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Valston M. Graham tipped to be new DPP in St Kitts-Nevis

- after being snubbed for same job in the Virgin Islands when a UK National was chosen over him!
Senior Crown Counsel Valston M. Graham has been given the job of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in St Kitts-Nevis. Photo: Facebook
United Kingdom National Kim Hollis QC (left) was selected over Mr Graham for the DDP post in the Virgin Islands. Right: Senior Police Officer Vere H. E. Browne, was snubbed for the Deputy Commissioner of Police post, but went on to be the Commissioner of Police of Antigua and Barbuda. Photo: Internet Source
United Kingdom National Kim Hollis QC (left) was selected over Mr Graham for the DDP post in the Virgin Islands. Right: Senior Police Officer Vere H. E. Browne, was snubbed for the Deputy Commissioner of Police post, but went on to be the Commissioner of Police of Antigua and Barbuda. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The saying, ‘when one door is closed another is opened’, seems to be true for Senior Crown Counsel in the Office of the Virgin Islands Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Attorney Valston M. Graham.

Word just into our newsroom from our senior sources within the St Kitts-Nevis’ legal fraternity is that Mr Graham, who was among some five persons who applied for the vacant Director of Public Prosecutions post in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, was selected.

The same source said Mr Graham is likely to take up the post from next month, however, the source did not confirm a date.

Snubbed but talent wanted elsewhere

It was just last month that Mr Graham, who has spent some eight years in the Office of the Virgin Islands (VI) Director of Public Prosecutions, was snubbed for the top job when a United Kingdom National Kim Hollis QC was selected over him as he made the final list.

Graham, who is from St Vincent and the Grenadines, but has VI status for the past five years, have been the lead in many high profile local cases and has a good track record of victory for the crown.

He is a former police officer in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RIVPF) and moved up in the ranks of the DPP Office after completion of law school sometime around 2008.

It was a couple years ago that another longtime resident, Senior Police Officer Vere H. E. Browne, was snubbed for the Deputy Commissioner of Police post, but went on to be the Commissioner of Police of Antigua and Barbuda, a force three times the size of the RVIPF.

Both the Unity Government of St Kitts-Nevis, headed by Prime Minister Dr The Honourable Timothy S. Harris, and Mr Graham, did not respond to inquiries for our story.

46 Responses to “Valston M. Graham tipped to be new DPP in St Kitts-Nevis”

  • Not the same (19/08/2016, 11:30) Like (14) Dislike (18) Reply
    The pay aint going to be the same tola is US dollar st kitts is EC
    • Sorry to see him go (19/08/2016, 12:12) Like (29) Dislike (9) Reply
      He was a competent prosecutor and respected by the Judges and defence lawyers. He leaves a big gap - there are no other prosecutors, save the new DPP, that are as competent and some of them are hopeless.
    • Not the same.. Nonsense. (19/08/2016, 14:52) Like (42) Dislike (12) Reply
      What US dollars have to do with it? The BVI broke St. Kitts got Money. SK spend 3 million on music Fest .. 11 Million to get CPL Semi Finals and Finals in St. Kitts. Make 4 million profit from Their Carnival that they were giving private entities Donations from Carnival Profits .. Bad Money Investment and management have the BVI going down. Maybe they should look at SK and Learn. They built a Cruise Pier with so much stupid rules. No music. It's like a ghost town. Soon it will be a grave yard. Go to S K. Look at their port. Its the action spot in SK. Maybe they need to take a look at SK and Learn.
      • W*F (19/08/2016, 15:30) Like (21) Dislike (5) Reply
        @Not the same... Nonsense
        U are so right. St. Kitts is the jam. Love Port Zante. Yes, I from BVI, but St. Kitts way ahead of BVI. NDP needs to take a page out of St. Kitts book. When Johnson Ghut burial ground full, cruise pier is the alternative. When I want to have fun I hop over to St. Kitts.
        • wize up (19/08/2016, 18:24) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
          @ WTF....I grew up under the leadership of HL Stoutt; Willard Wheatley; CB Romney and RT Oneal....watched the development of this territory under those great leaders....it is simply my "private" opinion that the current regime undertake developments in this territory simply for personal enrichment and political favours!!!(church out)
      • Tola born & raised (19/08/2016, 16:14) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
        WE NEED ST.KITTS GOVERNMENT TO RUN OURS.
      • wake up (19/08/2016, 18:15) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
        Before you go on and on cussing our government read this.
        http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/greed-blamed-as-buy-a-passport-program-lands-st-kitts-and-nevis-off-canadas-visa-waiver-list

