New guv sworn in

Even before he arrived in the territory on Thursday, John Duncan, the territory’s new governor, was already Tweeting information about the Virgin Islands.

 

Mr. Duncan will have more to Tweet about now that his appointment became official on Friday morning during a short ceremony at the House of Assembly, where he was sworn in by High Court Justice Vicki-Ann Ellis.

Nearly 50 people sat inside and outside of the HOA to welcome Mr. Duncan, who is a former Foreign and Commonwealth Office director for communications and engagement.

“It is also a particular personal pleasure to be here amongst you with my family on these beautiful islands,” said the new governor, with his wife Anne Marie seated behind him.

Mr. Duncan added that he is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work.

“The role and task of the governor is to strike balance between the views of Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, those of the government of the Virgin Islands, your elected representatives, and the aspirations of the people of the Virgin Islands,” he said.

Mr. Duncan joined the FCO in 1980 and has served in several capacities. He also has acted as governor for the Falkland Islands and has worked twice before in the Overseas Territories Directorate in London, from 1996-1998 and from 2013-2014.

See the Aug. 21, 2014 edition for full coverage.

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