Third confirmed coronavirus case amongst Austenasian population
A third Austenasian subject has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. The two other infected Austenasians – one reported in December 2020 and another in February 2021 – both made a full recovery. Meanwhile, the number of Austenasians vaccinated against coronavirus continues to grow. Emperor Father Terry was vaccinated on 12 March last month, and Emperor Mother Margaret on 10 February. The Austenasian Times has not received permission to publicise the name of the most recently infected subject, but can confirm that they are a non-residential subject, hence posing no direct threat of infection to inhabited Austenasian land claims. UPDATE 13 APRIL 17:05 – The Austenasian Times is pleased to report that the infected subject has now recovered from the symptoms of coronavirus.
Pontunia downsized with cession of claims
Pontunia, Austenasia’s most populated land claim, has been “streamlined” into New Pontunia with the cession of much of its land area and some of its population. Pontunia, which had functioned as an independent micronation for nine months prior to its annexation by Austenasia in October last year, had been comprised of twenty three people living in thirteen houses, with two public parks also claimed. Despite being annexed as a Crown Dependency – giving its leader, Duke Andrew, a completely autonomous local administration – concerns within Cabinet have often been raised over the stability of Pontunia. In one occasion in early December, the Duke led a force of Pontunian knights to apprehend and arrest a group of his citizens after they rebelled against his rule. Embarrassment was also caused for the Empire on the international stage after the Duke – eager to play an active role in diplomatic affairs – repeatedly attempted to apply for membership in international organisations such as the Grand Unified Micronational on behalf of Pontunia, despite it being made clear by said organisations that as a constituent part of Austenasia, it was ineligible. After consultation between Emperor Jonathan I and Duke Andrew, an Act of Parliament was therefore passed yesterday which has reduced Pontunia to a more “manageable” size. Austenasia has relinquished sovereignty over four houses containing those least happy with Austenasian rule, as well as the two public parks (one of which was over 147 acres and unable to be realistically governed by Pontunia). These properties have been claimed by the Duke as a new, independent Duchy of Pontunia, enabling him to take an active part in foreign affairs as per his wishes and to deal with his more troublesome followers outside of Austenasia’s jurisdiction. To avoid confusion, the original polity – retaining Duke Andrew as Governing Commissioner, but now much smaller in size – will from now on be referred to as New Pontunia. The downsizing of New Pontunia has reduced the Austenasian population by eight people, down to one hundred and thirteen.
Second confirmed case of COVID-19 in Austenasia
A second Austenasian subject has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. The subject, who has asked to remain anonymous, has only mild symptoms and is not expected to be at any risk of serious harm. The first case of COVID-19 in the Austenasian population was confirmed in December.
Large new Territory brings hope of gold deposits
Golcondiaurum, an 80.44 acre uninhabited piece of land bordered by Nevada, was annexed as an Austenasian Territory on Sunday 24th. The new Territory was claimed for the Empire by its owner, Lord Michael Simpson. Lord Simpson has been appointed Governor of Golcondiaurum. He already serves as Governor of Florencium Carolina and of Elliessium Colorandum, two other uninhabited areas of land also owned and claimed by him. The annexation of Golcondiaurum is of particular interest due to the high possibility of gold deposits on the land. Geological surveys and soil testing to ascertain whether such gold deposits are present have been planned by Lord Simpson for the near future.
Ministry of Territories and the Diaspora established
Tuesday 19th January saw a new Cabinet Ministry created by Parliament to enable greater political participation for non-residential subjects and for the governors of uninhabited territories. Out of Austenasia’s population of one hundred and twenty one, only eighty five live in Austenasia itself. The other thirty six, known as non-residential subjects, form an Austenasian diaspora the majority of whom live in the United Kingdom, USA, Greece, and New Virginia. Given non-residential subjects do not live in a Town, they are not represented in Parliament. Their comparatively limited ability to have their voices heard has been noted before, but Emperor Jonathan I and PM Lord John Gordon agreed to enact concrete steps towards enabling their greater political participation. The newly-established Ministry of Territories and the Diaspora has therefore been tasked with creating a group for non-residential subjects which will allow them to have a greater involvement in Austenasian politics and culture. The exact form this group will take and the time-frame for its creation have not yet been confirmed, but membership will be voluntary. The new ministry has also been given the responsibility of “relaying to Cabinet the concerns, requests or opinions of Governors”, that is, the officials that administer uninhabited Austenasian land claims, who have prior to this not automatically had any official means of having their voices heard in lawmaking or policy. Lord Andrew Musgrave has been appointed the first Minister of Territories and the Diaspora. He is Austenasia’s longest serving Governor, having administered Corinium Terentium since December 2013.
New territory annexed in Australia
Earlier this week saw a new Territory claimed by the Empire of Austenasia in Australia. The new land claim, Western Jarrahview, is comprised of an uninhabited roughly 155,000 square foot wooded area. The area was claimed by the now Lord Daniel Roscoe, who has been appointed Governor of the new territory. An Imperial Decree accepting the claim and officially annexing Western Jarrahview was promulgated by Emperor Jonathan I on the evening of January 5th. However, with the difference in time zones, this was past midnight on January 6th in Western Jarrahview, which will be considered its official date of foundation. Western Jarrahview is only the second land claim of Austenasia in Australia, or in Oceania as a whole. The first, New South Scotland, became an Austenasian Crown Dependency in January 2013.
