OT Leaders Meet for Pre-OTCC in the British Virgin Islands

NE UKOTAWS UNITED KINGDOM OVERSEAS TERRITORIES ASSOCIATION August 2011

OT Leaders Meet for Pre-OTCC in the British Virgin Islands

Leaders from four Overseas Territories

(OTs) gathered at Scrub Island Resort in the s L-R: Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal OBE (British Virgin Islands); Hon. Charles Kirnon (Montserrat); Hon. W. McKeeva Bush (Cayman British Virgin Islands (BVI) for the annual Islands) and Hon. Hubert Hughes (Anguilla) Pre-Overseas Territories Consultative Council (Pre-OTCC) meeting that took Anguilla Chief Minister and Minister of OTCC meeting in London set for later this place from 22-24 July. BVI Premier and Finance, Hon. Hubert Hughes; and year. The issues discussed included a Minister of Finance, Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal Montserrat Minister for Communication, perspective on the new UK Coalition OBE, chaired the meeting that was also Labour and Works, Hon. Charles Kirnon. Government, UK plans for a new White attended by Cayman Islands Premier and The leaders discussed a range of issues in Paper setting out the future relationship of Minister of Finance, Tourism and preparation for discussions with the United the UK and OTs, Constitutional Issues, Civil Development, Hon. W. McKeeva Bush; Kingdom (UK) Government at the official Aviation Regulation and Security Matters.

UKOTA Members attend EU-OCT Members of UKOTA bid farewell to the following; Mr. Albert Poggio, former UK Forum in New Caledonia Representative for the Government of Gibraltar; Mrs. Mary Chandler-Allen, former Acting UK Representative of the Government of Cayman Islands; Mr. Robert Williams, former UK Representative for the Government of Anguilla and Mrs. Tracy Knight, former UK Representative for the Government of Turks and Caicos Islands. UKOTA thanks them for their time and dedication to the organization over many years.

UKOTA welcomes the newest member Tristan Da Cunha, who will be represented by Mr. Chris Bates. Members would also like to welcome the following s L-R Ms. Nadira Lord (Cayman Islands), Mr. Simon Young (Pitcairn), Chief Minister Hon. Rueben Meade (Montserrat), appointees: Ms. Dorothea Hodge, UK Mrs. Janice Panton MBE (Montserrat), Mrs. Sukey Cameron MBE (Falkland Islands), Mrs. Kedell Worboys MBE (St Helena) Representative for the Government of and Mr. Kedrick Malone (British Virgin Islands) Anguilla; Mr. Charles Parchment, Acting The 2010 OCT-EU Forum was held in New The OCTs and the respective Member UK Representative for the Government of Caledonia in March 2011. The Heads of States to which they are linked, presented Cayman Islands and Mr. Peter Canessa, Government of the Overseas Countries to the EU a Joint Position Paper on future UK Representative for the Government of and Territories (OCTs) of the European relations with the European Union when Gibraltar and we look forward to Union convened in Nomeau for their the current Overseas Association Decision working with them. annual meeting with officials from the EU. expires in 2014. UKOTA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT VISITS MONTSERRAT

Things seemed grim until my Tropical Perhaps a more compelling reason to study Biology Field course to Borneo that this group is that it is currently unknown summer. During an evening chat with the how the ash deposit from the volcano in professor running the field course I waterways may be affecting the discovered that he had two undergraduate invertebrate species which live there. With project students working in Malaysia! I the Centre Hills providing most of the asked if he would be willing to take me on islands potable water, the health of the as a project student the following year, told insect life will be a strong indicator of water him my likely destination was Montserrat, quality. When studying an ecosystem it is and told him I had no idea what my project often impossible to study each species in Helen Larzleer from Bermuda was awarded was going to be yet...and he said yes! It detail, due to various resource constraints. the UKOTA scholarship for BSc Honours was now time to delve a little deeper into In these cases it can be helpful to use degree in Applied Ecology and Conserva- the conservation efforts on Montserrat. indicator species to gauge how healthy the tion at the School of Biological Sciences, ecosystem is as a whole. Dragonflies are University of Reading in 2009. As part of I very quickly discovered that Montserrat excellent indicator species as they are her degree Helen has taken her final has a well-established commitment to the predators high up in their food chain dissertation and related it to the island of conservation of its biodiversity, as during each stage of their life cycle, and Montserrat. The scholarship is funded by demonstrated by the extensive work put also have relatively short life cycles. This the Joint Nature Conservation Committee into the Centre Hills Biodiversity means that changes in habitat quality and (JNCC) and administered by UKOTA. The Assessment (CHBA) published in 2008. food availability will result in population objective of the scholarship is to award a With the Lesser Antilles occurring in a changes which can be monitored year to student from an Overseas Territory upon biodiversity hotspot it is important to use year, as opposed to decades or longer. Their completion of their studies, the opportunity every opportunity to expand the life cycle also lends itself well to study, as to work in one of the Overseas Territories or knowledge of biodiversity in this region. they spend their adult years on land. As within an International Organisation which The CHBA has done an astounding job of dragonflies have specific and limiting promotes and supports environmental cataloguing a wide range of the species habitat requirements (pools, streams or and conservation projects in the OTs. found within the conservation area on marshes with vegetation), it was easier to Here Helen reports on her findings the island. The report did note, however, pick observation sites for the research in Montserrat. project.

