Chief Islander’s Speech on Old Year’s Night
I would just like to welcome everyone here tonight, as we prepare for the coming of a New Year.
This year has been a very sad one for many with six deaths, one being buried today, and I wish to thank the family of Trina, for endorsing us to have this reception tonight. We also remember Michael Swales who passed just recently and was a great supporter of the Tristan Community. I did send a message of condolences to his daughter and will send something again when they have his funeral.
Our small community is faced with an ongoing challenge of chronic ailments with a large number of our Islanders on chronic medications. The burden may become unbearable on the part of the individuals, their families, our community and the Government, hence the need to address and harness the challenge now.
The cost of living has always been a concern of mine and the council, especially with the latest increase in freight rates, and I am happy that the pension this year was doubled. However we should be careful not to increase the pension too much, because if the pensioners stop working especially at the factory then the island is F… I will leave the last word for your own imagination.
There is also scope to increase Government wages by at least 20% from the endowment fund, but I will leave that up to the new Council. I would also urge young people to take responsibility and become Chief Islander or councillors, in this year’s election, because it’s important that you shape your own future.
The pensioners maybe wondering where we are with the funds from the sale of David Wilson yacht. In order not to lose maybe a quarter of the funds, we are trying to set up a charity on Tristan, and sent the request to St Helena in October. We are still waiting their response. We will chase this again once back to work.
At the JMC in London, I had several meetings including a private meeting with the FCDO’s deputy director for the OTs, Adam Pile:
Regarding possible future capital projects (incl. Tristan House, roads/drainage, vehicle shed, island store etc), Adam was broadly supportive, but stressed it’s up to TdC Gov to help cost them, put them in priority order and facilitate their delivery. So it’s up to the HOD’s to step-up and take this forward.
I raise the issue of the rifles to provide subsidies for rifle replacement to boost safety, and the ongoing difficulties for Tristanians who want to open accounts with UK banks. On the hunting rifles, I went and looked at some in Cape Town, and have given all the details to Conrad, who is now taking the lead on that.
Gibraltar mentioned that they have an excess of qualified teachers, and offered to help OT’s with those as well as police officers if needed. We could certainly do with teacher support.
As you all know we have chosen to go with a new company (to be publicly announced once the agreement has been signed). They will operate out of Cape Town, although I think they may also be interested in joining the south Atlantic territories closer together. However, until the contract is signed anything can happen, but the lawyers will be working hard with us, starting on the week of the 13th when we return back to work. I have also been told that they will be interested in recruiting many of Ovenstones staff, so despite the change of company, we may still see many familiar faces.
Ovenstones still have until the 31st Dec 2026, and I hope they will make the transition smoothly. They have managed the lobster resource extremely well. However comfort on their vessels and the length of the voyages have had an effect on the community, with many of the elderly after operations having to sleep with the mattress on the floor from CT to Tristan. I intend to do my utmost to ensure with the new company, this will be a thing of the past.
In respect of what happens, above all, we should resolve to enter 2025 with a refreshed view of the changes and opportunities on the horizon. By working together, being more respectful to each other, building skills and being positive about our abilities, I am certain we can find a better, smoother future for our island.
Finally, I would like to wish you all and your families a Happy and Blessed New Year, from Felicity and myself, and as I have reiterated in the past, let’s all try to be more tolerant with each other in the New Year. Enjoy! Thank You!
© 2025, Tristan da Cunha Government & Tristan da Cunha Association (webmaster@tristandc.com). Reviewed: 2025-01-08
