steen (centre), an eighth generation Falklander, has been producing eggs on the island since 2013      Situated in Warwickshire, it could be said that Hy-Line’s Millennium hatchery is […]

Much-loved man who played key roles in British Antarctic Survey, Nature Conservancy Council, and Scottish Natural Heritage passes away, aged 83 By Contributor Published: 15:07, 29 August 2022   | Updated: 15:12, 29 August 2022   Peter Tilbrook. Very many people around the UK have expressed their sadness at the recent death of Dr […]

Falklands Islands Hockey Prepare For LATAM Amerigol Cup     UK Government | August 27, 2022 –  The Falkland Islands ice hockey team – the Stanley Penguins – will be in the Miami area from the 10th-18th of September for the LATAM Amerigol Cup, taking place at the Florida Panthers IceDen (3299 Sportsplex […]

Report on Executive Council 23 August 2022   A meeting of Executive Council was held on 23rd August 2022. MLAs Hansen, Short and Spink attended the meeting.   All papers were approved unanimously unless stated otherwise. Marie Horton Director of Education attended for the first two papers. It also gave […]

Excellent set of GCSE results for FICS students   The Falkland Islands Community School is thrilled with this year’s GCSE results – our best set of results from a live examination series. This is the first year of ‘live’ international examinations since before the pandemic and FICS students have had […]

Monitoring of community spread continues   On Monday 08 August, Ascension recorded its first case of COVID-19 within the community. Since then, further cases of COVID-19 have been recorded and authorities are monitoring the spread of virus.   In order to ensure the public have a clear picture of infection […]

  New Tristan Desk Officer Introducing the latest Tristan man in Whitehall     Derek Lavery at the top of the Baiterek Tower in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Perhaps there couldn’t be a bigger contrast to Tristan da Cunha?   Derek was in Kazakhstan on a posting until the end of July […]

To Counter China in Latin America, Focus on Argentina   By Captain Frank Okata, U.S. Navy August 2022 Vol. 148/8/1,434   As China continues to enlarge its political, economic, and military presence in the Southern Cone of South America, it is imperative for the United States to pay close attention […]

Equiano undersea cable landing opens new possibilities for ICT sector 23RD AUGUST 2022 BY: CREAMER MEDIA REPORTER   Google’s Equiano undersea cable system landing in Cape Town marks a significant moment for the South African telecommunications industry, says network infrastructure provider Openserve CEO Althon Beukes.   Openserve facilitated the landing, on August 8, at its cable station facility, in […]

FIG approves policy to exempt e-bikes from the Road Traffic Ordinance   ExCo has approved a policy recommendation to exempt Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) from the definition of ‘motor vehicle’ under the Road Traffic Ordinance 1948. This follows from a consultation held from 30 May to 19 June where […]

 Recovery of ozone layer:  a significant milestone  NOAA An annual analysis of air samples collected at remote sites around the globe that is tracking a continued decline in the atmospheric concentration of ozone-depleting substances shows the threat to the ozone layer receding below a significant milestone in 2022, NOAA scientists […]

Rockhopper payout wins £210m after drilling ban   By J Brock (FINN)   Italian government ordered to compensate Rockhopper after coastal exploration banned   The Ocean Guardian semi-submersible rig, which drilled on behalf of Rockhopper Exploration off the Falkland Islands in 2010. Photograph: Gary Clement   The Italian government has been […]

Sun rises in Antarctica after four months of darkness signalling the end of winter.   Aug 23, 2022, 12:10 pm IST       The sun is already shining over the icy continent of Antarctica after four months of darkness. As the 12-member crew of the Concordia research station awoke […]

The local community is invited to participate in the reburial of the Liberated Africans Saturday, 20th August, 9am, meet at St Michael’s Church   The Liberated Africans will be transferred in a funeral procession from the No.1 Building in Rupert’s Valley to their designated burial ground.         […]

Polar ship begins science trials   23 August, 2022 BAS News stories   RRS Sir David Attenborough begins its second leg of science trials this week (22 August 2022).   Britain’s new polar ship will depart Belfast today for its second leg of science trials. The ship has spent the past ten days […]

CHANGES TO THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT SUBSIDY   In July 2022 Executive Council agreed a package of measures as part of its Cost of Living Policy to mitigate the impacts of increased cost of living on St Helena.  One of the measures which Ministers agreed, is to adjust the Freight Transport […]

  Successful Provider For Yacht Charter To Support Albatross Survey Announced (17th Aug 2022)   Following a thorough tendering process, the Government of South Georgia has announced that the vessel Vinson of Antarctica has been selected to support a wandering albatross survey planned for 2024.       The primary focus of […]