When I was first offered the UKOTA Finally, Montserrat’s biodiversity is under a scholarship to study Ecology and number of threats including the continued Conservation at the University of Reading I threat of climate change, encroachment of was told that some funding would be made invasive species, as well as the continued available if I was able to do my final project activity of the Soufriere Hills volcano. One in one of the Overseas Territories. No one strong factor working for biodiversity on was sure at the time whether this would be the island is that unlike many other possible, but I was determined to at least Caribbean islands, the threat of habitat loss try and make it happen. During the Easter to human activities has been low in recent break of my first year, a workshop for OT years. With such an intact conservation students studying environment-related area, and strong Government support, subjects was held at the JNCC offices in expanding the knowledge of all taxa found Peterborough. At these meetings I had an that information on the invertebrate on the island can be used to help the opportunity to find out more about the populations was still lacking. understanding of flora and fauna in the various projects going on in each of the entire Lesser Antilles island chain. territories, and if there were any which My attention was drawn to Odonata would particularly benefit from a new (Dragonflies and damselflies) in particular because as well as being good indicators of With the help of my professor, Dr Mark research project. It was at this meeting that Fellowes, the UKOTA Montserrat Montserrat was mentioned as an OT which water quality, the group consists of representative, Mrs. Janice Panton, and might be the best choice for further relatively large and recognisable insects, Director of Environment on Montserrat, Mr. capacity building. which can be identified by non-scientists with limited training. Furthermore, there Gerard Gray, my project is off to a great Upon my return to Reading I arranged a has been a puzzling lack of reference to start and now at the end of my second meeting with my course coordinator to find Odonata on the island throughout the week I have been able to positively identify out whether I as an undergraduate would years. According to the CHBA, the most all but one of the species listed in the be allowed to attempt a project overseas recent assessment prior to theirs was a Biodiversity Assessment of 2008. I am for my dissertation. The biggest hitch month-long survey by Fred and Margaret doing mark-recapture studies at various seemed to be finding a supervisor who was Sibley in October 2006, which provided locations around the island to get an willing to spend the extra time with me additional records but no publications. The estimate of the population size, and also before-hand planning everything, as most only previously published work found was hope to see if any new species have project students meet with their advisors by Jonathan Cooter in 1983 which managed to repopulate the island in the throughout the course of their work. described only four species. The Biodiversity last three years. It has been a fun and Another hitch would be ensuring that I had Assessment was able to bring this number definitely exciting new experience, and I adequate support in the country that I up to sixteen, a surprising increase for such look forward to what discoveries the next would be travelling to. an observable group. four weeks may hold.

2 BERMUDA Bermuda – At a Glance

Capital: Hamilton Size: 53.3 sq km Population: 64,935 (2004 estimate) Currency: Bermudian Dollar (BMD) Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time -4 hours

and together they counted aloud down from ten seconds to liftoff. Spectacular!! Before one could blink an eye, Atlantis had Bermuda Attends NASA’s gone with all of the firepower that one could imagine. She had lifted into space Final Space Shuttle Mission and was out of sight carrying four experienced astronauts with her. All that The Minister of Transport Terry E. Lister JP, of the passion those in aviation have for remained was the tower of smoke that she MP, the Permanent Secretary of Transport planes. had left in her wake. All Bermudians had a Ms. Ellen-Kate Horton, the General bird’s eye view. On Thursday 7th July the Bermuda team Manager of Bermuda L.F. Wade had the pleasure along with other invited The team’s experience was majestic and International Airport Mr. Aaron Adderley guests to have a tour of the facilities. They surreal as they were awarded the and their guests were officially invited by toured the Thermal Protection System opportunity to witness NASA’s final space NASA to attend the final launch of Space Facility where many of the parts were made shuttle launch. Shuttle Atlantis. All Bermudians travelled to and witnessed the making of tiles and many NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida to The benefits derived from the space other parts that are used on the shuttle. witness the historic event. programme can be used over a huge They then toured the Shuttle Landing the spectrum from aviation to general Bermuda and L.F. Wade International Facility, The Vehicle Assembly Building, the household use. From the now standard Airport specifically play a small but very Space Shuttle Main Engine shop and the glass cockpit displays in modern aircraft, to important role in the overall success of the Orbiter processing Facility Bay 2 where the the super-conductors and micro processors space programme as Bermuda once space shuttle Discovery was kept. What an used in daily life, have all been initially provided NASA with the capability to track amazing day thus far. rooted in space programme. its launches. In 1960 NASA established a tracking station at Cooper’s Island which is After spending some time visiting the The visit was truly inspiring and moving part of Bermuda’s airport property. This site Kennedy Space Centre, Visitor Centre they forward young Bermudians will be was one of 18 NASA facilities built had the opportunity to get very close to encouraged to grasp developmental skill worldwide and one of the first NASA the Atlantis which was on the pad and opportunities that can be derived from the stations built outside of the US. The station ready to go. reintroduction of NASA to Bermuda. in Bermuda was pivotal in collecting data On Friday 8th July the day of the launch, the Minister of Transport Terry E. Lister JP, MP from all NASA missions to include Projects Minister and the Permanent Secretary and commented: ‘The experience of being Mercury and Gemini, the Apollo moon- their guests were taken along with other present at the launch is one that I shall landings, Skylab and the Space Shuttle. very special guests to one of NASA’s top never forget. The briefings were intended to Space exploration has created the genesis official buildings, the Operations Support prepare us for the lift-off but we learned for a number of innovative solutions that Building (OSB II), a building very close to the that nothing could prepare us. It was a have been applied to everyday life, including launch for viewing purposes. Here they simply amazing experience that I was aviation. Airbus and Boeing, the world's attended the Administrators briefing and pleased to have been invited to share in.’ two largest aircraft developers, have both had the distinct pleasure of rubbing Permanent Secretary of Transport Ms. Ellen- incorporated the use of winglets into their shoulders and meeting with astronauts, Kate Horton stated: What a magnificent aircraft design. This enhancement has cosmonauts, Members of Congress and spectacle!! The dust beneath the shuttle enabled airlines to realize significant savings persons from all over the world. began to move, the ground began to shake in fuel costs due to the level of efficiency the Following their briefing the Bermuda team as Atlantis lifted off to the screams and winglets enable planes to fly at. went onto the open porch of the OSB II applause of all watching. From where we The Bermuda representatives were building to watch the launch. The witnessed the liftoff, we felt the rumbling, interested to learn that the Space Shuttle countdown started and there was incredible we felt the warmth, and we heard it as if Atlantis itself, though similar in design to a excitement in the air. With 31 seconds to it was in next to us. We had all witnessed conventional aircraft with two wings and a go, the countdown stopped - what an eerie something historical, something very special tail, has an outer layer, or skin, that is not feeling. The crowd was absolutely silent – and yet something very sad – we witnessed made out of metals, but rather a fiber one could hear a pin drop. After a short the end of an era. I am thrilled to have waterproof material, made in part by hand, while, there was an explanation of what been invited and to have had this amazing, by people with such passion for the space had happened and the countdown resumed once in a lifetime opportunity. I shall never programme. Their passion is reminiscent at 31 seconds. The crowds came alive again forget it.

