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CONFIDENTIAL
APPENDIX 1
Deputy Chief Clerk
Mr. Cortazzi
Chief Clerk
PUS
THIS IS A COPY
THE ORIGINAL HAS BEEN
CLOSED UNDER (2)
FOI EXEMPTION NO. 40 and 41)
2761)
Copies: Mr. Duff, WIAD
Mr. McLaren, HK&GD
Mr. J.A. Davidson OBE, Governor (Designate), British Virgin Islands
Problem
1.
Doubts have been expressed about the suitability of
Mr. Davidson for appointment as Governor of the British Virgin Islands. Mr. Davidson is due to take up the appointment in mid-November. He was appointed on the recommendation of the Dependent Territories Senior Appointments Board at the meeting which the Permanent Under-Secretary chaired on 17 November (copies of
the Board's minutes and briefs are attached).
appointment was approved by the Prime Minister
In January the
If it is now to be changed, the
DTSAB will have to be reconvened and the claims of Mr. Davidson
and other possible candidates reviewed.
Background
2.
In November it was considered that the Governorship of the British Virgin Islands was a tricky assignment but not exceptionally
no so (Flag C). Since then the BVI have entered a difficult period and are showing signs of going sour. There have been strong criticisms of expatriate civil servants, and the British Attorney- General and the Chief of Police have resigned following unprecedented votes of no confidence in them in the legislature. In November, when Mr. Davidson arrives to take over, the only senior British
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CONFIDENTIAL
/adviser