Roadtown, Tortola - Your Excellency the Governor, Ladies and Gentlemen: Who but you Mr. Elton M. Georges, CMG could be appointed to this very important position as called for in Sections 110 and 111 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007.  Your educational training and the many years experience in the public service qualify you to hold this position and I had no difficulty whatsoever when I was consulted by His Excellency the Governor in accordance with Section 110 (2) of the Constitution Order 2007 in agreeing that you should be appointed Complaints Commissioner.

I will oppose and continue to oppose the appointment of any person in the public service who in my opinion is not suitably qualified for the position.  It was many moons ago that you Mr. Georges was the first British Virgin Islander to be awarded a scholarship by the Canadian Government under the Commonwealth and Fellowship scheme of study and you did the British Virgin Islands proud.  After successfully completing the degree course of study in Canada you were transferred from teaching to the Civil Service and you worked you way up the ladder of the Civil Service to become the longest serving Deputy Governor and on many occasions you acted as Governor in this Territory.

In addition to your educational qualifications, you possess a level head and a humble manner, one who never talks much of himself, for example, there are few people in this territory who are aware of the fact that you speak German.  In addition you are highly respected by the B.V.I. Community and you have the ability to listen to people when they speak to you.  I am therefore fully satisfied that in the position of Complaints Commissioner, people who complain to you would have a fair hearing and that the recommendations you will hand down I am quite sure will not be subject to the directions or control of any other person or authority as stated in the Constitution.

The law was passed on 12th May, 2003 and it was assented by Mr. Elton Georges, Deputy Governor.  This was six (6) years ago and it may be that it may need some revision.  The law sets out the functions and jurisdictions of the Complaints Commissioner and matters connected there with.  We have waited long enough for the post to be filled and if I remember correctly it was the Walter Wallace Commission that recommended this position some time in the eighty’s or ninety’s and I sincerely hope that the necessary action will soon be taken.

Mr. Elton Georges, I do congratulate you warmly and I trust that your tenure of office will be a most pleasing and satisfactory one to you and a trail setter for who will occupy the position in years to come.  I feel sure the Territory would be fully behind you and supportive of you in this position.

I thank you very much.