New BVI Governor Daniel Pruce. Photo Credit: X (FORMERLY TWITTER)
The newest governor of the British Virgin Islands has landed in the territory, and will be sworn in Monday afternoon.
Daniel Pruce was met with an official welcome when he and his wife arrived at the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport on Friday, and remarked that he was keen to begin his work on the ground.
“It will be a privilege to serve the people of the islands and to work in collaboration with a wide range of partners to continue to build a secure and prosperous future for BVI,” Mr. Pruce stated.
Despite having most recently been based in the UK in his role as director of communication at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Mr. Pruce has held several posts abroad, including British Ambassador to the Philippines and Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassies in Madrid and Bangkok.
One of Mr. Pruce’s immediate concerns will be managing the pending request made by his predecessor for more powers to be devolved onto the Office of the Governor. Former Governor John Rankin asked the United Kingdom government to grant the office the additional power to be able to more directly manage the completion of the governance reforms recommended by the Commission of Inquiry.
“Additional time alone will not be enough,” said former Governor Rankin. He noted that more time to implement the COI recommendations was sought by the government – and approved by the UK – twice last year, but “even these extended deadlines are being consistently missed.” Now, he says, there’s no chance that the current May deadline will be met.
Mr. Rankin's comments, made while he was still the BVI governor on January 5 as his Fifth Quarterly Review was published, have united BVI politicians in opposition to his decision to request additional powers for the Office of the Governor.
Myron Walwyn, at-large member of parliament, said that “the rationale given by Mr. Rankin for asking for those additional powers…does not meet the threshold,” while also arguing that the current powers allow the sitting governor the ability to do what needs to be done.
Advertisements
