Former Governor John Duncan was honoured at a departure ceremony at the Government House on Aug. 6. He left the following day, on August Monday. Photo: GIS/Ronnielle Frazer

After three years as the territory’s governor, John Duncan left his post and departed the Virgin Islands on Aug. 7.

Former Governor John Duncan was honoured at a departure ceremony at the Government House on Aug. 6. He left the following day, on August Monday. Photo: GIS/Ronnielle Frazer
Mr. Duncan — the VI’s 12th governor — was honoured at a departure ceremony at the Government House on Sunday, according to Government Information Services. The media were not invited.

“It’s a sad day when you take down your standard, but three years have come to an end,” the former governor said at the ceremony, which was attended by Premier Dr. Orlando Smith, acting Deputy Governor Robert Mactavious and other senior public officers.

Mr. Duncan began his term on Aug. 15, 2014 and oversaw a handful of controversies during his time as governor, including using his reserve powers this year to go over the heads of elected officials and withdraw money from the Consolidated Fund to bankroll national security initiatives.

While speaking at the departure ceremony, he emphasised that elected officials are responsible for the territory’s future well-being.

“This country, like many around the world, has many challenges ahead,” Mr. Duncan said. “The future of this country is in your hands as the elected representatives. I hope you will choose wisely on the path ahead, and I wish you God’s speed.”

He also acknowledged the efforts of the employees at the Governor’s Office and the Government House.

“Thank you for your support through a challenging period; through hurricanes; through ships’ visits; through all the things that you have done to make this a really effective and professional team,” he said.

New arrival

The incoming governor, Gus Jaspert, will arrive on Monday and be sworn in at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in the High Court, according to GIS.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on ZBVI Radio and online at zbviradio.com.

“I am greatly looking forward to working with the elected representatives, public officers and the community in the British Virgin Islands over the coming years,” Mr. Jaspert told GIS. “My wife, two young sons and I are excited about meeting and getting to know the beautiful British Virgin Islands and those who live there and are contributing to their ongoing success.”

Mr. Jaspert previously served in the UK Cabinet Office as the director of security and intelligence for the National Security Secretariat. He has also served as the private secretary to the prime minister at No. 10 Downing Street and head of drugs and alcohol and the head of policing for the Home Office.

His appointment as the VI’s governor was announced in May.

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