BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- It was on September 15, 2023, that our newsroom first and accurately reported that the new Superintendent of Prisons in the [British] Virgin Islands would be a United Kingdom (UK) national, replacing local Guy M. Hill.
The Government of the Virgin Islands confirmed our story on November 20, 2023, when it announced that Mr Jay Kendall has been appointed Superintendent of Prisons, effective October 30, 2023.
‘A step forward’- Deputy Governor
Mr Kendall recently has served as the Superintendent of Prisons on Saint Helena Island where he reportedly designed and implemented the prison’s five (5) year development plan, as well as worked to progress the new prison build project on the island.
“Mr Kendall’s appointment is a step forward as we continue to evolve this vital branch of the Public Service. We have a mandate to ensure that qualified and capable professionals are in place to provide impactful leadership, and I am confident in Mr Kendall’s ability to do so,” Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr commented in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release.
According to GIS, as the new Superintendent of Prisons, Mr Kendall will be responsible for the oversight of all prison operations, as well as the enforcement of applicable laws and policies at His Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut.
‘A wealth of knowledge & experience’
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said he is elated to welcome Mr Kendall to the post of Superintendent of Prison for the Virgin Islands.
Honourable Wheatley said, “Mr Kendall comes to the Territory with a wealth of knowledge and experience. I am confident he will bring this experience, which will help to support and propel the rehabilitation and security of the prison system of the Virgin Islands.”
Mr. Kendall brings over seventeen (17) decorated years of experience in the criminal justice system to this role.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Kendall expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and provided an outlook for his future in this role.
He said, “Any opportunity to serve the public is one that should not be taken lightly. I am delighted and humbled to serve and provide leadership as the Superintendent of Prisons. I have a strong commitment to the forward advancement of the criminal justice system, which will not waver in this role.”
UK eyeing top positions in VI?
Many in the progressive community have claimed that the British are eyeing key positions to be filled by UK nationals in the Territory, such as Comptroller of Customs, Chief Immigration Officer, Director of Public Prosecutions, and replacing the current police commissioner Mark Collins with another UK national; however, they have not brought forward evidence to support these claims.
