Ascension Island Government

The Governor

Mr Nigel Phillips CBE

Governor of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha

nigel-phillips

The Role of Governor

His Excellency the Governor is based on St Helena and resides in the historic Plantation House. As Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha they are represented on the island by the Administrator, who conducts the business of Government on their behalf.

The Governor attends all formal meetings of the Island Council, either in person or by telephone, and enacts all legislation pertaining to Ascension. They have ultimate responsibility for the Island’s good governance, security and foreign relations.

Biography

His Excellency Mr Nigel Phillips took up his appointment in St Helena on Saturday 13th of August 2022, accompanied by his wife, Emma. As a member of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) he is a UK government official, the 67th Governor of the territory and is responsible for the internal self-governance of Ascension.

It is a privilege, and a humbling one at that, to swear the oath of office to serve the communities of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha as Governor. Each of the three Islands are remarkable in their own right, with extraordinary natural environments, cultures and history. I am in no doubt that it is the people who live in the three Islands who are best able to judge the path ahead and I look forward to learning from you.

Emma and I have not before visited any of the three Islands, but I do feel we know a little about St Helena thanks to the Saint community on the Falklands and the unique nature of small Island communities. I can say only that we relish the opportunity to make this our home for the duration of our tenure. We know of the friendliness that typifies this community and we want to play our part. Let me also be clear that I absolutely want to visit Ascension and Tristan da Cunha as soon as I am able.