commentary from recent governors
Augustus "Gus" Jaspert
Governor from 2017 - 2020 As the small plane flew close over Tortola to land at Beef Island, we were instantly struck by the beauty of the islands, the vibrancy of the green hills and the full spectrum of blues lapping the shores. After a small arrival ceremony at the airport, Millie, our young boys Oscar and Tobias and I went to Government House. I was sworn in the next day, but on that first afternoon was taken to look at the damage caused by the serious floods which had just happened. One senior public officer remarked to me as we surveyed the destruction on the road to Brewer’s Bay on that first day, ‘This is the worst catastrophe we’ve had for fifty years - at least it means the rest of your time here will be quiet’. Unfortunately, I quoted that back to him a number of times over the next years as we grappled with the challenges thrown at the Virgin Islands. Two weeks later, hurricane Irma hit; followed shortly by hurricane Maria. Irma was the most powerful ever recorded Atlantic hurricane to hit land and sadly the British Virgin Islands were directly in its eye. The week before I had spent busy with our excellent Department for Disaster Management with Sharleen DaBreo and Premier Smith working through our preparations. We urged the evacuation of Anegada - whilst I had yet to get to the island, when shown the maps of what the predicted storm surge would do to the low lying island we had no choice - and urged everyone in the Virgin Islands to prepare their property and find safe shelter for themselves and their families. The devastating force of wind speeds of over 200 mph meant there were sadly four lives lost during Category 5 hurricane Irma, but the preparations doubtlessly saved more. Over 80% of buildings were damaged or destroyed; all public infrastructure was damaged, including water, sewerage and electricity. We were left without communications across the islands and grappled with challenges of distributing food, water, shelter and ensuring security as we started our recovery. With the NEOC building and the Central Admin Complex destroyed, we set up our command centre in the flooded basement of Peebles hospital where I chaired twice daily coordination meetings with Cabinet and our key officials. Government House was damaged with a number of rooms blown through but I was able to stay living and working there and it shortly become a base for the UK military who deployed to assist with the humanitarian response and providing security for the islands. We had one of the largest UK military deployments ever deployed in peacetime and Government House had soldiers sleeping on camp beds it seemed in every room and corridor. Helicopters carrying supplies visited the Sister Islands providing life-saving food and water, the Royal Engineers undertook emergency repairs to water, sewerage and electricity and there was a large security operation, including helping to make HM Prison Balsam Ghut secure again. Over the following months and years, the people of BVI proved their resilience and strength. I was stuck by the positivity, support and community spirit as we all worked together to rebuild the islands. Within a few months power had been restored and the long task of repairing buildings and infrastructure was underway. During these months there were numerous senior visitors to Government House. His Royal Highness Prince Charles visited weeks after the storm and particularly wanted to thank volunteers who were doing so much to get BVI going again. He went to YEP (Youth Empowerment Project), surveyed the devastating damage at Elmore Stoutt High School and visited the BVI Red Cross where essential food and supplies were being distributed and an innovative Cash Support programme was being set up to help the many people in BVI whose homes and livelihoods had been destroyed. Further visitors from the UK included Foreign Secretary (later Prime Minister) Boris Johnston and Two Development Secretaries Priti Patel and Penny Mordaunt. There was also great support from our Caribbean neighbours with donations from around the region and high-level delegations and visits to Government House from the Governments of St Lucia, Grenada and Dominica. The Old Government House Museum was a victim of the storms. Its solid structure had mostly stood up, with some damage to the roof, but the wind had ripped through the interior of the museum destroying about two thirds of the fittings and fixtures. Whilst each member of the Old Government House Museum Board had rebuilding to do for their own homes and businesses, I was amazed by their commitment and dedication to roll up their sleeves and focus on the museum too. At our first Board meeting after the storms, all spoke of the importance of this heritage building to the history of BVI and their determination to see it restored for future generations. The work began at once! Repairing the museum was a labour of love from the Board and the community. With no Government funding, the Board undertook fundraising activities to raise the money necessary to restore the building. Millie joined the Board and the team organised various initiatives to raise money: a Christmas concert at the College, a Shakespeare play in the grounds of Old Government House and a huge ‘Love Old Government House’ Gala Ball and Art Auction in January 2019. The evening began with drinks and canapés in the damaged courtyard of Old Government House, then the Ball, Art Show and Art Auction all happened at Government House. The community support was tremendous: tickets sold out long before the event and on the night there was great generosity from individuals and organisations. Over $70,000 was raised at this event alone. Within the next couple of months two further very generous donations of $100,000 each were made by local supporters and we had enough to begin the rebuilding with a target of repairing the ground floor and improving the luscious gardens so we could once again welcome visitors. Alongside the fundraising work, children and local community volunteers helped to repair the gardens. We had two ‘Community Clear-up’ days when Green VI and schools they were working with, the BVI Wombles and many individuals came to work hard at removing debris and clearing the worst mess out of the grounds. An old canon was restored by the BVI Sloop Foundation, it was installed and new pergola erected by students from the Virgin Island Technical School. The wonderful BVI National Parks Trust worked as a strong partner (including their links with Kew Gardens London when a team of specialist arborists came to make the garden trees safe again). The museum was not just restored but revitalised and re-opened just a few weeks before our time in the BVI came to an end. It was a huge collective effort, but wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible hard work of all members of the Board with Ermin Penn, Jillian Dunlop, Thor Downing and Mitch Kent leading various key aspects of the work. During our family’s years in the Virgin Islands we loved visiting all the main islands. Millie often joined me on official visits and we spent many happy weekends as a family on Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. They are all such special places. The highlight of any working week was getting out into the community visiting schools, meeting public servants busy in different areas and going to local businesses. We loved hosting events at Government House for VISAR, the BVI Red Cross, the three vital Rotary organisations in BVI and other valuable community organisations. We also enjoyed hosting dinners for valued citizens such as: Young Entrepreneurs, our Olympic stars and those involved in making BVI Greener. A highlight was running events for children and young people with special needs and we always loved welcoming school groups to Government House. Our final year in BVI was again marked with adversity for the Territory as we dealt with the impact of Covid-19. Our borders were shut and with the Premier, the Cabinet and excellent Deputy Governor David Archer we put in place measures to stop the spread with a number of lockdowns. These were difficult days but again the spirit of the people of BVI shone through with resilience and positivity. Despite the challenges nature threw at the islands during our tenure, our memories of BVI will always be the incredible people and friends we made. The beauty of the Virgin Islands will remain with us forever too – watching the sun rise over Road Harbour each morning is something that none of us will ever forget. |
Boyd McCleary CMG CVO
Governor from 2010-14
Jenny and my first memories of the BVI were of the beauty of the islands, as we arrived by air. Then it was straight to the House of Assembly to review a Royal Virgin Islands Police Force guard of honour, followed by the swearing-in ceremony at the House of Assembly. I clearly recall the oath I took to “well and truly serve the people of the Virgin Islands”. I also remember the Premier’s welcoming remarks, when he said that he would be “watching me like a hawk”.
Governor from 2010-14
Jenny and my first memories of the BVI were of the beauty of the islands, as we arrived by air. Then it was straight to the House of Assembly to review a Royal Virgin Islands Police Force guard of honour, followed by the swearing-in ceremony at the House of Assembly. I clearly recall the oath I took to “well and truly serve the people of the Virgin Islands”. I also remember the Premier’s welcoming remarks, when he said that he would be “watching me like a hawk”.
