Uk Overseas Territories the Newsletter of Ukota · February 2016

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UK OVERSEAS TERRITORIES THE NEWSLETTER OF UKOTA · FEBRUARY 2016

Overseas UKOTA holds Inaugural Overseas Territories Joint 2016 AGM Territories Student Ministerial Conference Council 2015

In July, the Government of Bermuda hosted a meeting for the Leaders and representatives of the Territories, to discuss the issues that they wished to be raised at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) 2015.

The fourth meeting of the JMC was held in London Incumbent UKOTA Chairman, Benito Wheatley; Fabian Hamilton at the beginning of December. The meeting was MP, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs; Andrew Rosindell MP, OT attended by the elected Leaders and representatives APPG Chairman; and Sukey Cameron MBE, 2015 UKOTA Chair. of the Territories to meet with HMG Ministers and Over 150 students from various Overseas officials. On 27th January 2016, UKOTA members Territories travelled to London, in late gathered for their Annual General Meeting. November, to attend the inaugural Overseas The key themes of this year’s Council were Territories Student Conference. building the prosperity and economic development Members formally adopted the UKOTA Annual of the Territories; protecting the most vulnerable Report for 2015. The theme of the conference was ‘Our Islands, members of the communities; pensions; health; Benito Wheatley, UK/EU Representative for Our Future; Sustainable Development’. The education; sports; child safeguarding; and the role the British Virgin Islands, was elected as Chairman; students attending gained a broader understanding of the environment in delivering prosperity. Albert Poggio GMH OBE, UK Representative for of the themes behind sustainable development and the importance of conservation. The Council agreed to a communique which identified HM Government of Gibraltar, was re-elected to priorities and set out a number of areas for joint the role of Hon. Secretary; and Chris Carnegy; Sukey Cameron MBE, the Falkland Islands work in the year ahead. The Communique has UK Representative for the Government of Representative and then Chair of UKOTA, gave been published on the GOV.UK website: http://bit. Tristan da Cunha, was re-elected to the role opening remarks in which she welcomed the ly/1NuUWK5 of Hon. Treasurer. students. The keynote address was delivered by Deputy Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr At a reception to mark the end of the meeting, hosted Benito Wheatley formally thanked Sukey Cameron the Hon. Kedrick Pickering. In his remarks he said, by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, food and for her service as Chairman over the past year. “Protecting the environment means taking tough drink from a number of Territories was served. These Sukey Cameron extended her thanks to the decisions. As young persons whose future is ahead, included lamb and fish from the Falkland Islands, officers and the members of the sub-committees it means having a vision of what you want to see lobster and beer from Tristan da Cunha, liqueurs from for their work during the year. She also thanked and embarking on the journey to achieve it”. the British Virgin Islands, honey from Pitcairn and Edwina O’Mahony for all the work she had candies from Turks and Caicos Islands. undertaken in providing the UKOTA Secretariat. Government Conservation with consent of Anguilla kilometres. So the elected council enthusiastically appoints new endorsed the move. Next comes the work of enforcing the Marine Protected Area; a complex UK/EU Rep task of identifying rogue fishing vessels and if necessary prosecuting their operators. The Hon. Chief Minister of The Overseas Territories hold over 90% of Anguilla, Mr Victor Banks, has the UK’s biodiversity, and the Territories take announced the appointment seriously their conservation duties. Environmental of Mrs Blondel Cluff as the management is devolved to the Territories, so Government of Anguilla Representative to the United Adamstown, Pitcairn Island UKOTA welcomes new assurances from Her Mrs Blondel Cluff Majesty’s Government that further measures Kingdom and the European Union (UK/EU). Mrs Cluff, who is Anguillan, took A vast area of the Pacific Ocean is being will only be put in place in pursuit of aims agreed up her appointment on 1st February 2016. designated for marine protection, with the by the elected representatives of the relevant support of Pitcairn Islanders. Territory. Mrs Cluff will be assisted in her duties by Ms Sonia Fleming as the liaison with the Anguilla Pitcairn is uniquely well-placed to provide a haven Working together, the Territories and the UK Slough/UK Diaspora Community and to serve as for fish, as the island group has no commercial can deliver world-class marine conservation, the coordinator of enquiries from Anguillans seeking fishery ambitions and commands an ‘Exclusive alongside the sustainable fisheries that are vital medical attention and wishing to pursue educational Economic Zone’ of over 830,000 square to many OT economies. opportunities in the United Kingdom.