        St. Kitts probably wants someone who worked in the BVI to get them out of their own mess...
      • So (19/08/2016, 19:54) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Three million ec dollars u mean
      • Wrong. (20/08/2016, 17:49) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
        SK have more money than the BVI? Where do you get your information. The BVI has one of the top economies in the entire Caribbean. The gross domestic product (GDP) of St.Kitts is est. 14,000 per capita, while the BVI is $39,000 per capita. Stop spread proganda.
    • Outspoke (19/08/2016, 17:59) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      That is the problem with some of you, it's all about money but for Graham it's not. It's building on his achievements and am sure if he accepted the job the salary he will be receiving will be more when the calculation is made.
    • apple (19/08/2016, 20:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      A job like that in St Kitts is average 18'000-Gros (money in pocket) with free housing and allowance. one US is 2.67 EC... do the maths and tell me you see a problem in that.
  • i from here (19/08/2016, 11:44) Like (40) Dislike (23) Reply
    so happy for him as BVI never know what they got until someone else take it
  • Hmm (19/08/2016, 11:48) Like (10) Dislike (11) Reply
    I would of rather this man over our fate rather than that UK Lady. He is one of we now we ga deal with da clone lady
  • King Kunta (19/08/2016, 11:52) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congrats Valston. Well deserved, sad to see you go but I am confident you will do well in your new role. Often times a man is not appreciated where he has done the most good, and therefore has to look elsewhere.
  • he will do fine (19/08/2016, 11:58) Like (32) Dislike (2) Reply
    Well poor Hollis because all the pressure on her now Tifunny donot know her head from her toe. The office will miss Graham............he was carry that mantle
  • Grate full (19/08/2016, 12:02) Like (14) Dislike (10) Reply

    Thank you ... Could not have done it with out you !

  • @ great full (19/08/2016, 12:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ha ha
  • Cruz (19/08/2016, 12:29) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    Congrats Valston!
  • kid (19/08/2016, 13:00) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    There goes another one... yes he may not be from here but he made the BVI his home and he contributed is such away so sad to know that your leaving to a bigger country to carry out the same duty in a position that was once vacant right in your presence and yet you was over look... congrats best manager (put your shirt in your pants or else go home dont come on the plane)
  • @ great full (19/08/2016, 13:01) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ha ha
  • GRANNY (19/08/2016, 13:14) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    "wha cat gah playing wid dog want"
  • All the best (19/08/2016, 13:26) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wishing you well in your new endeavor. However; I am not in agreement with the sentiments expressed concerning the new UK DPP - Ms Hollis! She has a vast array of high level experience and is well respected in the UK. Furthermore, the disappointing conviction rates and all to many fumbles and bumbling of evidence and prosecutions has left the powers that be no choice - get someone unknown and impartial to sort the mess out!

    Graham has been her for sometime and is known - Ms. Hollis has no allegiances to anyone here and hopefully will not allow the blatant nonsense that has been happening in that office for eons!

    • please (20/08/2016, 19:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      If they smart people who hire these DPP would check, Rasbansie was rejected in his own country. Graham won all his cases. Ok then since they obsessed about under studying then make the man the Deputy DPP and when the Hollis woman go home he take over. and then make the Scatliffe Girl Deputy after. I bet you all would not even do that because this Duncan Guy want his own people there in our country and the Corruption Corporation would always sign off .
  • belonger (19/08/2016, 14:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Valston, reach for the stars. I know u will do a great job, don't let anyone or anything talk u out of it. U r the one to decide ur own destiny. The powers here are narrow minded, and choose other persons who might be qualified, but Virgin Islanders/Belongers ought to be given opportunities in their country of service one they are qualified of which u r. Congratulations again.
  • born here (19/08/2016, 14:19) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    Browne got fired from the same job down Antigua! LOL!
    • @ born here (19/08/2016, 16:57) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Fool it was politics the government change so he was out but he did a dam good job
  • Residence (19/08/2016, 14:55) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Poor Leslie Ann Faulkner. The pressure is going to be on her shoulders.
  • Good Move. Congrats. (19/08/2016, 14:55) Like (15) Dislike (7) Reply
    Don't Compare SK with The BVI. BVI going down. SK going up. Look at their music Fest. Cricket. Their port. Their Carnival.. Do a research... Graham made a good move. He is a fun guy in a fun place. Happiness can't done.
    • Smurking (19/08/2016, 20:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      All you do get off the ship before it sinks and take some of your folks with you. The fewer folks in the water, the better the survival rate.
  • LL (19/08/2016, 15:24) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    What Ec dollars has to do with it...he would ne getting the same pay in Us when you conver it and more. Graham wouldnt leave a job gor less.
  • tretretrete (19/08/2016, 15:50) Like (1) Dislike (12) Reply
    i understand the fustrations... but if this is your home then stay weather the storm!!
  • Hmm (19/08/2016, 16:16) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
    Interesting that such a progressive administration as you guys say could not find a SKN national!
  • de silent one (19/08/2016, 16:37) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Wow! He'll be badly missed from that office. There aren't much left with that competency to successfully prosecute, there will be a big void. However, it's time for the others to show their true colors as to who they say they are, prosecutors. I wish him all the success, he and his boy Bevis will be together again.
  • Binocs (19/08/2016, 18:38) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Mr. Valston, I am so sad to see you leave but, you are off to bigger and better things. Good Luck to you and thank you for your service here in the BVI.
  • tretretrete (19/08/2016, 18:51) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    So there is a story of someone with BVI status going to another country and getting the top post of DPP.... What is the leader of the opposition talking now? He said no country will put "outsiders" in their top positions . Quite funny when the roles are reversed and no one is saying anything eh!!! VIno I hope you fair and post this. Wishing all the best to a BVI belonger in his new post in St Kitts!
    • @hmmm (20/08/2016, 07:33) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      It's not about status ---Graham is a Caribbean man... Plain and simple. Vincentian by birth, BVIslander by heart and choice ... Kittian here we come
  • kudos (19/08/2016, 19:43) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    He was never in jeopardy of losing his job. Graham has other interests. Graham will do well wherever he goes
  • ------------------------ (19/08/2016, 20:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vote for a VIP all the way .
  • Courthouse Laws (20/08/2016, 07:56) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    the best DPP a country could have sometimes is someone that is not from that country and as long as that individual stands for fairness and integrity. Make sure the country's ruling party,its influences and those unstoppables dont take advantage of your position. You may have friends and acquaintances but dont let them get a hold of your final judgement. Money and gifts,positions/status are for a time but your fear or faith can last throughout your life time.Sir if you are taking up such position heed the cry of your conscience guided by the Man above and not Man below.
  • Brace up (20/08/2016, 09:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    St Kitts and Nevis will keep him busy. All the best and thanks for your service to the BVI.
  • big tings (20/08/2016, 10:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    To God be the glory great things he hath done. What's for you is for you. The favoritism nonsense in the BVI needs to STOP. The officials here make it look like its them alone who make these decisions when they know full well that they sit around every buddy table and discuss so they keep certain fellowship flowing. Valston if this is true talk GO FORTH AND SHOW THEM FROM A DISTANCE what they give up. In SKB you most definitely will have your work cut out for you, just do the work by the books and with SMARTS while been vigilant because it's ST KITTS not TORTOLA. To those who talk about and comparing us to SKB go back and stay. We this and we might be that but ayo still ya suh. Why? Because you CANNOT AND ARE AFRAID TOO LIVE WEY YOU BORN. We don't fraid we leave for very different reasons but when you leave......lol. yes we may lack the night life but I prefer be here in tola without night life than to be in st.Kitts. PERIOD. St. Kitts dutty from top to bottom. Flies flies omg flies. it's a battle eating your food or whatever. Ayo dutty me seh. Who the hell hear about dutty water running through the middle of town strups. What is it really you guys trying to breed. You may have a little bit more of this and a little but more of that but we here in tola certainly don't envy you. To those who claim say they hop over there when want fun hmm sounds fishy to me. Hope there isn't a good skb beatdown waiting on you in the near future. It's the sugar lol yes I know lol. Our politrickcians aren't the best and we know and acknowledge that but is the politicians in skb any better? I dare you say yes. Strups. Go clean yuh back yard before you come talk bout mine
    • Camillion (01/09/2016, 10:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yuh forward and outta place. Sewage water running all over in streets up country and in East End for years before the government decide its finally time to invest in a sewage system which still not complete. I dare you to show me where in Basseterre have dutty water running in the streets. All over Basseterre have proper drains. Yuh probably don't know what a drain is when you see it because they few and far between in Tortola. People have the right to live wherever they choose once they follow the laws to immigrate to a country. Just like Kittitians choose to live here and in other countries, BVIslanders go all over the place. So much BVIslanders in ST. Thomas which have much more crime than St. Kitts. You are so backward you cannot feel good about your own country without pulling down another man's. If BVIslanders say they like to go St. Kitts and criticize BVI what is wrong with that? Every country have their problems. Maybe you went St. Kitts by people who dutty just like your mind is dutty.
  • OIL NUT BAY (20/08/2016, 12:35) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    No, TSE is left there, let she do the job and try to match Graham. She feel that she know it all so let see her in action now
  • vincy (20/08/2016, 21:34) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am so proud of my country man. I know that with God all things are possible for you. Good luck and may the grace of God continue to guide, guard and protect you. All the best Valston.
  • Happy Feet (22/08/2016, 08:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow! As always its our own that keeps us down. Congrats, that's the best thing you could have done.


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