Tristan Island Brew enjoyed at Foreign Office Reception |
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| Bushy's 'Island Brew' was served at the close of the 2015 Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council. 2-Dec-2015 |
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Hamburg Sud Container Ship San Clemente's July Visit |
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| The container ship MV San Clemente diverted to Tristan on the 18th July 2015 to pick up the island’s UK Representative, Chris Carnegy. 18-Jul-2015 |
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Administrator Alex Mitham returns to take up his rolePhoto from Cynthia Green taken on 10th July 2015 and showing Alex Mitham (left) shaking hands with Finance Officer Chris Standing who was Acting Administrator during Alex's time away from Tristan. The photo follows a short official ceremony during which Alex was sworn in again as resident Administrator. |
Tristan Islanders on the Isle of Man 2015
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Journey Home via Spain, Switzerland and South Africa Report from Dawn and photos from Robin Repetto |
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Spanish Photos |
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By the Med |
Jade, Dawn and Amber with Martyn and Wendy England |
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With the Folgates in Spain |
Amber, dawn and Jade by the pool with Beda in the background |
Dawn writes on 27th August: We spent a
few days in Spain with my Aunty Wendy and Uncle Martyn and a few days
in Switzerland visiting Karen, Dani, Chiara and Alessia. It was a
wonderful experience meeting up with our family and seeing the
different cultures in the different places. A great learning curve
for the girls and I know they will never forget Sunny Spain and the
Swiss Alps - what an opportunity! |
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Dawn, Jade , Amber, Dani, Alessia, Chiara and Robin by the Kapellbrücke bridge in Lucerne |
The Schreier and Repetto families on Mount Pilatus |
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Mount Pilatus from the Lake Lucerne ferry |
Alessia, Amber & Chiara in the cable car |
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The families paddling in the River Rhine The final stage of the Repetto family's journey |
The Repetto family preparing to leave
the Isle of Man on 8th August 2015 Before they leave Dawn has sent this final report about their time on the island: |
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Our time on the Isle of Man is drawing to a close and we just can’t believe how it has flown. It has been a wonderful experience for myself and family and we will take many fond memories home with us. Jade attended St Ninians High School where she had the opportunity to study at IGCSE level. She made many friends and settled in quickly to school life even though the school was a lot bigger than on Tristan. She undertook Taekwondo lessons in her spare time and found this experience very valuable. Amber attended Scoill Vallajeelt and thoroughly enjoyed her time making many friends in the process and attending many birthday parties. Her class, Year 2, had 28 children which is as many as the whole school on Tristan. Both girls are now on the summer holidays and will only start school again on our return home. |
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Photos of the family at Bushy's Brewery - |
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Robin found his training very constructive and had the opportunity under the Department of Infrastructure, Douglas Fire and Rescue Department Red Watch, Electro Freeze, Traffic Department and Department of Economic Development, to undertake:
I was based with Department of Economic Development and Manx National Heritage and undertook:
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The experience for both of us has been very beneficial and we hope to go back to the island with new ideas and insight into how a different place operates. We would like to say a big thank you to those departments for taking us under their wing and helping us through this learning process, the people we have met along the way has been so kind and helpful. With thanks to Martin at Bushy’s Brewery, we had the chance to see how a Brewery operates and were able to be a part of the venture of brewing a Tristan beer with Bushy’s. We are ever grateful for this one in a lifetime chance and are thankful to Martin for his friendship and to all those who were involved, especially Curly the Brewer. We now look forward to the CAMRA Great British Beer Festival held at Olympia London, where our very special beer will be sampled and promoted. |
The family with Ken and Fran Rogers -
see below for more
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The Isle of Man is a wonderful place and I highly recommend a visit to everyone. The people are very benevolent and are never too busy to stop and help you find your way. Although the island is a lot bigger than Tristan you still get a very good sense of Island life. Apart from our training we also got to see some of the sites and festivals and managed to visit Curraghs Wildlife Park, a trip on the Steam Train, Laxey Wheel, Home of Rest for old Horses, Douglas Head, The TT road race, The CastleTown Bath races and these are only a few to mention. A big thank you, to the Governments of the Isle of Man and Tristan, for giving us this wonderful opportunity. Last but not least we would like to say a heartfelt thanks to our special friends Ken and Fran Rogers who has been so supportive to us while in the Isle of Man. Tristan and the Association are truly blessed to have them as friends and members. Our children look to them as their Isle of Man grandparents and we know they will be missed by us all, we will look back on our time together with fond memories. We hope one day to see them at Tristan where we can return their generosity. |
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Repetto Family Update from Ken Rogers and featuring photos and reports of two final weekend trips as the family prepare to leave the Isle of Man to return to Tristan in September, visiting England and South Africa en route. |
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Dawn, Jade and Robin by the Andreas Village sign. |
Jade, Amber, Dawn and Robin
by the Point of Ayre Foghorn
and below left with the lighthouse behind |
On Saturday 1st August Ken and Fran met up with Robin, Dawn.Jade and Amber at Ramsey Bus Station then took them to their home before having lunch at Milntown House and Gardens just outside Ramsey.
