The SA Agulhas II 2025 voyage visitors' first week on Tristan
Report and Photo from Administrator Philip Kendall
Despite the delayed arrival of the SA Agulhas II and her passengers, we have managed to make up for lost time, with a week of excellent meetings and hospitality.
A proper Tristan party, including the pillow dance, in Prince Philip Hall, following the Administrator's Reception
Louise and I hosted a couple of dinners on the 22nd and 24th September, with more to come next week. On Saturday 27th, we hosted a reception for the whole community in Prince Philip Hall. I began by welcoming the visitors with the following speech and by making a couple of presentations.
Admin's Welcome Speech for the Arrival of the Agulhas II
Good evening everyone,
It is with great pleasure that I once again welcome the arrival of the Agulhas II to Tristan. This marks the third visit during my time here, and each one brings with it a wave of excitement, energy, and opportunity. The fact that we had to wait a little longer than expected for this one makes it extra special!
With over forty people joining us, our population swells by about 20% for almost three weeks; a remarkable transformation that brings a palpable buzz of new life to the island. The atmosphere shifts, conversations multiply, and the island feels more vibrant than ever.
This year, we are especially delighted to be joined by returning islanders, some of whom have been away for quite some time. It's wonderful to have you home.
We also welcome a diverse group of technicians and experts, with specialties ranging from cranes to teeth! Your knowledge and skills are as varied as they are vital. Among our visitors are representatives from the RSPB, the FCDO, the MMO, and the CTBTO; a veritable alphabet soup of expertise, all here to share and collaborate with our community.
I would also like to welcome Father Tom on his first visit to Tristan and to Lorna. Both of you will support our hard working lay preachers, embracing the Tristan motto "Our Faith is our Strength".
Welcome too, to James and Jan from Fortuna, who have travelled from the Falklands to see our beautiful island for themselves and to get to know you all. Please take the time to welcome them.
All these visits are essential to the island's development and resilience. But they are only successful because of the spirit of partnership they embody. Our enthusiastic islanders, always keen to learn and grow, work shoulder to shoulder with these experts, ensuring that knowledge is not just transferred, but truly absorbed and applied.
I want to take a moment to express heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in offloading and to the medical and dental teams. Their dedication, organisation, and tireless work often working long hours, are nothing short of extraordinary. This visit, within this tight timeframe, simply would not be possible without you all. Thank you.
And now, a special moment.
The Agulhas II has brought back one of Tristan's young superstars, whose beaming smile now graces the front cover of our latest Newsletter. I'm talking, of course, about our very own Owen Glass. Owen, your return has brought joy to many, and your achievements inspire us all.
I'd like to read to you, a letter from the Governor."I am delighted that you will be the first ever recipient of the Governor's Office Coin for St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. As the youngest person to deliver a speech in the UK House of Commons, so brilliantly representing Tristan, you are very deserving.When you receive your coin from the Administrator, I hope you will know that all of us across St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha are celebrating your success, thanking you for your efforts on behalf of the islands and wishing you all the best for your future... perhaps as a political leader back on Tristan...Congratulations! And thank you."Well done Owen!
Of course, visits like Owen's to the UK don't happen by magic. They require meticulous planning, coordination, and a great deal of dedication. That's where our UK Representative, Chris Carnegy, comes in. Chris, we're delighted to have you with us this evening with Roger. On behalf of the entire community, I've been asked to present you with this small gift - a gesture of our heartfelt thanks for all that you do. Thank you, Chris!
To all who have arrived on the Agulhas II: welcome. Your presence enriches our island, and we look forward to the work, the learning, and the friendships that will grow in the days ahead.
Thank you all and enjoy the evening and the wonderful spread laid on by the Seven Seas girls.
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——————— The Governor's letter to Owen quoted above was sent in March 2025, but as Owen only returned on the Agulhas II, this was the first opportunity to present it to him. For more information about Owen's visit to the UK, see our previous video and report on Owen's speech in the House of Commons For the same reason, it was not until the meeting held on Monday 29th September that Owen's father Simon Glass could be sworn into the Island Council. He had been elected while the family was away in the March 2025 general election. |
| Left: Owen's father, Simon Glass being sworn in at the Island Council Meeting. |