New Governor of the British Virgin Islands, His Excellency William Boyd McCleary at his swearing in on Friday. Photo: GIS.

In his remarks after the Governor took his oath, Premier O’Neal welcomed Governor McCleary, his wife Jenny and one of their three daughters Emily to the Territory, and wished them a happy stay during their sojourn here.

The new Governor has replaced David Peary who left earlier this month after serving in the capacity for four and a half years.

Hon. O’Neal noted that the new Governor has come in the midst of the hurricane season and also at a time of challenging economic conditions worldwide. He told the new Governor of the Territory’s new constitution which came into effect on 15 June 2007 and further told him that he found that there are many weaknesses and in many cases it is a very confrontational document.

“My own view was that we should work the constitution and convince the British Government and our own people that we could undertake and carry out responsibilities and seek for more autonomy,” said the Premier, who noted that the new constitution is a confrontational document mainly for the elected Government and the appointed Government where there is room for argument and disagreement.

He charged that there is great need for alignments to be made now and not later.

The Premier further informed Governor McCleary that following the first few years of the new constitution, that there is room for improvements in how the constitution has been interpreted and in some instances enforced. “There has got to be a new understanding of the word consult and consultation, if this consultation is to be meaningful to the people of these Virgin Islands and to be in keeping with the spirit and meaning of the constitution,” he said, noting that in the constitution, too much power is vested in “one man”.

While telling the Governor that he will be watched closely with a “hawk’s eye” during his tenure, the Premier nevertheless gave the Government’s commitment to work closely with the new Governor for the betterment of the Virgin Islands.

Leader of the Opposition Dr. Hon. D. Orlando Smith also joined in welcoming Governor McCleary and noted that if the Territory is to truly advance, everyone, including the Government and Opposition, must work in tandem.

In his response, Governor McCleary pledged his commitment of service to the Virgin Islands and its people stating that it is with a real sense of honour and responsibility that he took the oath of allegiance. He said it was a privilege and pleasure to assume the role of Governor of the Virgin Islands.

Governor McCleary noted that despite many years of preparation and his extensive experience of working in various parts of the world, he has a great deal to learn here and noted that the responsibilities here are “serious”.

The new Governor said he looks forward to working closely with the Premier, Government and people of the VI, but said he cannot do so effectively if he doesn’t get to know the people and what they think. Therefore, he said his first priority on assuming office over the first couple of weeks will be to get around the islands and meet as many people as possible.

He said the British Government has made it clear that it intends to have a strong and good relationship with strong partnership and mutual respect with the elected Government of the Virgin Islands and he would work with the elected Government to ensure those are met and good governance is promoted.

Governor McCleary joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1975 during which time he has served in Germany, Korea, Turkey and Canada. He was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2004 and Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) in 2010. He was awarded an honourary degree by the University of Nottingham in 2010.