Our baptism of fire came ten days later, when the Territory was hit by Hurricane Earl. As the skies darkened, the winds blew and the heavens opened, I was grateful for the training on disaster management which I had received in London. Fortunately no lives were lost in the storm and there were no major injuries. But significant material damage was done and Earl was a timely reminder of the wisdom of the motto of the Department for Disaster Management: “Better to prepare and prevent than to repair and repent”.
We were determined to get out and about early and managed to visit all three “sister islands”, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada within the first month of arrival. Over the course of the next four years, we managed to see a lot more of these and many other islands in the group. I particularly enjoyed my visit to Great Tobago, with its colony of magnificent frigate birds. But my favourite get-away was Anegada, with those wonderful white beaches, turquoise waters and empty spaces. There is no better way to get there than on a boat in the Dark ‘n’ Stormy Regatta and no better place to have a sun-downer than Cow Wreck Beach.
During our time in the Territory, we were determined to make full use of Government House, not just for official functions such as naturalisation ceremonies, investitures and receptions for official visitors, but also as a place to welcome the people of the BVI. One of the best ways of doing this was to make the house available as a venue for non-governmental organisations to host events. We had inherited the wonderful VISAR Gourmet Gathering and the Christmas Party for the Eslyn Henley RIchiez Learning Centre. We also provided a fund-raising platform for Rotary’s “Dancing with the Stars” and “Jail and Bail”, a “Chairity” Auction for Green VI and Jazz evenings for St George’s School.
I very much enjoyed my role as Chairman of the Board of Governors of Old Government House. Our greatest achievement during my tenure was to raise funds from commercial sponsors for the replacement of the roof. If we had not managed to do this, there was a real threat to the fabric of the building, including the unique murals in the dining room, which are so widely admired. The museum can now be used much more regularly for visits by schoolchildren and as a unique venue for events, thus bringing many more BVIslanders through its doors.
BVI is a very special place, which will always have a place in our hearts.
BVI is a very special place, which will always have a place in our hearts.
David Pearey
Governor from 2006 to 2010
My time as Governor of the British Virgin Islands, over the four years from 2006, was one of the most rewarding of my 30 years in the Foreign Service. It was a truly fascinating assignment. Crucial to the job was the need to get to know the widest possible cross section of people and to understand their concerns and aspirations. Daily sorties from the office and numerous and varied functions at Government House, with my wife Sue enthusiastically in support, became a thoroughly enjoyable part of our lives. The friendships we developed and the warmth we encountered provide a wealth of wonderful memories that will stay with us always.
They were too challenging years, spanning as they did the financial crisis of 2008 with all the consequences for a small territory critically dependent on financial services for its prosperity. The very proper and increasing focus on good government also occupied much of my time and added to the fascination of the job. So too did the close collaboration with the Police Commissioner, Reynall Fraser, and other parts of the law enforcement community on internal security matters; and with Inez Archibald, the Deputy Governor, on public service affairs. It was indeed the team work within and beyond the Governor's Office that made the whole experience so worthwhile.
Governor from 2006 to 2010
My time as Governor of the British Virgin Islands, over the four years from 2006, was one of the most rewarding of my 30 years in the Foreign Service. It was a truly fascinating assignment. Crucial to the job was the need to get to know the widest possible cross section of people and to understand their concerns and aspirations. Daily sorties from the office and numerous and varied functions at Government House, with my wife Sue enthusiastically in support, became a thoroughly enjoyable part of our lives. The friendships we developed and the warmth we encountered provide a wealth of wonderful memories that will stay with us always.
They were too challenging years, spanning as they did the financial crisis of 2008 with all the consequences for a small territory critically dependent on financial services for its prosperity. The very proper and increasing focus on good government also occupied much of my time and added to the fascination of the job. So too did the close collaboration with the Police Commissioner, Reynall Fraser, and other parts of the law enforcement community on internal security matters; and with Inez Archibald, the Deputy Governor, on public service affairs. It was indeed the team work within and beyond the Governor's Office that made the whole experience so worthwhile.
I vividly recall too working with the Government House Museum Board which I, like all Governors, chaired. The museum was a delight and the dedicated members of the Board, all volunteers, an inspiration. I have so many fond memories of time spent with them helping create a cultural monument in which the people of the British Virgin Islands could be proud.
Happy days indeed in the company of wonderful people and surrounded by the most breathtaking natural beauty.
Happy days indeed in the company of wonderful people and surrounded by the most breathtaking natural beauty.
Tom Macan
Governor from 2002 to 2006
My wife Janet and I had the good fortune to be the first occupants of the new Government House which enjoys the same stupendous view over Road Harbour and across Sir Francis Drake’s Channel as its predecessor with the advantage of 21st century plumbing and hurricane-proofing. If – God forbid – a 1924-strength hurricane ever hits the British Virgin Islands again, the Governor can be confident that, this time, the roof will stay on his house.
When we arrived in the Virgin Islands in October 2002, Government House had been temporarily located to Allamanda House on Little Mountain. We lived there for our first year, surrounded by bougainvillaea and enjoying the 3600 panorama over the eastern islands. It was a delightful house to live in, but not particularly convenient, not least for the many guests who we welcomed there during our year. And it was too distant from the Governor’s office, the Central Administration Building and all the other activity of Road Town.
Governor from 2002 to 2006
My wife Janet and I had the good fortune to be the first occupants of the new Government House which enjoys the same stupendous view over Road Harbour and across Sir Francis Drake’s Channel as its predecessor with the advantage of 21st century plumbing and hurricane-proofing. If – God forbid – a 1924-strength hurricane ever hits the British Virgin Islands again, the Governor can be confident that, this time, the roof will stay on his house.
When we arrived in the Virgin Islands in October 2002, Government House had been temporarily located to Allamanda House on Little Mountain. We lived there for our first year, surrounded by bougainvillaea and enjoying the 3600 panorama over the eastern islands. It was a delightful house to live in, but not particularly convenient, not least for the many guests who we welcomed there during our year. And it was too distant from the Governor’s office, the Central Administration Building and all the other activity of Road Town.
Next door to my office, Hugh Whistler was presiding in Old Government House over the simultaneous refurbishment of the property to create the present museum and the construction, by Percy Rhoden of Meridian Construction, of the new Government House. Governor Frank Savage and Chief Minister (as he then was) Ralph O’Neal had laid the foundation stone of new house a few weeks before we arrived and the concrete frame was already clear of the ground. I became a regular visitor to the site and Hugh produced a striking yellow “hard hat”, with “HE” painted on the front. It hung on a nail by the site entrance and Hugh gave me stern instructions to wear it on site.
The Meridian team made good progress and 12 months later we had to take the decision to move in before or after Christmas. Percy promised us a mid-November completion: we went for that and picked a moving date. Most of the furniture was new and with the support of the FCO’s Washington-based consultant, we deliberately sought to give the house as light and Caribbean feel as possible. But I was determined that the “Staveley Sideboard” – a gift from former Administrator Martin Staveley, should have pride of place in the entrance hall, and Rueben Vanterpool’s painting of the first Government House gave a very local focus to the Drawing Room. We held a small house-warming within days of the move when Father Ronald Branche of St George’s was able to bless the house, and December saw the first Governor’s Christmas Party in Road Town.
Over the next two and a half years, many thousands of guests passed through its doors for events as varied as conferring of UK Citizenship on Virgin Islanders, a Christmas party for disadvantaged children, to the annual and boisterous party which marked the start of the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta. Guests who stayed there included HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne), UK Ministers, other Overseas Territory Governors and a good number of UK officials.
