TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC -Governor John Rankin departed the territory on Thursday following a special ceremony at Government House.
During the ceremony, Rankin said being appointed to replace then-Governor Augustus Jaspert in January 2021 was a massive privilege as he took over when the territory faced several challenges, including recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have been proud to call these islands home,” Rankin said while thanking Virgin Islanders for welcoming him into the community.
However, he admitted that his time at the helm was not without challenges – referencing the Commission of Inquiry.
Rankin stated that he had to make several difficult decisions, but they were all made in the best interest of citizens.
Several support staff members and other public officers attended the event as Rankin delivered his final public address as Governor during his farewell ceremony. However, one notable absence was Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley.
According to officials, the only House of Assembly members usually invited to the Governor’s farewell ceremony are the Premier and the opposition leader.
Their absence came amid unresolved tension between Rankin and legislators following a statement in which Rankin said he contemplated getting additional powers for his office to help implement the Commission of Inquiry (COI) good governance recommendations.
Rankin said his request was necessary because there had not been sufficient drive and determination across the various ministries and departments to deliver on the agreed-upon COI deadlines.
However, the government pushed back on this assertion and accused the Governor of overreaching and encroaching on the powers traditionally held by elected officials in the territory.
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