2 BERMUDA

Beauty with Kimberley a Purpose Durrant Top 200

The Miss Bermuda Pageant has an illustrious Power Woman history, first competing in the Miss Universe Pageants in 1965, with Margaret Hill winning UK Representative and Director of the Miss Photogenic in 1970. Miss Bermuda began Government of Bermuda London Office has competing in the Miss World Pageant in 1971 been included in the 2015 Citywealth IFC seeing Gina Swainson become the 1st and only Power Women Top 200. The List is compiled Miss Bermuda to date to be crowned Miss by Citywealth Magazine of 200 of the most World in 1979. powerful women in government, private wealth, education, private client advisory and The current Miss Bermuda is Alyssa Rose, a 23 philanthropy across the International Financial year old graduate of Kingston University London Centres (IFCs). who competed in the Miss World 2015 in Sanya, Peoples Republic of China. Miss Rose finished top Citywealth explain, “The list focuses on influencers 26 in Sport and Top 13 in Talent. Her mission as well as professionals and celebrates powerful as Miss Bermuda is to use her MA in Marketing women from diverse backgrounds. It recognises and Brand Management to assist and spread women of achievement who are trailblazers in awareness to charities in Bermuda. their field, helping to promote business excellence in their home jurisdiction and consolidating the As a child growing up in Bermuda, Miss Rose reputations of the financial services industry admits she took full advantage and benefit from globally.” Bermuda’s natural beauty. A beauty which is often to severe multiple challenges. They are taught an taken for granted, but not every child has the adapted curriculum that includes language and The Full list including additions from fellow same experience. literacy, functional math, living and communication British Overseas Territories can be found at skills, physical education and social, vocational and citywealthmag.com Miss Rose has spoken on this matter stating that recreational skills. “for the physically challenged or disabled, access to this beauty is very limited. As a result, it is difficult The stigma and lack of awareness in the for the children to be taken into the community community make it very difficult for organizations and despite being such a small place, there’s and charities to gain financial support in order to still a huge stigma attached to the topic, with provide the care for those attending the Dame many knowing very little, if anything at all, about Marjorie Bean Hope Academy. Through her children with special needs here.” efforts, Miss Rose hopes to change that.

The Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy is the Miss Bermuda’s video, bringing awareness to island’s only dedicated school for children with special needs in education, can be found on the special needs in Bermuda. Students here are Government of Bermuda London Office Website. between the ages of 4 and 18, with moderate www.BDALondonOffice.co.uk

3 British Virgin Islands

OECD rates BVI compliant on Tax BVI supports

The BVI received a rating of ‘Largely islands at Paris Compliant’ by the OECD Global Forum on transparency and exchange of information for climate change tax purposes in its peer review report published on 3 August 2015. meeting Commenting on the positive rating, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, OBE said, “The BVI has a long track-record of meeting and exceeding the highest international regulatory and transparency standards and we continue to do so today. We are very pleased that this has been recognised by the OECD.”

Premier signs agreement for direct flights to USA

Deputy Premier delivers remarks at UNFCCC COP 21 side event

Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. Hon. Kedrick Pickering, attended the UNFCCC COP21 meeting in Paris from 7th-9th December 2015, where he advocated for international support for islands to adapt to the negative consequences of climate change.

The Deputy Premier delivered remarks at events organised by the Global Islands Partnership (GLISPA)/Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and the Government of France/International Union for Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. connections to destinations in the US mainland, the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Deputy D. Orlando Smith, OBE announced at a signing Caribbean, Central America, South America and Premier Pickering said in comments on his ceremony on 12th January 2016, that direct Europe. The service will begin with three flights attendance that “my main purpose was to bring flights between the British Virgin Islands and per week and increase in frequency during the attention to the work islands are doing to adapt the United States (US) would commence in tourism high season. In remarks at the ceremony, to climate change, which can serve as a model for late 2016, serviced by BVI Airways. Premier Smith said, “Today’s signing is indicative other societies, and to call on the international of my Government’s resolve to do all that we can community to support these efforts to help The direct flights from Terrence B. Lettsome to maintain and improve our economy for the mitigate the very real climatic threats to island International Airport to Miami International benefit of present and future generations of BV communities whose people and their livelihoods Airport will provide the Territory with Islanders and residents.” are at risk.”

