Joint Statement by

His Excellency the Governor, Mr. John J. Rankin CMG

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley and

Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer, Jr.

On The Passing of Registrar General, Mrs. Stephanie Benn

Tuesday, October 25, 2020

Today, we collectively express our deepest sympathies and regret on the passing of the Registrar General of the Civil Registry and Passport Office, Mrs. Stephanie Benn.

As Governor, I was both shocked and saddened to learn of Mrs. Benn’s passing. She was a first-class colleague much valued across the BVI Public Service. She was also highly regarded by her counterparts in the other Overseas Territories and the Home Office in the United Kingdom for her work on nationality and other Civil Registry matters. On behalf of all staff in the Governor's Office, I offer condolences to her family on their loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.

As Premier, I must say that my colleagues and I were deeply saddened when we learned that Mrs. Benn had passed. As I reflect, she was sure-footed, confident, and comfortable in her knowledge of Government business. She was committed to what she believed in and was a key driver of innovation. In other words, as she saw trends in her field, for example, automation services, she did not hesitate to introduce this to her Department to provide quicker and more professional services for the people of the Virgin Islands. I appreciated her service, and we will all miss her.

As Deputy Governor, I was deeply saddened when I received the news. On behalf of my Office and the Public Service, I express my condolences to the immediate and extended families of Mrs. Stephanie Benn. Mrs. Benn was a fine, devoted, exceptional Public Officer and Department Head. In the same vein, I express my deepest sympathies to her work family, especially those within her Department whom she worked with daily and shared her pain, joy and successes as they strive to improve the services the Office delivered. Mrs. Benn served as the Registrar General of the Civil Registry and Passport Office for over 15 years, and left an indelible impact on the organisation. 

We are aware that Public Officers are affected by the passing of Mrs. Benn, who was a colleague. Do accept our condolences at this time.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is aware that several Public Officers have lost loved ones in recent months and years. As such, Public Offers are reminded and encouraged to utilise the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), where trained counsellors and support personnel are in place so that officers experiencing difficult times can be met with solace, hope and overall help. 

We ask that members of the public and Public Officers, respect this period of bereavement for the Public Service, particularly for the staff at the Civil Registry and Passport Office.

Please note, the Office is currently closed and will officially resume operations on Thursday, October 27, 2022. In the interim, should there be service related queries, the public is advised to contact the Public Service Customer Service Care Centre at 468-3701 or email the Civil Registry and Passport Office at infocris@gov.vg.