This is according to a media release from the Office of the Governor, which said Rankin will be arriving in the territory in January to replace Governor Augustus Jaspert whose term ends in early 2021.

“This will allow time for him to settle ahead of the key priorities that the territory expects to face in 2021. He brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the public service, most recently serving as Governor to Bermuda,” the release said.

Speaking on his appointment, Rankin said he looks forward to working in a partnership with the government of the Virgin Islands.

He said: “2020 has not been without its challenges. But the people of the Virgin Islands have shown great strength and spirit in meeting those challenges and I promise to do all I can to support the building of further resilience against the risk of natural disasters.”

“I look forward to contributing to life on the Islands and to carrying out my responsibilities under the Constitution in the areas of external affairs, security and good governance in service to the people of the Virgin Islands,” Rankin added.

Grateful for the opportunity

Meanwhile, Governor Jaspert, who will serve almost three and a half years as governor upon his departure, thanked the people of the territory for the experience over the years.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to have met and worked with so many inspiring individuals and to have served the people of BVI over the past years. I know the new governor and the UK will continue to stand by the people of BVI and work earnestly to achieve the very best for the territory,” Jaspert stated.