55.—(1) If the Premier is expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of the Premier.
(2) If both the Premier and the Deputy Premier are expected to be absent from the Virgin Islands for more than forty-eight hours, the Governor shall authorise another Minister designated by the Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority on the return to the Virgin Islands of either the Premier or the Deputy Premier.
(3) If the Cabinet advises the Governor that the Premier is unable to perform his or her functions by reason of illness, the Governor shall authorise the Deputy Premier to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority if the Cabinet advises him or her that the Premier is again able to perform his or her functions.
(4) If the Cabinet advises the Governor that both the Premier and the Deputy Premier are unable to perform their functions by reason of absence or illness, the Governor shall authorise another Minister designated by the Premier (or, if the Premier makes no such designation, appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Cabinet, and where the Cabinet fails to give such advice within twenty-four hours of the Governor seeking such advice, selected by the Governor in his or her discretion) to perform the functions of the office of Premier; and the Governor shall revoke this authority if the Cabinet advises him or her that the Premier or the Deputy Premier is again able to perform his or her functions.
(5) Any authority given or revoked by the Governor under this section shall be in writing.