The Virgin Islands has a new governor.
Gus Jaspert was officially sworn in and welcomed at the High Court on Tuesday morning in front of a packed audience of politicians, judges, government officials and other residents.
Afterwards, Mr. Jaspert expressed excitement over his new role.
“Despite the impacts of the storm, as I flew in yesterday it was easy to see how blessed the Virgin Islands are,” he said in his introductory remarks. “The natural beauty of these islands is world-beating, and, from what I have heard and from those I have met already, I know these islands have a people as fantastic as the nature that surrounds them.”
Her Majesty’s appointee replaces John Duncan, who began his term in August 2014 and left Aug. 7.
Deputy Governor Rosalie Adams, who oversaw the ceremony, praised Mr. Jaspert on Tuesday for spending the previous day — his first in the territory — accompanying Premier Dr. Orlando Smith around the territory to view the effects of that damage.
Though he acknowledged that the VI has challenges, the new governor did not let them dampen his optimistic outlook.
“You have built a strong foundation for the future of prosperous and thriving communities, and I aim to work together towards an even brighter future,” he said. “That future needs to be shaped by the desires of those who live here and who know their own aspirations. My role is not to direct these, but to engage with all parts of the community to listen; to hear the hopes, aspirations, dreams and also the challenges and problems; and to work together to find ways to tackle these.”
SEE THE AUG. 24, 2017 EDITION FOR FULL COVERAGE.
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