3 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS British Virgin Islands – At a Glance BVI Shows Strong IMF’s report stated that the BVI is Capital: Road Town viewed as a compliant and cooperative (Tortola) Performance in jurisdiction with a strong legal framework Global Financial and competent corporate services. This Size: 153 sq km perception is strengthened by the Population: 27,000 Centres Index territory’s 22 TIEAs, 14 of which are with OECD countries. Currency: US Dollar The British Virgin Islands (BVI) maintained (US$) its position at number 40 in the Global 40th Anniversary of BVI Financial Centres Index (GFCI) Edition 9 Time Zone: Greenwich Mean that ranks the world’s 75 leading financial Spring Regatta Time -4 hours centres and measures their competitiveness. As a jurisdiction the territory made gains, largely on account of compliance with international of the project is to develop facilities at standards of regulation and tax and selected national parks and to implement information sharing. The BVI is the only integrated management plans for offshore financial centre on the GFCI to record such an improvement. conservation management and sustainable use of protected areas and 22nd Tax and Information The BVI Spring Regatta celebrated its 40th their surroundings. Three Project Exchange Agreement Signed anniversary from 28 March to 3 April. The Steering Committee Meetings have been regatta, which began in 1972 with 25 held thus far, with the most recent taking boats, is one of the Caribbean’s premier place in the BVI between 9 – 11 May. international sailing events. This year’s race attracted over 122 sailing vessels that Two BVIslanders Make assembled on four different racecourses Queens’ Honours List that took boats around the numerous islands that make up the BVI. Among the pack was Sir Richard Branson sailing his catamaran Necker Belle from Ingrid Abery. He was joined by sports commentator and Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Olympic sailor Shirley Robertson who and Social Development, Hon. Dancia filmed the race for the CNN program Penn, OBE, QC signed the territory’s 22nd ‘Mainsail.’ Tax and Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with the Czech Republic during a Protecting the Environment brief ceremony in Prague on 13 June 2011. The Czech Republic’s First Deputy Minister, Ladislav Mincic, was also on hand for the signing. In February the Deputy Premier signed a similar agreement on behalf of the BVI with India Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II bestowed in London. The BVI has surpassed the 12 honours on Mrs. Lorna Smith and TIEA minimum set by the Organisation of Mr. Charles Tobias for services rendered. Economic Cooperation and Development Mrs. Lorna Smith, a former Permanent (OECD) which allows governments to Secretary and Director of the BVI request information from each other on Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. International Financial Services Centre, tax related civil or criminal investigations. Ralph T. O’Neal, signed a grant contract has been awarded an Order of the British with the European Union (EU) to receive Empire (OBE) for services rendered to the IMF Gives BVI Financial €560,000 for a conservation Government of the British Virgin Islands. Sector Positive Review management initiative under the EU’s Mr. Charles Tobias has been awarded a The BVI received favourable reviews by Management of Protected Areas to Member of the British Empire (MBE) for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Support Sustainable Economies project services to the Royal Navy and BVI its latest Financial Sector Stability that also involves the Turks and Caicos community. Assessment (FSSA) of the territory. The Islands and Cayman Islands. The purpose

