United in tribute: The Overseas Territories and Remembrance Day 2024

Whilst each of the British Overseas Territories have their own unique identities, cultures and political structures, they share a common bond with the United Kingdom, particularly in matters of defence and foreign policy.

On Sunday, a dozen representatives from the British Overseas Territories laid wreaths at the annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. Representatives from Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, the Pitcairn Islands, St Helena, Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha and the Turks and Caicos Islands laid wreaths at the Cenotaph in recognition of the part that their citizens played in both World Wars. Additionally, the Overseas Territories representatives were invited onto Downing Street following the Service.

However, no one from the Chagossian community was asked to participate in the wreath laying at Whitehall. This is despite the Chagossians living on Diego Garcia assisting Allied troops during the Second World War, while the islands hosted an RAF station between 1942 and 1946. Undoubtedly, this raises further questions on why the UK Government will not engage with the Chagossian community. Jean-Francois Nellan, a spokesman for Chagossian Voices, commented on the most recent snub by the UK Government. He said: “Unfortunately, no representative or anyone from the community was asked to attend the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph. My grandmother, who was born on Diego Garcia - and is still alive - helped the injured troops at the infirmary. The Chagossians were helping the allies on the islands in case the Germans attacked.”

Bermuda

On Monday, November 11th, there was a Remembrance Day Parade in Bermuda to commemorate those who fell in the two World Wars and other campaigns of the Allied Forces.

Wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph by Her Excellency the Governor, Rena Lalgie, Premier David Burt, JP, MP and other dignitaries.

The Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) supported the ceremony with a Guard on parade and was joined in the parade by the Bermuda Police Service, Sea Cadets and the Junior Leaders. Music for the ceremony was provided by the RBR Band & Corps of Drums, the Somerset Brigade Band, the Salvation Army Band, the North Village Band and the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band.

Falkland Islands

A Remembrance Day parade and wreath laying ceremony was held at the War Memorial to honour all British troops who paid the ultimate sacrifice, including those that served in the 1982 Falklands War and liberated the islands from Argentine occupation.

In attendance was Her Excellency the Governor, Alison Blake, former servicemen and women and Members of the Legislative Assembly. Additionally, UK Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, visited the islands and took part in the ceremony. The UK Minister’s participation is part of his wider visit to the islands to engage with veterans, local government officials and the wider community on the island.

Additionally, on Armistice Day, the UK Armed Forces Minister laid a wreath at the new memorial at Mount Pleasant.

Gibraltar

In Gibraltar, His Excellency the Governor, Sir Benjamin Bathurst led the Remembrance Sunday service and wreath laying ceremony at the British War Memorial, which was attended by former servicemen and women, the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, other Government ministers, and members of the public. A two minutes silence was observed along with the singing of the National Anthem.

Additionally, Director of Gibraltar House in Brussels, Daniel D’Amato, was invited to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Gibraltar at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Heverlee, Belgium.

Montserrat

Remembrance Day in Montserrat was marked with a Church Service, Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade which started at the Cenotaph, the War Memorial in Little Bay.

Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Ryan, commanding officer of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force noted the importance of the poppy and encouraged people to pay their respects through the purchase of one on a video posted online.

He said: “The poppy, which is a red flower, has been a single remembrance of those who lost their lives during World War One and two and the subsequent wars. I encourage you to purchase one in support of our ex servicemen."

St Helena

On St Helena, a parade took place followed by a service at the Cenotaph led by The Right Reverend Lord Bishop of St Helena Dale Bowers. The Governor, His Excellency Nigel Phillips, was in attendance.

At the Cenotaph, a special place at the proceedings was reserved for servicemen and women, and ex-personnel residing currently in St Helena, including those that served on the RMS St Helena during the Falklands War. The cargo liner ship, which regularly sailed between Cape Town, South Africa and St Helena, was used by the Royal Navy during the Falklands War as a minesweeper. It was retired in 2018.

Tristan da Cunha

Tristanians made a significant contribution during the 1939-45 conflict. The island sacrificed military personnel and ran a crucial radio listening post. To commemorate this, Philip Kendall, Administrator of Tristan da Cunha, took part in a Remembrance Service on the island.

Earlier, in October, the Tristan Government UK Representative, Chris Carnegy represented Tristan da Cunha as the official 2024 period of Remembrance began at Westminster. Mr Carnegy planted a wooden cross in the Garden of Remembrance on the 28th October 2024.

Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands commemorated Allied, Commonwealth and British personnel who fought in the two world wars of the 20th Century and in subsequent conflicts on Remembrance Day.

There were numerous Services held over the course of the day, most notably the Grand Turk Remembrance Day Service which was held at 9:45am at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. Her Excellency, Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Honourable Deputy Premier Jamell Robinson and Opposition Appointed Member Alvin Garland laid wreaths at the Cenotaph. At 11:00am, the Providenciales Remembrance Day Service took place at St. Monica’s Anglican Church. Her Excellency, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Edwin Astwood laid wreaths at the War Memorial on Providenciales.

Other organisations that also laid wreaths at each service include the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the TCI Regiment, UK representative Royal Marines, the TCIG Medical Department, Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Rotary International, Soroptimists International and the Red Cross.

Reflecting on the significance of Remembrance Day, Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said: “Remembrance Day holds profound meaning for us all. It is a day to honour the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in defence of our freedoms and values. Their courage, dedication and selflessness remain a beacon of hope and a reminder of the cost of peace. As we pause to reflect, we remember their contributions and commit ourselves to preserving the ideals they fought to protect. May their legacy inspire future generations to live with the same sense of duty, unity and gratitude. I encourage everyone in the community to attend one of the remembrance services to show their support and pay tribute to those who have given so much in service.”