Statement by
His Excellency the Governor
Mr. John S. Duncan, OBE
on the Appointment of the Leader of the Opposition
Monday, 6 February, 2017

As a result of representations made to me following the meeting of the Congress of the Virgin Islands Party on 30th November  2016, which was duly convened for election of Officers and at which Honourable Andrew A. Fahie was elected as the Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party, it was brought to my attention that the Members of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands have again been unable to agree the recommendation of a Leader of the Opposition in accordance with section 70 (2) (a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution.

In such circumstances, the Virgin Islands Constitution does provide for the Governor to exercise his or her discretionary powers to revoke a previous decision to appoint a Leader of the Opposition. Taking all these factors into account, and having taken expert advice I have accordingly decided to so revoke my decision of Tuesday 21^st July, 2015 to appoint the Honourable Julian Fraser to the post of Leader of the Opposition.

With effect from today Monday 6 February, I have decided to appoint in his place the Honourable Andrew Fahie as Leader of the Opposition and to carry out the functions and duties of that post. A letter and instrument of appointment to give effect to these two decisions has been issued today.

John S. Duncan, OBE
Governor
6 February 2017