‘No man is an Island’ – HE Governor John S. Duncan, OBE
He quoted the old adage which says, “Time and tide wait for no man,” as he added, “There are challenges as well as opportunities ahead in our 21st century society for example the important role the Virgin Islands play in the modern global economy as a well regulated centre for financial services operating under English law is not always well understood.”
It was addressing the issue of related matters that he said quote, “No man is an Island.”
HE Mr Duncan took the oath of office earlier today August 15, 2014 at a special sitting of the House of Assembly presided over by deputizing Speaker of the House Honourable Delores Christopher. This was done in the presence also of Justice Vicki Ann Ellis, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith and his First Lady Mrs Lorna G. Smith and other members of government, Former Premier and Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE (R9) among others.
Continuing in his short address to the Territory the new Governor pledged to seek to bring even-handedness, professional integrity, a willingness to listen to the views of others coupled with the readiness take the right decision even if that is not always easy.
His Excellency Mr Duncan said that for the pass thirty (30) years as a public servant he has been striving to make the world a better and safer place on or off battlefields.
“This is the commitment I bring to the role of Governor of the Virgin Islands. To work together with your government and your elected representatives, with the support and the commitment of the talented men and women of the public services to make the Virgin Islands a still better and fairer place so that the citizens of this Territory have greater opportunities to reach their full potential,” he said.
Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE told the nation at the swearing in ceremony that one of the problems that exists in the Virgin Islands is the interpretation of the phase ‘Consulting the Premier and consulting the Leader of the Opposition’.
“Does it mean that I tell you what I am doing or I take your advice? This is a matter that has to be looked into,” said Hon O’Neal as he added that he would not like to see what happened in Bermuda to happen in the Virgin Islands.
Hon O’Neal told the House of Assembly that he is one person that believes in peace, order and good government. “I feel that matters of the Constitution will be attended to and that your time in these islands, called nature’s little secret, will be a happy, peaceful and worthwhile time in your career,” he told the new Governor.
As made clear by the new Governor, the post is appointed by Her Majesty, however as the Oath of due execution of office makes it clear he is the Governor of the people of the Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands welcomed the new Governor to the Territory on Thursday, August 14.
Mr. Duncan, who succeeds former Governor Mr. William Boyd McCleary, CMG, CVO, was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen in June 2013.
HE Mr. Duncan is married to Mrs. Anne Marie Duncan and has one son, Mr. Alexandre Duncan and one daughter, Ms. Victoria Duncan. He joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1980 and has served in several capacities including Director for Communications and Engagement and Special Representative for the London Conference on Cyberspace.
He has previously served as Acting Governor for the Falklands Islands and has worked twice before in the Overseas Territories Directorate in London from 1996 – 1998 and from 2013 - 2014.
From 2006 to 2011, Mr. Duncan was British Ambassador for Multilateral Arms Control and Disarmament, a roving ambassador role, based in Geneva and New York leading the UK teams negotiating the new Oslo Treaty banning Cluster Munitions and the new Arms Trade Treaty.
The Governor is expected to spend his first few weeks in office meeting senior officials, visiting the Sister Islands, meeting with Department Heads, members of the law enforcement agencies and the media.
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