Mr. Jay Kendall has been appointed Superintendent of Prisons, effective 30th October, 2023.
Mr. Kendall brings over seventeen (17) decorated years of experience in the criminal justice system to this role. Most recently, he has served as the Superintendent of Prisons on Saint Helena Island where he 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.
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 Balsum Ghut, Tortola.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley said he is elated to welcome Mr. Jay 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.”
Acting Governor, Mr. David Archer Jr. said, “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.”
Throughout Mr. Kendall’s professional life, he has served as the Operational Head of Function at the H.M Prison and Probation Service in the United Kingdom, as well as the OASys Operational Support Manager in the Ministry of Justice, among many other roles and functions in the criminal justice system.
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.”
The Superintendent of Prisons is responsible for the provision of day-to-day leadership and guidance at His Majesty’s Prison in Balsum Ghut, and serves as the Government’s chief advisor on all matters pertaining to prison management and rehabilitation.