ukotanews-issue15_ukotanews-issue15 14/09/2012 13:25 Page 1 NE UKOTAWS UNITED KINGDOM OVERSEAS TERRITORIES ASSOCIATION September 2012 Territories at the heart of Jubilee celebrations Territory leaders and representatives played a full and enjoyable part in the memorable celebrations which marked the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, concluded on Monday s Left to right: Andrew Rosindell MP, Chair of UKOT APPG, Kedell Worboys MBE, Chair of UKOTA 18th June 2012 by a reception in the and Rt. Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, Romford's Town Crier, Tony Appleton, Speaker’s House State Rooms within the introduced guests and speakers Palace of Westminster. This was hosted territories’ flags were flown on the adjacent and other guests in the Guildhall and lunch by Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, vessel, the Sapele. A thousand vessels took in the grounds of Lancaster House, where who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary part and the bitterly cold, wet weather they were guests of the Secretary of State Group on Overseas Territories, by which accompanied the day did not for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, permission of the Speaker of the House dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Preceding the Rt Hon William Hague MP. of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow MP. Royal Convoy, were 55 dinghies, which Territory leaders and representatives were They were joined by people representing sailed in diamond formation, one of which honoured to have been able to play a role in the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, the Isle carried Sea Cadets from Bermuda. the events. Cayman Islands Premier of Man, Guernsey and the many The leaders and representatives were invited McKeeva Bush JP OBE said: “It was a Commonwealth countries where Her to a reception on the Monday in privilege to participate in the Jubilee Majesty is Head of State. Guests included Buckingham Palace, where they met Celebrations in London as the representative ministers, members of the House of members of the Royal Family, Cabinet of the people of The Cayman Islands. We Lords, MPs, High Commissioners and members and others prominent in public have long known the deep affection which representatives of NGOs and other bodies life, before being invited to watch the Her Majesty enjoys, but to witness it first which work with the Territories. The Chair concert, televised by the BBC, in front of hand and be part of the millions of UKOTA, the UK Representative for St. Buckingham Palace in which stars of the participating in the extraordinary Thames Helena, Kedell Worboys MBE, explained to entertainment world paid tribute to Her Pageant, the concert and magnificent guests the significance of UKOTA’s work in Majesty’s reign. fireworks, the moving service in St Paul’s ensuring the views of territories and their and the unforgettable grand finale in the populations are considered by decision Beacons were lit in the territories to coincide Mall, made us proud to be a part of Her makers, including British Government with Her Majesty igniting the Jubilee Majesty’s British family.” departments, ministers and organisations. Beacon’s flame outside Buckingham Palace. Guests from Overseas Territories working The story about the beacon built out of cut- and studying in the UK took advantage of down invasive species of plants to help New FCO Minister for the the chance to talk informally with those protect Tristan da Cunha’s biodiversity, led to Overseas Territories whose work and decisions affect their reports in news media around the world and UKOTA congratulates Mr. Mark Simmonds communities. an interview with Chief Islander Ian Lavarello on BBC Radio 4’s The World At One. MP on his appointment as Parliamentary Many territories’ elected leaders or their UK Under Secretary of State at the FCO representatives played a prominent role in On the following day, the leaders and whose portfolio includes responsibility the celebrations in London over the Jubilee representatives took part in the Service of for some of the UK Overseas Territories. weekend (Sunday 3rd June – Tuesday 5th Thanksgiving for Her Majesty’s reign in St Members look forward to meeting the June), taking part in the Thames Diamond Paul’s Cathedral, before attending a new Minister and working with him. Jubilee Pageant on board the Mercuria. The reception with members of the Royal Family ukotanews-issue15_ukotanews-issue15 14/09/2012 13:25 Page 2 ANGUILLA Anguilla – At a Glance Capital: The Valley British Long Jump record Size: 91 sq km Population: 12,871 holder, Anguillian Olympian (1999 estimate) Shara Proctor receives Award Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), United States Dollar (US$) Shara Proctor, current British record 2009 in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. holder for the Long Jump and a member Shara holds the