4 CAYMAN ISLANDS Cayman Islands – At a Glance

Capital: George Town Cayman Hosts (Grand Cayman) Peer Review Group Size: 260 sq km Population: 57,000 The Cayman Islands hosted the seventh Cayman has a longstanding relationship meeting of the Global Forum Peer with the OECD and to date it has signed Currency: Cayman Islands Review Group from 18-22 July. bilateral agreements with 24 countries. It Dollar (CI$) continues to work with jurisdictions in Time Zone: Greenwich Mean More than 125 attendees, representing discussing and negotiating additional Time -5 hours 40-plus jurisdictions, attended to discuss agreements. The Cayman Islands had a tax transparency and information favorable assessment during Phase 1 of exchange. Cayman has actively the Peer Review Process and is expected “With his knowledge of London, finance participated in tax transparency initiatives to undergo its Phase 2 in the second half and business, Mr Parchment is a strong since 2000 and it continues to have an of 2012. Cayman has made a rapid addition to government’s team,” said integral role in the restructured Global response in addressing the most Cayman Islands Premier, the Hon. Forum Steering Group and the Peer significant issues in the Phase 1 report, McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP. Review Group, in the provision of and as such its Supplementary Report will assessors for five peer review evaluations; be one of the first considered by the PRG and in developing aspects of the Global at the next meeting. Natwest Island Forum’s work, such as the Advisory Panel. Games 2011 A contingent of 100 athletes and officials represented the Cayman Islands at the Retirement and Natwest Island Games in the Isle of Wight new Appointment from 25 June to 1 July, participating in a range of sports. Events kicked off with a to London Office procession of costumed carnival performers through the streets of Ryde, followed by The Acting Representative, Mary Chandler- the parade of teams, who gathered on the Allen, retired at the end of July after 28 sea-front to see Lord Coe, Olympic Gold years in the London Office, as well as two Medallist and Chairman of the London years living in Olympics Committee, perform the Official Grand Cayman. Opening. A reception was held for the Mary joined the Cayman Islands Team at the Royal Yacht office in 1983 s New currency Squadron in Cowes on 27 June. Former working for the Governor John Owen CMG MBE DL, who is first Represent- a resident and Deputy Lieutenant of the Isle New Cayman ative, Mr. Thomas of Wight, was able to secure this Russell CMG CBE; prestigious venue and the event was Islands Banknotes she was appoint- sponsored by Queensgate Bank, its Mary Chandler-Allen, The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority Acting Representative ed Deputy Repre- Chairman Andreas Ugland having flown (CIMA) has introduced the first complete sent.ative in Dec- from Norway specially in order to attend. redesign of banknotes since local currency ember 1994 and has been Acting The Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight was introduced in 1972. Unveiled on 4 Representative since Jennifer Dilbert, the and the Leader of the Council were April, this new “D” series has features that previous Representative returned to the present. The Cayman Islands team won a increase protection against counterfeiting Cayman Islands in December 2008. Mary total of 23 medals and was placed 9th in and make the notes more durable. All six said that she will miss her colleagues and the Medal Table. denominations – the $1, $5, $10, $25, the scope and variety of the work, and will $50, and $100 banknotes – depict the continue to follow developments from a Cayman Islands’ environmental heritage, distance. She is looking forward to this and its expansion from its seafaring new phase of her life, having more time tradition into a modern financial services to develop new interests and doing centre. In line with the 2009 Constitution, some extended travelling. Following a the Minister of Finance’s signature appears broadening of the economic objectives for on each note, rather than that of the the Cayman Islands Government’s London Financial Secretary. The signature of CIMA’s Office, Charles Parchment has been named managing director also appears on each deputy representative effective from note. The notes are being issued on a 1 August. He will take on the role of Acting phased basis. All of the notes, except the Representative until a new Representative s CI Athletes at the Natwest Island Games team reception, $10 and $100, are now in circulation. is appointed. Royal Yacht Squadron

5 FALKLAND ISLANDS Falkland Islands – At a Glance Hydrocarbon exploration update Capital: Stanley Size: 12,173 sq km Falkland Basin in the 4th Quarter of 2011 to commence the four-well drilling Population: 2,379 programme. In May 2010, Rockhopper Exploration Currency: Falkland Islands made an oil discovery at its Sea Lion well Pound which was subsequently successfully tested in September 2010. The company will Time Zone: Greenwich Mean shortly commence appraisal drilling in order Time -3 hours to further analyse this prospect. In January 2011, Rockhopper Exploration and the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) agreed Exploration, contracted Polarcus Ltd to s Polarcus Nadia © Polarcus Ltd. the limits of a Discovery Area around the undertake extensive seismic survey Since the revival of the hydrocarbons Sea Lion well, with an effective start date operations through the use of two vessels exploration programme in Falkland Island of 15th April 2010. The agreed Discovery in the North Falkland Basin. In addition waters which began in 2010, a total of Area covers the southern part of the to the 3D seismic data, significant twelve wells have been drilled using greater Sea Lion fan complex. In June environmental data is being acquired by Diamond Offshore Drilling’s semi- 2011, Rockhopper Exploration conducted a marine mammal and seabird observers who submersible, Ocean Guardian. This brings fully engineered flow test of the upper Sea have been placed on-board both vessels for the total number of wells drilled in the Lion sands and announced that oil had the duration of the surveys. The data Falkland Islands Offshore Area to 18, which flowed in commercially viable quantities at collected will be extremely useful to includes six wells drilled in 1998. a stabilised rate of 5,508 barrels of oil per offshore operators, the Falkland Islands day over a 48 hour period. Government and other stakeholders such Ocean Guardian will continue to drill as Falklands Conservation, both in terms of Under Falkland Islands legislation, exploration and appraisal wells for enhancing overall understanding of the operating companies must declare a Rockhopper Exploration and Desire environment, and in the planning of future discovery area following a hydrocarbons Petroleum in the North Falkland Basin in a activities. programme which is currently expected to discovery. The company concerned then last until the 4th Quarter of 2011. Drilling has five years in which to conduct further The Falkland Islands Government continues activity is set to extend into 2012 following work in order to fully appraise the to work closely with British Geological Borders & Southern Petroleum and Falkland discovery. Survey, the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Health and Oil and Gas signing a contract with Ocean Activities in the Falkland Islands Offshore Safety Executive in respect of offshore Rig UDW, in November 2010, for the Area also continue apace in the form of hydrocarbons matters. provision of mobile drilling services. The seismic data acquisition. The North semi-submersible rig Leiv Eiriksson will be Falkland Basin operators, Argos Resources, For more information visit: www.falklands- mobilised from Greenland to the South Desire Petroleum and Rockhopper oil.com

the social fabric of Camp, and manage Rural Development Strategy and conserve the natural environment.

