London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Jul 10, 2025

John J. Rankin formally appointed VI’s 14th Governor

John J. Rankin formally appointed VI’s 14th Governor

In a short ceremony that officially commenced at 13:00pm today, Friday, January 29, 2021, His Excellency John J. Rankin, CMG was sworn in as the 14th United Kingdom (UK) appointed Governor of the [British] Virgin Islands.

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.


Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Severe Heatwave Claims 2,300 Lives Across Europe
NVIDIA Achieves Historic Milestone as First Company Valued at $4 Trillion
Declining Beer Consumption Signals Cultural Shift in Germany
Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After Two Years
US Imposes New Tariffs on Brazilian Exports Amid Political Tensions
Azerbaijan and Armenia are on the brink of a historic peace deal.
Emails Leaked: How Passenger Luggage Became a Side Income for Airport Workers
Polish MEP: “Dear Leftists - China is laughing at you, Russia is laughing, India is laughing”
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Weinstein Victim’s Lawyer Says MeToo Movement Still Strong
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Labour Expected to Withdraw Support for Special Needs Funding Model
Leaked Audio Reveals Tory Aide Defending DEI Record
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
Boris Johnson Urges Conservatives to Ignore Farage
SNP Ordered to Update Single-Sex Space Guidance Within Days
Starmer Set to Reject Calls for Wealth Taxes
Stolen Century-Old Rolls-Royce Recovered After Hotel Theft
Macron Presses Starmer to Recognise Palestinian State
Labour Delayed Palestine Action Ban Over Riot Concerns
Swinney’s Tax Comments ‘Offensive to Scots’, Say Tories
High Street Retailers to Enforce Bans on Serial Shoplifters
Music Banned by Henry VIII to Be Performed After 500 Years
Steve Coogan Says Working Class Is Being ‘Ethnically Cleansed’
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Visa Overstayer Numbers
JD Vance Questions Mandelson Over Reform Party’s Rising Popularity
Macron to Receive Windsor Carriage Ride in Royal Gesture
Labour Accused of ‘Hammering’ Scots During First Year in Power
BBC Head of Music Stood Down Amid Bob Vylan Controversy
Corbyn Eyes Hard-Left Challenge to Starmer’s Leadership
London Tube Trains Suspended After Major Fire Erupts Nearby
Richard Kemp: I Felt Safer in Israel Under Attack Than in the UK
Cyclist Says Police Cited Human Rights Act for Riding No-Handed
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
AI Raises Alarms Over Long-Term Job Security
Saudi Arabia Maintains Ties with Iran Despite Israel Conflict
Musk Battles to Protect Tesla Amid Trump Policy Threats
Air France-KLM Acquires Majority Stake in Scandinavian Airlines
UK Educators Sound Alarm on Declining Child Literacy
Shein Fined €40 Million in France Over Misleading Discounts
Brazil’s Lula Visits Kirchner During Argentina House Arrest
Trump Scores Legislative Win as House Passes Tax Reform Bill
Keir Starmer Faces Criticism After Rocky First Year in Power
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
×