South Atlantic Territories united as JMC Week 2024 begins
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
Tristan da Cunha's Chief Islander James Glass began what promises to be a busy Joint Ministerial Council week in London with a meeting that united South Atlantic UK Territories on Monday 18th November 2024.
South Atlantic UK Territories' delegates left to right: Chris Carnegy, James Glass,
Glenda Bas of the St Helena London office, Falklands Legislative Assembly member Roger Spink,
Ascension councillor Alan Nicholls, Falklands UK Representative Richard Hyslop, Ascension councillor Kerry Benjamin.
The gathering at Falkland House in Westminster brought together delegates from Tristan, St Helena, Ascension and the Falkland Islands, to study the week's agenda and develop shared positions on current issues.
An extra outcome was agreement that elected representatives from the four jurisdictions would in future hold regular online meetings where challenges and opportunities can be discussed.
James Glass arriving for UKOTA Political Council
Later the same day, James joined worldwide leaders at the Political Council meeting of the UK Overseas Territories Association. Held at Church House adjacent to Westminster Abbey, this was a further chance to share and prepare for the week ahead. Initiatives to respond to the impact of global warming on OTs were a key theme.
Elected OT representatives at Church House
Political Council in session
The day concluded with a private dinner between Territory leaders and key UK ministers. James spoke with Overseas Territories minister Stephen Doughty, who explained the new government's fresh approach and is keen to maintain dialogue.