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UK national Jay Kendall’s appointment as HMP boss a ‘step forward’- Archer Jr

United Kingdom national Mr Jay Kendall has been appointed Superintendent of Prisons, effective October 30, 2023. Photo: GIS
Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr has said the appointment of Mr Jay Kendall as Superintendent of Prisons in the [British] Virgin Islands is ‘a step forward as we continue to evolve this vital branch of the Public Service’. Photo: GIS/File
Deputy Governor David D. Archer Jr has said the appointment of Mr Jay Kendall as Superintendent of Prisons in the [British] Virgin Islands is ‘a step forward as we continue to evolve this vital branch of the Public Service’. Photo: GIS/File
New Superintendent of Prisons, Mr Jay 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. Photo: VINO/File
New Superintendent of Prisons, Mr Jay 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. Photo: VINO/File
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.

15 Responses to “UK national Jay Kendall’s appointment as HMP boss a ‘step forward’- Archer Jr”

  • SideEye (21/11/2023, 12:59) Like (9) Dislike (18) Reply
    Very Much Upsetting

    Would be interesting to again access to the discussion had when the UK decided why it was important to have the prison and the police established. Why and the who should control.
  • Mike (21/11/2023, 13:08) Like (8) Dislike (31) Reply
    Taking us back into the days of slavery
  • But of course in a good way (21/11/2023, 13:12) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    We knew that, welcome Sir and good luck. Perhaps and hoping you are going to turn things around for the better. I have always said one of the one of the things that will make a change is all inmates should be wearing a prison uniform, not street clothes and jewelry. That is my take on that and some may not take it into consideration.
  • Dat make sense nah man (21/11/2023, 14:11) Like (25) Dislike (6) Reply
    Why the prisoners be wearing their own clothes and jewelry? Bring uniforms in.
  • Honestly (21/11/2023, 14:35) Like (18) Dislike (5) Reply
    I don’t understand why anyone would oppose inmates wearing a prison uniform. Then in that case, the children should stop wearing school uniforms and wear street clothes to school.
    • bde (21/11/2023, 14:53) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
      Honestly you had me at the first line....then lost me. Not a good comparison with school children. come again.
  • Whoever it takes (21/11/2023, 15:33) Like (3) Dislike (16) Reply
    The Prison need a strong and knowledgeable boss with the Gov support. It's out of control. We've been trying locals and they not delivering..It's not all their fault. Most of The Guards, We black have a mentality not to respect and support our own but keep trying to bring our own down but when the white says jump we ask how high. We will soon need one at the Port..
  • RedStorm (21/11/2023, 15:58) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    It would be fair trade if Mr Hill would have a position in the UK prision for director of prisons. This would allow him the opportunity to see another style of managing prisons.
    • Forbidden Truth (22/11/2023, 06:57) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      @RedStorm.....commendable position but know this... Hill was managing the prison fairly well with little to no support from the government and some staff. Problem is, the Hill that I know and worked with in the past is an incorruptible man. And people, corrupt people in the Government from the Governor's Office down have issues with incorruptible people and person's. Don't mind the nonsenseor the noise. You see people blog about uniforms for inmates. We'll they are there. Hill got them there. Ask why they are not being utilized? Hmm.
  • one eye (21/11/2023, 16:14) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    White might showing who is in charge
  • 2023 (21/11/2023, 16:32) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    London is back in the House looks like politicians fast asleep

    13 of them 2 busy at each others throat
    • @ 2023 (21/11/2023, 19:48) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think it’s not about culture; it’s about survival. It’s about reality of small island politics
  • hmm (21/11/2023, 17:32) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    They cant even run their own prisons lol, allowing rapist to walk the streets as uk prisons are too full
  • Just 4 the sake of love (22/11/2023, 11:18) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    When I look around and see how hypocritical we could become so quickly, it doesn't cease to amaze me.
    How could our Dep. GOVERNOR come out so powerful with all this solid Recommendations for this New Prison Officer. Does he even know him? We havent even learn to checkthese people's Credencials for authenticity. And whenever we do, it is because it is one of us.
    And then to add Gasoline to the burning building, Hon. Wheatley , correct me if im wrong, Had he said anything good when the thought come up for giving Guy Hill the post that meant well? But hear what he is throwing out for someone he knows absolutely nothing about. I am not a Racist but when I see our own acting as if the only sense they could perform is nonsense. But we was independencia.
    Look how the White Hearted people Laughing at we.
  • Ooi (24/11/2023, 17:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good luck mate..stay strong..it's crazy around here



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