Meanwhile the Old Government House Museum had opened for business. Much of the original furniture had remained, and we were able to supplement this with some items which were surplus to Government House requirements. Occasionally there was confusion between the new and old Government Houses, particularly until our own front gate was installed and operating. On one occasion, my wife came across an unexpected visitor admiring the pictures in the Government House drawing room: it emerged that the visitor had thought that she was in the OGH Museum. But on the whole the two institutions managed to coexist and the shared Governor’s Reception Hall served to create continuity between the two.
Buildings are an important part of any community’s history but the British Virgin Islands does not enjoy a particularly generous legacy in terms of its built heritage. Ralph O’Neal’s government was thus surely right to recognise the importance of preserving OGH and allowing it to become a place where Virgin Islanders could learn about their history, not least the role which, for better or worse, successive Administrators and Governors have played. Including the Governor’s plumed hat. Though personally, I am quite glad that, by 2002, the place for that hat was in glass case rather than on my own head.
The Meridian team made good progress and 12 months later we had to take the decision to move in before or after Christmas. Percy promised us a mid-November completion: we went for that and picked a moving date. Most of the furniture was new and with the support of the FCO’s Washington-based consultant, we deliberately sought to give the house as light and Caribbean feel as possible. But I was determined that the “Staveley Sideboard” – a gift from former Administrator Martin Staveley, should have pride of place in the entrance hall, and Rueben Vanterpool’s painting of the first Government House gave a very local focus to the Drawing Room. We held a small house-warming within days of the move when Father Ronald Branche of St George’s was able to bless the house, and December saw the first Governor’s Christmas Party in Road Town.
Over the next two and a half years, many thousands of guests passed through its doors for events as varied as conferring of UK Citizenship on Virgin Islanders, a Christmas party for disadvantaged children, to the annual and boisterous party which marked the start of the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta. Guests who stayed there included HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne), UK Ministers, other Overseas Territory Governors and a good number of UK officials.
Meanwhile the Old Government House Museum had opened for business. Much of the original furniture had remained, and we were able to supplement this with some items which were surplus to Government House requirements. Occasionally there was confusion between the new and old Government Houses, particularly until our own front gate was installed and operating. On one occasion, my wife came across an unexpected visitor admiring the pictures in the Government House drawing room: it emerged that the visitor had thought that she was in the OGH Museum. But on the whole the two institutions managed to coexist and the shared Governor’s Reception Hall served to create continuity between the two.
Buildings are an important part of any community’s history but the British Virgin Islands does not enjoy a particularly generous legacy in terms of its built heritage. Ralph O’Neal’s government was thus surely right to recognise the importance of preserving OGH and allowing it to become a place where Virgin Islanders could learn about their history, not least the role which, for better or worse, successive Administrators and Governors have played. Including the Governor’s plumed hat. Though personally, I am quite glad that, by 2002, the place for that hat was in glass case rather than on my own head.
Peter Penfold
Governor from 1991 to 1995
The old Government House on Tortola holds many cherished memories for me, not least as it is where I married my wife, Celia. It was the first time, as far as I am aware, that a serving British Governor had got married in his residence. A couple of months previously I had proposed to Celia on a romantic moonlit night on Virgin Gorda, and on 25 April 1992 in the warm midday sunshine in the gardens of Government House we ‘tied the knot’. It was a very colourful affair. I wore my full gubernatorial uniform and the Royal Virgin Islands Police provided a guard of honour; Davidson Baptiste, the acting Registrar, officiated, and Bishop Don Rogers, resplendent in his vivid red robes, came across from St. Thomas to bless the ceremony. After a wedding lunch on Peter Island, we hosted a large reception back at Government House in the evening. It was the only time I found a use for my ceremonial Governor’s sword – to cut the wedding cake! After that we spent an idyllic few days honeymooning on Anegada – altogether a truly unforgettable BVI wedding.
The interior furnishings of Government House had suffered somewhat from years of neglect but Celia, deploying her keen Caribbean sense of what was fit and proper, soon set about bringing it back up to standard to make it suitable for the countless visitors and endless entertaining. Barely a week went by when we did not have guests staying at Government House – fellow Governors and other dignitaries from all around the Caribbean, ministers and politicians from the UK and elsewhere, US Senators and Congressman, etc. In March 1993 we hosted the royal visit by HRH Prince Philip.
We were determined that the people of BVI should regard the building as their Government House. All manner of functions took place there such as the children’s Christmas party and the brownies annual carol concert. We displayed works of art from local artists to match Margaret Barwick’s beautiful murals in the dining room. One poignant event I remember in particular was the 50th anniversary commemoration of VE Day when we assembled a large gathering of 2nd World War veterans along with dozens of local schoolchildren. We also held a weekly ‘Governor’s supper party’ to which BV Islanders from all walks of life were invited - ministers, teachers, nurses, businessmen, taxi drivers and hotel workers. By the end of my tour as Governor we calculated that over half of the entire BVI population had been to Government House on at least one occasion.
Government House was used for a variety of purposes but there was one time when I had to refuse one potential use. Early in 1995 we had seized in our waters what was then the largest consignment of illegal drugs in the world – 870 kilos of cocaine. The problem was where to store it securely until the judicial proceedings could get underway. I consulted Elton Georges, the Deputy Governor, Vernon Malone, the Commissioner of Police and the Hon Dancia Penn, the Attorney-General. It was suggested that perhaps the safest and least obtrusive place would be under my bed in Government House! I am not sure that Celia would have appreciated sleeping on top of $70 million worth of cocaine!
I am both proud and saddened to say that I was the last Governor to reside in the old Government House. Towards the end of my tour the Foreign Office in London decided that a new Government House was needed. The initial plan was to demolish the old Government House and build a new one in its place. I argued strenuously that this would be a mistake and I tried to register Government House as a protected building on the UK Register. I was not successful but fortunately, thanks to the efforts of people like the Chief Minister, the Hon R T O’Neal, Governor Frank Savage and Captain Hugh Whistler, the plans were changed. The old Government House became the BVI museum and stands today as part of the rich history and culture of the British Virgin Islands.
Governor from 1991 to 1995
The old Government House on Tortola holds many cherished memories for me, not least as it is where I married my wife, Celia. It was the first time, as far as I am aware, that a serving British Governor had got married in his residence. A couple of months previously I had proposed to Celia on a romantic moonlit night on Virgin Gorda, and on 25 April 1992 in the warm midday sunshine in the gardens of Government House we ‘tied the knot’. It was a very colourful affair. I wore my full gubernatorial uniform and the Royal Virgin Islands Police provided a guard of honour; Davidson Baptiste, the acting Registrar, officiated, and Bishop Don Rogers, resplendent in his vivid red robes, came across from St. Thomas to bless the ceremony. After a wedding lunch on Peter Island, we hosted a large reception back at Government House in the evening. It was the only time I found a use for my ceremonial Governor’s sword – to cut the wedding cake! After that we spent an idyllic few days honeymooning on Anegada – altogether a truly unforgettable BVI wedding.
The interior furnishings of Government House had suffered somewhat from years of neglect but Celia, deploying her keen Caribbean sense of what was fit and proper, soon set about bringing it back up to standard to make it suitable for the countless visitors and endless entertaining. Barely a week went by when we did not have guests staying at Government House – fellow Governors and other dignitaries from all around the Caribbean, ministers and politicians from the UK and elsewhere, US Senators and Congressman, etc. In March 1993 we hosted the royal visit by HRH Prince Philip.
We were determined that the people of BVI should regard the building as their Government House. All manner of functions took place there such as the children’s Christmas party and the brownies annual carol concert. We displayed works of art from local artists to match Margaret Barwick’s beautiful murals in the dining room. One poignant event I remember in particular was the 50th anniversary commemoration of VE Day when we assembled a large gathering of 2nd World War veterans along with dozens of local schoolchildren. We also held a weekly ‘Governor’s supper party’ to which BV Islanders from all walks of life were invited - ministers, teachers, nurses, businessmen, taxi drivers and hotel workers. By the end of my tour as Governor we calculated that over half of the entire BVI population had been to Government House on at least one occasion.
Government House was used for a variety of purposes but there was one time when I had to refuse one potential use. Early in 1995 we had seized in our waters what was then the largest consignment of illegal drugs in the world – 870 kilos of cocaine. The problem was where to store it securely until the judicial proceedings could get underway. I consulted Elton Georges, the Deputy Governor, Vernon Malone, the Commissioner of Police and the Hon Dancia Penn, the Attorney-General. It was suggested that perhaps the safest and least obtrusive place would be under my bed in Government House! I am not sure that Celia would have appreciated sleeping on top of $70 million worth of cocaine!
I am both proud and saddened to say that I was the last Governor to reside in the old Government House. Towards the end of my tour the Foreign Office in London decided that a new Government House was needed. The initial plan was to demolish the old Government House and build a new one in its place. I argued strenuously that this would be a mistake and I tried to register Government House as a protected building on the UK Register. I was not successful but fortunately, thanks to the efforts of people like the Chief Minister, the Hon R T O’Neal, Governor Frank Savage and Captain Hugh Whistler, the plans were changed. The old Government House became the BVI museum and stands today as part of the rich history and culture of the British Virgin Islands.
James Alfred Davidson
Governor from 1978- 1982
(Commentary by his wife Daphne Davidson who lived with him at the Government House)
My husband, Cmdr. James (“Jim”) Davidson, and I arrived in Tortola in November 1978. At Government House we were given the warmest greeting by all the staff who lined up to welcome us into our island home.
The views from the house and the gardens were beautiful, no doubt the best Govt. House we had ever stayed in. Jim loved his walk down to the office every morning giving him time to reflect on the day ahead. We often walked of an evening from the house down to Road Town harbour. And of course the house would have been the same without all the people who took care of it; Ivena, Jessie, Winston, Ecne, Yvonne and Joseph Fletcher. Our neighbour and good friend Warren Nibbs was the Island’s former Bailiff. With the house came Tabitha, the “official” Government House black and white cat. And we had some interesting foreign visitors too. President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalyn and son Chip, visited Tortola in February 1981. They all loved Govt. house and I remember entertaining them in the dining room with other guests including our friend Ralph O’Neil. Dr Ben Spock, the well-known paediatrician and author and his wife Mary Morgan were regular visitors to the house. He was a keen sailor and had a boat moored in the BVI’s. Also the UK’s Speaker of the House, Bernard Wetherill and his wife visited Govt. House.
As well as Ralph O’Neil we were friends with other islanders; Willard Wheatley, Lavity Stout, Elihu Rhymer of Wickham’s Cay and many others, all visitors to Government House. Phylis Shirley who worked in the office was also a regular visitor to the house. I remember a very old map of Tortola in the house with the names of the plantations and owners hanging on the wall in the house.
But the special thing of the islands was the people. One of Jim’s favourites was Clementine who lived on Salt Island. He would sail over to the island and she would
come down to the beach to greet him with great enthusiasm. It must have been a lonely existence on the island and so she was very happy when a phone was installed on the island. Although, as I recall, she was expert at conch blowing!
One night towards the end of our stay, when walking down to the harbour from Government House, out of the half-light, came an enquiring voice, “Is that my Governor?” It gave us a special sense of belonging and being belonged. It was a real privilege to have lived in this lovely old house and to have been a part of island life for those 4 years. We took some very fond memories away with us.
Governor from 1978- 1982
(Commentary by his wife Daphne Davidson who lived with him at the Government House)
My husband, Cmdr. James (“Jim”) Davidson, and I arrived in Tortola in November 1978. At Government House we were given the warmest greeting by all the staff who lined up to welcome us into our island home.
The views from the house and the gardens were beautiful, no doubt the best Govt. House we had ever stayed in. Jim loved his walk down to the office every morning giving him time to reflect on the day ahead. We often walked of an evening from the house down to Road Town harbour. And of course the house would have been the same without all the people who took care of it; Ivena, Jessie, Winston, Ecne, Yvonne and Joseph Fletcher. Our neighbour and good friend Warren Nibbs was the Island’s former Bailiff. With the house came Tabitha, the “official” Government House black and white cat. And we had some interesting foreign visitors too. President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalyn and son Chip, visited Tortola in February 1981. They all loved Govt. house and I remember entertaining them in the dining room with other guests including our friend Ralph O’Neil. Dr Ben Spock, the well-known paediatrician and author and his wife Mary Morgan were regular visitors to the house. He was a keen sailor and had a boat moored in the BVI’s. Also the UK’s Speaker of the House, Bernard Wetherill and his wife visited Govt. House.
As well as Ralph O’Neil we were friends with other islanders; Willard Wheatley, Lavity Stout, Elihu Rhymer of Wickham’s Cay and many others, all visitors to Government House. Phylis Shirley who worked in the office was also a regular visitor to the house. I remember a very old map of Tortola in the house with the names of the plantations and owners hanging on the wall in the house.
But the special thing of the islands was the people. One of Jim’s favourites was Clementine who lived on Salt Island. He would sail over to the island and she would
come down to the beach to greet him with great enthusiasm. It must have been a lonely existence on the island and so she was very happy when a phone was installed on the island. Although, as I recall, she was expert at conch blowing!
One night towards the end of our stay, when walking down to the harbour from Government House, out of the half-light, came an enquiring voice, “Is that my Governor?” It gave us a special sense of belonging and being belonged. It was a real privilege to have lived in this lovely old house and to have been a part of island life for those 4 years. We took some very fond memories away with us.
David Robert Barwick - CBE QC
Governor from 1982-1986
During David Barwick’s tenure here as Governor, his wife Margaret Barwick stole much of the limelight through her involvement with Joseph Reynold O'Neal on the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens, opened just three years before the Barwick’s arrival, and her painstaking work on both landscaping the gardens at Government House and painting the stunning arch-framed murals of early life in the islands in the formal dining room, both of which are variously described in other parts of this website. In 2012 we asked Margaret for a contribution to this website to depict the time she spent here in the 1980’s and she sent us an essay based on her diary notes of September 1982, called the Bionic Factor, which we have reproduced below. We just called it the Goat Story. But before that, we have reproduced David Barwick’s introduction to the book “150 years of achievement 1834-1984”, produced by Eileene Parsons, with contributions from many others, in 1985.
It is an honour to be invited to make a short contribution to this publication which both commemorates 150 years of progress since the passing in 1834 of the Act ending slavery in British territories and looks afresh at the achievements of the people of thee islands during that period.
So much has happened since 1834. Huge achievements have been made in all areas of life. The changes which have taken place in the Territory’s economy since plantation days have been well documented by Dr. Michael O’Neal. He tells of the times when conditions were such that most of the original landowners gave up working their holdings. Then, the BVI was among those poorer countries which were grouped together under the description “the other Caribbean.” Now, the picture is a very different one.
