David Archer Appointed As Acting Governor During
Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. has been sworn in as Acting Governor from September 17 to September 27 while Governor Daniel Pruce travels outside the Territory. Archer's appointment marks his latest stint in the acting role this year amid multiple gubernatorial departures that have also seen other senior figures step in.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola — Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. has officially assumed the role of Acting Governor of the British Virgin Islands following the temporary departure of His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, who is currently traveling outside the Territory. The appointment officially took effect on Thursday, September 17, and will remain in place through Sunday, September 27.
Archer is carrying out the full constitutional and executive responsibilities of the Governor's Office to maintain smooth, stable, and uninterrupted public administration across the Territory. Prior to taking up the responsibilities of the office, Mr. Archer completed the required constitutional formalities.
According to Government Information Services, Her Ladyship, the Honourable Justice Angelica Teelucksingh, administered both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for Due Execution of Office during an official swearing-in ceremony. The temporary appointment is executed in accordance with Section 37 (1) (a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007.
The Constitution explicitly mandates that 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 perform the functions of that office accordingly.
This latest assignment comes as Governor Pruce has made several trips outside the Territory this year. Archer has acted as Governor multiple times during this period, alongside other prominent figures including Rosalie Adams and R. Dancia Penn, OBE, KC, who have also served in acting capacities during gubernatorial absences.
Archer is tasked with overseeing critical constitutional portfolios, including internal security, external affairs, and the overall administration of the public service. He is also responsible for maintaining continuous coordination with the Cabinet and senior public sector leadership to ensure that ongoing governance priorities remain fully on track.
Archer brings extensive senior administrative experience to the acting role, having served as Deputy Governor for several years. The Office of the Deputy Governor confirmed that day-to-day operations across the Governor's Group and all constitutionally established departments will proceed as usual until Governor Pruce returns to the Territory to resume his official duties on September 27.
Primary source: BVI Government