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I will be in ‘listening mode’ for next few weeks- Governor Rankin

- says quarantine has halted efforts of getting to know VI & Community
Newly appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI), His Excellency John J. Rankin, CMG, says in an effort to learn about the people and culture of the territory (VI) he will be in ‘listening mode’ for the next few weeks and beyond. Photo: HoA/Youtube
In a short ceremony that officially commenced at 13:00pm on Friday, January 29, 2021, His Excellency John J. Rankin was sworn in as the 14th UK appointed Governor of the Territory. Photo: Governor's Office. Photo: Governor's Office/File
In a short ceremony that officially commenced at 13:00pm on Friday, January 29, 2021, His Excellency John J. Rankin was sworn in as the 14th UK appointed Governor of the Territory. Photo: Governor's Office. Photo: Governor's Office/File
DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – Newly appointed Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI), His Excellency John J. Rankin, CMG, says in an effort to learn about the people and culture of the territory (VI) he will be in ‘listening mode’ for the next few weeks and beyond.

The Governor made the statements during his maiden speech as Governor of the Virgin Islands (VI), at the official swearing in ceremony at the Save the Seed Energy Center in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola, on Friday, January 29, 2021.

Quarantine halted efforts to ‘know’ islands - Governor 

“As you will be aware, I have spent the past two weeks in quarantine, so although I have been present, looking out over Road Harbour, I have not so far been able to get to know these islands and communities as much as I would have wished,” Governor Rankin Said. 

Having served as Governor of Bermuda until December 2020, the new Governor revealed that even as he has previous experience in the role of Governor, no two territories are alike.

“I am keenly aware that no two Territories are the same and so for my next few weeks and beyond, I will be in ‘listening mode’ learning and understanding as much as possible about the people, history and unique culture of the Virgin Islands. I firmly believe that to serve a people, one must know the people,“ he said.

The Governor revealed that he first visited the Virgin Islands during the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma and Maria of 2017, which familiarised him with the strength, compassion and integrity of the local people.

Vows to strengthen bond between UK & VI

“Returning three years later and seeing how far things have come, I can tell that determination and resilience are also strong traits in these islands.

"I look forward to drawing more on these strengths during my tenure as Governor and will do my best to help this Territory keep moving forward,” he declared while vowing to work with the local Government of Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1).

Further, Governor Rankin promised to nurture the bond between the United Kingdom and the Virgin Islands, so the two can flourish and deliver benefits to the people of the territory for as long as the VI desires.

11 Responses to “I will be in ‘listening mode’ for next few weeks- Governor Rankin ”

  • akon (31/01/2021, 07:20) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    What luck it is for politicians that the masses remains blind. People who live and contributed for years here don't get the same treatment as a stranger who just arrives.
  • sir (31/01/2021, 07:52) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
    THNKS FOR YOUE INTREST BUT YOU NED TO CLEAN UP THE BVI DO NOT JUST LOOK AT TGE PRESEBT GOVERNMENT ANDREW FAHIE HAS DONE HIS BEST WITH WHAT WAS LEFT THE BVI IN SO DO YOUR JOB NDP NEEDS TO BE REAKKY INVESTIGATED TIS TINGS THE KING NEEDS TO KNOW CRACK DOWN ON THE NDP THE BVI NEEDS THE MONIES THAT THEY TIIJ FROM OCIL SECURIET AND PEIOLE SUFERRING, GOV DO WHAST YOU HAVE TO DO THANK YOU
    • Silly (31/01/2021, 20:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I hate to see intelligent people faking it and trying to write bad gramma and spellings. We see you faking jacket and tie clown
  • one eye (31/01/2021, 08:09) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    Keep your eyes on this man
  • I believe the Pastor (31/01/2021, 08:22) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    I really believe pastor Cline when he said he thinks the governor has evidence they need,,, They just going through the process,,,,, People been snaking on the Government waay before the commission was announced,,,,, So it's Wise to think they already have the evidence,,,, Maybe when CSC and the Premier busy fighting the governor,,, The Governor was busy and motivated getting the evidence,,,,, We will see soon if the Pastor is right,,,,,, He is Wise,,I want to believe he is right,,
  • josiah'sbay (31/01/2021, 10:41) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    Be for warned, the UK is not our friend!
  • from buckingham palace (31/01/2021, 11:38) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    The Governor said "It was what it was" ,but now is the time to make it, "It is what it is".
    The UK is our friend,because the BVI is a British Overseas Territory, of the UK and Her Majesty,the Queen,is the Head of State in the UK and in the BVI.Mother and grand mother.
    The Governor is Her Majesty's Representative in the BVI.
    From a Humanitarian perspective,I dont believe that a Governor appointed by the Queen,would come to hurt us emotionally in BVI. We are the ones making statements of hurt to the Governor.
    We as a people,must learn to respect the leader of a country,such as who we voted for,and who the Queen appointed.
    I am yet to immagine,that a UK appointed Governor,is here to do the people of the BVI bad?
    The Governor is here to serve Her Majesty,and to serve the people of the BVI.
    Our elected representatives were elected by us and appointed by the Governor to serve Her Majesty, and to serve the people of the BVI.
    If you claimed that Gus was the problem,let us hope that John is not.
    So give John a chance,while he listens and observe for the time being.Agreed? Say I-I-I-I-AGREE.
  • @josiah'sbay (31/01/2021, 19:17) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Actually, we are our own worst enemies.
  • @@josiah'sbay (31/01/2021, 19:52) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I agree with you. We are too bad minded towards each other. Like to spread false news and cannot wait to see a brother and sister fall.
  • vex (31/01/2021, 22:12) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    hope he is not another racist with a mission


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