BVI to welcome ‘excited’ governor next week

Ahead of his arrival in the British Virgin Islands next week Monday (August 21) and his official swearing-in the following day, Governor Designate Augustus ‘Gus’ Jaspert said he is greatly looking forward to working with elected representatives and other people in the territory.

He will take the oaths of office at the swearing-in and welcome ceremony to be held next Tuesday at the Virgin Islands Supreme Court, situated upstairs the House of Assembly in Road Town.

The Deputy Governor’s Office, in a media release this afternoon, stated that, after the governor is appointed, he will spend his first few weeks in office meeting senior officials, department heads, law enforcement agencies, and the media. He will also visit the sister islands.

Governor Designate Jaspert said it is an absolute honour to be appointed to succeed former governor John Duncan, who demitted office this month.

“I am greatly looking forward to working with the elected representatives, public officers and the community in the British Virgin Islands over the coming years,” he said.

“My wife, two young sons and I are excited about meeting and getting to know the beautiful British Virgin Islands and those who live there and are contributing to their ongoing success.”

The governor designate, who is married to Millie Jaspert, has two sons – Tobias and Oscar.

He joined central government in the United Kingdom in 2007, and has served in several capacities including Private Secretary to the Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street.

His most recent post was in the Cabinet Office as Director of Security and Intelligence, National Security Secretariat. He also served as Head of Drugs and Alcohol, and Head of Policing for the Home Office.

Governor Designate Jaspert was Lead Manager for Children’s Services at the Surrey Country Council from 2001 to 2007, and he served in Her Majesty’s Treasury as Delivery Manager for the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit from 2007 to 2009.

Governor Designate Jaspert will be the 13th Governor of the Territory of the Virgin Islands.