Port Blair, July 3: The Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM has bid adieu to the islanders today. In his message, His Excellency has welcomed the Lt. Governor designate Lt. Gen (Retd) Ajay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM while expressing gratitude to the Islanders for their support rendered to him during his tenure.
His Excellency, Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Bhopinder Singh writes, “It was, indeed, my pleasure to get an opportunity of serving the peace loving people of these pristine islands. When I joined in December 2006 we were fighting against the havoc created by the unfortunate tsunami that struck our islands in December 2004. With all humility I would like to mention that we could not have overcome the trauma of tsunami, the reconstruction, relief and rehabilitation without the support of our people. We successfully completed the onerous task and after rebuilding robust infrastructures we started various developmental initiatives, some of them have been completed and some are in the pipeline.
I take this opportunity of conveying my gratitude to Hon’ble Member of Parliament, all PRI Members and leaders of all political parties for their valuable guidance and continued support for the welfare and development of the islands. Chairperson, Social Welfare Board, Adyaksha and Upadyaksh of Zilla Parishads, Chief Captain of Car Nicobar and Chairman, Municipal Council gave me all the support for which I am grateful to them. I convey my special thanks to our local media which kept me informed of all the happenings and gave valuable suggestions from time to time. Needless to mention, all sections of the Administration including Defence and Coast Guard made their unstinting contribution towards continued progress of these islands. The entire credit goes to the officers and staff of the administration which includes all Departments and if there were any shortcomings, the responsibility is entirely mine.
I am very proud of the children of our islands who are second to none and they have demonstrated that they are the best both in academics and sports. Therefore, it gives me immense confidence that our islands are in safe hands. I wish my lovely children all the success in the coming years.
After a long innings of 50 years in both Army and Civil life, I now bid farewell to my most beloved people for ensuring that my last leg of the career is completed in such a satisfying and enjoyable manner. I pray to the Almighty to bless you all and your children with good health and success in the coming years.
I now hand over the charge to Lt. Gen (Retd) Ajay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM the Lt. Governor designate. Our people will be glad to know that the Lt. Governor designate is a highly decorated officer, an able statesman and enjoys a very fine reputation in the Army as well as in civil life. I am absolutely sure that he would take our islands to greater heights of development and sustainable growth. I wish all the best for his tenure as the Lt. Governor of these islands.
God bless and ‘au revoir’.