Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. Named
Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. is acting as Governor of the Virgin Islands from Thursday 5 February to Wednesday 11 February 2026 while Governor Daniel Pruce is out of the Territory, the Government of the Virgin Islands has confirmed in a revised press release. The Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for Due Execution of Office were administered by Her Ladyship the Honourable Justice Angelica Teelucksingh in the presence of Governor Pruce, and the Office of the Deputy Governor says normal government services will continue uninterrupted.
Archer, Jr. is acting in the office of Governor of the Virgin Islands from Thursday 5 February to Wednesday 11 February 2026 during the absence of His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce, the Government of the Virgin Islands has confirmed in a revised press release from the Office of the Deputy Governor.
A formal swearing-in ceremony completed the constitutional transfer of responsibilities. Archer’s Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for Due Execution of Office were administered by Her Ladyship the Honourable Justice Angelica Teelucksingh in the presence of Governor Pruce. The Office initially indicated an acting period beginning Wednesday 4 February, but a corrected notice issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor revises that start date to Thursday 5 February while keeping the end date as Wednesday 11 February 2026.
The revised press release is being cited by the Government of the Virgin Islands as the most current notice; the Office added it will provide further updates if there are subsequent changes to the schedule. Deputy Governor Archer’s appointment follows the constitutional provision set out in section 37(1)(a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007.
The government release quotes the clause: “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 Office of the Deputy Governor cited this provision in its announcement.
Archer will carry out the constitutional duties of the Governor’s office for the specified period. Those responsibilities include ensuring continuity of executive functions, signing orders and proclamations as required, and representing the Territory at official engagements that arise during Governor Pruce’s absence, the Office said in its communications.
The government reassured residents and public servants that normal government services and scheduled bookings will continue uninterrupted. For general government services the release directs residents to call (284) 468-3701 or to use the Government of the Virgin Islands WhatsApp at (284) 468-9760, and it encourages use of the virtual booking system.
Media contact details published in the revised release identify Eusa Z. Adams, Communications Officer II, Office of the Deputy Governor (telephone 1-284-468-2219/3000; eadams@gov.vg) and the international media contact BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. The release also lists the government’s physical address at 33 Admin Drive, Wickhams Cay 1, Tortola.
The Office of the Deputy Governor described these arrangements as routine constitutional measures designed to maintain stable and uninterrupted government operations while the Governor is overseas and said it will issue further information if there are changes to the schedule or the performance of the Governor’s functions.
Primary source: BVI Government