His Royal Highness (HRH) The Duke of Gloucester Prince Richard in conversation with journalists last evening. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO

His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester is pictured here greeting visitors and employees of the Sunny Caribbee during his historical walk along Main Street on Tuesday, March 6. Photo: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS

His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester is pictured here with His Excellency the Governor, Boyd McCleary, CMG, CVO and volunteers and members of the Board of the Old Government House Museum on Tuesday, March 6. Photo: Ronnielle Frazer/GIS

He was responding to the question posed of the mixed reaction of Diamond Jubilee and Jamaica’s intention to sever ties with the United Kingdom.

“I don’t think we have a reaction that they have to do it in a particular way. And I suppose that would apply here as well but generally I take the view if it’s not broken there is no point in trying to mend it,” he added.

The Diamond Jubilee marks 60 years of The Queen’s reign, and several of her relatives have been dispatched to countries on her behalf.

It’s the Duke’s first visit to the Virgin Islands (VI), and he is impressed. According to the Duke, he was briefed on what to expect, adding, “the BVI is an example of good administration...sort of advancing into the modern world with a certain degree of success perhaps more successful in one or two similar other islands. Therefore it was no surprise to see how things work rather well here.”

His Royal Highness further stated that the people that he met have been extremely friendly. “Although I presume they did not know an awful lot about me before I arrived, other than I was a relative of the Queen.”

He also loves the scenic locations and was in awe of the mountainous skylines of the islands as he sailed around. The Duke said, “It has been very beautiful and it is a great pleasure and I am delighted that the Queen sent me.”

While he is not in the business of giving advice to Governments, nor is he here long enough to give one, His Royal Highness when asked what advice he would give to the Virgin Islands Government he said is to “keep calm and carry on.”

He revealed to journalists that motto has been adopted by UK politicians “since the recession”.

Meanwhile, in response to the relevance of the monarchy to the Overseas Territories, The Duke opined that it gives a sense of continuity.

“The Queen represents a particular attitude towards the duty of people to keep a cohesive community, not try to divide it and turn it into faction. But to think of all the things that bring it together and try and celebrate all those things. People at home like having jubilee parties. I hope in the BVI you would not feel so distant that you can’t partake in the party spirit,” he noted.

Commenting on the fanfare surrounding Prince Harry’s Caribbean visit, The Duke admitted that he’s quite used to small events. He pointed out that his visit is not like a film that have to have many tickets sold to measure its success.

“I think what I do is valid for itself and not necessarily because of the numbers involved...so I am not expecting huge crowds waving flags and shouting hoorays,” he said.

However, the students at the schools he visited did give him a resounding welcome.

The Duke departs the VI tomorrow, Friday March 8, 2012 for the United Kingdom, and he will be taking with him shells and tins of pepper for his family.