With the COVID-19 pandemic shifting the event away from the traditional chambers of the House of Assembly building in Road Town, Tortola, the burgundy themed atmosphere of the Save the Seed Centre in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola, was calm and the energy cheerful.

Moderated by House Speaker, Hon Julian Willock, the event was well attended by dignitaries including the Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and his wife, Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn and wife along with all serving Ministers and other HoA members.

Atmosphere calm @ Save the seed centre

Moderated by House Speaker, Hon Julian Willock, the event was well attended by dignitaries, including Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and his wife; Opposition Leader, Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) and wife, along with all serving Ministers and other HoA members.

Present also were Senior Public Servants, Members of the Youth Parliament, Distinguished Guests and others there to witness history, while observing COVID-19 protocols.

The day's event commenced in the afternoon with the arrival of Mr Rankin, who inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

House Speaker, Hon Julian Willock moderated the Day's event.

Governor Escorted into the venue by Speaker

Shortly after, the Speaker met the Governor and Andre S.L. Braithwaite and Company played music for the Royal Salute.

Governor Rankin was then invited and escorted by the Speaker to enter Save the Seed Energy Centre where the Invocation was read by Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline of the New Life Baptiste Church in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola.

Cabinet Secretary, Ms Sandra I. Ward established protocols, paving the way for welcome and opening remarks by Speaker, Hon Willock.

During the ceremony, it was revealed by Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr while reading the Royal Commission of Appointment that the Governor Rankin’s appointment took effect from the moment Ex-Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert departed the territory on Saturday, January 23, 2021.

Governor's appointment took effect Saturday, January 23, 2021

During the ceremony, it was revealed by Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr, while reading the Royal Commission of Appointment, that Governor Rankin’s appointment took effect from the moment Ex-Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert departed the territory on Saturday, January 23, 2021.

Mr Rankin then took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for due Execution of Office, administered by Madam Justice Vicki Ann Elis before the Governor and Justice Vicki Ellis signed the Oaths.

The Clerk then passed the Oaths to be signed by the Premier and all Government Ministers as witnesses ahead of a statement from the Opposition Leader, Hon Penn and shortly after, the Premier.

The Governor in his maiden speech vowed to faithfully carry out his duties as empowered by the Constitution, Working in Partnership with the Government of the VI to serve the people.

Governor vowed to serve VI and work with Local Gov't

Governor Rankin will also serve as Commander in Chief of the Virgin Islands, according to the Royal Commission of Appointment from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Meanwhile, the Governor in his maiden speech vowed to faithfully carry out his duties as empowered by the Constitution, working in partnership with the Government of the VI to serve the people.

He said he recognised the determination and resilience of the VI people as evident by the strength shown when he visited the territory during the Hurricanes of 2017 and the strides that were made by the territory now as he takes up his tenure as the 14th Governor.

Premier Andrew A. Fahie while delivering a speech at the Save the Seed Centre for the formal appointment of new Governor John J. Rankin.