Tristan da Cunha Government News Abroad

Tristan's vast 'Blue Belt' celebrated at London events

Report and images from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Pupils from St Mary's School on Tristan
who sent a video message to the Blue Belt Symposium

The Blue Belt Symposium's main poster showed a view of Tristan da Cunha

The contribution of Tristan da Cunha's Marine Protection Zone to the UK's 'Blue Belt' of conserved ocean was celebrated at a series of events in London, held 26th-29th February 2024.

Above: Opening slide introducing Chris Carnegy's presentation
Below: Chris making his ptresentation with archive photos showing 
Tristan islanders' catch of crawfish, now known as Tristan Rock Lobster

A symposium studied the protection measures that have been established across UK Overseas Territories from the Pacific to the Antarctic, with the huge Tristan MPZ contributing one-sixth of its worldwide scope.

	Above: Chris with Prof. Jessica Meeuwig
	Left: Chris with Lord Benyon

I met UK environment minister Lord Richard Benyon in advance of his opening keynote speech, which included a message of warm support from His Majesty King Charles. 

The symposium brought a chance to learn about other islands' experience with the Blue Belt: how they are managing their zones, how their staffing is arranged, what marine science they undertake and how their communities are engaged. I gave a presentation about Tristan's Blue Belt journey, stressing the importance of local ownership of the initiative and describing discoveries such as the blue-shark 'nursery' found off Gough Island.

Chris with Dr Eleanor Adamson

A linked event saw Professor Jessica Meeuwig of the University of Western Australia, whose network of underwater cameras had found the shark nursery, lead discussion on future use of the imagery and the fish data it enables. I was able to link Prof Meeuwig by phone with Chief Islander James Glass, ahead of a trip to Gough where he hopes to deploy the cameras again.

I also met Dr Eleanor Adamson of the Fishmongers' Company Fisheries Charitable Trust. The Trust plans to support a scientist from the UK to undertake research work at Tristan.

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron addressing Symposium delegates

Alongside the main sessions was an exhibition, featuring fish samples from Tristan's waters and a video message from young Tristanians, and a reception where I met the UK Foreign Secretary. Lord David Cameron namechecked Tristan in a speech that was passionately proud of what the Blue Belt has achieved.

Royal conclusion to Tristan's London talks

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Chris arriving with the Governor at Buckingham Palace

King Charles provided a very special moment as the events surrounding the Joint Ministerial Council drew to a close on 15th November 2023.

HM King Charles III with UK Overseas Territories leaders and delegates at a reception
he hosted which was held at Buckingham Palace on 15th November 2023.
Governor Nigel Phillips is second and Chris Carnegy fourth from the left of the group.

He hosted an intimate reception for the London JMC delegates at Buckingham Palace. Leaders, Representatives and Governors were all able to discuss their Territories with him at some length. His Majesty takes a keen interest in the OTs. He is enthusiastic about marine conservation and the ecosystem benefits of Tristan's MPZ, is concerned about IUU fishing, and is personally interested in the coins and stamps that are issued by the Territories.

The table laid for a dinner hosted by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle
showing Chris' place at the impressively laid table.

We then dined in the sumptuous Commons Speaker's House back at Westminster. Sir Lindsay Hoyle spoke warmly of his devotion to the worldwide 'British family'.

Chris with Sir Lindsay Hoyle

The night brought-down the curtain on the JMC in style, but the day had also been a busy one, with appearances before two influential Select Committees of the House of Commons.

Chris addressing the Constitution committee

Chief Islander James Glass had previously submitted written evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee. At their meeting I explained the basics of Tristan's constitution, listed some benefits Tristan and the UK each gain from our connection, and mentioned the island's ambition for greater recognition of its own status.

Chris with Alicia Kearns MP, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee

The Foreign Affairs Committee was announcing the creation of a new sub-committee to focus on how the UK deals with OTs. They asked which departments they should monitor, and I offered some suggestions based on Tristan's key areas of interest.

The events of 15th November were a satisfying conclusion to a busy few days that had been months in the making. Tristan played a leading role in helping negotiate the proposed Declaration that will set the tone for future relations with the UK, and our meetings with key politicians from all sides of the Commons meant we could put the island's issues firmly in the spotlight.

Two Tristan legends applauded at Westminster reception

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Want to know why Dr Hilary Jones was wearing a Tristan da Cunha tie when he
appeared on ITV's Lorraine on Thursday 16th November.....read on.

A reception in the lavish Westminster home of the Institute of Civil Engineers provided a moment to celebrate two of Tristan's expat legends.

Tristan reception group meet with UK Overseas Territories Minister David Rutley.
Left to Right: David Rutley MP, Tristan da Cunha Association (TDCA) Treasurer and Membership Secretary Jim Kerr; TDCA Co-Chair John Cooper, Doctor Hilary Jones and Chris Carnegy.

The occasion marked the 14 November 2023 climax of the Joint Ministerial Council. I arranged for TV's Doctor Hilary Jones, who served as medical officer on Tristan, to attend the event. Overseas Territories Minister David Rutley gave him a special mention in his speech, and also acknowledged Jim Kerr, on his retirement as Deputy UK Representative, for his extensive service to Tristan. There was warm applause for both.

UK Overseas Territories Minister David Rutley gives his keynote speech.	Dr Hilary Jones with House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Doctor Hilary's message to Tristan

Hilary Jones, British TVs most famous real-life doctor, has sent a warm and enthusiastic message to the people of Tristan da Cunha, where he served at the start of his career.

Dr Hilary was the lone Medical Officer on the island at the start of the 1980s. He recalls there were no deaths or births during his year-long posting, but plenty of day-to-day healthcare challenges and also some veterinary ones (including a struggle to put-down a dog that refused to die). He went on to star as ITV's on-screen medical expert, and is the author of several books about health.

Attending an Overseas Territories reception in London, he kindly recorded a a message for islanders, describing the fun he experienced on Tristan and saying "I love you" and "I miss you". His passion for Tristan shone through.

RSPB's Andy Schofield presents Dr Hilary with his Tristan da Cunha tie. Dr H says he'll wear it on ITV's 'Lorraine' show soon!	Dr Hilary's message to his friends and ex-patients on Tristan da Cunha.

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