4 Grand Cayman’s Cayman Islands first new resort in a decade Tourism Focus: on schedule Arrivals soar to new record highs for a late 2016 actively advanced efforts to educate and train persons within our community to be confident opening Caymankind ambassadors throughout 2015. Whether it was through the PRIDE programme, The one-year countdown to the opening of Hospitality School, developing a tourism-infused Grand Cayman’s first luxury resort in more than curriculum in primary schools, or granting of a decade, the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, and scholarships, we know that it is the Caymanian for-sale residential offering. people who make our destination so special and create those lasting memories for our valued Situated on the resort’s 12-acre site, The visitors.” Residences at Seafire is Dart Realty’s first for-sale Seven Mile Beach property and includes 62 luxury The soaring air arrivals are expected to residences in an elegant 10-story building adjacent Caymankind mural at Owen Roberts Airport continue with the start of the expansion project to the hotel. The Residences at Seafire offers at Owen Roberts International Airport. Although the best of both worlds, the privacy of a luxury Over 2.1 million visitors arrived in Cayman it is expected to take three years to complete, residence and exclusive owners’ rooftop lounge during 2015, making it, as expected, another it will significantly increase the capacity. along with access to the best-in-class amenities record-breaking year. Both cruise and air arrivals offered at the resort, including two ocean view “The improvements at the airport, along with were up during the last twelve months, with pools, six bars and restaurants, a signature spa, other infrastructure projects currently in progress, 385,379 total air arrivals, a marginal 0.67% distinctively landscaped gardens and a coastal will make our tourism marketplace even more increase over 2014. However, this was not only walking and biking trail. the most arrivals since records began but the 5th appealing for our visitors as product enhancements, year in a row that the number of stay-over guests including numerous hotel developments, continue Individual condominiums offer sweeping views has increased, demonstrating the consistency of to come on line,” Stran Bodden, the Tourism of the resort grounds and Seven Mile Beach, and that market. Ministry Chief Officer, said. “Ensuring that the those facing the North Sound will have views Cayman Islands are able to provide the highest equally as compelling as those that overlook the Cruise arrivals reached an annual total of 1,716,812 quality in both service and product will continue beach and Caribbean Sea. passengers, a 6.66% increase on last year, the best to be a top priority for all of us in tourism.” since 2007 following several years of mixed results The diverse array of options provides buyers the for cruise numbers. Government is also working on the development possibility of acquiring a home on Seven Mile Beach of a national public transport strategy to improve for under $1 million or getting the penthouse of “The continued success of our tourism sector bus routes to address congestion issues on the road their dreams nearer to the $8 million price point. means that more Caymanians are able to positively and to feed the demand for drivers at the airport, impact our visitors’ experiences while maintaining ensuring visitors reach their destination quickly. With stunning and sophisticated design, its a livelihood in what is an exciting and dynamic Officials said this was creating opportunities for prime Seven Mile Beach location and thoughtful industry,” Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell said. Caymanian tour operators and taxi drivers. consideration of every aspect of the guest and “Together, the Ministry and Department of Tourism residential experience.

Airport progresses despite rain delaying work

Workers have begun erecting the 29,000 Phase one includes the construction of a new square foot steel framed building at Owen baggage handling and screening area, along with Roberts International Airport, the first phase in offices and a second floor mechanical room. the expansion plan, which is on schedule despite The overall expansion project is expected to the weather. Heavy rains in December caused be completed in 2018. a few delays to the groundwork but the project is on track, according to officials. Officials are currently going through the tendering process for the main part of the The Cayman Islands Airport Authority the project, which is scheduled to start following contractor, Arch and Godfrey, has worked hard the completion of the new baggage hall. to minimize the impact of the construction work Steel-framed structure under construction at Owen Roberts Airport on the airport operations.

5 Falkland Islands

Assembly Member Princess Visits the Caribbean Royal Visit

recent years, during which time he held the position of Opposition Leader in the country.

As President Granger had stressed in the previous meetings he strongly emphasized his support for the right of self-determination for Falkland Islanders. MLA Hansen said that it has been a very productive meeting; “The President was very clear that we should determine our own future”. They also discussed matters currently of concern in

President Granger of Guyana with Hon Ian Hansen MLA the region, such as a recent offshore oil discovery near Guyana and an ongoing border dispute with Venezuela. In January the Honourable Ian Hansen, Member of the Legislative Assembly, met with the President The meeting was one of a number attended by of Guyana His Excellency David Granger, at the MLA Hansen and Ms Ormond on a trip across Ministry of the Presidency in Georgetown. several countries in the Caribbean over a three week period. The trip also incorporated visits to He was accompanied at the meeting by British High HRH The Princess Royal with youth groups in Stanley Commissioner Colin Quinn and the Falkland Islands Belize, St Kitts and Trinidad and Tobago - where Government’s Public Relations Officer, Ms Krysteen they attended a renewable energy conference - Ormond. The purpose of the visit was to build on which gave them the opportunity to highlight the Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, previous discussions between Assembly Members work that has been done in the Islands in accompanied by her husband Vice Admiral Sir from the Falkland Islands and President Granger in this sector. Tim Laurence, visited the Falkland Islands in January 2016. It was the fourth time that she had been to the Islands, with her last visit having taken place in 2009.