In 2008, when the Legislative Assembly While the EDS is designed to work at a For more information on the RDS visit of the Falkland Islands initiated a project national level to identify economic www.ruraldevelopment.gov.fk in partnership with the local private opportunities, review existing national sector to develop a long-term Economic policies and attract and encourage inward Development Strategy (EDS) for the Islands, investment in the Falkland Islands, the RDS they also confirmed their vision to ensure will work to exploit these opportunities that Camp, the rural areas outside of the and help to ensure that Government policy Islands’ capital, Stanley, makes a strong and investment decisions contain a Camp contribution to, and benefits from, dimension and reflect those issues and the growth of the Falkland Islands hurdles which are particular to the region. economy. Three years on, the Rural Development Strategy (RDS) is bringing The strategic objectives of the RDS are to that vision life. increase Gross Value Added (GVA) – the The RDS aims to identify the implement the value of goods and services produced in actions, policies and investment required the area, improve national infrastructure, for sustainable growth in Camp. increase the Camp population, strengthen s Pebble Island settlement © Russell Evans

6 GIBRALTAR Gibraltar – At a Glance Changes at Gibraltar House Capital: Gibraltar Size: 6 sq km political lobbying role for the Gibraltar Population: 29,431 (2009) Government. In this political consultancy capacity he will continue to play a leading Currency: Gibraltar Pound role in relations with Parliament, UK MPs, local authorities and political parties. Time Zone: Central European Time Commenting on these changes, Chief Minister Peter Caruana said: “As the Gibraltar House operation has got bigger and more significant, it has become necessary and desirable to bring it more under Government Civil Service admin- istration and control.

“In the past we have relied entirely on Albert Poggio and arrangements s Mr. Peter Canessa, United Kingdom Representative of a commercial and private nature, but, as he himself says, he is getting As part of its ongoing programme no younger, and it is now important to of reform and modernisation of the operate under a system that enables public service, the Gibraltar Government and ensures succession planning and recently announced changes in the continuity into the future. running of Gibraltar House in London that came into effect on 1 April 2011. “Albert has done a tremendous job over many decades, The staff of Gibraltar House, comprising 7 culminating in the successful persons, became employees of a Gibraltar implementation of the project to Government owned company. Until establish a new Gibraltar House at recently they had been employees of a 150 Strand of which we can all be privately owned company. justifiably proud.

By mutual agreement Albert Poggio Some of his most important work stands down as Director of Gibraltar has been on the political lobby front, House and thus as the Gibraltar and I am therefore delighted that he Government’s UK Representative. He is will continue in this role”. front, complemented by pattern work replaced by Civil Servant Peter Canessa, representing Gibraltar’s strategic location who is joined in London by another Civil at the entrance to the Mediterranean, Service Officer. Total staff will therefore Issue of Gibraltar where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The consist of 9 persons. Peter Canessa’s last Currency Notes reverse of each of the banknotes carries a appointment in Gibraltar was as Principal vignette which shows an aspect of Private Secretary to the Minister for The Government of Gibraltar is pleased to Gibraltar through the Ages. Enterprise, Development, Technology and announce the release into circulation of Transport and Deputy Chief Minister. Prior the £5, £20 and £100 notes which form The new £5 banknote, printed in green, to that, he had been CEO of the Gibraltar part of the new series of Gibraltar depicts the Upper Ward of the Moorish Tourist Board. currency notes. The £10 and £50 notes Castle and the Tower of Homage on the were released into circulation in July 2010. reverse. The castle consisted of three Albert Poggio has been appointed, on Each denomination in the new series has wards rising from the area of what is Consultancy terms, to continue with his a portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II on the today Casemates Square to the Tower of continued on page 8 7 GIBRALTAR

continued from page 7 but lost his life. It features the dismasted Bastion stands at the centre of the HMS Victory, the Admiral’s flagship, being medieval seawall that protected the old Homage, which was rebuilt in the 14th towed to Gibraltar after the battle, City. It was fortified by General Boyd century. Even today it dominates the old bearing the body of the dead Admiral. In (who is buried in the Bastion) in 1773 in City. lines with the 1995 series it has an time for it to play a key role in the defence orange-yellow colour scheme. of Gibraltar during the Great Siege. The new £20 banknote reproduces the Gibraltar’s first electricity generating plant 1995 Battle of Trafalgar banknote, and The £100 Gibraltar banknote is the first was sited in the courtyard of the Bastion. indeed it gives greater prominence to that Gibraltar bank note of this denomination The Generating Station was demolished part of the vignette on the earlier and has a predominantly mauve colour to give way to today’s leisure centre, a banknote depicting the great battle where scheme. The King’s Bastion is depicted on stunning innovative use for a historical Admiral Lord Nelson won a great victory the reverse of the note. The King’s military fortification.

earning on-board outlets for their to become law. Deputy Chief Minister, the Cruise Ships are passengers, even if their next port of call Hon Joe Holliday, discussed the idea with Encouraged to Stay was close by. This initiative will give both major cruise lines during a short visit to passengers and off-duty crew the Miami prior to the start of the Cruise Longer in Port opportunity of going ashore in the Shipping Miami Convention in March, in The Government is pleased to announce evenings. This means additional business order to allow cruise companies to factor that cruise ships will be allowed to open opportunities for local traders and ships this opportunity into their schedules for their on-board casinos and shops to their will save fuel by remaining tied up for a the 2012 season. “I was extremely passengers after 6pm, providing an longer period of time. It will, equally pleased with the reaction of the cruise incentive to remain alongside until the importantly, enable local tour operators to lines to this incentive, as it is a win-win early hours of the following morning. This offer a wider range of shore excursions for situation for everybody. The cruise policy decision should encourage cruise passengers who will have more time to operators can offer more tours to their ships to extend their calls at Gibraltar by see what Gibraltar has to offer, both on passengers, offer more time ashore to staying later in the evenings. Up until tour and independently. their off-duty crews and importantly save now, ships have usually sailed at around 5 fuel which is their top priority at present, or 6pm in order to reach international The relevant legislation is now being while Gibraltar will benefit from having waters and be able to open their revenue- drafted in order to allow for this initiative ships extend their stay into the evening.”

