Governor's Visit to Tristan da Cunha
Report and photos from Tristan Administrator Sean Burns
The Island was delighted that the additional stop at Tristan by the RMS St Helena meant we were able to welcome back the Governor, Lisa Phillips.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Governor was able to get ashore for a full programme on Thursday 4th January. The day started with a meeting of the Island Council where the island's financial situation, connectivity, immigration and sustainability were all discussed. The Governor also talked about the three islands in the territory sharing resources and also the need for transparency in terms of decision making. The Council took the opportunity to brief the Governor on the landslides, the livestock and pasture concerns. The meeting ended with a full discussion on the community's aspirations in terms of the Bluebelt agenda. Councillors were very clear that they remained committed to their undertaking to declare a marine protected regime around the archipelago by 2020 but one that allowed sustainable fishing. Council outlined some of the science that was already going on to support this. Local initiatives such as the refurbishment and replacement of vessels and the need for local projects were also outlined.
The Governor then visited the school where she met a few of the children. Unfortunately the pensioners tea party had to be cancelled due to the restricted time ashore but the Governor was able to visit Aunt Ellen and Uncle Ernest before heading off for a tour of the island to see for herself just how much damage had been caused by the landslides. As the weather started to deteriorate, the visit was cut short but before heading back to the vessel, the Governor had a full tour of the health care centre.
Unfortunately, weather on Friday 5th January prevented a landing but on Saturday 6th January, along with other passengers, the Governor was able to enjoy another day on the island, which included a tour of the fish factory and the UN CTBTO facility. She was also able to look at the fishery patrol boat that is in need of refurbishment and had a tour of the ongoing harbour works. In the afternoon, the Governor was delighted to present Jack Green with his well deserved BEM (awarded by HM The Queen in her 90th Birthday Honours List in June 2016 for his services to the community of Tristan da Cunha working as a Fireman, in the Public Works Department and as Harbour Master), which was followed by a small reception where she was able to meet a number of people.
As the wind picked up, the ship's hooter signalled the call for everyone to get back to the vessel.
It is some years since the island has been able to welcome a Governor back for a second time. We were so pleased the Governor was able to get ashore for two days and to see for herself some of the good work going on as well as some of the challenges.