Commonwealth Walkway During what was a very busy schedule during her time in the Islands, Her Royal Highness laid The Chairman of the Outdoor Trust, who was in a wreath at the Liberation Monument in Stanley, the Islands to launch the scheme, Hugo Vickers, which commemorates the end of the Falklands already had strong links to the Falklands. His late Conflict of 1982. A short service was held led by aunt, Baroness Vickers, tirelessly led the fight for Reverend Kathy Biles and was attended by many Falkland Islanders to receive full British Citizenship members of the public and various community in the years prior to 1983, when they received that groups. Members of the local community were also status. in attendance, along with Her Royal Highness, at a reception hosted by Falkland Islands Government The eventual aim of the scheme is to create 100 later in the day. Whilst in Stanley she also unveiled Walkways across all 71 Commonwealth Nations the second marker of the ‘Commonwealth and Territories. The Falkland Islands are the first of Walkway’ at Christchurch Cathedral. the Overseas Territories to take part in the project. The overall intention of the project is to connect Her Royal Highness was also able to experience Local children with one of the brass markers outside the and inspire walkers to learn more about the the new Falkland Islands Museum in the historic Falkland Islands Community School diversity of the Commonwealth, and celebrate Her dockyard, which was a finalist in the Museum and Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Heritage Awards in their ‘International Museum’ Over the course of three months straddling in a subtle way, whilst also benefitting their health. category in 2015. Visits to the Agriculture the New Year, two brass markers forming part Each stone can be scanned using a free mobile Department, the King Edward VII Memorial of the Commonwealth Walkway, were laid in device app and will offer the walker relevant Hospital and the Seamen’s Mission were also Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. The information and interesting facts. undertaken. Commonwealth Walkway Scheme was launched by the Outdoor Trust following the success of the The first stone was laid outside Government House Following her visit to the Falkland Islands Her Royal Jubilee Walkway in London, which formed part in November 2015, the second was laid in January Highness, who is the Royal Patron of the South of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2016 and was unveiled by Her Royal Highness the Georgia Heritage Trust, and her husband travelled Celebrations of 2012. Princess Royal at Christchurch Cathedral in Stanley. to South Georgia.

6 Gibraltar

HM Government of Gibraltar hosts Gibraltar 16th Gibraltar Day in London Police Officer on secondment to Tristan da Cunha

Royal Gibraltar Police Constable Jonathan Barcio recently completed a three month secondment with the Tristan da Cunha Police Department.

He was the first Police Officer in L-R: Albert Poggio GMH OBE, UK Representative for HM Government of Gibraltar; Rt Hon David Lidington MP, Minister of State for many years to have Europe; Penny Mordaunt MP, Minister of State for Armed Forces; and The Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, Chief Minister of Gibraltar been seconded to the force and worked on Policing, Customs, Port, never stop defending that right.” The Minister On 12th October 2015 HM Government of Sea and Rescue, Immigration and general health was also keen to highlight the importance of Gibraltar hosted the 16th annual Gibraltar Day and safety for the island. While secondments by Gibraltar’s inclusion in the franchise for the in London. The celebrations began with the now different Police Forces are a reasonably regular upcoming EU Referendum. Noting the strategic traditional Thanksgiving Mass in Fulham the day occurrence across Overseas Territories, owing importance of Gibraltar to the UK, Minister before and culminated in a reception for over to the remoteness (and extremely low levels of Mordaunt added that “ultimately this is what it 800 invited guests and dignitaries at the City of crime), they are few and far between for Tristan. London’s prestigious Guildhall. boils down to. You help us defend freedom and in turn we must and will defend you.” On his return to Gibraltar, Jonathan was awarded Amongst the guests were The Rt Hon David The Gavin Clinton Constable of the Year Award, Music during the Reception was provided by Lidington MP, Minister for Europe, and Ms after receiving the highest number of nominations the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers. At Penny Mordaunt MP, Minister for the Armed from both peers and management. Constable the conclusion of the Reception, guests were Forces. Both took to the stage to address the Barcio joined the Royal Gibraltar Police in 2000 gathered guests and reiterated their, and their treated to a Massed Bands Spectacular and Sunset and has served in Area Response Teams and as Governments’, strong support for Gibraltar. Ceremony by The Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band Custody Officer within the Operations Division. Minister Lidington stated that “we remain and Corps of Drums and the Band of the Corps In addition to his operational duties, PC Barcio has adamant that the people of Gibraltar can remain of the Royal Engineers in the Courtyard of the over the years instructed recruits and colleagues British for as long as they want to be and we will Guildhall. in First Aid, and was seconded to Gambia as part of the British Military Advisory Training Team in 2008, where he assisted in training Gambian Police Officers prior to their deployment as Gibraltar Election United Nations African Mission in Darfur, Sudan, as part of peace support operations. The GSLP Liberals, under the leadership of The Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, Chief Minister, will govern Gibraltar for another four years after winning the recent General Election with 68.4% of the vote; a Constable Barcio returned home with several landslide victory. mementos, including a signed copy of the book “Rockhopper Copper”, written by a former Chief Upon being sworn in for his second four-year term in office, Chief Minister Picardo said “Gibraltar has Islander and the island’s current Police Inspector, told us what it is she wants us to do. The time has come now to start working again to deliver.” Conrad J Glass.