8 MONTSERRAT Montserrat – At a Glance

Soufriere Hills Capital: Plymouth The new Volcano 15 Years on (Abandoned) governor of Size: 102 sq km Montserrat, The Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Mr. Adrian together with the Seismic Research Centre Population: 4,875 Davis took up and the Institute du Physique de Globe de Currency: Eastern Caribbean his new post Paris, held a conference on “The Soufriere Hills Volcano 15 years” on 3rd to 8th April Dollar (EC$) Montserrat Governor, Adrian Davis as Governor of 2011. The conference which brought Montserrat on 8th April 2011 Time Zone: Greenwich Mean together volcanologists and researchers accompanied by his wife Sujue. The who have been involved in recording, Time -4 hours couple has two adult children monitoring and advising on the eruption Unlike previous Governors whose civil of Soufriere Hills over the last fifteen years, broke records with the largest and highest service careers have been with the was opened by Dr. Paul Cole the Director lava dome recorded, the longest runout Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr. of the MVO in the presence of the Deputy pyroclastic flows and has been the focus Davis started his career with the ODA Governor, Her Excellency Sarita Francis and of several large scientific projects. The (now the Department for International the Chief Minister, the Hon. Reuben T. conference provided the opportunity for Development) in 1974 and has remained Meade. the presentation of and discussions on with DFID until his appointment as The eruption of Soufriere Hills Volcano, some of these projects. Governor of Montserrat. His last posting was as Country Director based in Beijing for North and East Asia. Chief Minister Chairman of the Prior to taking up his post, Mr. Davis met with members of the Montserrat ECCU Monetary Council community in London to learn more about the island and their aspirations in relation to future developments on the island. New Constitution The Montserrat Constitution 2010 which was laid before Parliament on 20th October 2010 after five years of local s ECCU Monetary Council Officials gather for their 70th Meeting consultation comes into effect from 1st Montserrat hosted the 70th meeting of the will focus on its four main policy areas, September 2011. Eastern Caribbean Currency Union namely financial sector stability, fiscal and Under the new Constitution, the Office of Monetary Council at the Montserrat debt sustainability, the availability of money the Chief Minister becomes the Office of Cultural Centre on Friday 15th July 2011. and credit, and economic growth and the Premier and a new Deputy Premier will The Chief Minister of Montserrat the Hon. development. As a consequence, the Bank be appointed. There will also be the Mr. Reuben Meade, chairman of the will continue to implement measures to introduction of parliamentary secretaries Monetary Council for the year to July 2012, enhance the supervisory and regulatory and the upper chamber will become a in his welcoming speech to visiting framework of the ECCU and would Cabinet replacing the current Executive delegates, said that when most persons continue to assist member governments Council. think of the Eastern Caribbean Central with the drafting of financial legislation Bank they think only of the traditional to address gaps in the regulatory Central Bank. He added that “we of the framework”. SGV Air adds Monetary Council cannot afford the luxury of simply conducting the traditional In his address, the Chief Minister acknow- Montserrat to its functions. The challenges are immense ledged that it is a very challenging time Regional Services and we must ensure that while we hold to be a Minister for Finance and that true to the core functions of a Central in “accepting the challenge of the From March 2011 SGV commenced daily Bank, but we must also extend the Chairmanship of the Monetary Council I scheduled flights between Montserrat and Bank’s role in support of our collective look forward to the support of my fellow Antigua increasing the choices open to role in advancing our ultimate goal of a Council members, the Board of Directors, passengers going to and from Montserrat. single economic space with 8 disparate Management and staff of the Bank in The St. Vincent and the Grenadines based communities.” our pursuit of financial stability and company has been operating in the region transformation of our economies for the since 1990 with flights to Jamaica and The Chief Minister told delegates that betterment of the people of the currency Guyana. “during the 2011/2012 financial, the Bank union.”

9 ST HELENA St Helena – At a Glance

Air access and accompanying investment is Capital: Jamestown A New Governor ultimately seen as the answer to St Helena’s A new Governor has been announced problems. By meeting the commitments in Size: 410 sq km for St Helena, Ascension Island and the MOU, the Island hopes to have a strong Tristan da Cunha. Mr Mark Andrew foundation on which it can develop a Population: 4,289 Capes has been appointed to the post sustainable economy. Overall, St Helena and will replace Governor Andrew Gurr, wants to get to a point where it is no longer Currency: St Helenian who will be retiring later this year. Mr in need of financial aid. In this regard, the Pound (SHP) Capes is at present the Chief Executive MOU states that the St Helena Government Time Zone: Greenwich Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands “is determined to honour the commitments Mean Time Government and has held the position made in the MOU as a critical first step in of Deputy Governor in both Bermuda realising this vision.” and Anguilla. Mr Capes has visited 6 of the Overseas Territories in total. Gillian Francis, Acting Chief Secretary said “the news from the British Government has been most welcome for St Helena and it is Preparing pleasing to see what progress has been for Air Access made in terms of policy reform that is needed to enable the Island to optimise the After being given the green light for an benefits that will arise from air access. We airport on 22nd July 2010 by the British want St Helena to move forward and Government, subject to meeting certain become less reliant on aid.” conditions, St Helena Island is preparing itself to reap the economic benefits of s JNCC Blue Turtle Award Presentation: Councillors participated in a video L-R Marcus Yeo, Tara Pelembe, Cllr Raymond Williams, improved access to what is one of the most conference last week with Alan Duncan, Mrs. Kedell Worboys MBE, Robert Buckland MP, Richard Benyon MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State isolated places on earth. Department for International Development for Natural Environment and Fisheries, Alan Duncan MP – DFID Minister of State Since announcing this major develop-ment, Minister of State. This provided them with there has been a lot of discussion on what the opportunity to discuss the MOU and needs to be done in preparation for airport progress to date on key areas. Environmental related economic development and an Success increase in visitors to the Island. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Preparing for St Helena received good news earlier was signed between the St Helena this year, when the Island’s Millennium Government (SHG) and the Department for Tourism Forest initiative won the Joint Nature International Development (DfID), on 20th In addition to attracting investment, Conservation Committee (JNCC) Blue Turtle December 2010 setting out various time economic growth will be largely dependent Award. bound actions that SHG will need to on Tourism. Paving the way for this in The Millennium Forest Project started in undertake. This will ensure St Helena’s November 2010, DFID awarded the Island 2000 in a bid to restore a native forest readiness to take advantage of the £1.2 million for a Tourism Development habitat through encouraging the opportunities of economic growth that Project and this money is being used to community to plant their own endemic should come with air access. develop and promote the St Helena tourism Gumwood trees to create a forest for the product. The reforms centre on encouraging people future. to invest in the Island’s economy. To The St Helena Tourism Department is taking prepare for this, a lot of the work To celebrate the Island’s achievement, a the lead with this project and is focusing throughout 2011 is focusing on changing reception was hosted on St Helena by on enhancing what the Island has to offer. key policies and laws relating to Land, Tax, Governor Andrew Gurr while the St Helena The project is also concerned with Immigration and Inward Investment. Government UK Representative, Kedell marketing and promoting St Helena to These reforms are designed to make St Worboys MBE, hosted a reception in target audiences, travel agents and tour Helena more open and attractive to Westminster. Both events were linked via operators. A newly appointed UK-based investors, which is seen as essential if the telephone which enabled the Sales Marketing Executive, Janet Island is to grow and sustain its economy presentations that were made by Alan Shankland, is carrying out much of the for the benefit of the current and future Duncan, DFID Minister of State and Richard marketing work while a newly appointed population. Benyon MP, Department for Environment, Tourism Development Executive, Mike Food and Rural Affairs Minister in London At present the Island’s economy is very Dean, is working with the tourism team on to be heard in St Helena. much dependent on UK aid. St Helena also the Island. faces the challenge of a dwindling Councillor Raymond Williams, Chair of the population and the outward migration of Overall, St Helena Tourism is building on Island’s Natural Resources, Development its skilled workforce along with rising what has already been achieved with and Environment Committee, who was in prices. This, along with physical isolation tourism development and is introducing the UK at the time, received the award on severely constrains economic growth. some new initiatives along the way. behalf of the Island.

