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  by pltm
• Sep 16, 2020
• 13

(PLTM) - Outgoing Governor, Augustus Jaspert said while he will remain focused on key issues facing the Territory, it will be sad to leave the Virgin Islands.

Mr. Jaspert has served as Governor to the Virgin Islands for just over three years and is due to finish his stint at the end of 2020.

"On a personal level, my family and I will be sad to leave the people and beautiful islands that have made us feel at home. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have met and worked with so many inspiring individuals and to have served the people of BVI over the past years," the Governor stated.

He added, "I am also grateful that I was able to extend my appointment so that I could stay on to help the Territory plan and deliver our immediate response to the unprecedented circumstances we have faced this year."

During his stay, he has been sharply criticized by political leaders and social commentators. Often times, he was accused of attempting to overshadow the current administration through frequent engagements in the press, although he has stated that these were to set the record straight on issues in the public domain.

The Governor shared that in the next months, he remains firmly focussed on the key issues facing the Territory. This includes helping the Territory to implement the next phases of the COVID-19 response; continuing hurricane preparedness work throughout the season; improving our security and justice systems so they continue to deliver for the people, and supporting good governance and public sector transformation.

"I will also be working to ensure a smooth transition to my successor in the New Year," the Governor stated.

The new Governor will be John Rankin, CMG.

Mr Rankin has more than 30 years of experience in the public service, most recently serving as Governor to Bermuda. He will start as Governor to BVI in the new year.

"After discussions with Mr Rankin, I felt that a new Governor should have time to settle ahead of a new financial cycle, hurricane season and other opportunities and challenges that 2021 may bring. Mr Rankin will be an excellent Governor to the Virgin Islands," Governor Jaspert stated.

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