UPDATE: Guy Hill in! Appointed Acting Chief Immigration Officer
Mr Hill’s acting appointment effective October 1, 2013 is for one year, according to a press release issued by Government Information Service (GIS) today, October 3, 2013.
Virgin Islands News Online had previously reported that a source close to the National Democratic Party (NDP) had indicated that there appeared to be mixed reactions to Mr Hill holding the top post and that other names were allegedly being floated around for the post, including that of Mr Keith Dawson, who works in the Premier’s Office, and Mr Jeremy W. Hodge, a Human Resources Manager in the Ministry of Finance.
“His Excellency the Governor, Mr Boyd McCleary, CMG, CVO, after consultation with the Public Service Commission, has confirmed that Mr Guy-Michel Hill has been appointed to act in the post of Chief Immigration Officer for a period of one year,” the GIS press release stated.
It also said Mr Hill, who has been in the Public Service for over 25 years, served as Immigration Officer from 1987 until 2003 after which he was appointed to act as Deputy Chief Immigration Officer.
In 2007, he worked in the Department of Inland Revenue as Assistant Commissioner until 2009. In March 2009 he returned to the Immigration Department as Deputy Chief Immigration Officer until his present acting appointment.
Mr Hill who has a bachelor’s of science in Criminal Justice with a minor in sociology has received extensive training locally, regionally and internationally in numerous law enforcement disciplines including human rights protection, border patrol administration and management, financial investigation, surveillance operations, criminal and conspiracy investigations, passenger analysis Immigration and Naturalisation Service Criminal Investigation, Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States regional investigation, interview and interrogation, supervisory management and courtroom testimony. He is also fluent in several languages including Spanish, the press release included.
The Acting Chief Immigration Officer Mr Hill is responsible for the overall administration and activities of the Immigration Department. Other responsibilities include administering and ensuring implementation of all laws related to the Immigration Department, and liaise with local, regional and international immigration and law enforcement agencies with respect to immigration matters.
“Additionally, the Acting Chief Immigration serves as the Government’s chief advisor on matters pertaining to immigration and is responsible for the overall planning, management and coordination of the department,” the press release added.
See previous article posted October 1, 2013
Dennis Jennings out! Will Guy Hill be in? Controversy looms over appointment!
- Chief Immigration Officer Jennings starts pre-retirement leave effective today October 1, 2013; No Acting Appointment letter issued to his deputy Guy Hill
After over 36 years of service, Chief Immigration Officer Mr Dennis Jennings spent his last day in office at the Immigration Department yesterday September 30, 2013.
Mr Jennings is now proceeding on pre-retirement leave, which means once his vacation days are over he will no longer hold the post of Chief Immigration Officer of the Virgin Islands.
He was first appointed to the public service as an Immigration Officer II in 1977. Mr Jennings, who worked his way up through the ranks, was confirmed in the post of Chief Immigration Officer from January 1, 2008.
Speaking exclusively to Virgin Islands News Online on his last day in office on September 30, 2013 Mr Jennings confirmed, “today is my final day”.
He told this news site it is expected that his Deputy Mr. Guy Hill, “will be acting in the position as is protocol”.
No letter of Acting appointment to Guy Hill
Guy Hill, the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, has not been issued with an acting appointment letter as of today October 1, 2013, according to this news site’s sources within the National Democratic Party.
The same source told this news site that Mr Hill has allegedly not even been interviewed for the post.
Ms Rosalie Adams, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office under which the Immigration Department falls, confirmed that yesterday was “actually Mr Jennings’ last day leading up to his retirement".
Asked about Mr Jennings' replacement, Ms Adams said, "I do not have that document officially in my hands from the Human Resources Department." She did promise to make the information available as soon as she is in a position to do so.
Others being considered?
Sources close to the situation within the National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration told this news site now that the Civil Service is a political body following the 2011 general elections and no longer based on merits, it will be up to Premier and Minister of Immigration Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith as to who gets the top job at the Immigration Department.
There appears to be mixed reactions to Mr Hill holding the top post, according to the same source. Mr Hill is very seasoned in law enforcement with years of experience in the United States in border security and a degree in Criminal Justice.
It is also reported that other names have allegedly being floated around for the post, including that of Mr Keith Dawson, who works in the Premier’s Office, and Mr Jeremy W. Hodge, a Human Resources Manager in the Ministry of Finance.
To date, nothing has been confirmed as it’s expected that Mr Hill will at least be granted an acting appointment until a final decision is made.
The mission of the Immigration Department includes ensuring that all non-belongers; (persons who do not have a Certificate of Residence, Belonger Status or Naturalization) entering the territory qualify as desirable visitors and that their residency, employment and business activities are monitored, regulated and controlled, while at the same time providing professional and courteous services.
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87 Responses to “UPDATE: Guy Hill in! Appointed Acting Chief Immigration Officer”
How re u brain so cannot remember anything? Well look and see, he coming back and because Hill will protest they will send him back in ministry and give the Acting or Deputy to Dawson? Nah , I believe they will give it to Hodge, but again, what about the Penn dude that also did law in UK. Well let us look and see, Here he comes. You all remember who he was now, or who he is? yea, the one from the carrot or is it the cain?
GUY knows the Department inside out but strange enough for the countless times he has acted in the absence of Mr. jennings, he has never been appointed to act. He simply fill the void in good faith. The appointment of D***** would be an insult to the Department and country. D***** needs to go sit down before he embarrass himself.
keep that Hodge boy from that Department before he give away the country like he fa***r
In my humble opinion if them gon give the maduro fella the post, just as cheap them allow one of the immigration officer1 or one of the junior officers' to become the cheif... wah so he could do for immigration and our country! Cant say much bout the other fellah, but I know GUY needs to be in that position.. he knows the laws VERY well and he also carry's them out effectively! He does the job well!
Malv B******** needs to go sit hw retarded ass down..
Further, he is familiar with the strategic and tactical operations of the department. He has been loyal to and served the organization and the people of VI well.
Consequently, he should be either appointed to the position or be given the opportunity to fairly and on a level playing field compete for it.
My family join me,as we pray for god's guidance for Mr.Hill.