Tristan da Cunha Government News Abroad

Chief Islander speaks to UK OT Minister

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Tristan da Cunha's Chief Islander, Cllr Ian Lavarello, had a one-to-one call with the UK minister for the Overseas Territories on 20th November ahead of the annual Joint Ministerial Council.

Stephen Doughty MP gave updates on UK support for Tristan, and showed active interest in topics including infrastructure support, South Africa visas, internet access and visits by UK ships. Ian updated him on the new fishing concession, the island's investment ambitions, and recent and prospective visits to Tristan.

Governor Nigel Phillips, Administrator Philip Kendall and I attended the call alongside officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

On-screen view of Tristan Chief Islander Ian Lavarello
and UK Governbment Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty MP 
with small images of Nigel Phillips, Philip Kendall and FCDO's Anna Hayes shown alongside.

Clockwise:  Nigel Phillips, Ian Lavarello, Stephen Doughty, Philip Kendall

Tristan at the heart of UK Remembrance

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK representative Chris Carnegy

Remembrance Sunday on 9th November 2025 saw Tristan da Cunha at the heart of the UK's central act of national thanksgiving for those who have served and died for the country.

The Ascension, St Helena and Tristan da Cunha OT wreath	Chris Carnegy with the wreath

I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of Tristan and our sister islands of St Helena and Ascension, at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in the presence of His Majesty King Charles.

Overseas Territory representatives laying their wreaths at the Cenotaph. Chris Carnegy is second from the right.

The King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh led the national act of Remembrance, where a service was conducted by the future Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally.

Tristan alternates with St Helena to pay tribute on behalf of the whole Territory. It was a special privilege to participate in a year that commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War Two.

Chris approaching the cenotaph with the joint OT wreath, preceded by Turks and Caicos UK Representative Tracy Knight.	After wreath laying: William, Prince of Wales stands in the foreground, with Chris Carnegy in the second row behind.

Tristan’s week of Remembrance begins in Westminster

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

On 3rd November, Tristan da Cunha began its week of tribute to the victims of war with the planting of a wooden cross in the Speaker’s Garden of Remembrance at the Palace of Westminster.

The Tristan Remembrance Cross

I placed the island’s cross among others from the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. MPs and Parliamentary staff also placed tributes.

Chris planting the Tristan cross in the Speaker's Garden of Remembrance

The occasion brought a reunion with Sir Julian Lewis, the MP whose constituency includes Calshot, home to evacuated Tristanians in 1962-63.

Chris with Calshot’s MP Sir Julian Lewis

This special week in London will culminate at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, where this year it is Tristan da Cunha’s turn to represent the wider Territory and I will lay our wreath.