7 Montserrat

Mrs Janice Panton MBE, UK Representative for the Government of Montserrat, with Ms Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General Montserrat granted Associate Membership of UNESCO

On 3rd November 2015, Montserrat was of UNESCO in providing policy guidance on observatory (MVO), which continues to bring granted Associate Membership of UNESCO. education and science and promoting cultural world-class volcanologists and geologists to their This took place at the UNESCO headquarters diversity. shores. Their work and that of others at the in Paris. MVO, is an inspiration to budding scientists and Delegates were given a brief outline of the history Montserrat now has at least two homegrown In making Montserrat’s inaugural address to of the island and the impact of the ongoing earth scientists; Montserrat has been afforded the the UNESCO Members, at the 38th General volcanic eruption on the island and its people. opportunity to turn from fossil fuel to geothermal Conference, the UK Representative for the Mrs. Panton pointed out that, although the energy. With aid from the UK Department for Government of Montserrat, Mrs. Janice Panton volcanic activity is now at a very low level, over International Development, they have commenced MBE, pointed to the benefits that associate the past twenty years, sustained activity has had, drilling and discovered enough geothermal energy membership would bring to the reduced 5,000 and continues to have, a devastating effect on the resource to meet current needs. This energy population, which includes a high percentage of island’s economy with Montserrat now in receipt resource will provide cleaner and cheaper energy recent migrants from within the region, including of budgetary aid. Mass migration has resulted in and should boost the economy. some from Spanish speaking countries. This severe loss of core middle and senior management reduction in population is a result of volcanic workers and their offspring. Previous boasts of As an Associate Member of UNESCO, eruption which started in 1995, and which made being in the top educational league in the region Montserrat is looking for benefits to include the two thirds of this 40 sq. miles island uninhabitable is no longer true as standards have dropped due tools to build an educated community - not just and caused mass off-island evacuation. to inability to recruit and retain qualified teachers, an educated individual, but a whole community of and there is now a need to look afresh at their educated individuals who, working together can In giving the acceptance speech, Mrs. Panton education system. learn and act on the experiences and policies of expressed sincere thanks on behalf of the UNESCO and its members. They benefit from Government and people of Montserrat and Mrs. Panton went on to point out that the the UK in this respect, and can only imagine the conveyed Montserrat’s commitment to fulfilling benefits that have been realised as a consequence effect of learning from over 190 other UNESCO UNESCO’s mandate. She lauded the activities of the eruption - Montserrat now has a volcano members would have on their development.

8 St Helena

Growing businesses

In the middle of the South Atlantic, St Helena Island (population c. 4,500) is using the opportunity of air access to enable economic development. Driving economic growth, and leading on the implementation of the island’s Sustainable Economic Development Plan, Enterprise St Helena (ESH) is developing tourism, building local capacity in the hospitality and construction sectors, encouraging and supporting both local and inward investment and providing advice and support (including financial support) to local businesses as part of a strategy to grow the Island’s private sector.

A vibrant private sector is the foundation for increased economic activity and growth. In ESH, a small highly motivated and enthusiastic team of people work closely with the local business community to encourage entrepreneurs to maximise opportunities and develop their businesses. Since April 2014, and as part of a targeted programme, ESH staff have engaged with businesses on a regular basis and have supported more than 1/6 of the Island’s business community in various ways as shown in the table below.

