News from the Tristan da Cunha Government, including the Governor, the Resident Administrator, Chief Islander and Tristan-related official events in the UK and abroad.

2025 Island Council Election

Public Notice published by Tristan Administrator Philip Kendall on 5th February 2025.

The timetable for Elections to take place on Tristan in March this year was hereby agreed by the Governor Mr. Nigel Phillips CBE.

  • The Island Council will be dissolved on Thursday, 13th February 2025.
  • Nominations to stand for Election are to be received by Monday, 17th February 2025.
  • Elections will take place on Wednesday 5th March 2025.
  • Results of Election to be normally announced on Thursday, 6th March 2025.

Island Council Matters

The present Island Council was elected in March 2022 to serve for three years.

There are no political parties or trade unions on Tristan. However, democracy is alive and well in the form of an
Island Council consisting of the Administrator as President, plus three appointed and eight elected members. At least one member of the council must be a woman. A separate election is held for the post of Chief Islander.

When first appointed, the Island Council select a Vice President. Members are also appointed to the Council's Sub Committees, which supervise a range of activities and submit regular reports for the Council to consider at future meetings.

The 2022-2025 Tristan Island Council

Photo by Julia Gunther of Island Councillors in the Council Chamber on 27th September 2024
Left to right: Back: Warren Glass, Terence Green, Rodney Green, Chief Islander James Glass and Conrad Glass;
Front: Beverley Swain, Vera Glass, President of the Council Administrator Philip Kendall,
Anne Green and Carlene Glass-Green.
Councillors Ian Lavarello and Steve Swain were unable to attend.

Current and former Chief Islanders serving on the 2022-2025 Island Council

The current Chief Islander, James Glass, is Tristan da Cunha's Director of Fisheries and has made regular trips overseas to oversee the retention of Tristan's valuable Marine Stewardship Council award for its sustainable Tristan Lobster Fishery as well as representing the island government at meetings in the UK and South Africa.

James is serving a record fifth term in the post (1994-1997, 1997-2000, 2000-2003, 2019-2022, 2022-2025).

Three other current councillors have served as Chief Islander: Anne Green, James' sister, was the first woman elected as Chief Islander and served two terms (1988-1991 & 2003-2007). Conrad Glass served from 2007-2010. Ian Lavarello served three consecutive terms in office (2010-2013, 2013-2016 & 2016-2019).

Memorial Service for Sean Burns

Report and pictures from Sean's daughter Kelly Green

On Sunday 12th January 2025, the ashes of the late Administrator Sean Burns were laid to rest on Tristan da Cunha. Sean served as the island's Administrator during three separate postings, and also served on St Helena and Ascension Island. He dedicated around 13 years to the South Atlantic islands.

Sean Burns' ashes in St Mary's church during the memorial service.

Sean Burns' ashes in St Mary's church during the memorial service.

In March 2023, Sean tragically suffered a stroke while on Tristan. Despite being medically evacuated, he sadly passed away at sea on 16th March 2023.

Church server Savanna Green is Sean's granddaughter.

Church server Savanna Green is Sean's granddaughter.

The memorial service, beautifully led by Carlene Glass-Green, was integrated into the Sunday service. His ashes were then interred in the island cemetery. Sean's family was deeply moved by the overwhelming turnout and the heartfelt kindness shown by the community.