Finance in focus, and Tristan friends gather, as JMC concludes
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
The final day of the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council turned the spotlight on island finances.
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| JMC deliberations enter second day in the Grand Locarno Room | Tristan flag on show in the JMC meeting room |
A session on economic growth brought warm comments about Tristan da Cunha’s fishery from OTs minister Stephen Doughty, who called Tristan lobster ‘world-beating’ and noted the new concession deal as one of the landmark economic events of 2025 across the OT scene.
Chief Islander Ian Lavarello tackles development-funding issues
Chief Islander Ian Lavarello spoke in a session on development funding, thanking UK Aid for recent support and for the recent visit from their infrastructure adviser. He also noted that small and remote Territories face special challenges; the minister and his officials clearly heard his views and gave helpful responses.
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| FCDO’s desk officer for Tristan Charles Wickham, just back from the island, in Tristan tie | Meeting defence minister Lord Vernon Coaker |
A visit from defence minister Lord Vernon Coaker brought a chance for me to lobby for Navy visits to Tristan.
The JMC concluded with the adoption of a communiqué and a reception that included several friends of Tristan, and also saw the formal launch of the Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy to which Tristan has contributed.
Tristan’s profile has been high in JMC Week 2025, with many positive expressions of goodwill from London.
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| Chris at the reception with Tristan da Cunha Association Webmaster Peter Millington (centre) and Co-Chair John Cooper. | With Julian Morris, who advised the Tristan government on the recent fishery contract process |
Minister for nature Mary Creagh launching the Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy
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| With St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha governor HE Nigel Phillips CBE and FCDO Overseas Territories director Robbie Bulloch | Chris with Tristan da Cunha Association Meetings Secretary Barry Carter and Tristan islander Hazel Carter who is Family News Editor and Annual Gathering Hotel Co-Ordinator. |