The local community is invited to participate in the reburial of the Liberated Africans Saturday, 20th August, 9am, meet at St Michael’s Church   The Liberated Africans will be transferred in a funeral procession from the No.1 Building in Rupert’s Valley to their designated burial ground.   At 1pm the […]

Falkland Islands Government and British Embassies in Argentina organise student competition   August 17, 2022Taiwo Gbolagade   To enter, participants must submit a one-minute video in which they respond to the prompt, “Why would I wish to meet my neighbours from the Falkland Islands?” in English.   In order to […]

‘No questions asked’ RFIP firearms and ammunition amnesty   Do you have any unlicensed firearms or ammunition? Do you licence a firearm but no longer wish to own it? Did you find some small arms ammunition and kept it?   Now is your chance to surrender any firearms or small […]

The world’s biggest ice sheet is more vulnerable to global warming than scientists previously thought   Chris Stokes, Durham University and Guy Paxman, Durham University by The ConversationAugust 17, 2022 The eastern two thirds of Antarctica is covered by an ice sheet so large that if it melted the sea would rise […]

Ascension Island Explorers   AIG 16 August 2022       During the summer holidays the Conservation and Fisheries Directorate deliver weekly ‘Explorer’s’ events for school children, full of educational activities and fun games! This year is no different with the children taking part in a number of different events […]

COVID-19 WITHIN THE COMMUNITY   The Health Services Directorate would like to advise that a case of COVID-19 has been identified within the community during the past 24 hours.   A person tested positive after developing symptoms and booking a test via the COVID helpline.  The individual is experiencing mild […]

Ballot opens for veterans’ flight to Falkland Islands © Forces Net The flight will see those chosen given the chance to be in the Falkland Islands over Remembrance weekend in November.     Once in the Falkland Islands, both veterans and bereaved families will be able to visit some of […]

Nature Notes – Masked Boobies   Ascension Islands Government – 3 August 2022   Masked Booby – Sula dactylatra   Masked boobies are found in the tropics across the world. In Ascension, masked boobies nest on Boatswainbird Island, offshore stacks, Letterbox Nature Reserve (NR), and the surrounding area. Their distribution is […]

POLICY CHANGES TO ADDRESS RISING COST OF LIVING   In order to soften the impacts of the rising cost of living, a number of policy changes were recently approved by Executive Council. These changes last through to 31 March 2023:   Customs duty reduction: With effect from August 2022, customs duty […]

Falkland meat export plant on track for a profitable year   ByNation World News Desk     Saturday, August 6, 2022 – 12:32 UTC FIMCO will close the financial year on 30 June with a profit of £600,000, which includes a £500,000 subsidy and a £100,000 net profit.   The […]

Bristow Signs Order of up to 55 BETA Technologies ALIA-250 VTOL Aircraft   Bristow Group Aug 09, 2022, 08:30 ET   Bristow places firm order for five ALIA-250 aircraft with an option for an additional 50 aircraft Bristow will leverage its 70+ years of aviation expertise and bring a pragmatic […]

Successful St Helena Chevening Alumni Project Bid 2022–2023   The Chevening Alumni of St Helena has, for the second year running, been successful in their bid to the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund (CAPF).   Following their last successful CAPF project last year, entitled ‘Governing Our Future’, where alumni worked with […]

Oil is back on the menu as energy majors return to exploration   in Oil & Companies News 10/08/2022   It is fitting that Italian oil company Eni would go hunting for massive oilfields, known as “elephants” in industry jargon, in Côte d’Ivoire, until now a distinctly second-tier West African oil producer. […]

Good news for seabirds – the days of the Marion Island mice are numbered if an eradication project gets off the ground   By Julia Evans 02 Aug 2022       Marion Island is a part of South Africa where few of us have ventured. Lying in the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean, […]

COUNCILLOR DR ESSEX TO ATTEND 65TH COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE   Councillor Dr Corinda Essex will be leaving on Saturday, 13 August 2022, to represent St Helena at the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. A key topic for discussion will be Building Sustainable Economies in Small Jurisdictions which […]

GOVERNOR DESIGNATE TO ARRIVE ON SATURDAY   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.   The Governor Designate and Mrs Phillips will be met at St […]

RAF first as Atlas refuelled over South Atlantic   BFBS   The air-to-air refuelling was conducted from an RAF Voyager flying from the Falkland Islands. 10th August 2022 at 1:41pm     The RAF Atlas was flown from RAF Brize Norton to Ascension Island before flying on to the Falklands […]

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 […]