TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC -Governor John Rankin departed the territory on Thursday following a particular ceremony at Authorities Home.
Throughout the ceremony, Rankin mentioned being appointed to exchange then-Governor Augustus Jaspert in January 2021 was an enormous privilege as he took over when the territory confronted a number of challenges, together with restoration from the devastation attributable to Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve been proud to name these islands dwelling,” Rankin mentioned whereas thanking Virgin Islanders for welcoming him into the group.
Nonetheless, he admitted that his time on the helm was not with out challenges – referencing the Fee of Inquiry.
Rankin said that he needed to make a number of troublesome choices, however they had been all made in one of the best curiosity of residents.
A number of assist employees members and different public officers attended the occasion as Rankin delivered his ultimate public tackle as Governor throughout his farewell ceremony. Nonetheless, one notable absence was Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley.
In line with officers, the one Home of Meeting members often invited to the Governor’s farewell ceremony are the Premier and the opposition chief.
Their absence got here amid unresolved stress between Rankin and legislators following an announcement wherein Rankin mentioned he contemplated getting further powers for his workplace to assist implement the Fee of Inquiry (COI) good governance suggestions.
Rankin mentioned his request was obligatory as a result of there had not been adequate drive and dedication throughout the varied ministries and departments to ship on the agreed-upon COI deadlines.
Nonetheless, the federal government pushed again on this assertion and accused the Governor of overreaching and encroaching on the powers historically held by elected officers within the territory.
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