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Is Guy M. Hill being snubbed again for Chief Immigration Officer post?

- Acting Chief Immigration Officer Ian B. Penn is expected to return to study leave in September 2016. Will Hill be side stepped again?
Guy M. Hill is the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, however, it remains to be seen whether he will be given the post of Chief Immigration Officer after being snubbed in the past. Photo: VINO/File
Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mr Ian B. Penn (left) is reportedly expected to return to study leave this fall 2016. Geraldine Ritter-Freeman (right), an acting Deputy Secretary in the Premier’s Office, is one of the names being called as a possible replacement for Mr Penn. Photo: VINO/File
Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mr Ian B. Penn (left) is reportedly expected to return to study leave this fall 2016. Geraldine Ritter-Freeman (right), an acting Deputy Secretary in the Premier’s Office, is one of the names being called as a possible replacement for Mr Penn. Photo: VINO/File
Keith Dawson (right) from the BVI Tourist Board and Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe (left), who is assigned to the Governor’s Office, are the other two names being floated around. Photo: VINO/File
Keith Dawson (right) from the BVI Tourist Board and Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe (left), who is assigned to the Governor’s Office, are the other two names being floated around. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Our newsroom’s senior National Democratic Party (NDP) sources have confirmed that Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mr Ian B. Penn is expected to return to study leave this fall 2016, pending final approval from the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The Officer is expected to complete another phase of his legal studies. However, there is an active debate in the Premier’s Office and in senior NDP circles as to who will replace Mr Penn while he is on study leave. The Deputy Chief Immigration Officer is Mr Guy M. Hill, an indigenous Virgin Islander who is confirmed to his post.

Is Guy M. Hill being mistreated?

Mr Hill acted as Chief Immigration Officer during late 2013 to October 2014 but he was never confirmed to the post after it was reported of a fall-out between him and the Office of the Premier, the Ministry under which the Immigration Department falls.

He was then replaced by his Deputy Ian B. Penn who is currently acting in the Post of Chief Immigration Officer as Mr Hill was reverted to the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer’s post.

The NDP source said “some see Guy as too strict and not flexible enough, but he is a man who sticks to the law.”

Mr Hill has law enforcement background after working for many years in the United States of America in law enforcement.

It is believed, however, that Mr Hill will be snubbed once again as there is an active list of possible names to allegedly replace Mr Penn while he is on study leave.

Hill not wanted by the powers that be!

The names floated include Malvern Barthwaite, who is an Assistant Secretary in the Premier’s Office and has acted in the post of Chief Immigration Officer before; Geraldine Ritter-Freeman, an acting Deputy Secretary in the Premier’s Office; Keith Dawson from the BVI Tourist Board and Carolyn Stoutt-Igwe, who is assigned to the Governor’s Office.

Some of the names on the list have not been contacted, according to the same NDP source.

No decision has been settled on to date for an officer to act in the post once Mr Penn goes off on study leave.

The Premier’s Office has been tight lipped on the matter and Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mr Penn could not be reached to confirm if he was indeed proceeding on study leave.

38 Responses to “Is Guy M. Hill being snubbed again for Chief Immigration Officer post?”

  • cay (23/05/2016, 08:39) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Ndp killing locals again yall
    • faith (23/05/2016, 09:18) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      PEOPLE IN THE BVI WHO ARE NOT NDP KEEP THE FAITH HOLD ON TO GOD AND HE WILL BE WITH YOU IN ALL YOUR STRUGGLES BECAUSE HE NEVER SLEEP HE SEES ALL THE INJUSTICE AND HE WILL TAKE CARE OF IT IN HIS OWN TIME . REGARDLESS OF THE SITUATION KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ETERNAL PRIZE . IT IS REALLY A SHAME OF WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS LITTLE PLACE. SOME PEOPLE HEART IS HARDER THAN A BLUE BITCH ROCK.
    • again? (23/05/2016, 10:12) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      When did they ever stop trying to kill locals?
    • ? (23/05/2016, 16:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Which of the 5 pictured is not local or of local origin???
  • wize up (23/05/2016, 09:16) Like (29) Dislike (1) Reply
    I like it because one be must an NDP affiliate to hold certain post. I personally think mr hill should be given the task of dealing with immigration.



