The government of the Virgin Islands has confirmed the appointment of Mr. Claude Kettle as Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, effective July 1, 2025. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Deputy Governor Mr David D. Archer, Jr said Mr Claude A. Kettle’s experience in the Public Sector is vast, and he has made significant contributions to education in the Virgin Islands over the past few years. Photo: Facebook/File

This appointment follows the pre-retirement leave of the former Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcia Potter.

According to a press release from the government of the Virgin Islands dated Thursday, September 11, 2025, Mr Kettle will serve as Acting Permanent Secretary until the recruitment process is completed.

This acting appointment also comes after Mr Kettle was recently appointed Deputy Secretary.

Qualified & Experienced

Mr Kettle brings over 30 years of experience to this role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Temple University, along with several certificates: Training in Project Preparation and Management from the Caribbean Development Bank, Development of Effective Policy from the Royal Institute of Public Administration, and Trade Negotiations and Diplomacy from the London School of Economics.

As Permanent Secretary, in accordance with the constitution and the Public Service Management Act, Mr Kettle will supervise the ministry and its departments, implementing the strategic directives of the Minister efficiently and effectively.

His responsibilities will include developing, planning, implementing, and reporting on policies, plans, initiatives, projects, and decisions in line with the Minister's directives. Additionally, he will manage the administrative functions of the Ministry and its departments, which involve budgeting and expenditure, procurement, human resource management, health and safety, record-keeping, monitoring and evaluation, data management, and disaster readiness.

Experience in Public Sector is 'vast'- Deputy Governor

The Deputy Governor, Mr David D. Archer, Jr, stated when commenting on Mr Kettle’s appointment that, “Mr Kettle’s experience in the Public Sector is vast, and he has made significant contributions to education in the Virgin Islands over the past few years.

"As Acting Permanent Secretary, he has pledged to deliver with the same standard of excellence and effectiveness. My office and the wider Public Service stands fully ready to support him in this new chapter of leadership.”