Chief Islander thanks UK minister for crisis help
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
Tristan Chief Islander Ian Lavarello
taking part in the meeting from the Island Council Chamber
Tristan da Cunha's Chief Islander has personally thanked the UK minister for Overseas Territories for his support of the island. Their encounter came in an online meeting between Stephen Doughty MP and the elected Leaders of the UK Territories.
Ian Lavarello thanked the minister for his support in the aftermath of the recent storm that has left a trail of destruction on Tristan. He noted that such events are linked to climate change, and that small islands will need UK help to adapt to its effects.
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| Stephen Doughty MP Minister for the UK Overseas Territories | Bermuda's Premier David Burt who is current President of the UK Overseas Territories Association. |
The minister also praised the local response to 'extraordinary' recent events on Tristan, noting that the Hantavirus episode was 'testament to the resilience of the peoples and teams' of Tristan and other South Atlantic islands.
The meeting, held on 16th July 2026, helped set a course towards the UK and OTs Joint Ministerial Council, to be held in London in November.