Recognition for Tristan, and a meeting with the King in JMC Week
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
The first day of formal meetings of the UK and Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council took place on 26th November – and it brought confirmation that Tristan can have its own ‘compact’ with London.
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| JMC setting in the FCDO’s Grand Locarno Room | OTs minister Stephen Doughty and FCDO OTs director Robbie Bulloch, pictured as the JMC got underway, with former Tristan da Cunha Administrator Steve Townsend spotted between them. Steve helped organise the 2025 JMC on behalf of the FCDO. |
Chief Islander Ian Lavarello, joining the Council via video link, asked whether the UK would offer Tristan its own deal, distinct from St Helena, to address the island’s own priorities. Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty announced that we can, and welcomed Ian’s ideas on how the compacts will be rolled-out.
Chief Islander Ian Lavarello made contributions via video link from the Tristan Council Chamber
Further sessions brought news on how the UK can help OTs with cyber security and healthcare technology. And there was praise from the UK’s Special Representative for Nature Ruth Davis, who replied to remarks from Ian saying, “I’ve rarely been so inspired as I have by seeing Tristan doing work with nature and connecting people with nature”.
JMC underway in Grand Locarno Room
The day concluded with a private event at Buckingham Palace. I represented Tristan da Cunha as King Charles hosted the heads of the JMC’s London delegations.
The JMC will return to the Foreign Office for its final sessions on Thursday.