2015 News
This page publicises an assortment of information from across the world related to Tristan da Cunha. |
2015 Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) |
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Summary Report Tristan Government Representative Chris Carnegy The overseas territories' Joint Ministerial Council is a major landmark in the annual calendar for the UK Representative. Work started months earlier as I'm one of the 'sherpas' (those who plan the path to the summit) with regular advance meetings to thrash-out the agenda and start to develop positions that can be formally agreed in London. This year I was also Tristan's entire delegation, as the sheer logistical challenge meant the Chief Islander couldn't make the trip. That made for a heady mix during the week - dashing between meetings with ministers, helping draft the final communiqué and dining with the OT premiers, attending plenary sessions and pulling half-pints of Island Ale for guests at the closing reception. Among the most substantial items discussed was the way the UK government wants to deliver its 'blue belt' ambition for the overseas territories. Tristan is rightly proud of the independently-certified sustainability of its fishery, but we also insist that marine protection measures must be science-based, properly resourced and locally supported. I delivered that message to the OTs minister and to two committees of MPs. The key is economic development, and for us that's very much about 'connectivity' - the shipping links, the harbour, and the internet. Here again, the meetings with MPs, ministers and officials provided the chance to raise awareness of Tristan's challenges and opportunities. This year Tristan was also invited to make the leading OT speech on education and skills. I outlined the major developments at St Mary's School, with subject specialists arriving to boost our iGCSE ambitions. And I told the story of Nathan Swain's world-beating essay that reflected so much credit on the school and said so much about how the skills of Tristanians will build the community's future. It was very gratifying to hear later that the UK skills minister was enthusing to colleagues about a certain small island that had just captured his imagination. It's been a frantic, tiring few days, but this is Tristan's key annual chance to make an impact in the corridors of power. I think we did. |
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There follows photos and reports from Chris on elements of the JMC |
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Minister cries 'Bring me the lobster!' as Tristan Lobster and Island Ale Brew are served at JMC Foreign Office Reception |
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Photos show the Tristan Lobster tarts, with above right, an appreciative OT Minister James Duddridge, and below Chris Carnegy with brewmaster Martin Brunnschweiler from the Bushy's Ale of Man Brewery which produces the Tristan Island Brew: see Tristan Island Brew for more. |
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The final moment of the week's events brought Tristan's signature product to centre stage. A reception in the Foreign Office saw Overseas Territories minister James Duddridge give the valedictory speech. He mentioned that Tristan Island Ale beer, infused with Tristan berries, and canapés made with Tristan lobster, were both being enjoyed - and regretted that he'd missed his chance to taste the lobster at last year's event. As the speeches closed, the last words of the 2015 JMC were a cry from the minister 'Bring me the lobster!'. The staff duly obliged. |
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Chris with Overseas Territories Minister James Duddridge at Lancaster House at the start of day two of the JMC on Wednesday 2nd December |
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Photos taken on 1st December Chris meets Andrew Rosindell at the UKOTA reception in the Speaker's House |
Cllr. Jacqui Ellick (Ascension), Cllr. Lawson Henry and Kedell Warboys (St Helena), Chris Carnegy and Cllr. Caroline Yon (Ascension), in Westminster Hall before meetings with Foreign Affairs and Environment committees. |
The fourth meeting of the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) will be held in London on 1 - 2 December at Lancaster House and will be hosted by FCO Minister for the Overseas Territories James Duddridge MP. The JMC is the principal forum for reviewing and implementing the shared strategy for promoting security, good governance and sustainable development of the Overseas Territories (OTs). The strategy, set out in the 2012 Overseas Territories White Paper, calls for a whole of government approach to supporting the Overseas Territories and Territory leaders will have discussions with ministers from a range of UK government departments. Issues to be discussed this year include child safeguarding, economic development, and setting a vision for the UK and the OTs in 2030. The Government of Tristan da Cunha is being represented by its UK Representative Chris Carnegy, as the Chief Islander, Ian Lavarello is not able to travel to the UK for this year's council, but attended in 2014.. He will join representatives from: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St Helena and Ascension, and Turks and Caicos Islands |
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On Monday 30th November council delegates |
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Photo from Chris Carnegy shows this preliminary meeting |
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