Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory |
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Standard of the commissioner
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Coat of arms of the British Antarctic Territory
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 Paul Candler since 1 July 2021 |
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| Appointer | Charles III as King of the United Kingdom |
| Term length | At His Majesty's pleasure |
| Inaugural holder | Edwin Porter Arrowsmith Merrick Baker-Bates First Commissioner |
| Deputy | Ms Jane Rumble Deputy Commissioner |
The Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) is like the main leader or manager for a special part of Antarctica that belongs to the United Kingdom. This area is called the British Antarctic Territory.
Since the BAT is one of the British Overseas Territories, the King of the United Kingdom chooses the Commissioner. He does this based on advice from the UK government's foreign office.
Contents
What is the British Antarctic Territory?
The British Antarctic Territory is a large area in Antarctica that the United Kingdom claims. It was officially made a separate territory in 1962. Before that, it was part of the Falkland Islands Dependencies. This meant it was managed by the person in charge of the Falkland Islands.
What Does a Commissioner Do?
The Commissioner is the head of the government for the British Antarctic Territory. Even though the territory is far away in Antarctica, the Commissioner works from London. This person helps manage the area, making sure everything runs smoothly. Since 1998, the same person has also been the Commissioner for the British Indian Ocean Territory.
A Look Back: How the Role Changed
The way the British Antarctic Territory has been managed has changed over time.
Early Leaders: High Commissioners (1962-1990)
From 1962 to 1990, the person in charge of the British Antarctic Territory was called a "High Commissioner." This person was also the Governor of the Falkland Islands. They lived in the Falkland Islands and looked after both areas.
Here are the High Commissioners who also served as Governors of the Falkland Islands:
- Edwin Porter Arrowsmith (1962–1964)
- Cosmo Dugal Patrick Thomas Haskard (1964–1970)
- Ernest Gordon Lewis (1971–1975)
- Neville Arthur Irwin French (1975–1977)
- James Roland Walter Parker (1977–1980)
- Rex Masterman Hunt (1980–1985)
- Gordon Wesley Jewkes (1985–1988)
- William H. Fullerton (1988–1990)
Modern Leaders: Commissioners (1990-Present)
In 1990, the way the BAT was managed changed. The job of looking after the territory moved to a Commissioner based in London. This person does not live in the territory itself.
Here are the Commissioners who have been based in London:
- Merrick Baker-Bates (1990–1992)
- P. Newton (1992–1995)
- Anthony Longrigg (1995–1997)
- John White (1997–2001)
- Alan Huckle (2001–2004)
- Tony Crombie (2004–2006)
- Leigh Turner (2006–2008)
- Colin Roberts (2008–2012)
- Peter Hayes (2012–2016)
- John Kittmer (2016–2017)
- Ben Merrick (2017–2021)
- Paul Candler (2021–present)
See also
