Tristan da Cunha Government News Abroad

Tristan represented at Red Ensign conference

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Group photograph of the Red Ensign conference delegates gathered in the grounds of the conference venue, the St Pierre Park Hotel outside Guernsey's capital St Peter Port.

Tristan da Cunha's Deputy Director of Fisheries Rodney Green led the island's delegation as some of the world's leading experts gathered in Guernsey to discuss safety at sea.

The Red Ensign Group unites maritime authorities that are linked with the United Kingdom. Tristan da Cunha doesn't have its own shipping register but is invited to the REG conference as it has 'coastal state' safety duties under international law.

Guernsey's Bailiff, Sir Richard McMahon, rang the ship's bell that signalled the start of the conference.

He is flanked by conference co-chairs James Way (Guernsey harbour master, left)
and Richard Pellew (Maritime and Coastguard Agency, right)

Rodney, front, in discussion with fellow South Atlantic delegates	TdC delegation nameplates

Rodney chatting with the chairman of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Lord Simon Stevens

Four days of discussions began on 23th June with a gathering of the South Atlantic Working Group.This was a chance to exchange best-practice ideas with colleagues from Ascension, St Helena, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Rodney provided an update on the changes expected when Tristan's fishing contract changes hands. The new concession-holder Fortuna is expected to introduce new vessels for Tristan's fishing operations and passenger/freight links. Other topics for the group included pollution-control training and the regulation of small craft.

Chris Carnegy and Rodney Green by the ceremonial Red Ensign ship's bell always used to start and end conference sessions.	Rodney with Guernsey harbourmaster and conference co-chair James Way

The main conference ran throughout 24th and 25th June. A powerful presentation from the Falklands team shared lessons learned from the loss of the fishing vessel Argos Georgia in July 2024. Delegates also heard about the future of UK government support for maritime safety in the Overseas Territories, discussed the challenge of providing medivacs for visiting vessels, and explored latest developments around training for seafarers and the investigation of marine accidents,

The week provided a valuable opportunity for personnel from across the Overseas Territories to network and learn from each other's experiences - all with the aim of saving lives in places that depend on the sea.

South Atlantic delegates including Tristan's Island Councillor Rodney Green, second left,
and former Tristan Administrator Alex Mitham representing St Helena, far right.

Work starts to prepare for 2025 Joint Ministerial Council

Report and photo from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Tristan da Cunha's newly elected Chief Islander had a prominent role as Overseas Territory Leaders from around the world discussed strategy ahead of a key meeting planned for November.

The Joint Ministerial Council will bring OT politicians face-to-face with key UK ministers.

Screenshot image of Tristan Chief Islander Ian Lavarello
as he took part in the JMC planning meeting on 19th June 2025

On 19th June 2025, Cllr Ian Lavarello joined a virtual meeting that included voices from across the South Atlantic and Caribbean as well as Pitcairn and Gibraltar.

Speaking via video link from Tristan's Council Chamber, the Chief Islander addressed key issues around the island's relationship with the UK, its critical infrastructure and its international lobster trade.

The meeting fired the starting-gun on extensive preparations for the JMC.

Tristan represented at UK Overseas Territories Day

Report and photographs from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

2nd June 2025 brought the second annual Overseas Territories Day in the UK, and Tristan da Cunha and its many friends were at the heart of key events.

	Above: Chris' stationery at the event Left: Chris Carnegy preparing for the church service

A special church service took place at St Lawrence Jewry near London’s Guildhall, and I was honoured to be part of the opening procession. Prayers were said for the UK’s territories, their environments and their communities.

In the evening, a reception at Speaker’s House in Westminster brought together many friends of the OTs. Territories minister in the UK government Stephen Doughty, and his opposition shadow Andrew Rosindell, gave supportive speeches. Guests included Father Tom Thomas, Catholic Ecclesiastical Superior for Tristan da Cunha, and representatives of the UK maritime and nature teams that support the island.

UK Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty giving his speech at the reception

Above: Chris with Stephen Doughty at the reception Right: Chris with Father Tom at the reception

 

Overseas Territories Day will be marked each year on the first Monday in June and aims to raise awareness of the OTs within the UK.

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