THE CONSTITUTION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

CHAPTER 3THE GOVERNOR

Functions of Deputy Governor

38.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Deputy Governor shall—

(a)assist the Governor in the exercise of his or her functions relating to matters for which the Governor is responsible under section 60;

(b)assist the Governor in the exercise of such of his or her other functions, being functions in the exercise of which the Governor is not obliged to act in accordance with the advice of any other person or authority, as the Governor, acting in his or her discretion, may direct; and

(c)perform such other functions, not of a ministerial nature, as (subject to this Constitution and any other law) may be assigned to the Deputy Governor, at the request of the Premier, by the Governor acting in his or her discretion.

(2) The Governor, acting in his or her discretion, may, by writing under his or her hand, authorise the Deputy Governor to exercise for and on behalf of the Governor any or all of the functions of the office of Governor, subject to such exceptions and conditions as the Governor may from time to time so specify.

(3) The power and authority of the Governor shall not be affected by any authority of the Deputy Governor under subsection (2) and, subject to the provisions of this Constitution and of any other law by which any function which the Deputy Governor is authorised to exercise is conferred, the Deputy Governor shall comply with such instructions relating to the exercise of that function as the Governor, acting in his or her discretion, may from time to time address to the Deputy Governor; but the question whether or not the Deputy Governor has in any matter complied with any such instructions shall not be enquired into in any court.

(4) Any authority given under subsection (2) may at any time be varied or revoked by Her Majesty by instructions given through a Secretary of State or by the Governor, acting in his or her discretion, by writing under his or her hand.

(5) In subsection (2) the reference to any functions of the office of Governor does not include a reference to—

(a)the functions conferred on the Governor by this section; or

(b)any functions conferred on the Governor by any Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom or by any Order of Her Majesty in Council or other instrument made under any such Act other than this Order.