  • Fair (23/05/2016, 09:34) Like (15) Dislike (40) Reply
    Any of the suggested names will be better than Mr. Hill. My choice would be narrowed to Mrs Ritter-Freeman, Mr. Dawson or Mrs. Igwe-Stoutt because they understand some of the points that the BVI Forward Campaign and the One BVI campaign is trying to preach. Both our industries have connections to Immigration and we need someone at the helm who has an understanding of the modern world. We as Virgin Islanders have to stop thinking that Immigration only has to do with granting expats time, and see how it ties into our twin pillars and that we cannot have someone who does not see the whole picture.
    • civil servant (23/05/2016, 09:47) Like (18) Dislike (6) Reply
      Ritter-Freeman for god sake go sit down I like Dawson
      • wize up (23/05/2016, 20:13) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        @ civil servant: Dawson will not get it simply because he opposed the national democratic party during the last election...
        • the rock (24/05/2016, 00:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          to me, it looks like hill can be a good police chief or prison chief from his expierence back ground I read in a pass article!
    • wize up (23/05/2016, 09:48) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ fair: you mean give more privilege to those with big wallets to enter and rule the territory... give then citizenship by investment and the whole 9 yards( talk talk!!! )
    • BRAD BOYNES (23/05/2016, 11:14) Like (37) Dislike (1) Reply
      @ Fair. While you are entitled to your opinion, you do not know guy hill.
      All three or four recommendations cannot step in his shoes when it comes to immigration matters locally, regionally or internationally; even religiously. Have a conversation with the man one day.
    • native (23/05/2016, 11:57) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think the decision whether or not to put Mr. Hill there should be based on his assessment during the time he acted in the post.
    • @fair u crazy (23/05/2016, 22:08) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
      Ritter. Igwe, Naaaa. Please.. Hill the perfect man he is more than qualified. His one draw back Is that he is not a yes man..Give Hill what is due to him. Omg. Quit making a simple decision hard
      • son son (23/05/2016, 22:43) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        Some of you just come on here and blog piss why would Ritter freeman take that job and she is presently supervising the chief immigration officer. Won't that be a step backwards silly people
    • town mash down (24/05/2016, 06:30) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply

      Mr Hill understands much more than you dreamt of. The current population of the world is over 7.4 billion. So far this year there are 33 million new people in the world. None of these people came from mercury, Venus, mars, Jupiter, Saturn or any other celestial body, they were spawned right here on earth. People do not have to come from elsewhere for the population to grow; unchecked it will certainly lead to instability, for population growth is an exponential function, it is going to blowup. What I am speaking of thus far is natural population growth, that is, without new people coming from other countries. Added to that, the massive population influx that we are seeing in the BVI it should be clear if this continues there will be serious problems up ahead. There won't be enough jobs to support these people. Crime will increase and there will be a general degradation of society.

      Something similar to this occurred In Easter Island. The south sea islanders arrived there in there canoes and eventually burned those canoes. No other people arrived on Easter Island but natural population growth began to put pressure on their resources and eventually the society collapsed. All that remains on Easter Island today are the monuments to their culture. It can happen again.

      It is interesting to note that of 250 countries and territories in the world today, the BVI is ranked at number 230 in terms of current population size. However, alarmingly, the BVI is number 36 in terms of population growth which is due natural population growth accelerated by population influx.

      It is time for another census but as yet we do not know the result of the last census. Is this by design and is it because the population is higher than some want to admit, what is the population of the BVI?

      I am not sure what you mean by  "BVI Forward Campaign and the One BVI campaign is trying to preach". I wish you would expound on that. But if you are referring to the new world order: one of their plans is to reduce the world population by 5 billion people.
      We must not destroy our society because of short sighted political interest.
      Mr. Hill is the perfect candidate to help us maintain population stability.
  • Hmmmm (23/05/2016, 09:54) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    The winning candidate will most likely be the one most capable of being a yes person to do as the PS and Ministers please - and not a thing about who's best for the post. Nothing new. Our poor borders.
  • Political Observer (23/05/2016, 10:08) Like (37) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tribal politics and cannibilization are alive and well. Social stratification is also alive and well; just in case people forget what social stratification is. Here is the social order: Caucasian, down street, up street, country (any village outside of Road Town), key people, island people ( no diss intended). It is local against local. Virgin Islanders are as crab in a barrel; they cherished tearing each other down.

    Guy's problem is that he is from up street, he exceeded expectations, he is not a robot, he does his job effectively and well within the rules, he is not a pliable tool or stool for politicians to use and abuse, he exudes professionalism, he is not a "yes" man, he stands on principle, he is eminently qualified for the job......etc. is it not ironic that government advocates for locals to get qualified for top jobs but Guy Hill, an eminently qualify local, is catching hell? He is not part of the "Family."

    Guy is the Deputy CIO. Why have a Deputy if he cannot even as a minimum fill in for the CIO? Even Ray Charles know that Guy can do the job. Politics is the reason why Guy is being dissed. If the Premier and rest of the caucus do not want Guy in Immigration gets the balls and move him out. But no they are trying to frustrate him enough that he will leave. They are even more pissed off because he is hanging tough and doing his job with blind obedience. Hang tough my brother.

