Chief Minister Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE will leave St Helena on 15 November 2025 to attend the annual Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London. The event, hosted by the UK Government, gathers elected leaders and representatives from all Overseas Territories along with UK Ministers. It serves as a key forum for political dialogue and consultation between the UK and its territories.
The JMC is scheduled to start on 24 November 2025, with main meetings set for 26 and 27 November. During her visit, Dr Cairns-Wicks will also participate in official engagements before and after the council meetings. These include a bilateral meeting with Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, as well as discussions with other UK Government Ministers, Overseas Territory leaders, and various representatives.
Dr Cairns-Wicks will be accompanied by Governor Nigel Phillips CBE and Kedell Worboys MBE, who represents St Helena Government in the UK. They are expected to return to St Helena on 6 December.
While they are away from the island, Tasha Harris, Head of the Governor’s Office, will be sworn in as Acting Governor. Martin Henry will serve as Deputy Chief Minister during this period.
In a statement about her participation at the JMC, Chief Minister Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks said: