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UK national Mr Jay Kendall out! As HM Prison boss?

Word reaching our news centre from officers at His Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut is that Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall has left his post and the Virgin Islands. Photo: HMP/File
Mr Jay Kendall, a UK national, was chosen in October 2023 for the job of Superintendent of Prison over qualified Virgin Islanders. Photo: Internet Source
Mr Jay Kendall, a UK national, was chosen in October 2023 for the job of Superintendent of Prison over qualified Virgin Islanders. Photo: Internet Source
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) confirmed to our newsroom that the Superintendent of Prison, Mr Jay Kendall, has left his post and the Territory. Photo: GIS
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) confirmed to our newsroom that the Superintendent of Prison, Mr Jay Kendall, has left his post and the Territory. Photo: GIS
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- Word reaching our news centre from officers at His Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut is that Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall has left his post and the Virgin Islands.

Mr. Kendall, a UK national, was chosen in October 2023 for the job by a British appointed Governor over many qualified Virgin Islanders. It is believed that Mr Kendall and a former male Prison Officer may have taken up a post in another colony: Anguilla.

Got away without discipline

It was in October 2025 that two inmates, Jose Almestica (37) and John Burgos (27) escaped from HM Prison at Balsam Ghut under the watch of Mr Kendall. However, he faced no disciplinary action, but instead local prison officers were sent on leave and investigated. As of today Saturday, November 7, 2026, the two inmates are still at large, in other words, have not been recaptured.

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) confirmed to our newsroom that the Superintendent, Mr Kendall, has left his post and the Territory. Hon Wheatley did not offer any more details.

Mr. Kendall also sent around a memorandum to his staff about his departure. Government has not made any official announcement on who is the new acting Superintendent.

16 Responses to “UK national Mr Jay Kendall out! As HM Prison boss?”

  • Rubber Duck (07/11/2026, 09:23) Like (15) Dislike (16) Reply
    HE WILL NEVER BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE IMMATES ESCAPE, AFTER ALL HE IS WHITE
  • Get a local lady in.. (07/11/2026, 09:24) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    Search for a tough local lady. I do believe a tough knowledgeable, disciplined local lady can do the job effeciently, one with wisdom, who knows when to play the role of a sister, a mother, an aunty a teacher, a counselor and the boss.. I have a few in mind, oh and it must be a local so no rude indiscipline local prisoners can throw island woman insults at her.
  • Cindy (07/11/2026, 09:28) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    bring back Guy Hill
  • nation (07/11/2026, 09:50) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    Aa someone who personally dealt with Mr Kendall over the course of his tenure...he did a lot of good. He made a lot of positive and needed changes. While I would have liked more to be done I understand dealing with politicians and government bureaucracy on one hand and then on the other hand backbiting persons who want to see you fail, is not easy. The prison issues could not be solved in 2 years without a miracle from God. Some of those officers up there are corrupt and two faced. I dont think he should have been disciplined for what his staff allegedly did or failed to do in the escape of those prisoners. Lots more illegal activity going on with weed and phones in the prison. But Mr Kendall tried his best. I am grateful for the good he did and I wish him well.
  • Local (07/11/2026, 10:23) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    I'll gladly recommend Mr C S C for the job.
  • Toa (07/11/2026, 10:55) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    Jackie I hope you get it
  • for the record (07/11/2026, 10:56) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    My understanding is that Mr Kendall completed his contract after three years’ service and accepted a new appointment elsewhere. Is there any evidence that he was dismissed? The headline appears to imply something the article does not establish.
  • Belac (07/11/2026, 11:59) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    No accountability for the escaped murderers huh?
  • @for the record (07/11/2026, 12:33) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    You and I know that no sort of discipline was taken against the gentleman. If he was black it would have been a different ball game. Just like what Pruce did to our local queen. Wypipo always support their own even though they're wrong. But we who did nothing wrong get chastise at the end of the day. We want Pruce gone from here too.
  • A Good Man (07/11/2026, 13:05) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Mr. Kendall. Did a great job with very little or no support from the permanent sec or Minister. He introduced a lot of good education, discipline, and structure. And was great at promoting the good of the prison. Who the hell would blame him for wanting to leave and take up a role where he will be respected and wanted. I wish you well. Now let’s wait and see what happens locally!!
  • @for the record (07/11/2026, 16:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't see anything wrong with the headline nor the article. Out means that he is gone and there is no false information in the art
  • Judy (07/11/2026, 16:15) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    some of us over 70 years full well know that there is a double standard when it comes to an european
  • wa (07/11/2026, 17:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wa it is tolan people want from this man budday? For him to be crucified? Who knows KNOWS, he's done alot for the institution, with little to no help from the ministry & it's government. Regardless of the mishap, was he the one who let them through the gate?? Behaving as though this the 1st escape from da hotel. Tola people against ANYBODY if they "not from here"
  • Doghouse (07/11/2026, 18:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    They sent home the wrong persons. The officer hand over already reached home about 3 hours after he received a call inmate escaped. He already handed over the prison to another sargent who never checked the prison ...why is that officer sent hone. The duty manager for the day suppose to ensure and supervised the loavk down process and ensure all inmates accounted for before he can report to the Supt.. that inmates locked in their cells prison safe. Notbing gkike that happen but you send home two innocent officers while those who are responsible still on the job..pure shit
  • Prison Officer (07/11/2026, 20:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr Kendall would be missed dearly he did it better than any other that run the jail , he brought soo much good for us , I wish him well


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