Governor Change-Over
His Excellency Governor Nigel Phillips CBE's term of office which began on 13th August 2022 ended on Friday, 11th September 2026.
The Inauguration Ceremony for Governor Designate Belinda Lewis will be held on Saturday, 12th September 2026 at 2pm on the Supreme Court Terrace, Jamestown, St Helena. We hope to have a reports and photos to publish soon.
See the report of Belinda Lewis's appointment as Governor-Elect.
Chief Islander James Glass with House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and the Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha HE Nigel Phillips.
Tristan Administrator Philip Kendall wrote:
"This week marks the end of Nigel Phillips' tenure as Governor for St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan. As our Governor, Nigel has always been very strong advocate of Tristan and a great support to me as Administrator, to the Chief Islander and to the community as a whole. As Governor, Nigel visited Tristan in March 2023, and I made a visit to St Helena the following year in April 2024. Though divided by 1,500 miles of Atlantic Ocean, these two neighbours have very strong bonds, which Nigel always championed. He will be missed, but as we welcome Belinda Lewis as Governor on Saturday, followed by my successor Andrew Wells later this month, a new era of relationship between our two islands will begin."
Governor Nigel Phillips with Acting Administrator Lorraine Repetto and Chief Islander James Glass
after a ceremony to swear-in Lorraine as Acting Administrator
in the Tristan da Cunha Council Chamber on 22nd March 2023. Photo - Cynthia Green.
See report of Nigel Phillips March 2023 Tristan da Cunha visit >>.
James Glass presenting a model Tristan longboat to the Governor
Governor Nigel Phillips' message to Chief Islander Ian Lavarello and the Tristan Island Council on 7th September
"Dear Chief Islander
As I come to the end of my time as Governor, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you and the entire Island Council for your support and partnership over the past four years.
Although Tristan lies far from St Helena, I have always been struck by the remarkable strength of your community, its resilience, and the deep commitment of those who serve it. It was one of the highlights of my career to actually visit in 2023, albeit the circumstances were very sad.
Please accept my thanks for the many kindnesses shown to me during my time in office. They have been gratefully appreciated.
I wish you, the Island Council and all the people of Tristan da Cunha every success and happiness in the years ahead.
With my very best wishes,
Nigel J Phillips CBE"
Tristan Chief Islander Ian Lavarello's reply on 8th September
"Dear Governor
On behalf of myself and the Island Council of Tristan da Cunha, I write to thank you for your kind letter and to wish you well in the future.
I know that the support you have given to our Administrators has been crucial in their isolated postings. The last four years have brought several very challenging episodes, but also significant progress in laying foundations for the future of our island.
We wish you and Emma every happiness.
Yours sincerely
Ian Lavarello"