113 businesses or individuals received financial support via grants for Business, Skills or Capital Development, or Loans and Equity schemes 99 DFID supported small business Grants approved (approximately 4-5 businesses supported per month) Two businesses which have developed as a direct began exploring the agriculture opportunities 22 EDF Grants, Loans and Equity result of ESH support are Island Images Ltd. and on the island and in early 2014 commenced a applications approved Green Wagon. small agricultural business producing courgettes, aubergines, melons and a variety of herbs, using The total amount of financial support to ISLAND IMAGES LTD. commenced operation date amounts to £387,000 hydroponic technology under covered production in March 2009, initially offering photography at Blue Hill. The business has since evolved their services and handcrafted mirrors and earrings. products into branded packaged produce under ESH has also facilitated local direct investment in In July 2013 the business diversified and expanded the Green Wagon label. The owners commented the region of £535,000 for the same period and into the hospitality sector and opened “The that “it feels good to be doing something positive, supported or facilitated training in the hospitality Sandwich Bar”, in the capital Jamestown. In 2015 to be putting fresh produce out there, as well and construction fields, for 741 individuals. the business expanded further into “Richard’s as some different products” and went on to say Travel Lodge” comprising indoor and outdoor that “if you really want to make it happen, then Recently ESH launched a project to refurbish an dining and two serviced en-suite B&B rooms, old building to create the Longwood Enterprise get in touch with The Agriculture and Natural together with the launch of “No Limits Travel Park. This will open up development on the Resources Division (ANRD) and ESH, go for & Tours”. eastern side of the island by providing additional it and do whatever it takes, the assistance and commercial floor space as well as agricultural GREEN WAGON returning St Helenian Joan opportunity are there. Just don’t expect it to pack-house facilities. Peters, together with her husband Steve Evans, happen overnight.”

9 Tristan da Cunha

Thumbs-up for sustainable fishery “I am the future”

The world-class lobster fishery that 11 year-old Nathan Swain was cheered by every underpins the economy of Tristan da Tristanian when he journeyed to Buckingham Cunha has again been independently Palace to collect junior First Prize in the judged to be sustainable. The Marine Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. Stewardship Council conducted a ‘surveillance audit’ and periodic Nathan, a pupil at Tristan’s only school St Mary’s, reassessment of the archipelago’s wrote down his thoughts on how learning the fishery in autumn 2015, and once carpentry skills of his father and grandfather again has awarded Tristan its gold- will help him build the future. It was an inspiring standard certification. message from the world’s remotest community. A panel of expert judges chose Nathan’s essay The MSC status is a tribute to the skill and as the overall winner among over 7,000 junior care of Tristan da Cunha’s fishermen and entries. For Nathan and his parents, the prize the islands’ licensee Ovenstone Agencies. trip was their first visit to the UK, and their first Quotas are carefully managed to ensure flight in an aeroplane. The Royal Commonwealth a healthy lobster population, and each fish Society, and UK-based members of the Tristan da is individually checked for size. The fishery Cunha Association, organised a series of visits for is a vital source of jobs and public revenue the Swains – from the Houses of Parliament to for this unique maritime community; the Lyme Regis boat-building academy. The central it accounts for over 80% of the islands’ moment was the reception in Buckingham Palace economy. The MSC’s processes have helped when Nathan was handed his award by HRH the the Tristan fishery to map-out a long-term Duchess of Cornwall. To quote the winning essay: resource management plan, and sustainable ‘I can build anything I want if I have the skills’. status boosts the appeal of the catch as a We’re proud of you, Nathan. high value, niche-market product. ‘Tristan Rock Lobster’ is a gourmet food enjoyed Yvonne Glass is one of many islanders who staff in Europe, Australasia and the USA. Tristan’s modern processing plant on fishing days.

Toasting a special island link

Tristan’s special relationship with the Isle of Man is now expressed in tasty liquid form. A consignment of rubrum berries picked on the volcanic South Atlantic island was shipped 6000 miles to Bushy’s Ale of Man Brewery, where owner Martin Brunnschweiler used it to create Island Brew. UK drinkers who bought an early pint were rewarded with a ‘free beer’ voucher – to be redeemed only in the Albatross Bar Tristan’s UK Representative Chris Carnegy helped Martin serve Island Brew samples at a Foreign and Commonwealth Office reception. on Tristan da Cunha!

