The Government of the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) have, for several years, been undertaking a complete review of the Territory’s suite of legislation. The aim of the review was to update the legislation to ensure it better reflects the needs and practicalities of the Territory and its stakeholders, as well as to simplify where possible…
As part of a regular series on the meaning of place names in the Territory, this latest edition focuses on areas relating to astronomers and their discoveries. The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. Its headquarters in Burlington…
Over the last 4 months the Falkland Islands Communication Regulator has been revalidating Falkland Islands Amateur Radio Licences. The key reason for this was to bring the Amateur Radio Licences into compliance with the Communication Ordinance 2019. However, this has thrown up that the British Antarctic Territory and South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands…
We were delighted to recently announce the winners of the stamp design competition. We are also happy to report that HM The Queen has approved all the designs in their stamp form. We think they make a rather nice and vibrant set. The ‘Discovering Antarctica’ theme is well captured across the designs. Getting to know…
This week the Government of the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) and the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) will celebrate the contribution of LGBTQ+ people by declaring 18 November as Pride Day in the Territories. The declaration demonstrates a commitment to support and enhance Diversity in Polar Science. To mark the…
Written by Eleanor Floyd. Three years ago I joined the Polar Regions Department as the ‘Desk Officer for Antarctica and the British Antarctic Territory’ at the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Little did I know quite how varied the role would be and how much I would enjoy getting to know more about this unique…
On 30 January 2020, we launched our stamp design competition for those aged 4 – 17 years. The design theme was “Discovering Antarctica”. A panel of judges selected four winning designs from the four age groups. These designs will become official postage stamps for the British Antarctic Territory. Six runners up were also chosen. We…
As part of a regular series on the meaning of place-names in the Territory, this latest edition focuses on the Pitt Islands. The Pitt Islands contain many place-names following the theme of characters from the Pickwick Papers, by Charles Dickens. The theme was chosen in 1959 and as June 2020 was the 150th anniversary of…
On 12 May 2020 we closed our stamp design competition. We have been delighted by the response – over 320 entries. Shortly, the judging panel will convene to decide on the winners and runners up. Meet the judging panel! Steve Brace Steve Brace is Head of Education and Outdoor Learning at the Royal Geographical Society…
Today, 21 June, is Midwinter Day in the British Antarctic Territory. This annual event, which has its origins with Captain Scott, marks the mid-point of the Antarctic winter. HM Commissioner to the British Antarctic Territory, Ben Merrick, has written to the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) personnel currently stationed in Antarctica. I am writing to send…
