His Excellency the Governor has announced that Mr John Rankin CMG has been appointed as Governor to the British Virgin Islands, in succession to him.

Mr Rankin is expected to arrive in the new year when Governor Jaspert’s appointment is due to conclude. This will allow time for him to settle ahead of the key priorities that the Territory expects to face in 2021. He brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the public service, most recently serving as Governor to Bermuda.

On his appointment as Governor, Mr Rankin said,

“I am very pleased to have been appointed as Governor of the Virgin Islands and I look forward to working in partnership with the Government in the new year. 2020 has not been without its challenges.  But the people of the Virgin Islands have shown great strength and spirit in meeting those challenges and I promise to do all I can to support the building of further resilience against the risk of natural disasters.  I look forward to contributing to life on the Islands and to carrying out my responsibilities under the Constitution in the areas of external affairs, security and good governance in service to the people of the Virgin Islands.”

Governor Jaspert extended his appointment earlier this year in order to provide support and continuity throughout the Territory’s initial COVID-19 response and what was expected to be an above average hurricane season. By the time of his departure at the end of the year, he will have served almost three and a half years as Governor.

His Excellency the Governor underlined his ongoing commitment to supporting the people of BVI and ensuring a smooth transition with his successor in the months ahead. He said, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to have met and worked with so many inspiring individuals and to have served the people of BVI over the past years. I know the new Governor and the UK will continue to stand by the people of BVI and work earnestly to achieve the very best for the Territory.”

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name:                             John James Rankin           

2016 – present                     Bermuda, Governor

2016                                       FCO, Acting Director, Americas Directorate

2015                                       Kathmandu, Acting Ambassador to Nepal

2011 – 2015                          Colombo, British High Commissioner and Non-Resident High Commissioner to the Maldives

2008 – 2010                          FCO, Director, Americas

2007 – 2008                          FCO, Assistant Director, Human Resources (Operations)

2003 – 2007                          Boston, Her Majesty’s Consul General

1999 – 2003                          Dublin, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission

1998 – 1999                          Dublin, First Secretary (Political)

1996 – 1998                          FCO, Deputy Head, Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Council of Europe Department

1994 – 1996                          FCO, Senior Assistant Legal Adviser and later Legal Counsellor

1991 – 1994                          Geneva, Legal Adviser, UK Mission to the United Nation and to the  Conference on Disarmament

1988 – 1991                          FCO, Assistant Legal Adviser and later Senior Assistant Legal Adviser

1988                                       Joined FCO