Lisa Phillips sworn in as Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

26 April 2016

Press Release

The RMS St Helena arrived in James’ Bay on Monday 25 April, bringing with her the new Governor Designate for St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha - Ms Lisa Phillips.

 Ms Phillips is the 68^th Governor of St Helena and her Dependencies and the first ever female to take on the role. She was sworn in this afternoon, just after 2pm, Monday 25 April 2016.

The familiar music of the Scout’s Band signaled the opening of the Inauguration Ceremony, which was also marked by the traditional parade of the St Helena Police, Sea Rescue Service, Fire Service, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows, Scouts and Beavers and the Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders. The Salvation Army Band and members, the Get-togethers Orchestra, Customs Officers, Nurses and a group of schoolchildren were also present.

At 2pm the Governor Designate arrived at the Grand Parade, accompanied by the Aide de Camp, Debbie Stroud, who escorted her to the stage in front of the Supreme Court Terrace, where she was received by Chief Secretary Roy Burke. 

The Chief Secretary read the Royal Commission appointing Lisa Phillips as Governor of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. This was followed by the Administering of Oaths by St Helena’s Sheriff, Ethel Yon OBE, who also read the Address of Welcome.

In her reply to the Sheriff and her address to the public, Governor Phillips remarked:

“Since I found out I was coming here, anyone I met told me there are three things they knew about St Helena.  First, your famous previous resident, Napoleon, Second, your famous current resident, Jonathan. And third the new Airport.  In a way, they are perhaps indicative of the past present and future of the Island.  I am tremendously excited about the Airport. Having spent more years than I care to mention in DFID I am acutely aware of the history of the Airport from the inside, with all its twists and turns.  Never did I imagine I would be the first Governor to fly in and out of the Island.  I am proud to have that privilege in store for me....and talking of firsts I am also very proud to be your first female Governor.”

The full press release can be found here.