10 TRISTAN DA CUNHA Tristan da Cunha – At a Glance

Capital: Edinburgh of Wreck over-shadows Island Life the Seven Seas

to the waiting MV Edinburgh, at first light, Size: 98 sq km so effectively abandoning the vessel. Population: 275 However conditions were too dangerous and the first signs of oil spillage appeared. Currency: Pound Sterling Led by the MV Edinburgh's Captain Clarence, assisted by staff in zodiacs from Time Zone: Greenwich the cruise ship MS Prince Albert II, under Mean Time Captain Alexander Golubev (who had answered calls for assistance, en route to s Ms. Oliva Tristan) all were rescued. The crew had to be caught by those waiting below in the Day to day life on – and the business of zodiacs as they jumped off the pilot ladder running – the most remote inhabited island in dangerous sea conditions. Fifteen crew in the world, Tristan da Cunha, has been members were brought ashore to be very much overshadowed by the wreck of looked after by islanders; the others stayed the 75,300 tonne bulk carrier MS Oliva aboard the MV Edinburgh to return to on Spinners Point, Nightingale Island Nightingale Island to be able to monitor (an uninhabited part of the Tristan the stricken vessel and await the arrival Archipelago) on Wednesday 16th March of salvors. Those islanders who sheltered 2011 and the subsequent and continuing the rescued crew members were effects on Tristan's wildlife, its economy recompensed. and the 263 inhabitants. The Maltese- s Oiled Penguin registered, Greek-operated vessel, By the Friday, the MS Oliva broke her back commissioned in 2009, was 225m long A remarkable wildlife rescue operation in the force of a relentless swell and the now got under way. Working closely with by 32m and came to grief en route from wreck began to break up. Flows of oil were Santos in Brazil to Singapore, carrying a sea bird specialist, the Tristan all around Nightingale's coast. Tristan is the Conservation Team carefully collected oiled 60,000 tonnes of soya beans. A voluntary one of the most important centres in the evacuation of ten of the 22 crew on board Rockhopper Penguins from Nightingale, world for breeding sea birds and the late to the regular Tristan crayfish-fishing vessel Inaccessible and Middle Islands to austral summer season is crucial, as all MV Edinburgh (which was in the vicinity) transport them to the main Tristan island, adults fly daily to catch fish for their rapidly took place that day. where personnel and facilities were maturing chicks. It was feared that two of available to stabilise, clean and eventually A salvage tug left Cape Town (1,750 miles the islands in the Tristan Archipelago which release them. The toll of the pollution distant) on the Thursday with a salvage are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, continued to mount: heavy crude oil and team, a naval architect, divers and an Inaccessible Island and Gough Island, lots of tar balls were reported on the water environmental adviser on board. A might also be at risk from oil pollution. 4.5 miles south of Nightingale. On Alex Management Team to deal with the (Middle) Island, many of the recently situation was set up led by Administrator Grim news of the effect of the oil was soon moulted penguins left their rookery to Sean Burns, with Fisheries Officer James reported by the Administrator - “an awful access the sea and became oiled. On Glass, Search and Rescue Police Inspector scene”. A slick eight miles offshore was Inaccessible, un-oiled penguins were Conrad Glass, Conservation Officer Trevor more or less around the whole island, with corralled to prevent them from entering Glass and Head of Communications Andy the smell of diesel everywhere. The Tristan the sea over oiled rocks where heavy swell Repetto. Offers of assistance were received Conservation Team did what they could to was churning up the thick oil among the from environmental groups including clean up Northern Rockhopper Penguins, boulders. More than 3,700 oiled penguins MCA, RSPB and ITOPF. coming ashore smothered in oil. Another were taken to the main Tristan island for concern was the impact of the cargo on cleaning and rehabilitation: only 10% The conservation team immediately the fragile local marine environment, survived and it was three months before prepared to travel to Nightingale Island especially any long-term effect on the the final batch could be released. with the aim of setting bait stations in case economically essential fishing industry for rodents came ashore. Three islanders crayfish (Jasus tristani). An Environmental Work now continues between the Tristan working for the department were on Assessor aboard the first salvage tug to and UK governments, the ship's owners Nightingale at the time of the ship struck. reach the site estimated that up to 20 000 and insurers and other interested parties to However it soon became evident that the oiled penguins might be present. The determine the long-term effects on the weather at Spinners Point was worsening fishery around both Nightingale and island, its fishery and economy and the and plans were made for all of the crew Inaccessible Islands was closed, pending level of compensation which will have to remaining on the MS Oliva to be taken off, advice. be paid.

