DEPUTY GOVERNOR TO LEAVE OFFICE IN JANUARY

On November 8, His Excellency the Governor David Pearey announced that with deep regret he had accepted the decision of Mrs. Dancia Penn, Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands, to leave office in January 2007.

Mrs. Penn recently advised the Governor of her decision. She said, “It is a decision that I have made after deep consideration, and I feel that it is the right thing for me to do at this time, for personal and professional reasons.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve these Virgin Islands as Deputy Governor, and to have contributed to yet another aspect of the growth and development of our Islands. It has been an interesting and enlightening experience, and one which I will always cherish.

“I am aware that the invitation to me to serve as Deputy Governor was a unique and special honour. It is one which I have always been conscious of, and have tried to live up to.

“I take this opportunity to wish all public servants continued success, and to thank them for their contributions and support. There is much important work to do, and in the time remaining, I will continue to give of my best, and will use my experience to help to ensure a smooth transition.

Governor Pearey said that he was sad to see Mrs. Penn leave office, but he understood her decision. He said that he was exceedingly grateful to her for all her assistance, including in helping him settle into his new post as Governor. Governor Pearey said he considers Mrs. Penn one of the outstanding public servants of her generation. He said he looks forward to continuing to work closely with her during the remainder of her time in office, and that he wishes her every success in the future.

Mrs. Dancia Penn was appointed Deputy Governor in September 2004.