Fmr VI Governor Peter A. Penfold, CMG, OBE has passed
Penfold served as Governor of the VI from 1991-1996, at the age of 48, which made him the youngest serving British governor.
He passed away on October 1, 2023.
According to the Governor’s Office, the Virgin Islands held a special place in Penfold’s heart as it was here that he married his wife Celia.
Mr Penfold also had the honour of appointing the first local Commissioner of Police, Mr Vernon E. Malone.
There have only been two local commissioners of police since the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) was formed in 1967.
Born on February 27, 1944, Penfold’s career in diplomacy began in 1963 when he joined the British Foreign Service. He served in various capacities and with postings in West Germany, Nigeria, Mexico, and Sierra Leone.
A great friend of Sierra Leone
Penfold was particularly adored in Sierra Leone.
According to Sierraeye Magazine, it was in 1997, that Peter Penfold took up the role of High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, a time marked by immense turmoil and civil unrest in the country. Sierra Leone was in the midst of a brutal civil war, and its democracy was under threat.
Peter Penfold’s leadership during this tumultuous period played a pivotal role in restoring peace, democracy, and human rights to Sierra Leone, according to Sierraeye Magazine.
“His commitment to upholding democratic principles and his efforts to end the civil war were instrumental in bringing stability to the nation. He was a true advocate for justice and democracy,” the magazine stated.
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21 Responses to “Fmr VI Governor Peter A. Penfold, CMG, OBE has passed”
Meanwhile, none should be head of state but one that is duly elected by the people.
Any other arrangement is not democracy, but disguised hypocrisy.
Yet our people are satisfied with it.. It is quite clear to many, that we must emancipate our minds from such blatant dictatorship and get to the 21st century, where some semblance of democracy must be demonstrated by the UK.
This current colonial model is a relic of the past and is not representative of what modern people should be living under.
Many want to see the end to UK passing rules governing a people not like them or of them.
The time has come to see the end to whyte UK domination over a people who are the descendants of human beings that toiled for centuries to make for them the country, lifestyles, riches and standards of living they enjoy today.
Yet they are out here looking to take back the few pennies we have making from our financial institutions.
Otherwise, my suggestion is to not complain that the territory is not independent and is ruled by the UK!