Message for Tristan da Cunha's Anniversary Day
Tristan's flag flying at the Palace of Westminster, London, for Anniversary Day 2021, alongside the Union flag, the Falkland Islands flag (celebrating Falklands Day), and the House of Commons flag
(Source: Twitter @CommonsSpeaker)From Administrator Fiona Kilpatrick
As we celebrate the 205th Anniversary of the British settlement of Tristan da Cunha, we recall another year of challenges, from the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, to the welcome arrival of vaccines from the United Kingdom.
Later this year we will mark the 60th anniversary of the 1961 Volcano, which had such a profound effect on the lives of Tristanians - effects which continue to this day. Sometimes it is such events, beyond our control, that remind us of the power of our planet, and the need to do all we can to protect it in the areas which we can control.
Today, I would particularly like to recall the establishment of the Tristan Marine Protection Zone (MPZ) in November last year, and I am happy to say that the Ordinance that will support the MPZ and its application has been signed by HE The Governor. Next month we hope to publish the Marine Management Plan which sets out the measures we plan to take for the MP, with the support of the UK Government Blue Belt. This is another moment on Tristan's journey to a more sustainable future, as well as a huge contribution to global efforts to conserve our environment, and address the effects of climate change.
Our friends around the world will join us in celebrating both the unique and wonderful place that is Tristan da Cunha, and that, on our day, we are giving a precious gift to them.
See: Marine Protection (Tristan da Cunha) Ordinance, 2021 and the notice in The St. Helena Government Gazette.
HE The Governor has also passed on a message of congratulation from Her Majesty the Queen to the Chief Islander, offering her best wishes to the islanders.
Fiona Kilpatrick
Administrator