His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Augustus Jaspert was sworn in as the 13th Governor of the Virgin Islands at the Swearing-in and Welcome Ceremony held on August 22.

Governor Jaspert inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force before participating in the swearing-in ceremony. The Governor took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Due Execution of Office before an audience of Government Ministers, a High Court Justice, members of the House of Assembly, senior Government officials and other invited guests.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE welcomed the Governor to the Territory and pledged his Government’s support and commitment.

Premier Smith said, “The BVI has much to offer and I am confident that you will make a valuable contribution to the Territory’s growth and development. I encourage you to explore our beautiful islands and become intimately acquainted with the people of these islands in whose interest we must work.”

The Premier spoke of the Territory’s recovery efforts following the passage of the August 7 tropical wave and thanked Her Majesty’s Government for their offers of support. 

Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Andrew Fahie also welcomed the new Governor to the Territory.

The Governor in his reply reassured the Government and the Opposition of his commitment to the Virgin Islands. He also thanked Deputy Governor, Mrs. Rosalie Adams and Dr. Robert Mathavious for assuming the role of Acting Governor during the past two weeks.

Governor Jaspert counted it an honour and priviliege to be appointed by Her Majesty as her representative and to be sworn in as the the new Governor.

His Excellency said, “My driving goal from this day on is to serve the best interests of all the people of these magnificent islands.”

Governor Jaspert said he sees the role of Governor as one of service and partnership. A partnership with the elected government, public service, the United Kingdom; the faith, voluntary and community organisations, and the people of the Territory.

He added, “I will be engaged, but will not shy away from acting where the values of fairness, security and good governance are not at the highest standards.  As a people of such talent and strengths, these islands should rightly expect the highest standards.”

Deputy Governor, Mrs. Rosalie Adams presided over the Swearing-in and Welcome Ceremony.

His Excellency the Governor Augustus Jaspert, succeeds former Governor, Mr. John S. Duncan, OBE. 

Notes:
In July 1956, the Federation of the Leeward Islands was dissolved and the BVI again became a Colony/Territory. It was at this time that the post of Commissioner was renamed Administrator. In 1971, the title of Administrator was changed to that of Governor.  Hence, His Excellency the Governor Augustus Jaspert is the thirteenth Governor of the Virgin Islands.

Photographs attached:  (Photo Credit: GIS/ Ronnielle Frazer)

Photograph 1:  His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Augustus Jaspert inspecting the Guard of Honour mounted by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force

Photographs 2:  His Excellency the Governor Mr. Augustus Jaspert recites then signs the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Due Execution of Office in the presence of Her Ladyship the Honourable Madam Justice Vicki Ann Ellis at the Swearing-in and Welcome Ceremony held today, Tuesday, August 22, at the Virgin Islands Supreme Court.

Photograph 3: For the first time in our history, children and young people have been invited to participate in a Swearing-in and Welcome Ceremony for a Governor.  Here, Govenor Jaspert greets young Chikae Stoutt-Igwe.

Photograph 4:  The Governor’s family, Mrs. Millie Jaspert, and their sons Oscar and Tobias at the Swearing-in and Welcome Ceremony.

Photograph 5:  Governor Jaspert engages with the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Mrs. Magdaline Rhymer following the Swearing-in and Welcome Ceremony on August 22 at the Virgin Islands Supreme Court.