Administrator's early 2026 trip overseas
Report and photos from Tristan Administrator Philip Kendall
Due to the remoteness of our beautiful island, the Admin. can only sensibly get off island once per year. On these rare trips there is always a flurry of activity as many people want a piece of my time, and invariably I end up disappointing a large number of those I cannot meet. After forty plus years in the Diplomatic Service, you would think that I would have cracked the art of being in two places at once, but although I have come close a few times, I haven't quite mastered this important skill. So, apologies to those I didn't get a chance to see.
Philip and Louise Kendall on the deck of MFV Edinburgh approaching Cape Town on 14th January 2026
My 2026 trip began in January on the delayed sailing of the Edinburgh, resulting in a curtailed visit to Cape Town. See also Admin in Cape Town .
On arrival in the UK, after celebrating Louise's birthday and dispensing with the annual check-ups at the dentist and the doctor, I launched myself onto London, starting with the home team in the FCDO, where I spent time with our excellent Tristan Desk Officer, Charles Wickham. Another early meeting was with John Cooper, Co-Chair of the Tristan Association where we discussed the close collaboration between the island and the TDCA. Chris Carnegy, our very capable UK Representative was next on the list, though it was brief, but I had a further opportunity to spend time with him later in my visit.
Philip meeting Tristan da Cunha Association Co-Chair John Cooper in London on 26th January
Next was the cross territory Cyber Security Conference, hosted by the UK Home Office. This conference brought together representatives of all the UKOTs to discuss the risks and challenges in a modern world. This is rather pertinent to Tristan as we have only recently come into the 21st Century of internet communications, making us rather vulnerable to attack. The sharing of experiences with other OTs, as well as the experts from the Home Office, makes us more able to protect ourselves.
The following week was spent in Barbados, along with some of those who I had met in the conference the previous week. This week's conference, however, was about freshwater resilience in the face of climate change. Funded by the EU, and facilitated by Green Overseas, these conferences bring together the overseas territories of the UK, France, the Netherlands and Denmark, and this time I am pleased to say that all of the South Atlantic Territories were in the room - the first time I have experienced this at a conference. We were all given a chance to present our case and share experiences with likeminded colleagues. From Tristan's perspective, we are relatively lucky to have a constant supply of fresh water from the Big Watron, but we cannot afford to be complacent.
Philip addressing the EU-funded Green Overseas conference in Barbados in February
Delegates of the February Green Overseas conference gathered in Barbados.
From Barbados I flew to Berlin, where I met up with Louise, Glenda and Holly to attend the Berlin Film Festival and the global premiere of Tristan Forever. I have to admit to being more than a little jet-lagged throughout the weekend, but it was definitely worth it! See also: Tristan Forever Premiere Report
Philip and Louise Kendall at the premiere of the film Tristan Forever with islanders Glenda and Holly Rogers
who starred in the film. The event was held on 15th February as part of the Berlin Film Festival
Back in the UK I caught up with the emails from home in Suffolk and travelled the short distance to Diss to have a wonderful lunch with Jim Kerr, Secretary and Treasurer of the Tristan Association. Jim has spent a combined total of nearly a decade on Tristan, teaching most of the people that I work with now! It was great to talk about the differences between Tristan in the 1980s and 90s, and now, and to share fond stories of our shared love of Tristan.
Philip with Tristan Association Secretary anbd Treasurer Jim Kerr in Diss on 18th February.
Back in London I attended a UKOT Food Security Workshop, where we discussed the need to increase resilience on homegrown food sources. On Tristan we have a better story than many, particularly with regards to meat, fish, and of course lobster and potatoes, but we could do better on vegetables. I will be taking this thought back to Tristan with me.
Finally, I met up with Chris Carnegy in parliament, where Chris was representing the Chief Islander by giving evidence to the House of Lords Constitution Committee. It felt great to be back in parliament where I worked between 2002-2005. Listening to the lordships discussing Tristan in such auspicious surroundings made me proud of both our island and the mother of all parliaments. See also: Lords Constitution Committee Report
Philip with Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy in Westminster Hall after the House of Lords Constitutional Committee session on 25th February 2026.
Louise and I now plan to take some leave in Chile, before travelling back to Tristan soon.