Deputy Governor Archer to Act as Governor
Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. will act in the office of Governor of the Virgin Islands from Saturday 28 February to Tuesday 10 March 2026 while His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce is out of the Territory, the Government of the Virgin Islands announced. The Office of the Deputy Governor said Mr. Archer’s Oath of Allegiance and Oath for Due Execution of Office were administered by Her Ladyship the Honourable Justice Angelica Teelucksingh in the presence of Governor Pruce; contact and service information for media and the public was also provided.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has advised the public that Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. will act in the office of Governor from Saturday 28 February to Tuesday 10 March 2026 while His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce is out of the Territory. According to a public notice issued by the Government, Mr.
Archer’s Oath of Allegiance and Oath for Due Execution of Office were administered by Her Ladyship, the Honourable Justice Angelica Teelucksingh in the presence of Governor Pruce. The ceremony completed the formal handover required for the Deputy Governor to assume the Governor’s functions during the absence.
The temporary appointment is made under section 37(1)(a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007. The notice quoted the provision: "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." The Government statement was the source for the constitutional reference.
Archer will perform the statutory and constitutional duties of the office, providing oversight and continuity for the public service and ensuring that government departments continue to operate. Residents can expect routine government services and appointments to continue as usual under the direction of the Deputy Governor and senior officials, the Government said.
The Office of the Deputy Governor provided contact details for media and public enquiries. Adams can be reached at 1-284-468-2219 or 1-284-468-3000 and by email at eadams@gov.vg. For international media enquiries, the Government requests contact via BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. These details were included in the Government’s release.
For general government services and appointments, the Government of the Virgin Islands encourages residents to use the one-stop line at 1(284) 468-3701 and the WhatsApp contact at 1(284) 468-9760, and where available to use the virtual booking system to arrange departmental appointments.
The Government’s notice also lists its office location at 33 Admin Drive, Wickhams Cay 1, Tortola. This temporary handover is a routine constitutional measure to ensure continuity of government while the Governor is away. The Government of the Virgin Islands said further public notices will be issued should there be any changes to the schedule or other developments.
This article is based on official information provided by the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Primary source: BVI Government