BVI Governor John Rankin during his inauguration Friday in the British Virgin Islands Photo Credit: BVI GOVERNMENT VIA FACEBOOK
John Rankin was sworn in as the British Virgin Islands' new governor on Friday, and Mr. Rankin, who was previously governor of Bermuda, another British territory, reiterated his support for the Commission of Inquiry created by Augustus Jaspert, the governor who preceded Mr. Rankin. The commission will investigate corruption and organized crime in the British Virgin Isands. Mr. Jaspert had previously stated that the commission would have the incoming governor's full support.
BVI governors are appointed by the British monarch on the advice of the British government.
Speaking during his inauguration Friday, Mr. Rankin said, "I fully support the Commission of Inquiry called by my predecessor and I hope the people of the BVI feel empowered to engage in the Commission so it delivers for the people... I see it as a vital opportunity for these islands to carve a clearer path towards good governance and greater self-determination." Mr. Rankin will receive the report of the Commission of Inquiring once it's completed.
John Rankin was sworn in as the BVI's latest governor on Friday. He was appointed by the British monarch on the advice of the BVI government. (Credit: Bernews)
The commission was announced mere days before Mr. Jaspert left office, but the former governor spoke on the importance of the commission, and said his office was contacted by many in the community from all walks, including business, media, public servants and regular individuals, about worrisome trends in the BVI. "I would like to take a moment to let the people of the BVI know that your voices have been heard," Mr. Jaspert said in a speech announcing the commission. "We have received the message loud and clear: the people of the BVI want better."
Meanwhile, the government of the BVI, led by Governor Andrew Fahie, has retained law firm Withers in the BVI and London, along with leading counsel, Sir Geoffrey Cox, the recent former attorney general of England and Wales, "to ensure a transparent process and to advise upon issues arising from this decision by the governor in this matter and upon all matters relating to the Commission of Inquiry."
Said Mr. Fahie, “I am pleased that the Government of the Virgin Islands will have Withers to advise Government - in particular the expertise of Rt. Honourable Sir Geoffrey Cox, MP with his extensive legal knowledge and professional experience regarding Overseas Territories.”
During his inauguration, Governor Rankin said he would focus on Section 60 of the BVI Constitution, which focuses on the following:
- External affairs
- Defense, including the armed forces
- Internal security, including the Police Force, without prejudice to section 57;
- The terms and conditions of service of persons holding or acting in public offices, without prejudice to section 92The administration of the courts
Sources: BVI News, Former Governor Jaspert's social media handles
