Tristan da Cunha Government News Abroad

Warren Glass' Training in Isle of Man from 26 April 2013 – 13 August 2013
Report from Tristan Director of Fisheries James Glass

Warren Glass from the Tristan da Cunha Fisheries Department spent four months with the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture, on the Isle of Man. He participated in a wide range of tasks, roles and shadowing opportunities, both within the Department and with external organisations.

Warren was based in the west of the Island (Peel) and his first point of contact with the fishing industry was Billy Caley of Isle of Man Sea Foods. Billy operated a processing plant and Warren spent time working within the factory, gaining experience of the processes involved. The main commercial species being scallops, crab and lobster and whelks.

Warren spent a great deal of time with Sea Fisheries aboard the Fishery Patrol Vessel Barrule whilst in the Isle of Man. Warren quickly established himself as an effective and valued member of the patrol boat crew, carrying out his assigned duties in a professional, safe and effective manner. These duties were many and varied including:-

• Assisting in routine maintenance tasks during a vessel maintenance period
• Carrying out boardings and inspections of fishing vessels at sea
• Extended patrol at sea and deployment into UK fishing port
• Collecting of environmental samples at sea.

Warren assisted Inland Fisheries, with electric fishing surveys in several rivers to monitor and assess the native populations of juvenile salmon and trout in rivers across the Isle of Man. This is carried out on annual basis to determine trends in stocks and to identify any bottlenecks and areas in need to restoration or improvement.

Warren also participated in the process of auditing rainbow trout stocked to the Island’s reservoirs for recreational angling purposes, by an external company, to ensure compliance with a lease agreement for provision of fish.

Photos from Isle of Man's External Relations Manager Alex Powell show:
Left: Warren (second left) with the Inland Fisheries team carrying out an electric fishing survey of the Santon Burn.
Right: Warren (right) pictured aboard a UK trawler during a joint deployment DEFA Fisheries staff
carried out in conjunction with the UK Marine Management Organisation.

Warren spent a week with the Food Safety Team and in that time became involved in the following activities:-

Food premises inspections (nursing home kitchen & café/restaurant), carried out under the Food Act 1996 and the European Communities (Isle of Man) Act 1973 and associated Regulations. To establish level of compliance and assess areas such as

• Premises structure (level of maintenance)
• Overall standard of cleanliness
• Good practices followed (personal hygiene)
• Documentation (safe methods/procedures)

As well as a meat plant inspection to observe and discuss Meat Inspection techniques; carried out under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 and EC Regulation 854/2004.

Warren expressed a keen interest in marine environmental monitoring and he spent time at sea collecting marine samples with the Marine Scientist. He later spent time at the Government Lab in Douglas shadowing the Scientist and following the analysis process.

In summary a report from the acting director of fisheries, to the director of fisheries on Tristan stated that Warren proved to be reliable, hard working and dedicated and was an asset to all the teams he worked with. In particular his sea going skills and experience were of massive benefit to the Sea Fisheries Officers and he was constantly in demand throughout the summer to be part of the crew on board the FPV Barrule.

Warren was enthusiastic to learn and very easy to get on with, he became a recognised and well liked character in Peel where he was based and all the locals and the Fisheries Department in the Isle of Man wished him all the very best for the future. Warren returned to Tristan on 28th August 2013.

Tristan Administrator-designate visits Isle of Man
Report and Photo from IOM Government Communications Executive Richard Parslow on 1st August 2013

Tristan da Cunha -
Isle of Man
Partnership

The Isle of Man Government is continuing to demonstrate its commitment towards international development by strengthening its relationship with one of Britain’s smallest Overseas Territories. The Island is this week hosting a two-day visit by Alex Mitham, an officer at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, who is set to become the 22nd Administrator of Tristan da Cunha.

As part of his preparations for the role, Mr Mitham is spending two days in the Isle of Man to gain an insight into various aspects of Island life. He was welcomed to the Island on 30th July by Chief Secretary Will Greenhow and Director of External Relations Della Fletcher MBE, and met the Chief Executive Officers at the Departments of Education and Children, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Environment, Food and Agriculture, and Health. Mr Mitham also had discussions with Chief Constable Gary Roberts and senior officers from the Isle of Man Constabulary, and toured Noble’s Hospital.

Alex Mitham on the Promenade
at Douglas, Isle of Man

The Isle of Man has recently organised temporary placements for three key workers from Tristan da Cunha’s 260-strong population, helping them to acquire new skills and a fresh approach to addressing some of the challenges faced by small islands.

Della Fletcher said: ‘The Isle of Man has a great affinity with other small island nations and is happy to share its knowledge on key issues such as sustainability. The Island takes its international responsibilities very seriously and continues to build friendships and understanding with countries around the world. We wish Alex well as he prepares to take up his new appointment.’

Mr Mitham commented: ‘I am looking forward to living and working in Tristan da Cunha and being an active member of the local community. There are challenges ahead for the island in terms of securing economic growth and stability, so it is extremely valuable to see how things are done in the Isle of Man.’

Husband and wife Martin and Iris Green
are Tristan Islanders
undergoing a training programme
in the Isle of Man
starting in February 2013

This page will catalogue
their time on the island
and other UK visits.