The group then visited the Point of Ayre,the most Northerly point in Isle of Man. Luckily it was not a foggy day so the Fog Horn did not go off! On way to Point of Ayre they went through the village of Andreas and stopped for photo shoot in memory of Andrea Repetto. |
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Below - on Sunday 26th July, after Sunday lunch Ken and Fran took the family to visit The Great Laxey Wheel - named Lady Isabella. |
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The family were taken on a Geocaching taster session by Alan and Angie Brooke in a wooded area of the Isle of Man on 19th July. Dawn is very grateful to the kind couple who have offered assistance to Dawn who intends to set up a Geocache trail on Tristan when she arrives back later in the year. Photos show Robin, Dawn, Amber and Jade Repetto, right, and without Robin but with Alan and Angie Brooke in the photo left. |
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On the way back from Norway, Robin had a London stop-over and had a ride on the London Eye. The photo left shows Robin with The Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and Westminster Bridge behind |
| Robin travelled to Germany to carry out training regarding the Magnetic Observatory on Tristan. He spent a few days in Berlin and then went to Tromsø in Northern Norway to try and improve connectivity at the Observatory on Tristan. It was a wonderful experience which Robin thoroughly enjoyed. | |
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Robin with Bjørn Ove Husøy |
Robin with Dr Magnar Gullikstad Johnsen |
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Both photographs above were taken on 10th July during Robin's visit to Norway. They were standing on an observation platform offering the stunning view over the city of
Tromsø and the snow-capped mountains beyond. |
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Repetto Family's Isle of Man Sunday Trip Report and photos from Ken Rogers |
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| Ken and Fran Rogers met up with Dawn and Amber after lunch on Sunday and visited The Home of Rest for Old Horses just outside Douglas. Photos above and below show Amber with the horses and enjoying a horse ride. Dawn can be seen in two of the photos and Fran in the image below right. There have been no horses on Tristan da Cunha for nearly 200 years, but it is thought the British Army brought six horses when they took possession of the island in August 1816. Corporal William Glass had a role in utilising the horses and managing the troop of Hottentots who accompanied the garrison as part of the Royal Artillery Troop. It is likely that the horses died out within 10 years. |
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Ken and Fran then then picked up Jade The party then went to the airport to pick up Robin |
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Repetto family's day out with Ken and Fran Rogers Tristan Association members Ken and Fran Rogers took the Repetto family out for the day on Sunday 28th June. |
Isle on Man Training Update June 2015 from Tristan UK Government Representative Chris Carnegy |
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Administrator Alex Mitham, together with his wife Hasene and Tristan's UK Representative Chris Carnegy, paid a flying visit to the Isle of Man on June 10th and 11th - to visit Tristanians on attachment there, to thank their hosts, and to discuss the future of this fruitful inter-island link.
The Manx government regularly welcomes Tristanians who want to gain new perspectives on how other islands work. In 2015, Dawn Repetto is on attachment to the tourism and heritage teams, Robin Repetto has joined their Department of Infrastructure and Clive Glass is with the health service. Alex held meetings with the Isle of Man's External Relations, Economic Development and Health and Social Care departments. And there was time to visit Bushy's Brewery, which has taken delivery of a batch of Tristan berries as part of a plan to create a beer inspired by the remotest inhabited island on earth. Right: Left to Right: Alex Mitham, Hasene Mitham, Dawn Repetto, Robin Repetto, Chris Carnegy and Martin Brunnschweiler in Bushy's Brewery. |
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Alex and Hasene Mitham outside |
Alex and Hasene with Clive Glass - |
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Dawn and Robin Repetto with Martin Brunnschweiler in Bushy's Brewery, left, on 11th June and with their children Amber and Jade on 7th June (Photo from Robin, others in this feature from Chris Carnegy) |
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| Dawn reports that the family are settling in well on the Isle of Man and really enjoying the experience. People are very kind and helpful and if you look a bit lost they will always stop and ask can they help with directions. The girls have settled well into school with both girls are enjoying the experience and have made friends. Robin is working in Department of Infrastructure and is enjoying his time there. I am presently in Department of Economic Development and at the end of June will move to Manx National Heritage. On the weekends we try and take time out to take the girls sightseeing, there is so much to see and do here. We are now experiencing the TT Festival and it is truly amazing. Robin and Jade are very big fans and those bikes move with such speed it's scary. |
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Clive Glass' Isle of Man Training Placement Clive Glass is the latest Tristan islander to take up a training placement in the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man Government have very kindly offered to provide training for Clive Glass from March to September which will include a number of areas such as observational training on-
Clive will also be attending some training at St John Ambulance, as well as search and rescue scenarios etc. Clive arrived on the Isle of Man on Saturday 7th March. |
