The text of the speech made by Chief Islander Ian Lavarello at the opening of the new hospital

Chief Islander's Speech at the New Healthcare Centre Opening

Chief Islander Ian Lavarello's speech
Chief Islander, Ian Lavarello

Speech by Chief Islander Ian Lavarello at the Ceremony on Friday 9th June 2017

"This is a very special moment for Tristan. Our new healthcare centre is more impressive than any of us dared to imagine - and it will make a real difference to the life of our community.

My ancestor Gaetano came here in 1878, and it's great that his home town Camogli still gives its name to this new building. On Tristan, we honour our heritage at the same time as we welcome the new.

This couldn't have happened without the commitment of DFID in the UK, and the patient co-ordination of Barry Davies here on the island. Our sincere thanks go to both. Thank you as well, to all the Tristanians who've contributed in so many ways to this project - from offloading equipment to welcoming our guests. And, we salute the skill of the amazing contractors who've lived and worked among us for all these months - we're missing you already!

So, welcome, then - to the new Camogli Healthcare Centre. We will make good use of this place: not just taking care of us when we're ill, but promoting our health as well.

Congratulations to everyone who's made this possible!"