Report on the UK Overseas Territories Consultative Council's Conference
from Tristan da Cunha Government UK Representative Chris Bates
An extended report on Ian's UK visit will appear in the February Tristan Newsletter

On the day before the conference, the Minister for Overseas Territories holds a series of meetings known as “bilaterals” with territory leaders. Ian had been asked by the Minister, Henry Bellingham MP, for a note of Tristan's priorities and he used this to make him aware of concerns by the fishery concessionaires, Ovenstone Agencies (PTY) Ltd about the pace of accreditation of the product from Tristan and punitive tariffs encountered in trying to export to China.

Ian explained to Mr Bellingham complexities and apparent inconsistencies between what the Chinese authorities would accept without tariffs and what they would not – and the beneficial effect on Tristan's economy if these difficulties could be overcome. The Minister undertook to try to “unblock” the situation. He went through in detail Ian's points that a new harbour to replace the existing structure would be better for the island and for the British taxpayer; he discussed in detail concerns about the condition of the Camogli Hospital and progress on education improvements, tourism development and conservation.

Later at a reception organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Ian was able to elaborate on these issues with MPs and members of the House of Lords. It was clear there is great interest among them in Tristan and continuing concern over the effects of the wreck of the bulk carrier Oliva on wildlife and the economy.

One of the points Mr Bellingham was able to make when he opened the Conference was that there was now proof that the Government saw the Overseas Territories as assets to be proud of – and not liabilities. He was able to list progress such as the signing of the agreement to build the airport on St Helena; to invest in the rebuilding of the Turks & Caicos Islands' government structures; in ensuring the wishes of the Falkland Islanders to remain British were not compromised and that the dispute between the Ministry of Defence and the Ascension Government over payments had been resolved.

Mr Bellingham said he was impressed by the way other government departments were happy to co-operate and engage with Overseas Territories; Ian was able to list the challenges facing Tristan and was in turn praised for setting up the training co-operation with the Isle of Man.

Ian was also able to speak on the wish of Tristan people to see more visits from Royal Navy vessels to discourage poaching and his support for secondment of departmental workers around the South Atlantic to create opportunities. He warned this needed someone to take charge and there were budget implications. He suggested the airport on St Helena could benefit all the South Atlantic if a new shipping service linking St Helena to Tristan was developed for upmarket tourists and islanders, as well as freight and essential supplies. He welcomed the opportunity for Tristan workers to be employed on the construction of the airport.

The first day's session was concluded by t he Foreign Secretary, Rt. Hon. William Hague MP, when Ian was able to tell him: “It's an honour and a privilege to be able to thank you for all the FCO has done to help the island - its finances and in every other way”. For this, he was warmly thanked by the Foreign Secretary and by Mr Bellingham.

A further eight Departments attended the second day, with UK Government Ministers and senior officials participating from the Departments of Education; Communities and Local Government; Culture, Media and Sport; Home Office; Business, Innovation and Skills; Work and Pensions; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; and Energy, and Climate Change. They discussed ways to assist the Territories, in line with the new Government-wide approach to supporting their development.

Afterwards the Minister said: “This Government has a clear vision for our Overseas Territories to be vibrant and flourishing communities, proudly retaining aspects of their British identity and generating wider opportunities for their people. We have made good progress in the last year in developing our approach to the Overseas Territories. We are investing heavily in the Territories that need the most assistance, including building an airport on St Helena as well as significant development work in Montserrat and on-going work to restore the principles of good governance and sound financial management to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Priorities for Tristan listed by Ian, ahead of his meeting with Mr Bellingham:

• New hospital and associated medical facilities and training of staff to modern standards.
• Education – standards need to come up to UK standards (of school building, teaching and facilities); this will help to change attitudes of islanders towards the education of their children.
• Infrastructure: basic service of water, telecommunication, roads need to come up to the standards of the outside world – provision of a new harbour must be a priority for the long term development and future of the island.
• Conservation: continue to work with government departments, NGOs and UNESCO to conserve and protect the islands' wildlife and environment.
• Transport – transport links to the outside world need to be improved to give islanders more opportunity to travel and for tourists, freight and those working with Tristan to reach the island.
• Tourism: needs to continue to be developed but improvements in transport and infrastructure are essential for this.
• Links with St. Helena and South Atlantic Territories: develop an exchange programme between key personnel, trainers and trainees and have higher profile Royal Navy visits.