Deputy Governor David Archer Jr Sworn in
Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr. has been sworn in as Acting Governor of the Virgin Islands, serving from Thursday, July 23, to Monday, August 3, 2026, while Governor Daniel Pruce is away from the Territory. Mr. Archer took the required constitutional oaths before Justice Angelica Teelucksingh, ensuring continuity of government operations during the Governor's absence.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola — Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. has once again taken up the mantle of executive leadership in the British Virgin Islands, having been formally sworn in as Acting Governor to oversee Territory affairs from Thursday, July 23, until Monday, August 3, 2026. The appointment ensures administrative continuity across the Territory while His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce, is away from the Virgin Islands.
Archer will perform all constitutional duties and responsibilities of the office until Governor Pruce returns to the Territory on August 3. Archer completed the mandatory constitutional oaths during a swearing-in ceremony witnessed by Governor Pruce prior to his departure. Her Ladyship, the Honourable Justice Angelica Teelucksingh, administered both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for Due Execution of Office, officially authorising the Deputy Governor to execute executive functions.
The transition strictly adheres to the constitutional framework established for the Territory. Under Section 37 (1) (a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007, the Deputy Governor is constitutionally mandated to act in the office of Governor and perform all associated duties during His Majesty's pleasure whenever the office is vacant, or when the substantive Governor is absent from the Territory or otherwise unable to perform executive functions.
This latest appointment marks another instance of routine executive transitions during Governor Pruce's tenure. Archer served as Acting Governor from 28 February until 10 March 2026. Prior to that, he stepped into the role from 22 November to 23 December 2025, when Governor Pruce travelled to London to represent the Territory at the annual Joint Ministerial Council meetings with British government officials followed by a period of annual leave.
Archer has frequently stepped into the acting role throughout his tenure as Deputy Governor, providing steady leadership and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of public sector services. Government officials have confirmed that standard operations across all public departments and services will continue smoothly and without disruption throughout the duration of the acting period.
Primary source: BVI Government