Deputy Governor Refutes Claims of Denying Public Officers Right to Protest

The Office of the Deputy Governor has issued a formal statement refuting reports that Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. denied public officers the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

According to the statement released  Wednesday, June 4, the reports—shared via a media platform—“falsely reported the Deputy Governor’s refusal to allow public officers the opportunity to express their constitutional rights.” The rights in question are enshrined in Sections 23 and 24 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which guarantee freedom of expression and assembly.

The Office clarified that on Friday, May 30, Mr. Archer received a copy of a letter from His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce to Mr. Floyd Burnett, acknowledging receipt of a request for a peaceful demonstration in Road Town.

The Governor’s correspondence, which included a request for the Deputy Governor to inform senior managers of the demonstration, was executed the same day, the statement said.

“The Deputy Governor’s communication included instructions on how public officers can be released if they intended to attend the march while ensuring the delivery of services to clients,” the Office noted. These directions, it added, are consistent with existing Public Service policies.

The statement also pointed to ongoing efforts to establish a Human Rights Commission as a means of reinforcing the Government’s commitment to protecting individual rights in the Territory. Public officers and residents are encouraged to review Chapter 2 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 to become more informed about their fundamental rights and freedoms.