Even in the short time I have lived here substantial developments have taken place, happily at a pace which is governed by a desire for advancement while preserving what is best in the traditional way of life. We have to thank many people for these achievements and it is proper that they should be remembered at this time.
New and exciting challenges lie ahead and we all take encouragement from the way in which our young people are preparing to make their own mark on the world.
British Virgin Islanders are rightly a proud people and I wish to extend my best wishes for the success of this book in praise of them and all that they have done.
D. R Barwick
Governor
THE BIOTIC FACTOR
An essay based on diary notes of September, 1982 by Margaret Barwick
Government House,
Road Town, Tortola, BVI
There were, I decided, too many frustrations in tropical gardening. They may seem exaggerated compared with those of more temperate climates, but there were times when it all seemed hopeless: the fickleness of the weather, the long dry, windy spells which desiccate, the eternal plethora of diseases and insects to say nothing of the crazy speed with which a choice flowering shrub, chosen for its perfect scale in an important border, suddenly decides it would sooner be a small tree and proceeds to smother all around it. At best, I thought in retrospect, one learns to anticipate and fight back; one adapts, innovates and tries again because the results are so instantly rewarding. But, after the invasion of four-footed pests, a cut-worm or nematode seemed positively innocuous.
There were laws in the British Virgin Islands against stray animals from being kept in the town area. The laws were either unknown or ignored. Tourists loved to take snapshots of picturesque groups of sheep or goats as they nibbled around the base of a large notice in the heart of the shopping area on Wickham’s Cay that read ANIMALS ARE PROHIBITED TO FEED IN THIS AREA.
I had been warned about the visitation rights of animals in local gardens and public places. It was well-known that several would-be farmers with no grazing land of their own trucked large herds of sheep and goats down from the hills in the morning and returned for them on their way back home in the evenings; it was a wondrous sight, seeing the herd lined up, patiently waiting for their transport.
I was horrified to learn that it was small herds of goats which were responsible for whole hillsides being stripped bare at the west end of the island, leaving a thin layer of soil over the large rocks to slide in avalanches into the sea during heavy rains. There was nothing these voracious gluttons would not eat, even gnawing at the bark of trees and killing them in the process. It was one of the excuses offered to me when I remarked on the barren grounds surrounding Government House and the endless dusty hedgerows of oleanders in Road Town. Oleanders, I was assured, were the only flowering plants worth growing because they were poisonous to animals. Animals it seemed, ruled.
I was tired of hearing that there was no use trying to make a garden because animals would eat everything. With true Kiwi spirit I was determined to prove everyone wrong and threw myself into sculpting and planting the land, much to the indignation of the two groundsmen who had had nothing to do but rake and sweep and chat with the passers-by for the last thirty years.
The four acres at Government House had been fenced many years before: a modest post-and-barbed-wire affair. In our day it was past its prime and required constant repair as sheep, cows and goats made their way in and out to graze on our new plantings. As the Bougainvilleas, Ixoras and Gingers began to bloom, compliments poured in. So did the sheep, cows and goats. Cows appear a quite normal size cropping a pasture; knee-high in a perennial border they look distinctly over-sized. Sheep tend to lend a bucolic charm to a well-mown lawn… But goats: I choke on the word.
I was told that goats had poisonous saliva and, when they nibble leaves from a bush it dies. I began to appreciate the vernacular 'Goat Mouth': 'That wicked woman, she put her Goat Mouth 'pon dat ting!' (and it was spoiled, broken or just plain messed-up.) This was not so I insisted - not after the first or second meal, it takes a third visit from a goat before you must dig out the ragged remains of your hybrid lilies. Sheep are fairly mild creatures; you almost have to open the gate for them. Cows on the other hand put a shoulder to the job, but are simple-minded and fairly easily diverted. Goats are just plain mean - and sly. Once they develop a taste for hibiscus they go off grass; there's no end to their ingenuity in breaking and entering.
After being away on leave for three months I was aching to see my new flower borders flanking the entrance to our house. They had been planted prior to our departure with an expensive but stunning collection of twenty new hibiscus, all hybrid and of noble birth. At first light I crept downstairs to cruise my garden; after a quick glance at the courtyard I turned down the side path and paused by the cannons which guarded the flight of steps to the Hibiscus Garden - conceived as a tropical version of the traditional Rose Garden to frame the entrance with constant, joyous colour. All that remained were a few sticks with little white labels and one sad little Hula Girl lurking behind a large firecracker bush. I fumed loudly at the negligence of the staff. During the next few weeks we had numerous visits from the same herd of goats who were obviously checking to see if we had replenished their larder.
The problem was that it was that the incidence was ill-timed; it was just three weeks before the elections. It was accepted that goats, sheep and cows were voters - they were 'born 'ere'; no-one was in the mood for discipline. The owners were sympathetic, they listened politely each time there was a complaint, demand or a threat of further action, but did absolutely nothing about it. My particular frustration lay in the fact that, as Governor's wife, I could not tackle the problem myself; it had to be handled 'diplomatically' through the 'right channels'. I seethed with fantasies which involved poisoned arrows and cabbage salad laced with weed-killer dressing.
One morning a member of staff gave me a copy of the local laws with a small clause underlined. It allowed for vagrant animals to be trapped and held; they were then to be transported to the Government Pound where they would be held until the owners retrieved them after paying a fine.
Refreshed with enthusiasm, I began to lay my plans. It seemed a tedious and unlikely solution, but it was positive action. I planned to construct a corral adjoining the boundary fence on the slopes above the house near a busy goat track. The gardeners were doubtful about the possibility of catching the Ram Goat and his wily clan, but as we began construction of the trap I became elated. At last we were taking control.
The men complained that I was trying to make it too perfect, too strong. To their amusement I propped long limbs of luscious red-flowered hibiscus all the way around to camouflage the wire and posts but, getting into the mood, they added touches of papaya leaves and other delicacies. When the wire-netting walls were deemed strong enough to withstand the battering of the Ram Goat's horns, we fitted a small entrance with a cleverly concealed trap-door attached to a long rope. Winnie the head gardener tested it several times and then, going a short way up the goat track, he added a dribble of tempting leaves and flowers leading to the mouth of the corral. We were excited and confident as we admired our handiwork. Haute cuisine!
We could hear the goats lurking in the bushes beyond. 'Queuing to get into the restaurant,' I quipped.
But it was high noon and the goats trooped off one by one behind the huge Ram Goat. 'Gone back home for lunch,' said Winnie as he prepared to follow their example. 'They won't be back 'til 'round three.'
I was hot and exhausted but hated to leave just in case the animals returned, and fussed around adding a few bunches of young mango shoots. I considered going for my camera but rejected the idea in favour of a long, icy gin-and-tonic, which I sipped on the terrace where I could keep my eye on the goat passage.
By two o'clock the stage props were definitely past their best - limp and 'quailing' as the locals would say. I tried spraying them with the hose but this made them sag even more. Fetching a chair, I parked myself behind a bush and glued myself to it, spending the next hour waiting tensely in the wings with my eye on centre stage. There were plenty of noises from the hillside beyond - bleatings and baaings … which were the sheep? …. which were the goats? Just as Winnie predicted, it wasn't until well after three that the pompous old Ram Goat sauntered along with his prodigious male equipment almost brushing the trail, closely followed by a sassy young understudy. The ladies and children followed, zig-zagging, heads down, along the track. Breathlessly I ran to call the gardeners.