    Virgin Islanders need to support other Virgin Islanders against abuse. We need to advocate for Guy Hill, an eminently qualified Virgin Islander. The "March" of 1949 is an example of Virgin Islanders advocating for their rights. Today is Guy's abuse but tomorrow can be any of us. Dig a well before you get thirsty----Chinese Proverb.
  • Fairer Winds (23/05/2016, 10:40) Like (12) Dislike (11) Reply
    @ Fair- Yes, I totally understand your point of view. I am a local but Immigration needs to understands that this post requires more than giving time. It calls for flexibility and understanding. Mr. Hill may have his credentials but I think to be fair, he will be better suited in the Police department. He has shown a lack of empathy, tolerance and flexibility, all of which is necessary to be productive on all levels in such a post. Mr. Penn has shown great humility, strength and knowledge....saddened to learn that he is leaving but he will be even better and more knowledgeable in his return. This is not about position, personal likes and power, It is not business as usual..the world has changed.
    • so tell me (23/05/2016, 16:52) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Are empathy, tolerance and flexibility some of the requirments for becoming head of immigration in the USA, Caribbean countries or any country, especially when there are Immigration laws? Just be frank, we are a little island and anything should go once people get away with what they want. Talking rubbish. Its sad that we can't let people do their jobs without political interference. Many of us have benefitted from hill being flexible - but the flexibility some of you, including those in Government, want most times don't fall within the law - time will tell.
  • Boo (23/05/2016, 11:03) Like (22) Dislike (6) Reply
    Guy is the man for Immigration
  • Janto (23/05/2016, 11:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    @hmm yes
  • bvibuzz (23/05/2016, 12:13) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Fall out you say, u mean he refused to break the law with request from the big office
  • son of the soil (23/05/2016, 12:29) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    We all know that guy is the man but the outsiders fear him and we also know bvislanders always putting outsiders before themselves.
  • ReX FeRal (23/05/2016, 14:08) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    "Mr. Hill may have his credentials but I think to be fair, he will be better suited in the Police department. He has shown a lack of empathy, tolerance and flexibility, all of which is necessary to be productive on all levels in such a post"

    It is quite obvious you do not know Mr. Hill. Do you want to know the REAL reason he was not recommended for the post? It has nothing to do with empathy, flexibility or tolerance as you quotes (wonder if you have tangible evidence of this)but he is not a corrupt officer and many in the Premier's office and in Tortola cannot state same with a straight face, so for political reason with people's lives and family's they play.
  • po (23/05/2016, 14:14) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    He not going to break the law so they do not want him in that job
  • Huge Barley (23/05/2016, 16:26) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Dem say a couple weeks ago a ball headed minister call guy when penn was out sicking demanding that he deal with a passport of his boyfriend who time was up and came in illegal in west end

    Hill put him in his place and asked him what was so uegent and his boyfriend must go back to the surpervisor in west end.

    The ball headed minister promised to call back hill after he see he could not bully hill ...all now hill still waiting on the call back!! Go talk that
    • @ Huge Barley (23/05/2016, 17:38) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      ha ha myrun thinks he can bully every civil servant Guy born here not Antigua
  • Whattttt? (23/05/2016, 18:02) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    @Huge Barley, say whattttt? The bald headed minister? Nooooo.
  • Local (23/05/2016, 19:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok give them the position an hill is going to train them.none of them can do the job like Mr hill he no the people .he no the job give the man the position
  • folks (23/05/2016, 20:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    i beg you brother hill DO NOT take the job unless it is placed in writing that it will be permanent. why? because they are using you. you weren't good enough to be appointed to begin with. but now you're good enough to fill in on a temporary basis. because you know when mr. penn returns he will get his position back and wallah, once again you're out. do not accept a fill-in / temp. position. you'll be just fine.
  • Lord o (23/05/2016, 22:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hill. No one else.
    .
  • Albion (23/05/2016, 23:42) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    it will be nice to see after years of the NDP hate for Guy Hill they will still have to come back to him !!!
  • The Real Huge Barley (24/05/2016, 00:14) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Guy is the man. Straight as an arrow!
    • @ The Real Huge Barley (24/05/2016, 06:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      ha he he the NDP does not like straight people they love crooks and left hand followers
  • Me (24/05/2016, 04:38) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    This government must be careful who they put in that post. Which of the names mentioned will be respected like Guy by US Authoroty ? There must be a strong person at the head of immigration not someone because he ot she is a party member. The territory needs strong leadership in all areas especially immigration. This territory is slowly being destroyed.
  • Greg Foster (25/05/2016, 10:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Advertise the dam job.
  • Lady Fox (26/05/2016, 20:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He is one handsome and intelligent man.


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