2 January 2015 | Comments
From Sean Burns, Acting Governor, St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha:
‘I am pleased to announce the award of an MBE to Mr Chris Bates, in recognition of his services as United Kingdom Representative for Tristan da Cunha.
‘Chris took on this unpaid role six years ago and has since worked tirelessly on behalf of the community and in promoting the most remote inhabited island in the world. His work has included establishing excellent working relationships across UK Government, the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, raising the profile of Tristan and delivering tangible training and business initiatives which have benefited the Island and her people. He has also worked tirelessly to promote a variety of tourism and handicraft ventures that are now recognised in key markets around the world.
‘Chris also played a major role in helping Tristan receive the go-ahead and funding from DFID for a new healthcare centre and in championing improvements to the existing harbour, and the construction of a new harbour. In 2011, when the MS Oliva ran aground on Nightingale Island creating an environmental catastrophe, Chris highlighted the disaster through the media, conservation groups and political parties in the UK, to ensure the needs of the community were addressed. Additionally, Chris has worked on conservation efforts to protect the unique flora and fauna of the islands, including two UNESO World Heritage Sites. This has led to UNESCO, RSPB and others working with the Tristan government on projects to safeguard and promote the Island’s unique habitats.
‘Having had the privilege of working with Chris myself for the three years when I was Administrator on Tristan, I am delighted that his efforts have been recognised and I am sure you will all join me in congratulating Chris on this well-deserved award.’
Sean Burns,
30 December 2014
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