Deputy Governor Assumes Acting Role Following Departure of Governor Rankin

Deputy Governor, Mr. David Archer, Jr., has stepped into the role of Acting Governor from January 18 to January 29.

This transition follows the departure of former Governor, Mr. John J. Rankin, CMG, marking the conclusion of his tenure in the Virgin Islands.

Acting Governor Archer Jr. will hold the reins until the imminent arrival of Governor Designate, Mr. Daniel Pruce, later this month.

Expressing his gratitude, Acting Governor Archer Jr. stated, “I am honored and humbled to have been sworn in by His Lordship the Honourable Justice Paul Webster, in the presence of Former Governor Rankin CMG, for the final time, to act in the capacity of Governor. I thank Mr. Rankin for his service to the Territory during his tenure, and I wish him well as he retires from the Public Service.”

The appointment of Deputy Governor Archer Jr. aligns with section 37 (1) (a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which dictates that in the absence of the Governor, the Deputy Governor assumes the responsibilities of the office until His Majesty’s pleasure dictates otherwise. This constitutional provision ensures the seamless continuation of governance during transitions or vacancies in the position of Governor.