Tristan : Update on Operation Zest
Submitted by Tristan Times (Sarah Glass) 04.03.2008 (Article Archived on 18.03.2008)
The Tristan Administrator called a meeting with the Island Council on Thursday 28th February at 15:00hrs to meet Captain Paddy McAlpine, the Navy Captain in charge of Operation zest, together with Captain Peter Frame (Lyme Bay Skipper) and Major Mike Forster (OC Res) to brief them on the plan of operation over the next few weeks.
Photos(c) James Glass (Tristan Times)
Update on Operation Zest
Photo: RE Camp = The Royal Engineers accommodation, what place could be better suited. Eating breakfast whilst looking out to sea or at the 1961 volcano, whilst the sleeping quarters are just across the hallway from the Albatross Bar.
The Tristan Administrator called a meeting with the Island Council on Thursday 28th February at 15:00hrs to meet Captain Paddy McAlpine, the Navy Captain in charge of Operation zest, together with Captain Peter Frame (Lyme Bay Skipper) and Major Mike Forster (OC Res) to brief them on the plan of operation over the next few weeks.
Captain Paddy McApline welcome the council and pointed out that there were three main objectives, one, the safety of his men throughout the refurbishing of the harbour, two, the Environment, he wish to leave the island after completing the works as he had found it, in pristine condition, and last but not least, project Zest, there was a limited number of days in which he had to complete his work and he wish to cause the least disturbance to the communities way of life.
After Paddy AcApline and his team had explained what they intend doing, the Chief islander on behalf of the Island Council and community, thanked the MOD for what they were hoping to achieve and ensured them that they had the full support of the community. However there are going to be a few cruise ship visits during the time that work is being carried out, and all parties have agreed that plans would be implemented to coincide with everyone's needs.
The Lyme Bay was unloaded during Friday and Saturday and there are only a few crates of general cargo for the island left onboard. These were later landed on Monday, and cargo for the harbour is being landed at every opportunity, stone is being crushed, and sand and gravel stockpiled. The nib on the west arm of the harbour is being removed and the west wall rebuilt. Most of the Royal Engineers (approximately fifty) are staying in the communities Prince Philip Hall (main hall) and have two tents pitched outside, one as a cooking facility the other as a shower/washing area. Another two parties are staying in the islands two Guest Houses, the William Glass Guest House and the Mable Clark Guest House.
Picture perfect! Lyme Bay unloading off Tristan
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