Submission to The House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee
from Tristan's Chief Islander Conrad Glass made on 30th October 2007

Conrad Glass has made a written submission to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee in which he first introduces himself and the island's background. He goes on to draw attention to some of the current economic problems and their impact on the welfare of the community.

He makes a plea for support in three areas which he regards a priority to improve the island's infrastructure and lifestyle:

1. Education

Conrad makes a plea for a qualified UK teacher to work in St Mary's School and give the local staff appropriate in-service training. He also requests support to purchase new school computers, and organise management training for Heads of Department and specialist training for other key workers.

2. Medical

Conrad highlights the need for an upgrade in Camogli Hospital's building and facilities, including an additional ward and enhanced emergency, dispensary, and labour facilities. He also requests funds to purchase equipment including a patient monitor (ECG, NIBP, SpO2 Respirations), a theatre light, theatre operating table, resuscitation table/gurney, emergency operating light , ultrasound scanner, gastroscope, ECG monitor/defibrillator, sigmoidoscope, UV Filter for hospital water supply and, Paqa lab test kit. Conrad draws attention to to the fact that this equipment is essential to a doctor working in such a remote community. It means the difference between life and death.

3. Supermarket

Conrad draws attention also to the fact that the only island shop is outdated and has inadequate storage facilities. He recommends a new building which would meet modern environmental standards. Particular requirements are new cold storage for meats and fruit, new computers for stock and cash flow systems, better shelving, new food preparation facilities and an upgrade of facilities for personal facilities for employees.

Speech on Old Year's Night 2007
I would like to welcome you all to my first Old Year's Night reception as Chief Islander. 2007 has had its good and bad points for each member of the community, and we do not know what 2008 has in store for us. But as long as the community remain united as one family, we will persevere in the face of adversity. Together we have stood steadfast through a volcano and a hurricane. As our motto states, Our faith is our strength.
On behalf of my family, I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
See also Pictures and Report of Old Year's Night on our Christmas and New Year Holiday Page.

I would like to take this opportunity, to welcome to Tristan all our visitors, especially the new Administrator Mr & Mrs Morley and all returning Tristanians.
Over the next few years there are going to be crucial changes, to our economy and way of life. The two most important matters are:

* Stopping the drain on our financial resources, so our revenue outweighs expenditure.

* Getting a decent harbour, which is the lifeline for the island.

Left : Conrad presenting his speech in the Prince Philip Hall

I know these issues are top of the Administrator’s agenda, and he will need the help & support of the community to achieve this. As Chief islander I will do my utmost, to help and support the Community and Administrator.

During my three years as Chief Islander I pledge to serve the best interests of the community. To this end I bring the same ethics and morals as I apply as community police officer.

Finally I would like to wish Mike & Janice Hentley, who are on their way to Gough at present, a long and happy retirement.

Right : Conrad and his wife Sharon at the Reception

Introducing Tristan da Cunha's Chief Islander

Re-published from an article in the August 2007 Tristan da Cunha Newsletter

Conrad was born on Tristan da Cunha on 20 th January 1961 to parents Edwin (Spike) and Monica Glass and a brother to his 5 year old sister Sheila. Of course 1961 was an epic year in Tristan’s history when, after a volcanic eruption on 10th October, the whole community of 275 people, including baby Conrad, was evacuated the UK . Conrad has some memories of his early childhood in Calshot especially a vivid recollection of a visit to a fair, riding on a roundabout, and being issued tickets by a man in a glass booth. Tristanians stayed in England for two years before returning home and on arrival faced an uphill struggle. The volcano had destroyed the fishing factory and the two natural beaches where for generations they had launched their home made boats; but with their usual tenacity the islanders built a new fishing factory and harbour within a few years.

Though he found it rather easy to remember events and dates, he dreaded maths lessons, which were not his forte. His teachers sometimes said he was a daydreamer, but it helped when writing essays although he thought his spelling was not very good! Conrad only realised how important education was at the age of 16, a year after leaving school, where he attended further education classes twice a week to study for UK examinations in English and science. After leaving school Conrad worked at the fishing factory for eight years but felt there were no career prospects with the previous fishing company, so he left the factory to work for the Tristan Government in 1985. First employed at the supermarket warehouse for a year, Conrad was then chosen to go to St Helena for police training in 1986 when he spent a year accompanied by his wife Sharon and son Leon working with their police force.

From that time there was no looking back for Conrad. Returning to Tristan he got a job as a storekeeper and tool clerk while still working part time for the police department. In 1989 he took over in charge of the police department when his predecessor (Sergeant Albert Glass, the former Chief Islander), retired after 30 years of service to the community. Conrad returned to England in 1992 for further training with the North Hertfordshire Police Force. This included valuable customs and immigration work based at Luton airport, as well as experiencing police work in both rural and urban settings.