Proudly British for 200 years

2016 will bring a series of celebrations to mark 200 years of continuous British settlement on Tristan da Cunha. A military garrison of 1816 was succeeded just one year later by a civilian society, which thrives HRH The Duchess of Cornwall with Nathan Swain, to this day on its neighbourly founding principles. (Courtesy of the Royal Commonwealth Society)

10 Turks and Caicos Islands

Government Signs Refinancing Loan

The Turks and Caicos (TCI) Government signed a new $28m loan agreement with the Royal Bank of Canada on 13th January 2016. The balance of the $170m UK guaranteed bond will be repaid from the sinking fund and other TCI Government cash resources. The $170m bond is due to be repaid on 22 February 2016.

RBC Royal Bank provided the most competitive proposal following the Government’s Request for Financing Proposals in September 2015. The terms of the new loan are very attractive with interest at just 1.2% over Libor. It will be repaid in quarterly TCI Government Officials alongside executives from the Royal bank of Canada installments with the final payment being due in 2019, although the Government may also repay the loan early without penalty. It was not necessary to “This is the final piece of the jigsaw in the Repayment of the $170m bond will mark the request a loan guarantee from the UK. refinancing of our UK guaranteed debt taken out end of the loan guarantee provided by the UK in 2011. The competitive terms achieved are a Government when TCI’s finances were in poor “The TCI economy has seen a major turnaround testament to the progress we’ve made. We are shape, and another step on the country’s move to over the past three years and, with its BBB+ grateful to RBC Royal Bank for their commitment a strong and resilient economy. I would like to pay credit rating, 4.3% GDP growth and consecutive to TCI at this important stage in our recovery and tribute to everyone in Government, the House of budget surpluses, this will allow the Government we look forward to working with the Bank as we Assembly, the public service and the private sector to retire its $170M UK guaranteed debt. As build on this platform”, said Minister of Finance, who have contributed to this achievement, as well a government, we can now make significant Washington Misick. a range of special advisers and the Chief Financial investments in the socioeconomic development Officer from the UK. As the London Times are of our people and country. This is indeed a proud Governor Peter Beckingham also welcomed the planning to bill in a special report on TCI, it is a moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands,” agreement with RBC Royal Bank saying: “The major economic turnaround of which the whole said Premier Dr Rufus Ewing. signature of this agreement is a milestone for TCI. country should be proud”.

Significant Investment in Education

An historic day in the national development of the Turks and Caicos Islands was marked on 26th November 2015, as the Government officially opened the fifth secondary public school in the multi-island nation.

The Long Bay High School, named after the district in which it is located, was officially opened by the Premier, Dr. Hon. Rufus Ewing, Governor H.E. Peter Beckingham and Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Akierra M.D. Missick.

The institution, the first of its kind to be built in the past 20 years on the Island of Providenciales, (L to R): Minister George Lightbourne, Minister Akierra Missick, Architect/Contractor Jamaine Malcolm, Minister Amanda Missick, Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing and Minister Porsha Stubbs-Smith currently houses nearly two hundred first year high school students, but when completed is months just in time for the start of the second and construction on phase two has already expected accommodate nearly five hundred. The term of the school year. begun and will be completed in 2016. project, which is in two phases and will eventually lead to a full-fledged high school, broke ground The Turks and Caicos Islands Government have Former Minister of Education and noted author, in February 2015 and was completed in seven committed USD $4.2 million towards this project Dr. Carlton Mills is the principal.