national long jump Time Zone: Greenwich Mean of team GB visited Slough, where many records for Anguilla and Great Britain. Time -4 hours Anguillians live, on Friday 10th August, to celebrate her achievements at an Nearly 150 members of the local official reception held in her honour. community came to celebrate Shara’s achievements at the reception. Shara, an Anguillian by birth, has been competing since 2006 and in 2012 won At the reception Shara met the Mayor her first senior medal for Great Britain, a of Slough, Councillor Christine Small, bronze in the long jump in the IAAF World and was presented with the newly Indoor Athletics Championships, after established Transmarinis Award from Anguilla’s reputation in Europe. Shara jumping a British national indoor record of the Government of Anguilla’s UK said: "It was indeed a pleasure to meet 6.89 metres. Her longest jump outdoors is Representative, Dorothea Hodge. The the Anguilla Diaspora and the Mayor of 6.95 metres in the long jump, achieved in Transmarinis Award was established by Slough. I was truly honored and humbled June 2012 in Birmingham; and 13.74 Dorothea in 2012 to reward outstanding by the award” metres in the triple jump, achieved in May Anguillian achievement and to enhance s Shara Proctor and the Mayor of Slough 2 ukotanews-issue15_ukotanews-issue15 14/09/2012 13:25 Page 3 BERMUDA Bermuda – At a Glance Capital: Hamilton Size: 53.3 sq km Population: 64,237 (2010 estimate) Currency: Bermudian Dollar (BMD) Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time -4 hours I have had a lengthy discussion as to the possibilities and we will follow-through. We recognize that greatness does not just happen overnight. There are building s The Hon. Paula A. Cox, JP, MP and the Hon. Glenn A. Blakeney JP, MP along with the Bermuda Olympians of 2012 blocks that must be put in place. But my and officials from the Bermuda National Olympic Association message to our athletes this evening was clear: we support them... we thank Bermuda Proudly Represented them... and we are tremendously proud of their performances here in London. Thank at 2012 London Olympics you Team Bermuda." It is important to highlight that Bermuda was proudly represented at Sport, the Hon. Glenn A. Blakeney JP, MP; Bermudians participated in all aspects of the 2012 London Olympics with eight Permanent Secretary Mr. Wayne Carey the Olympics, to include various voluntary Olympians. Bermuda fared very well and and UK Representative Ms. Kimberley roles in the Olympic Park, official Olympic the results are as follows: Durrant. positions in the organization of some of the competitions and a Bermuda z Roy Burch - Men’s 50m Freestyle with Towards the close of the competitions the Regiment soldier worked alongside the a time of 22.47, a national record for Government of Bermuda London Office British Army to assist in security. In Bermuda organized a reception to honour the addition, in his role as Treasurer and Bermuda Olympians the evening of z Tyler Butterfield - Men’s Triathlon Chairman of the 2012 Olympian Events Thursday 9th August. The event was held placing 34th at a time of 1:50:32; for the World Olympians Association, Mr. at Aspers Sky Bar, with a spectacular view Tyler had the fastest cycling time in Patrick Singleton, a Winter Olympian from overlooking the Olympic Park. the meet Bermuda was responsible for the That evening Premier Cox congratulated organization of the Olympian Gala at St z Flora Duffy - Women’s Triathlon placing the athletes and said, "We came to James’ Palace in London on the evening of 45th with a time of 2:08:54 celebrate Team Bermuda 2012 who have Wednesday 25th July. The event was in z Arantxa King - Women’s Long Jump simply been outstanding here in London, the presence of HRH Albert II, Sovereign with a 13th place at a measurement and our discussions have us eagerly Prince of Monaco and HRH The Princess of 6.40 looking forward to the 2016 Rio Royal, who honoured Olympians who Olympics. competed in Games as far back as the z Tyrone Smith – Men’s Long Jump with 1948 London Olympics. a 12th place at a measurement of 7.70 "Seeing Bermuda’s athletes perform on the world stage has been a phenomenal It should be noted that the Foreign & z Jillian Terceira – Equestrian (Jumping) experience. This evening I shared with Commonwealth Office (FCO) graciously placing 47th them that they may hail from a small provided courtesies for visiting official z Jessie and Alexander Kirkland – Sailing Island, but they truly pack quite a punch." Country Representatives, to include (Men’s 49er) placing 19th Bermuda. Premier Cox continued, "This is my first The Premier, the Hon. Paula A. Cox, JP, Olympics as the Premier, however I am Bermuda looked forward to Ms Jessica MP, led an official delegation to the already thinking of ways to identify what Lewis competing in the 2012 London Olympic Games to support the Bermuda more I can do from the position as Premier Para-Olympic Games.