Duncan -Tent Embassy

Duncan Sanderson -Tent Embassy (In Memory)

Duncan was a great patriot of his adopted Norfolk Island and for the last five years before he got sick, would man the Tent embassy at Kingston Common to share a cup of tea and chat, educate any visitors to the embassy on why so many of the locals are so aggrieved with the Take-over by the Australian federal government in 2015

A post in honour of Duncan Sanderson.

Duncan Sanderson provided quiet, yet determined stewardship of the ongoing Tent Embassy – democratic deficit protest and Duncan was a consistent volunteer to “sleep rough” each night for the last five years in a tent, with none of the usual amenities available at home. To be clear, this equates to around 1800 days and nights of living remotely and should be a clear indicator to all that Duncan and the rest of the community supporting the Tent Embassy are not in support of the removal of self-governance or the ongoing actions to remotely control and colonise the island and community.

The Norfolk Island Tent Embassy commenced on the 27th of April 2016 (the same day a petition for self-determination was presented to the U.N in New York by Geoffrey Robertson QC AO on behalf of the islanders) as a visible peaceful protest from the island people and community.

Established within the Kingston parliamentary precinct, the Tent Embassy demonstrates the island resilience and integrity of purpose, amidst the attempts by the Australian Government to denigrate and remove any evidence of the previous Norfolk Island self-governance and political heritage. The former legislative assembly offices and buildings have been stripped of equipment, memorabilia and iconic interparliamentary linkage materials under the direction of Australian Government representatives, so there is real importance and significance to the ongoing establishment of a Tent Embassy that is now well into its fifth year.

During Duncan Sanderson’s support and stewardship, the Tent Embassy has been host to Australian, United Kingdom and regional senators, parliamentarians and dignitaries… as well as many journalists and visitors to the island. The Tent Embassy has resonated with hundreds of voices throughout various island community potluck dinners and events, the grounds have been maintained by the Tent Embassy team to respect and showcase our composed and determined protest to a situation that defies logic and natural justice in the 21st century.

Duncan is remembered and recognised locally and internationally for a long term and difficult sacrifice in being one of the consistent personalities to hold the line for the Norfolk Island to be progressed toward the United Nations driven self-determination process, thereby ensuring the people of the island can be heard above the noise of government propaganda.

RIP and thank you Duncan Sanderson.

We cannot thank Duncan without acknowledging our thanks to his wife Mollie, who stood just as strong by his side. Along with sons Brett and Miles

By Gaelene Nobbs Quintal 17 August 2021

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