11 Member Territories & Contacts

7 3

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1 ANGUILLA 4 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 6 FALKLAND ISLANDS 8 MONTSERRAT 11 TRISTAN DA CUNHA Mrs Blondel Cluff Mr Benito Wheatley Mrs. Sukey Cameron MBE Mrs. Janice Panton MBE Mr Chris Carnegy UK/EU Representative Director and UK/EU Representative United Kingdom Representative United Kingdom Representative United Kingdom Representative Government of Anguilla BVI London Office, Falkland Islands Government Office Government of Montserrat Government of Tristan da Cunha C/o The West India Committee, British Virgin Islands Government Falkland House, 14 Broadway, London 180-186 Kings Cross Road, 29 Hulse Road, Salisbury SP1 3LU Hope House, 45 Great Peter Street, 15 Upper Grosvenor Street, SW1H 0BH London WC1X 9DE Tel: +44 (0)7768 622245 London, SW1P 3LT London W1K 7PJ Tel: +44 (0)20 7222 2542 Tel: +44 (0)20 7520 2622 Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 2077995441 Tel: +44 (0)20 7355 9570 Fax: +44 (0)20 7222 2375 Fax: +44 (0)20 7250 2624 Mr Ian Lavarello, Chief Islander Email: [email protected] Fax: +44 (0)20 7355 9575 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 1 Hillside Road Email: [email protected] The Hon. Victor F. Banks, Chief Minister Ms. Claudette Prior MBE The Hon. Donaldson Romeo Edinburgh of the Seven Seas Government of Anguilla, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith OBE Clerk of the Legislative Assembly The Premier, Government of Montserrat Tristan da Cunha The Valley, Anguilla Premier Office of the Legislative Assembly PO Box 292, Brades, Montserrat South Atlantic Ocean TDCU 1ZZ Tel: +1 264 497 3518 Administration Complex Gilbert House, Ross Road, Stanley, Tel: +1 664 491 3463 Tel: +44 (0)203 014 5043 www.gov.ai Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands Falkland Islands FIQQ 1ZZ Fax: +1 664 491 6780 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Tel: +1 284 494 3701 Tel: +500 27451 Fax: +500 27456 Email: [email protected] www.tristandc.com Fax: +1 284 494 Email: [email protected] www.gov.ms 2 12 TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ASCENSION ISLAND Email: [email protected] www.falklands.gov.fk 9 PITCAIRN ISLANDS Ms Tracy Knight Councillor Caroline Yon MBE www.bvi.gov.vg Ascension Island Council 7 GIBRALTAR Leslie Jacques OBE Head of Office/United Kingdom Tel: +(00) 247 66836 5 CAYMAN ISLANDS Mr. Albert Poggio OBE GMH Portfolio Holder International Relations Representative Email: [email protected] Mr Charles Parchment United Kingdom Representative Pitcairn Islands Council, 83 Baker Street, London W1U 6AG UK Representative/Director (Acting) H.M. Government of Gibraltar, Pitcairn Islands Office Tel: +44 207 034 7845 3 BERMUDA Cayman Islands Government Office 150 Strand, London WC2R 1JA P.O. Box 105 696 Auckland, Email: [email protected] Ms Kimberley Durrant 6 Arlington Street, London SW1A 1RE Tel: +44 (0)20 7836 0777 New Zealand www.gov.tc United Kingdom Representative Tel: + 44 (0)20 7491 7772 Fax: +44 (0)20 7240 6612 Tel: +64 9 366 0186 Government of Bermuda London Office Fax: +44 (0)20 7491 7944 Email: [email protected] Fax: +64 9 366 0187 Dr. the Hon. Rufus Ewing 6 Arlington Street, London SW1A 1RE Email: [email protected] www.gibraltar.gov.uk Email: [email protected] Premier and Minister of Health, Tel: +44 (0)20 7518 9900 10 SAINT HELENA Agriculture and Human Services Fax: +44 (0)20 7518 9901 The Hon. Alden M McLaughlin, The Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP Mrs. Kedell Worboys MBE Office of the Premier Email: [email protected] Jr. MBE, JP, MLA Chief Minister of Gibraltar United Kingdom Representative NJS Francis Building [email protected] Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, 6 Convent Place, Gibraltar Government of St Helena Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Health and Culture Tel: +350 200 70071 Alliance House, 12 Caxton Street, Tel: +001(649) 338 5745 The Hon. Michael Dunkley JP, MP Government Administration Bldg, Fax: +350 200 76396 London SW1H 0QS Email: [email protected] Premier Box 131, Grand Cayman KY1-9000 Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)203 818 7610 Cabinet Office, 105 Front Street Cayman Islands www.gibraltar.gov.gi Email: [email protected] Hamilton HM12 Bermuda Tel: (345) 949-7900 ext. 2454 UKOTA Secretary, Ms Edwina O’Mahony Tel: +1 441 292 5501 Email: [email protected] HE Mark Capes, Governor c/o HM Government of Gibraltar Fax: +1 441 292 8397 www.gov.ky The Castle, Jamestown, St Helena Island 150 Strand, London WC2R 1JA Email: [email protected] Tel: +290 22555 Tel: +44 (0)20 7836 0777 www.gov.bm Fax: +290 22598 Fax: +44 (0)20 7240 6612 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.sainthelena.gov.sh

We welcome your feedback on the UKOTA newsletter. UKOTA Secretary, Ms Edwina O’Mahony c/o HM Government of Gibraltar, 150 Strand, London WC2R 1JA · Tel: +44 (0)20 7836 0777 · Email: [email protected] · www.ukota.org Would you like to receive the newsletter by email? If so please contact us at [email protected]