11 UKOTA Contacts – The Overseas Territories

ANGUILLA Mr. Charles Parchment SAINT HELENA, ASCENSION ISLANDS The Hon. Hubert Hughes, Chief Minister Acting United Kingdom Representative AND TRISTAN DA CUNHA Government of Anguilla, The Valley, Anguilla Cayman Islands Government Office HE Andrew Gurr Tel: +1 264 497 3518 Website www.gov.ai 6 Arlington Street, London SW1A 1RE Governor Tel: + 44 (0)20 7491 7772 Saint Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha Ms. Dorothea Hodge Fax: +44 (0)20 7491 7944 The Castle, Jamestown, St Helena Island United Kingdom Representative Email: [email protected] Tel: +290 2555 Fax: +290 2598 Anguilla London Office Website: www.sainthelena.gov.sh C/o Aequitas Consulting FALKLAND ISLANDS Suite 406, 1 Northumberland Avenue Ms. Claudette Prior MBE Mrs. Kedell Worboys MBE Trafalgar Square WC2N 5BW Clerk of Councils, Legislative Councillors Office United Kingdom Representative Tel: +44 (0)7971 886681 Gilbert House, Ross Road, Stanley, Falkland Islands Government of St Helena Email: [email protected] Tel: +500 27451 Fax: +500 27456 16 Old Queen Street, Email: [email protected] London, SW1H 9HP BERMUDA Website: www.falklands.gov.fk Tel: +44 (0)20 3170 8705 or +44 (0)20 3170 8706 The Hon. Paula A. Cox, JP, MP. Fax: +44 (0)20 3159 5151 Premier and Minister of Finance Mrs. Sukey Cameron MBE Email: [email protected] Cabinet Office, 105 Front Street United Kingdom Representative Hamilton HM12 Bermuda Falkland Islands Government Office Mr. Chris Bates Tel: +1 441 292 5501 Fax: +1 441 292 8397 Falkland House, 14 Broadway, London SW1H 0BH United Kingdom Representative Website: www.gov.bm Tel: +44 (0)20 7222 2542 Fax: +44 (0)20 7222 2375 Government of Tristan Da Cunha Email: [email protected] 9 Sir Johns Road Selly Park Birmingham B29 7EP Ms Kimberley Durrant Tel: +44 (0) 121 472 6739 United Kingdom Representative GIBRALTAR Fax: +44 (0) 121 472 6739 Government of Bermuda London Office The Hon Peter Caruana QC MP Email: [email protected] 6 Arlington Street, London SW1A 1RE Chief Minister of Gibraltar Tel: +44 (0)20 7518 9900 Fax: +44 (0)20 7518 9901 6 Convent Place, Gibraltar Email: [email protected] Tel: +350 200 70071 Fax: +350 200 76396 Website: [email protected] Website: www.gibraltar.gov.gi

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Mr. Peter Canessa The following are UKOTA Members but do not The Hon. Ralph O’Neal OBE, Premier United Kingdom Representative have a Representative in the UK: Administration Complex Government of Gibraltar, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands 150 Strand, London WC2R 1JA PITCAIRN, HENDERSON, Tel: +1 284 494 3701 Fax: +1 284 494 Tel: +44 (0)20 7836 0777 Fax: +44 (0)20 7240 6612 DUCIE AND ONEO ISLANDS Website: www.bvi.gov.vg Email: [email protected] Mr. Evan Dunn Website: www.gibraltar.gov.uk Head of Pitcairn Islands Office Mr. Kedrick Malone Level 17, 1 AG House, 151 Queen Street, United Kingdom Representative MONTSERRAT Auckland, New Zealand BVI Government Office The Hon. Reuben T. Meade Tel: 64 9 366 0186 Fax: +64 9 366 0187 15 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1K 7PJ Chief Minister, Government of Montserrat Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 7355 9570 Fax: +44 (0)20 7 355 9575 PO Box 292, Brades, Montserrat Website: www.government.pn Email: [email protected] Tel: +1 664 491 3463 Fax: +1 664 491 6780 Website: www.gov.ms TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS CAYMAN ISLANDS HE Gordon Wetherell The Hon W McKeeva Bush OBE JP Mrs. Janice Panton MBE Governor Premier and Minister of Finance, United Kingdom Representative Governor’s Office, Waterloo Tourism & Development, Administration Building, Government of Montserrat Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands George Town, Grand Cayman 180-186 Kings Cross Road, London WC1X 9DE Tel: +1 649 946 2308 Fax: +1 649 946 2903 Tel: (345) 244-2458 Fax: (345) 945-1746 Tel: +44 (0)20 7520 2622 Fax: +44 (0)20 7250 2624 Email: [email protected] Website: www.gov.ky Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: turksandcaicosislands.gov.tc

The UKOTA newsletter is published by the Public Relations Officer of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association. We welcome your feedback on the newsletter or any aspect of the work of UKOTA. Please contact: Public Relations Officer, c/o Government of Bermuda London Office, 6 Arlington Street, London SW1A 1RE Tel: +44 (0)20 7518 9900 www.ukota.org