With the Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI), Daniel Pruce, left, out of the territory once again, Deputy Governor Mr David D. Archer, Jr is acting in the Office of Governor from Thursday, September 17 to Sunday, September 27, 2026. Photo: GIS/File

Mrs R. Dancia Penn, OBE, KC, right, whose stint as Acting Governor ended on August 14, 2026. Photo: GIS/File

According to Government Information Services (GIS), Mr Archer’s Oath of Allegiance and Oath for Due Execution of Office was administered by Her Ladyship, the Honourable Justice Angelica Teelucksingh.

Deputy Governor Archer Jr’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.”

Governor Pruce, who has seen his popularity drop after repeatedly blocking qualified local for the Commissioner of Police position, Jacqueline E. Vanterpool, has been out of the territory frequently this year, and several persons have acted as Governor in his absence, including Rosalie Adams and R. Dancia Penn, OBE, KC.

Mr Acrher Jr has also acted as Governor a couple of times this year already.