Winnie was sleeping, the other had gone fishing. In desperation I grabbed the rope but realised I couldn't handle it alone. I sent for the reluctant Winnie; we positioned ourselves, one behind the other, silently holding the rope and our breath. The troupe took their time; we watched tensely as they ambled and nibbled their way along the trail.
The Ram Goat was the first to find the goodies strewn around the mouth of the corral. One kid pranced straight through the trap-door, so did another. We were joyous. 'Hold it,' whispered Winnie, 'wait for de he goat'.
We held on. Then the first kid came out and eventually, so did the other. Whilst the ladies sniffed and chewed the camouflage, the wise old man stretched his head through the hole, and greedily gobbled everything he could reach, then, pursing his lips and baring his huge, stained teeth, he wrapped his mighty tongue around the ends of the Hibiscus camouflage and tossed them over his flanks towards his harem.
'Ahhhh,' Winnie sighed in awe, 'he too smart for us ma'am; you can't fool him!'
When they had had their fill, the Ram Goat turned and munched a path down the hill, imperiously leading his harem out of sight.
Sucking his cheeks with his voice loaded with patience, wisdom and what hinted at veneration, Winnie said I was not to worry, we would try again tomorrow. First we had to entice the crafty old Ram Goat into the trap, then the others would follow - but not before; only then would we capture them.
It riles me to this day that we never did outwit this cocky old robber.
Footnote: This anecdote was taken from notes I made in my diary on the evening following this event. It was one of many escapades we had with animals. Later that year we had a visit from three cows which we caught - but not before they had trampled the gardens in the ensuing stampede. These animals were taken to the pound, which was cause for celebration. Finally we got new fences and a smart picket fence with gates along the roadside. As New Zealanders we were painfully aware of the consequences of animals ravaging the flora; our country has paid a huge price for the erosion caused by rabbits, goats, deer and wild pigs which were introduced by early settlers. Later I was to learn about the Jamaican's reverence for the Ram Goat and the celebrated gentleman's tonic, Mannish Water, which is made by stewing goat testicles along with the head, feet and tripe in seasoned water. And of course, Winnie was Jamaican.
Governor from 1982-1986
During David Barwick’s tenure here as Governor, his wife Margaret Barwick stole much of the limelight through her involvement with Joseph Reynold O'Neal on the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens, opened just three years before the Barwick’s arrival, and her painstaking work on both landscaping the gardens at Government House and painting the stunning arch-framed murals of early life in the islands in the formal dining room, both of which are variously described in other parts of this website. In 2012 we asked Margaret for a contribution to this website to depict the time she spent here in the 1980’s and she sent us an essay based on her diary notes of September 1982, called the Bionic Factor, which we have reproduced below. We just called it the Goat Story. But before that, we have reproduced David Barwick’s introduction to the book “150 years of achievement 1834-1984”, produced by Eileene Parsons, with contributions from many others, in 1985.
It is an honour to be invited to make a short contribution to this publication which both commemorates 150 years of progress since the passing in 1834 of the Act ending slavery in British territories and looks afresh at the achievements of the people of thee islands during that period.
So much has happened since 1834. Huge achievements have been made in all areas of life. The changes which have taken place in the Territory’s economy since plantation days have been well documented by Dr. Michael O’Neal. He tells of the times when conditions were such that most of the original landowners gave up working their holdings. Then, the BVI was among those poorer countries which were grouped together under the description “the other Caribbean.” Now, the picture is a very different one.
Even in the short time I have lived here substantial developments have taken place, happily at a pace which is governed by a desire for advancement while preserving what is best in the traditional way of life. We have to thank many people for these achievements and it is proper that they should be remembered at this time.
New and exciting challenges lie ahead and we all take encouragement from the way in which our young people are preparing to make their own mark on the world.
British Virgin Islanders are rightly a proud people and I wish to extend my best wishes for the success of this book in praise of them and all that they have done.
D. R Barwick
Governor
THE BIOTIC FACTOR
An essay based on diary notes of September, 1982 by Margaret Barwick
Government House,
Road Town, Tortola, BVI
There were, I decided, too many frustrations in tropical gardening. They may seem exaggerated compared with those of more temperate climates, but there were times when it all seemed hopeless: the fickleness of the weather, the long dry, windy spells which desiccate, the eternal plethora of diseases and insects to say nothing of the crazy speed with which a choice flowering shrub, chosen for its perfect scale in an important border, suddenly decides it would sooner be a small tree and proceeds to smother all around it. At best, I thought in retrospect, one learns to anticipate and fight back; one adapts, innovates and tries again because the results are so instantly rewarding. But, after the invasion of four-footed pests, a cut-worm or nematode seemed positively innocuous.
There were laws in the British Virgin Islands against stray animals from being kept in the town area. The laws were either unknown or ignored. Tourists loved to take snapshots of picturesque groups of sheep or goats as they nibbled around the base of a large notice in the heart of the shopping area on Wickham’s Cay that read ANIMALS ARE PROHIBITED TO FEED IN THIS AREA.
I had been warned about the visitation rights of animals in local gardens and public places. It was well-known that several would-be farmers with no grazing land of their own trucked large herds of sheep and goats down from the hills in the morning and returned for them on their way back home in the evenings; it was a wondrous sight, seeing the herd lined up, patiently waiting for their transport.
I was horrified to learn that it was small herds of goats which were responsible for whole hillsides being stripped bare at the west end of the island, leaving a thin layer of soil over the large rocks to slide in avalanches into the sea during heavy rains. There was nothing these voracious gluttons would not eat, even gnawing at the bark of trees and killing them in the process. It was one of the excuses offered to me when I remarked on the barren grounds surrounding Government House and the endless dusty hedgerows of oleanders in Road Town. Oleanders, I was assured, were the only flowering plants worth growing because they were poisonous to animals. Animals it seemed, ruled.
I was tired of hearing that there was no use trying to make a garden because animals would eat everything. With true Kiwi spirit I was determined to prove everyone wrong and threw myself into sculpting and planting the land, much to the indignation of the two groundsmen who had had nothing to do but rake and sweep and chat with the passers-by for the last thirty years.
The four acres at Government House had been fenced many years before: a modest post-and-barbed-wire affair. In our day it was past its prime and required constant repair as sheep, cows and goats made their way in and out to graze on our new plantings. As the Bougainvilleas, Ixoras and Gingers began to bloom, compliments poured in. So did the sheep, cows and goats. Cows appear a quite normal size cropping a pasture; knee-high in a perennial border they look distinctly over-sized. Sheep tend to lend a bucolic charm to a well-mown lawn… But goats: I choke on the word.
I was told that goats had poisonous saliva and, when they nibble leaves from a bush it dies. I began to appreciate the vernacular 'Goat Mouth': 'That wicked woman, she put her Goat Mouth 'pon dat ting!' (and it was spoiled, broken or just plain messed-up.) This was not so I insisted - not after the first or second meal, it takes a third visit from a goat before you must dig out the ragged remains of your hybrid lilies. Sheep are fairly mild creatures; you almost have to open the gate for them. Cows on the other hand put a shoulder to the job, but are simple-minded and fairly easily diverted. Goats are just plain mean - and sly. Once they develop a taste for hibiscus they go off grass; there's no end to their ingenuity in breaking and entering.
