His Excellency Governor John Rankin has announced that the territory will be hosting a gun salute this afternoon as a mark of respect to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died yesterday, September 8.
According to a media statement from the Governor’s Office, the gun salute will be fired at 12.00 noon at Queen Elizabeth II Park.
It said, “Members of the public are welcome to the ceremony, which will start at 11.45am sharp.”
Following the passing of the Queen, the Union Flag has been half-masted at the Governor’s Office and Government House and will remain at half-mast until the day after her funeral, except during the Proclamation of the new Sovereign, when the flags will be temporarily raised.
The BVI Government offices are also lowering flags as a mark of respect.
The statement also revealed that the Proclamation of the new Sovereign will be marked in the British Virgin Islands on Sunday September 11 and added that there will be a short ceremony at Government House, and a further gun salute shortly after 3pm.
Condolences Book
Meanwhile, Governor Rankin has opened a book of condolences at the Old Government House Museum leading up to the Queen’s funeral.
“Leading up to the funeral, the Governor has opened a book of condolence at the Old Government House Museum. The book of condolence will be open to the public from 11am to 3 pm on Friday 9 September, and then 10am until 3 pm on Saturday 10 September and each working day until the day after Her Majesty’s funeral (date to be announced),” the Governor’s Office said.
It added, “Visitors should enter the museum via the pedestrian gate on Sir Francis Drake Highway.”
Provisions have also been made for the signing of the Condolence books for residents on the sister islands.
“Those wishing to sign the books on the Sister Islands should contact their District Officer for further details. A virtual condolence book is also available online at www.royal.uk,” the Governor’s Office stated.
The Office said further details will be issued concerning the Queen’s funeral, for which the territory will be invited to observe two minutes’ silence in honour of Her Majesty the Queen.