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Clive was guest of honour at the Tristan da Cunha Association Annual Gathering on Saturday 11th April 2015. He is photographed with his former teacher Jim Kerr (right) and on the dance floor with Alison Hentley (above). See the 2015 Annual Gathering Page for more. |
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MPs Pilloried!The Tristan community keeps up its reputation for good fun during Queen's Day as Administrator Alex Mitham, Finance Officer Chris Standing and Commercial Manager Matthew Byrne join Chief Islander Ian Lavarello to pose as novelty rockhoppers and face wet sponges thrown by many willing volunteers. Of course Tristan doesn't have any MPs, though Ian is an elected member of the Island Council. All are good sports. See the 2015 Queen's Day Page for more |
Tristan represented EU's 2015 OCTA Conference and Forum
The Annual
EU Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Annual Ministerial Conference and Forum Tristan da Cunha Government Representative Chris Carnegy was a member of the St Helena delegation |
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Flag of the British Virgin Islands - Photos left and below from Chris Carnegy show |
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Led by the Chairman of OCTA and Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, the OCTs engaged with the European Commission at the highest level. The European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development was represented by Mr. Neven Mimica at the meetings. In reflecting on the upcoming meeting, Premier Smith stated, 'I look forward to this meeting as the OCTs consider how they have unlocked their value by leveraging their special relationship with the EU and other international and regional partners, to create regional hubs and centres of excellence.' |
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Report from Tristan Government Representative Chris Carnegy Firstly all the delegates’ expenses are paid for by the EU. The key aspect of this event from Tristan's perspective is that the European Development Fund provides much-needed investment in Tristan. The most recent round of funding has supported the new water and electrical networks, the early trials with renewable energy and more dolosse for harbour repairs, among other benefits. Negotiations are now underway for the next round. So - although the EU formally only deals direct with St Helena - Tristan's aim here has been to raise positive awareness of how this European development cash helps with everyday life in the remotest settlement on earth. EU officials visibly brightened when I told them we now have improved street lighting - they deal with a lot of process and I suspect they don't often get thanked for the human benefits they help deliver. |
The Opening Ceremony |
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The meetings include (i) gatherings of the UK OTs to plan what we want from OCTA for the next few years: (ii) a meeting for our territory with EU officials and the FCO; (iii) a gathering of political leaders, and (iv) the annual OCTA forum. - Tristan was able to thank the EU for its help, including an encounter with the newish commissioner for International Development and Co-operation, Neven Mimica. I presented him with a plaque to acknowledge our gratitude. - St Helena UK Rep Kedell Warboys who organised our delegation was elected President of OCTA for the coming year. - Tristan was able to contribute ideas for ways to improve the future effectiveness of OCTA. - Tackling climate change (and dealing with its effects), and sustainable energy, emerged as two common themes for EDF-funded work over the next few years, alongside the support that will be specific to each territory. - delegates heard a presentation on SAERI, which is already developing links with Tristan and plans more work with us in future. The final 'Forum' day on 27 th February bought together all the week's participants: OT politicians and their reps; EU officials; and FCO officials / their counterparts from France/Netherlands/Denmark. Mostly it drew together the themes of the week, but one highlight has been Lawson Henry delivering a short speech on ambitions for renewable energy, better waste/wastewater management and sustainable fisheries across our Territory. It was good to hear him mention our new EU lobster access in front of such a powerful audience. |
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Chris Carnegy presenting Commissioner Mimica with a Tristan da Cunha plaque. |
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Lawson Henry and other elected leaders gather at the close of the ministerial meeting (Chris Carnegy was missing as he took this photo!) |
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Images left of a British Virgin Islands Government Building and above
a wonderful local beach scene. |
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Administration Team CompleteNew Commercial Manager Matthew Byrne arrived to take up his post on 20th January aboard MV Edinburgh. Matthew joins Finance Officer Chris Standing who arrived in November 2014 and Administrator Alex Mitham who together work in the Tristan Administration Building (often known as 'Whitehall') with islanders to organise the island's government business. We published photos and CVs of both Matthew and Chris on our 2014 Government News page. |
Tristan Government UK Team starts its workNew Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy and UK Adviser Jim Kerr started their work on 1st January as former Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Bates MBE retired from his post. See Government News Aboard 2015 |
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 |
Photo from Chris Carnegy shows this preliminary meeting |
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