Princess Hannah and Bradley of Dullahan named Consuls of 2021
Lord John Gordon has named the first Consuls of his premiership, announcing that Princess Hannah and Bradley, Duke of Dullahan will hold the office for 2021. The Consuls are the highest judicial authorities in the Empire, passing sentence when guilty verdicts are reached. However, due to Austenasia’s practically non-existent crime rate, their function is mostly ceremonial, primarily being used to name the year. 2021 will therefore be known as the year of the consulship of Hannah Augusta and Bradley Archidux Saxoniae. Princess Hannah also served as Consul last year, becoming one of only three people to have held the Austenasian Consulate consecutively since its creation at the start of 2011. A Consul may serve two consecutive terms, but the same two Consuls cannot serve consecutive terms at the same time. Princess Hannah, in addition to being sovereign monarch of the Principality of Wildflower Meadows, is the fiancée and official consort of Emperor Jonathan I. Bradley, who was recently appointed Archduke of Saxony in the Holy Roman Empire, in addition to his role as Prime Minister of Wyvern also serves in Austenasia as Princeps Senatus (leader of the Senate) and has held office as both Home Secretary and Minister of Defence. Happy New Year from the Austenasian Times!
Christmastide statement from the Prime Minister
This year, Emperor Jonathan I did not issue his customary Christmas broadcast, but rather delegated that honour to the Prime Minister, Lord John Gordon. Technical problems have prevented him from recording a broadcast, but he has published the following statement: Austenasians, Friends and Subjects, I must first start by apologizing for the lateness of this speech. As you can imagine, it’s been a busy period. This Christmas we reflect not only on this year, but also on ourselves. This year has been full of hardship and sacrifice and we have risen to the challenge. With Covid-19 ravaging the world, it hasn’t been the best of years. However, we all came together in the spirit of community and I could not be more proud. We must also remember those we have lost this year due to the pandemic: they will never be forgotten. This year for Austenasia has been turbulent, beginning with the crisis with the Constitutional Referendum and Dionisiy’s subsequent resignation which gave me the reigns of government, but we have emerged stronger and more united. Austenasia is my home and I am so proud to be an Austenasian. This Christmas I want us to remember the words of Jesus when he told of the Good Samaritan in the Bible (Luke 10:25-37). We must help our neighbor as we help ourselves. I want 2021 to be an illustrious year for Austenasia, and I promise you I will do everything I can to make that a reality. Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year! Lord John Gordon, Viscount of ThetfordPrime Minister of AustenasiaPalasia30 December 2020, the Sixth Day of Christmas
First confirmed case of COVID-19 amongst Austenasian population
A non-residential subject of Austenasia tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus in mid-December, but is making a swift recovery. The subject, who has asked to remain anonymous, went into self-isolation upon receiving the positive test. He has now reported feeling better, and stated that his symptoms are improving. It was not necessary for him to be hospitalised. As the infected person is a non-residential subject and does not live within Austenasia itself, this positive case has not posed any direct threat to any other Austenasians. March earlier this year saw three suspected cases of coronavirus, and early September saw a suspected case in Palasia, but all four individuals affected either tested negative or soon stopped displaying symptoms. This case is the first which has been officially confirmed as COVID-19 by a positive test. UPDATE 8 JANUARY 17:15 – The Austenasian Times is pleased to confirm that the infected Austenasian has completely recovered, and is now back at work.
Imperial Family celebrates Christmas under coronavirus restrictions
A toned-down Christmas Day was yesterday celebrated by the Imperial Family due to restrictions currently in force in neighbouring areas of the United Kingdom to protect people from the spread of coronavirus. Christmas would usually see the immediate Imperial Family hosting or being hosted by the relatives of Emperor Mother Margaret for Christmas dinner, but in order to help prevent Covid-19 spreading between households, new restrictions brought in earlier this month by the British government have forbidden different families from meeting. Plans to allow up to three households to meet together over Christmas were cancelled after a new strain of the virus was discovered in England. The Imperial Family was, however, able to attend the customary morning service at Carshalton Methodist Church, albeit wearing masks, socially distanced from other families, and with no congregational singing, as per the rules imposed regarding corporate worship. Emperor Jonathan I did not give his usual Christmas broadcast, instead delegating that honour to the Prime Minister, Lord John Gordon. The broadcast will be published at some point over the wider Christmas season, prior to the New Year. The Emperor was, however, able to wish the people and supporters of Austenasia a merry Christmas in a post on the Empire’s official Facebook group, in which he shared photographs taken of the Imperial Family’s visit to church that morning. The customary Christmas cards to Austenasian and foreign dignitaries were also successfully sent off. With the success of ongoing vaccination efforts, next year’s Christmas should hopefully see a return to relative normality.