After being away on leave for three months I was aching to see my new flower borders flanking the entrance to our house. They had been planted prior to our departure with an expensive but stunning collection of twenty new hibiscus, all hybrid and of noble birth. At first light I crept downstairs to cruise my garden; after a quick glance at the courtyard I turned down the side path and paused by the cannons which guarded the flight of steps to the Hibiscus Garden - conceived as a tropical version of the traditional Rose Garden to frame the entrance with constant, joyous colour. All that remained were a few sticks with little white labels and one sad little Hula Girl lurking behind a large firecracker bush. I fumed loudly at the negligence of the staff. During the next few weeks we had numerous visits from the same herd of goats who were obviously checking to see if we had replenished their larder.
The problem was that it was that the incidence was ill-timed; it was just three weeks before the elections. It was accepted that goats, sheep and cows were voters - they were 'born 'ere'; no-one was in the mood for discipline. The owners were sympathetic, they listened politely each time there was a complaint, demand or a threat of further action, but did absolutely nothing about it. My particular frustration lay in the fact that, as Governor's wife, I could not tackle the problem myself; it had to be handled 'diplomatically' through the 'right channels'. I seethed with fantasies which involved poisoned arrows and cabbage salad laced with weed-killer dressing.
One morning a member of staff gave me a copy of the local laws with a small clause underlined. It allowed for vagrant animals to be trapped and held; they were then to be transported to the Government Pound where they would be held until the owners retrieved them after paying a fine.
Refreshed with enthusiasm, I began to lay my plans. It seemed a tedious and unlikely solution, but it was positive action. I planned to construct a corral adjoining the boundary fence on the slopes above the house near a busy goat track. The gardeners were doubtful about the possibility of catching the Ram Goat and his wily clan, but as we began construction of the trap I became elated. At last we were taking control.
The men complained that I was trying to make it too perfect, too strong. To their amusement I propped long limbs of luscious red-flowered hibiscus all the way around to camouflage the wire and posts but, getting into the mood, they added touches of papaya leaves and other delicacies. When the wire-netting walls were deemed strong enough to withstand the battering of the Ram Goat's horns, we fitted a small entrance with a cleverly concealed trap-door attached to a long rope. Winnie the head gardener tested it several times and then, going a short way up the goat track, he added a dribble of tempting leaves and flowers leading to the mouth of the corral. We were excited and confident as we admired our handiwork. Haute cuisine!
We could hear the goats lurking in the bushes beyond. 'Queuing to get into the restaurant,' I quipped.
But it was high noon and the goats trooped off one by one behind the huge Ram Goat. 'Gone back home for lunch,' said Winnie as he prepared to follow their example. 'They won't be back 'til 'round three.'
I was hot and exhausted but hated to leave just in case the animals returned, and fussed around adding a few bunches of young mango shoots. I considered going for my camera but rejected the idea in favour of a long, icy gin-and-tonic, which I sipped on the terrace where I could keep my eye on the goat passage.
By two o'clock the stage props were definitely past their best - limp and 'quailing' as the locals would say. I tried spraying them with the hose but this made them sag even more. Fetching a chair, I parked myself behind a bush and glued myself to it, spending the next hour waiting tensely in the wings with my eye on centre stage. There were plenty of noises from the hillside beyond - bleatings and baaings … which were the sheep? …. which were the goats? Just as Winnie predicted, it wasn't until well after three that the pompous old Ram Goat sauntered along with his prodigious male equipment almost brushing the trail, closely followed by a sassy young understudy. The ladies and children followed, zig-zagging, heads down, along the track. Breathlessly I ran to call the gardeners.
Winnie was sleeping, the other had gone fishing. In desperation I grabbed the rope but realised I couldn't handle it alone. I sent for the reluctant Winnie; we positioned ourselves, one behind the other, silently holding the rope and our breath. The troupe took their time; we watched tensely as they ambled and nibbled their way along the trail.
The Ram Goat was the first to find the goodies strewn around the mouth of the corral. One kid pranced straight through the trap-door, so did another. We were joyous. 'Hold it,' whispered Winnie, 'wait for de he goat'.
We held on. Then the first kid came out and eventually, so did the other. Whilst the ladies sniffed and chewed the camouflage, the wise old man stretched his head through the hole, and greedily gobbled everything he could reach, then, pursing his lips and baring his huge, stained teeth, he wrapped his mighty tongue around the ends of the Hibiscus camouflage and tossed them over his flanks towards his harem.
'Ahhhh,' Winnie sighed in awe, 'he too smart for us ma'am; you can't fool him!'
When they had had their fill, the Ram Goat turned and munched a path down the hill, imperiously leading his harem out of sight.
Sucking his cheeks with his voice loaded with patience, wisdom and what hinted at veneration, Winnie said I was not to worry, we would try again tomorrow. First we had to entice the crafty old Ram Goat into the trap, then the others would follow - but not before; only then would we capture them.
It riles me to this day that we never did outwit this cocky old robber.
Footnote: This anecdote was taken from notes I made in my diary on the evening following this event. It was one of many escapades we had with animals. Later that year we had a visit from three cows which we caught - but not before they had trampled the gardens in the ensuing stampede. These animals were taken to the pound, which was cause for celebration. Finally we got new fences and a smart picket fence with gates along the roadside. As New Zealanders we were painfully aware of the consequences of animals ravaging the flora; our country has paid a huge price for the erosion caused by rabbits, goats, deer and wild pigs which were introduced by early settlers. Later I was to learn about the Jamaican's reverence for the Ram Goat and the celebrated gentleman's tonic, Mannish Water, which is made by stewing goat testicles along with the head, feet and tripe in seasoned water. And of course, Winnie was Jamaican.
Captain Gerald Bryan
Administrator from 1959 to 1962
The following is an abridged version, edited by Traci O’Dea, taken from Chapter 14 of Captain Bryan’s autobiography entitled Be of Good Cheer, originally published in 2008.
After being sworn in, we were conveyed to Government House in a taxi…Government House was an imposing white building on the hillside, separated from the sea and a small private jetty by the one road on the island. The house had four bedrooms and a large drawing room and dining room. As it was about 50 feet above sea level, there were spectacular views over Road Bay from our bedroom and the drawing room. We were greeted by the Major Domo, Pauli, and the cook, Dally. To our surprise we found that the drawing room was full of giggling young girls. We were told that our predecessor had given them the run of Government House. Our first task was to explain to them that now that Wendy would be resident in the house, they would be welcome, but only when invited…
On the 29th December, Road Town received its first visit by a cruise ship. The SS Meteor, 2,850 tonnes with 150 American tourists on board, anchored in Road Harbour. Wendy and I were absent from Government House and, on our return, were surprised to find Pauli handing out drinks to some 40 or 50 tourists, who greeted Wendy and myself by saying, ‘Come on in – the drinks are on the house.’ Thereafter, throughout the winter, we received weekly visits by SS Meteor – a turning point in the tourism industry.
