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David D. Archer Jr is Acting Governor

The Deputy Governor, Mr David D. Archer Jr, is acting in the Office of the Governor of the Virgin Islands from August 15 to 22, 2026. Photo: GIS/File
Mr David D. Archer Jr replaces Mrs R. Dancia Penn, OBE, KC, right, whose stint as Acting Governor ended on August 14, 2026. Photo: GIS/File
Mr David D. Archer Jr replaces Mrs R. Dancia Penn, OBE, KC, right, whose stint as Acting Governor ended on August 14, 2026. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As the Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr Daniel Pruce, remains out of the territory, a new Acting Governor has been appointed.

The Deputy Governor, Mr David D. Archer Jr, is acting in the Office of the Governor of the Virgin Islands from August 15 to 22, 2026, as informed by the Government Information Service (GIS) on August 15, 2026.

Mr Archer’s appointment is in accordance with section 37 (1) (a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 which states, “During any period when the office of Governor is vacant, or the Governor is absent from the Virgin Islands or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of his or her office, the Deputy Governor shall, during His Majesty’s pleasure, act in the office of Governor and shall perform the functions of that office accordingly.”

Mr Archer’s Oaths of Allegiance and Due Execution of Office were administered by Her Ladyship the Honourable Justice Angelica Teelucksingh. He replaces Mrs R. Dancia Penn, OBE, KC, whose stint as Acting Governor ended on August 14, 2026.

Mr Pruce's absence from the territory included periods during Emancipation Festival 2026.

14 Responses to “David D. Archer Jr is Acting Governor ”

  • Just out of curiosity (16/08/2026, 08:11) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Is the Governor sickly and is getting medical treatment in the Uk and if that is the reason he is constantly out of the Territory? Also wondering if Archer is going to order any deportation like Danica when she was acting Governor.
    • Please understand (16/08/2026, 10:40) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
      Dancia more than likely signed off on paper work that was already in the process. It probably only needed her signature. It just so happened to come through while she was acting. Don’t paint the picture as if she went in with the intentions of deporting someone. That is not how the system works and implying so is quite dangerous.
    • Oh My (16/08/2026, 11:08) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      They had Dancia doing the dutty wuk
  • %100 raise (16/08/2026, 09:23) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    This acting going on to long now, maybe the name needs to change because acting is the highest point.
    • A Very good man.. (16/08/2026, 10:28) Like (13) Dislike (32) Reply
      Mr. Archer is a very good, honourable, knowledgeable and compassionate gentleman man, I often wonder why he is not the governor, and if he will become the governor one day, he is very capable.
      • Herbs Powa (16/08/2026, 11:44) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
        Yone cannot be good working in a colonial system. Likewise pastors and politicians. Their works is evil creating a illusion in the minds of unconcious people who think they are great leaders. They are never working in the direction of true FREEDOM. Rather their works is to keep the colonial system inplace.
      • If that was the case (16/08/2026, 12:25) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
        He would have been appointed Governor already, don’t you think?
  • the ARCH -AH (16/08/2026, 10:38) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    IS BACK IN THE SEAT / WE DON'T KNOW FOR HOW LONG , ( ON THE STREETS ITS BEEN SAID " LADY DANCIE " * OBE * KC * MIGHT BE TAKING OVER AS SHE HAS REAL RANKS , THAN THE YOUNG FELLA . ( Just so ah hear it )
  • open wide (16/08/2026, 11:33) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
    The people are sick to still have a governor from the uk the symbol of white power and corruption
  • BRAD BOYNES (16/08/2026, 13:50) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    At open wide. Truth talk. In 2026 all we virginislanders could do is "Act as a governor? Colonialism keeps your mind in a prison. Decolonize now
  • —————————— (16/08/2026, 17:38) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Heard they would not pay out the man so he could retire
  • WEW (16/08/2026, 22:59) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    While you’re at it please declare direct rule :-)
  • Raw, Unfiltered , and Unvarnished (18/08/2026, 14:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hear dis ya! In the 21st Century, Virgin Islanders cannot neither be appointed or elected to be Governor of their homeland, ie., Virgin Islands ( British), a small 59 square mile island chain, with a population of approximately 35, 000, comprising 36 islands, rocks,and. islets, and an Overseas Territory of the UK. The Governor is appointed by the UK; the duties of the appointed Governor it seems to represent the interests of the UK. The Virgin Islands has been under UK control since the mid-17th Century. But interestingly, to date, all the UK representatives have been white males. The Virgin Islands taxpayers pay for board and lodging, utilities, entertainment, transportation, gardening,etc..Incidentally, the Virgin Islands have been self-supporting, ie, off grant-in-aid, since 1979. By the way, though Virgin Islanders cannot be appointed governor, it has a token appointed Deputy Governor. The subjects have no say in who becomes either Governor or Deputy Governor. Moreover , in the absence of of the appointed Governor, the Depury Governor or other Virginia Islanders get to act as Governor, ie, play governor, place holder, seat warmer, etc.. We are in the age of computer, communications technology, etc, why if the Governor has to leave the jurisdiction for even a day, someone has to be appointed acting governor? Why can’t he just tell the subjects he will out of pocket for a few days? The UK-appointed Governor position seems to be a reward, ie, a vacation in the sun, for Britons prior to retiring.


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