Left: Photograph from the Isle of Man Government shows
Martin and Iris on arrival at the Isle of Man on 18th February.

Tristan Islanders Iris and Martin Green arrive in the Isle of Man to begin four month training work placements.
Report from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Bates

On Monday 18th February they met Della Fletcher, Isle of Man Head of External Relations who welcomed Iris and Martin and introduced them to colleagues who took them to sort out life's essentials such as the gas, electric, phones and somewhere to use the internet, followed by a familiarisation tour of the Douglas area so they will know their way around.

The couple are finding it a bit chilly in Douglas after Cape Town, Iris reckons Martin will be testing his Tristan sweater to the maximum when out in the fields (should be a good icy blast coming in off the Irish Sea!).

Chris Bates is travelling to meet Iris and Martin on Friday 22nd February, intending to meet them on Saturday and Sunday and will also liaise with the work placement officials in meetings the following week.

Tristan Association members Ken and Fran Rogers are being especially hospitable and it is hoped they will join Chris, Iris and Martin for Sunday lunch on 24 th February.

The Isle of Man Government issued a press release on Tuesday 19th February which contained the following:

Martin and Iris Green have a busy time ahead in the Island, and are hoping to acquire new skills to put into practice when they return home to Tristan Da Cunha.

The four-month placements have been arranged as part of the Isle of Man Government’s ongoing commitment towards international development with funding provided by the Tristan Da Cunha Government.

Martin, who has been employed within Tristan Da Cunha’s Agriculture Department for 23 years, will be working with the Isle of Man’s Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. His programme includes placements on Manx farms and veterinary practices, and with the Isle of Man Creamery.

Iris heads the Post Office and Philatelic Bureau in Tristan and a major part of her role focuses on the production of commemorative coins and stamps. She also works alongside the tourism and handicraft industries.

During her time in the Isle of Man, Iris will gain an insight into the operations of the Isle of Man Post Office, the Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division and Manx National Heritage.

Martin said: ‘We have enjoyed a very warm welcome in the Isle of Man and are looking forward to experiencing life in another island community.’

Iris added: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside the people of the Isle of Man to see how things are done here and to develop our knowledge and skills.’

Chris Bates
contributes his report and pictures of the day out
on Sunday 24th February

In Castletown, the one-time capital of the Isle of Man. We went for a stroll (in bitter cold!) to see Castle Rushen -- often described as the finest medieval castle in Europe: Manx Heritage have won many awards for their restoration of the interior and their interpretative work. Castle Rushen has not been "knocked about" in battle and while some of the interior shows its former use as a prison etc., or Victorian "improvements" it is complete. Iris will be working with the Manx Heritage sector later in her attachment.

We also looked at the harbour and the exterior of many of the historic buildings now preserved and brought back into use such as The Old House of Keys, the Assembly Rooms, the harbour etc though didn't go into them (some were closed anyway) or ride on the steam train service from Castletown to Port Erin or Douglas (services resume tomorrow); but plenty of time for that.

We went to the The Sound of Man, overlooking the island known as the Calf of Man, where a programme of "longtail" eradication is going on (Manx don't refer to r**s..word brings bad luck" on what is now a bird and wildlife sanctuary. TdC Association members Ken and Fran Rogers who were our very generous and hospitable hosts on the Sunday are in the picture.

Latest Isle of Man News
from Ken Rogers

Ken and Fran Rogers organised another Sunday excursion and lunch on 3rd March for Martin and Iris Green who continue their training in the Isle of Man.

Ken belongs to a local stamp group and intends to display part of his Tristan collection at a stamp fair and auction being held on Saturday 13th April. Ken hopes Iris, who is Head of Tristan da Cunha's Post Office, will be able to attend. Ken will also have available Tristan da Cunha Association leaflets to see if other Manx residents or visitors may be interested in joining. As the Annual gathering (at which Ken and Fran are stalwart attendees) is the week before, Ken also intends to have back numbers of Tristan Newsletters available. These always feature recent Tristan stamp issues.

The photo left This photo was taken by the lighthouse at the entrance to Peel Harbour on a bright and breezy early spring day. It shows Fran, Iris and Martin.

What is most touching about Ken's report is that he feels so lucky in being able to help the Greens. They are invited to Ken and Fran's home for lunch on Mothering Sunday March 10th, if they are available. No doubt Martin and Iris consider they are the lucky ones as the enthusiastic Tristan Association members seek to help and entertain the Tristan couple.

April Outings for Martin and Iris

Photos and Report from Ken Rogers

After returning from the
Southampton Tristan Association Annual Gathering
(see photos on the 2013 Annual Gathering Page)
Ken and Fran Rogers accompanied Martin and Iris to the Ramsey Stamp Fair on 13th April.

Iris is seen in the photo left
drawing a winning ticket for the raffle, with Fran seated right.

Ken has sent this photo and details of Iris' training
to Stanley Gibbons for possible use in one of their future publications.

The photo right shows Fran with Martin and Iris
at Derbyhaven, Castletown
with the Langness Lighthouse in the background.