On 1st January 1960, I was made an Officer in the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year's Honours…Under the new BVI Constitution, I was appointed the Queen’s Representative with the powers of a Governor answerable direct to the Colonial Office in London, but without the title or the Knighthood that normally went with the appointment. I was duly sworn in as such as a simple ceremony at Government House…
At night, Wendy and I began to hear strange noises in the garden. In due course we discovered that they came from a flock of sheep feeding off the plants in the garden. We decided that preventative action had to be taken…It was dark, but not pitch black. I crept down the stairs and out into the garden where I saw vague shapes moving around. I took aim as best I could and fired a single shot, which, incredibly, hit and killed a sheep. The police were hastily summoned and I was pleased that now the owner of the sheep would be identified, as indeed he was. I was, however, alarmed when it was pointed out that the owner also owned the land across which ran the Government House water supply and that Government House had no legal right of way over the land. The owner could therefore cut off our water supply at any time. I had to eat humble pie and happily the water supply continued without interruption…
Administrator from 1959 to 1962
The following is an abridged version, edited by Traci O’Dea, taken from Chapter 14 of Captain Bryan’s autobiography entitled Be of Good Cheer, originally published in 2008.
After being sworn in, we were conveyed to Government House in a taxi…Government House was an imposing white building on the hillside, separated from the sea and a small private jetty by the one road on the island. The house had four bedrooms and a large drawing room and dining room. As it was about 50 feet above sea level, there were spectacular views over Road Bay from our bedroom and the drawing room. We were greeted by the Major Domo, Pauli, and the cook, Dally. To our surprise we found that the drawing room was full of giggling young girls. We were told that our predecessor had given them the run of Government House. Our first task was to explain to them that now that Wendy would be resident in the house, they would be welcome, but only when invited…
On the 29th December, Road Town received its first visit by a cruise ship. The SS Meteor, 2,850 tonnes with 150 American tourists on board, anchored in Road Harbour. Wendy and I were absent from Government House and, on our return, were surprised to find Pauli handing out drinks to some 40 or 50 tourists, who greeted Wendy and myself by saying, ‘Come on in – the drinks are on the house.’ Thereafter, throughout the winter, we received weekly visits by SS Meteor – a turning point in the tourism industry.
On 1st January 1960, I was made an Officer in the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year's Honours…Under the new BVI Constitution, I was appointed the Queen’s Representative with the powers of a Governor answerable direct to the Colonial Office in London, but without the title or the Knighthood that normally went with the appointment. I was duly sworn in as such as a simple ceremony at Government House…
At night, Wendy and I began to hear strange noises in the garden. In due course we discovered that they came from a flock of sheep feeding off the plants in the garden. We decided that preventative action had to be taken…It was dark, but not pitch black. I crept down the stairs and out into the garden where I saw vague shapes moving around. I took aim as best I could and fired a single shot, which, incredibly, hit and killed a sheep. The police were hastily summoned and I was pleased that now the owner of the sheep would be identified, as indeed he was. I was, however, alarmed when it was pointed out that the owner also owned the land across which ran the Government House water supply and that Government House had no legal right of way over the land. The owner could therefore cut off our water supply at any time. I had to eat humble pie and happily the water supply continued without interruption…
Princess Mary arrived on HM Yacht Britannia at eight in the morning on Thursday 8th March 1960, and landed at the Road Town jetty where Wendy and I welcomed her. I then made the usual presentations of members of the Legislative Council, Senior Government Officials, and representatives of the Church. We drove to East End and Long Look, where she visited a Methodist school. Back in Road Town, she visited the Peebles Hospital…There was an amusing incident at the luncheon, when a large cockroach appeared on the table between Princess Mary and Louis. The Princess swept the cockroach off the table and continued her conversation with Louis without interruption…
Negotiations…were taking place with Laurance Rockefeller, an extremely rich American philanthropist, who had already established a prestigious tourist resort and the largest national park outside the United States on the neighbouring island of St John. He was considering the possibility of a similar development on Virgin Gorda…Laurance Rockefeller did not gain his reputation as a philanthropist without justification, so, although his advisors were eager to obtain the best possible deal, Rockefeller himself was much more sympathetic towards the interests of the BVI. As a result, much of the negotiation took place between Rockefeller and myself informally over lunch at Government House… The lease between the Crown and Rockefeller was signed at a formal ceremony at Government House on 17th February 1961, followed by a champagne reception. Rockefeller undertook to spend at least US$2 million, more than double the annual government budget! In addition, he underwrote the purchase of 97 acres in Tortola and 20 acres in Virgin Gorda to form the BVI’s first national park, for the administration of which a trust was established under the chairmanship of JR O’Neil [sic]…
Negotiations…were taking place with Laurance Rockefeller, an extremely rich American philanthropist, who had already established a prestigious tourist resort and the largest national park outside the United States on the neighbouring island of St John. He was considering the possibility of a similar development on Virgin Gorda…Laurance Rockefeller did not gain his reputation as a philanthropist without justification, so, although his advisors were eager to obtain the best possible deal, Rockefeller himself was much more sympathetic towards the interests of the BVI. As a result, much of the negotiation took place between Rockefeller and myself informally over lunch at Government House… The lease between the Crown and Rockefeller was signed at a formal ceremony at Government House on 17th February 1961, followed by a champagne reception. Rockefeller undertook to spend at least US$2 million, more than double the annual government budget! In addition, he underwrote the purchase of 97 acres in Tortola and 20 acres in Virgin Gorda to form the BVI’s first national park, for the administration of which a trust was established under the chairmanship of JR O’Neil [sic]…
The only road open to use by vehicular traffic ran along the southern coastline from Westend to Eastend, where a hand-operated pont allowed vehicles to be carried across the stretch of sea between Tortola and Beef Island, known as the ‘Gut’… The two elected members of the Executive Council were keen to have a road built from Road Town up Joe’s hill to the central ridge at a height of more than a thousand feet, which would ultimately give vehicular access to the north of the island. The Public Works Department (PWD) engineer had decreed that the construction of the road was impossible. However, when he went on leave the two members sought my permission, in the absence of any provision in the capital budget, to raid the road maintenance fund to cover the wages of a road overseer and 12 men. By the time the PWD engineer returned from England Joes Hill Road had been completed…
On 16th May 1961 Wendy opened the island’s first bank amidst general celebration. It was a branch of the Virgin Islands National Bank owned by the First Pennsylvania Bank. On 12th August the BVI held its first Carnival and there was a general debate as to whether I would kiss the Carnival Queen. I did so to much applause…Early in the New Year I received another cipher telegram saying that there had been a strike or mutiny in the police force in St Lucia…Would I go to St Lucia immediately and take over as Acting Administrator? Clearly, I had to agree…
When I joined the Colonial Service in 1944 there were over 45 British Overseas Territories covering an area of 2.3 million square miles with a population of 65 million. Now there are only 10 small island territories with a population of less than 200,000 of which BVI is one. Its population has grown threefold to 20,000 and it has found economic prosperity, as I had hoped it would, as ‘an Overseas Financial Centre’ and home to more than 350,000 registered ‘Off Shore Companies’.
On 16th May 1961 Wendy opened the island’s first bank amidst general celebration. It was a branch of the Virgin Islands National Bank owned by the First Pennsylvania Bank. On 12th August the BVI held its first Carnival and there was a general debate as to whether I would kiss the Carnival Queen. I did so to much applause…Early in the New Year I received another cipher telegram saying that there had been a strike or mutiny in the police force in St Lucia…Would I go to St Lucia immediately and take over as Acting Administrator? Clearly, I had to agree…
When I joined the Colonial Service in 1944 there were over 45 British Overseas Territories covering an area of 2.3 million square miles with a population of 65 million. Now there are only 10 small island territories with a population of less than 200,000 of which BVI is one. Its population has grown threefold to 20,000 and it has found economic prosperity, as I had hoped it would, as ‘an Overseas Financial Centre’ and home to more than 350,000 registered ‘Off Shore Companies’.