United Kingdom Announces New Head of Governor’s Office

The Governor’s Office has a New Head.

The announcement that David B. Arkley is now the new Head of the Governor’s Office (HOGO) was made Friday.

He is scheduled to arrive on the island on Sunday November 11th to begin the handing-over process from the temporary Head, Catherine Tomms who will return to the UK on November 16th to continue her career in Civil Service.

Mr Arkley has had a long and varied career as a member of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service to date bringing with him over thirty years’ experience, since joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1986.

He is a seasoned professional who has a significant amount of Overseas Territories experience; having served previously as Deputy Governor in Bermuda (2009-2013) and having been acting Head of Governor’s Office in The Turks and Caicos Islands following Hurricane Irma and during Hurricane Maria.

Mr. Arkley has significant international experience, having also served in Moscow, Washington DC, New York, São Paulo, Luanda as well as various short-term assignments based in the UK and abroad.

He will be joined by his wife, Elizabeth Castagna, a chartered financial analyst (CFA), and expert in financial risk analysis and regulatory oversight, who looks forward to continuing her career consulting in the region.

In press release to the media, Mr Arkley says he is looking forward to the new challenge of being the Head of the Governor’s Office in Montserrat and bringing, what he hopes, will be useful experience from other Overseas Territories to Montserrat.

Mr Arkley takes over from Tony Bates who left the post in May 2018.