Governor of the British Virgin Islands

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British Virgin Islands
This article is part of the series: Politics and government of the British Virgin Islands

Governor David Pearey Chief Minister Orlando Smith Legislative Council Political parties Elections: 2007
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Flag of the Governor of the British Virgin Islands

The Governor of the British Virgin Islands is the representative of the British monarch in the United Kingdom's overseas territory of British Virgin Islands. The Governor is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the British government. The role of the Governor is to act as the de facto head of state, and he or she is responsible for appointing the Chief Minister and the Executive Council.

The current Governor is David Pearey.

The Governor has his own flag, the Union Flag defaced with the territory's coat of arms.

[edit] History

The first colonial administration on the Islands was the Dutch. England annexed the Islands in 1672. An Administrator was appointed to the Islands from 1887, and replaced by a Governor in 1971 when the Islands were created a distinct territory.

Prior to this date, the local Council would elect one of their members to be President (see List of Presidents of the British Virgin Islands).

Up until 1971 the Administrators were answerable to the Governors of the Leeward Islands, of which the British Virgin Islands formed a part.