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Jamaican Khadeen Palmer appointed Magistrate in VI

- Palmer previously served as Resident Magistrate in Belize
The Virgin Islands' newest Magistrate is Jamaican Ms Khadeen Palmer, who previously served in Belize. Photo: belizejudiciary.org
Magistrate Khadeen Palmer will hear and pass rulings in all civil, criminal and quasi-criminal matters filed in the Magistrate’s Court and help manage the operations of the Court in an efficient and competent manner to ensure a professional and fair judicial service. Photo: VINO/File
Magistrate Khadeen Palmer will hear and pass rulings in all civil, criminal and quasi-criminal matters filed in the Magistrate’s Court and help manage the operations of the Court in an efficient and competent manner to ensure a professional and fair judicial service. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Virgin Islands' newest Magistrate, Jamaican Ms Khadeen Palmer pledged to faithfully carry out her duties while taking the Oath of Office administered by His Excellency the Governor John J. Rankin, CMG on Thursday, July 15, 2021.

According to a press release from Government Information Service (GIS) on July 6, 2021, Governor Rankin welcomed Ms Palmer to the Virgin Islands Public Service at a private ceremony at the Governor’s Office.

The new magistrate’s appointment is in accordance with Section 95 of the Virgin Islands Constitution and in consultation with the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.

The Governor, according to GIS, encouraged Ms Palmer to do her part to further the rule of law, adding, “I offer every best wish as you join BVI’s magistracy and I am confident that your professional expertise and experience will serve the Court well as you hear cases and issue your judgements. As Governor I will continue to do all I can to support you the magistracy in line with our collective goal of a fair and just society that adheres to the rule of law.”

The magistrate will hear and pass rulings in all civil, criminal and quasi-criminal matters filed in the Magistrate’s Court and help manage the operations of the Court in an efficient and competent manner to ensure a professional and fair judicial service.

Professional experience

Ms Palmer served as a Resident Magistrate with the Magistracy of Belize since 2018. Her professional experience includes service as Assistant Registrar General for the Belize Supreme Court; Deputy Registrar General for Births, Deaths and Marriages with the Belize Attorney General's Ministry; and a private practise legal associate.

According to GIS, Ms Palmer holds a Certificate of Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School, a Certificate of Public International Law from The Hague Academy of International Law, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Law and Psychology from the University of the West Indies.

37 Responses to “Jamaican Khadeen Palmer appointed Magistrate in VI”

  • trust (18/07/2021, 09:34) Like (24) Dislike (28) Reply
    So what happened to our magistrate that we have
    Why we have to bring someone from away to do the job and we have magistrates here on the island already this place just getting crazy mehn
    • Bias (18/07/2021, 10:26) Like (15) Dislike (12) Reply
      them bias, Frankly I do not believe in having locals as magistrates.
      • Really (18/07/2021, 12:09) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
        @bias

        most of the Judaical system in jamaica are filled by people born in jamaica

        most of the law enforcement system in jamaica are filled by people born in jamaica


        • Yes (18/07/2021, 17:26) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
          Yes that is so correct. But, Jamaica has a population of almost 3million people. What is the possibility of her knowing the parties in a case she has to rule on in Jamaica and in the BVI. The BVI has a local population of about 20,000. You work out the possibility of a non-bias verdict for a local magistrate after seeing the multitude of cousins we have.

        • Why (18/07/2021, 18:45) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
          Why would you compare Jamaica with Tortola, Jamaica is 100X bigger than Tortola both by population and size.. make it make sense please
        • Just think (18/07/2021, 19:33) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
          @ Really.
          I don't understand what you are trying to imply or say. Jamaica has a population of almost three million to the BVI twenty something thousand. So you must expect there justice system and law enforcement will be made up of Jamaican nationals.

          The thing is with the BVI is we don't want to work as police men and women the little that do work there don't stay long, and those that work in the legal/ justice system don't practise criminal law or the criminal aspect of the justice system. So look closely at what goes on here. BVi Landers don't want to pack shelves in the supermarkets or be sanitation workers.
          • @ just think (19/07/2021, 05:34) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
            you poor thing !!!!!

            the british virgin islands is not another parish of Jamaica

            unlike some of you when we speak we speak where we are born(u came here)

            u have to leave your big jamaica of 3 million to end up in a little 24 square miles island of 30 thousand people(to feed your family)

            set of talk !!!!
            trying going to Florida


      • @ bias (18/07/2021, 14:58) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
        nationals from jamaica far outnumber British Virgin Islands nationals in this territory

  • whattt (18/07/2021, 09:36) Like (7) Dislike (18) Reply
    These island people no sah
    • My words (18/07/2021, 16:06) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      What you mean "These Island People "
      That is what's is wrong with you people don't you live on a island it is obvious she is qualified for the job. Stop looking down on people can you ass can't even spell
  • pop (18/07/2021, 10:23) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    @trust...maybe she cant do the job. Just saying
  • TORTOLIAN (18/07/2021, 10:24) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    HAVE YOU EVER GOES TO THE COURT AND LISTEN HOW OUR LOCAL PRESENTS A CASE? SOME THE JUDGE HAVE HELD THEM OUT AND TELL THE HOW TO PRESENT THE CASE. I WAS COURT TWICE AND WICKEDNESS IT.
  • Rubber Duck (18/07/2021, 10:32) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    Magistrates in many places including the UK and some parts of the USA are not lawyers but respected prominent usually elder citizens who do the job for no monetary reward. They understand the community better than outside lawyers. We should try that.
    • Lawyer (18/07/2021, 14:57) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Barristers and Solicitors in the UK have complained time and time again about how these magistrates (with no legal qualifications) are applying the law. Many of them ignore the qualified legal advisors and base judgements off of their opinions. The only reason these persons were given the role is because the UK’s legal system is stressed with a large backlog and many barristers don’t want the job. Their system is so stressed that some politicians have suggested that they do away with jury trials (a fundamental part of the criminal justice system) in order to speed up cases and relieve the back log. Simply put, the UK is not a country we want to follow when it comes to the way we treat our criminal justice system.
  • yes sah (18/07/2021, 10:39) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    TIME ENOUGH FOR A CHANGE.
  • Furturistic (18/07/2021, 10:42) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply

    What happen to BVI people?

    • too busy (18/07/2021, 13:45) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      @furturistic The BVI people are bit busy at the moment fighting among themselves “ourselves” just take a look on Facebook….
    • trrefdrfds (18/07/2021, 15:27) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      Did they apply for the job?
  • vex (18/07/2021, 10:52) Like (5) Dislike (13) Reply
    It got enough local laywers here the vip will pay for this next election
  • @whattt (18/07/2021, 11:02) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is the same attitude you all have why we are now over run with COVID 19. Island people are inferior to you all right? The answer is obvious. Regardless of nationality we can all bleed.
  • what (18/07/2021, 11:04) Like (4) Dislike (9) Reply
    A islandman governor welcoming an islandwoman magistrate in our country.
    • @wHAT (18/07/2021, 14:00) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Yea, when an Island man (Antiguan) UN Ambassador spoke up for the BVI about the UK it was good enough to make headline news, When a bunch of Islands Government (CARICOM) did the same that too make news. When Richard Branson flew off into space we claimed him. Astronaut from the BVI! we cried. We even forgot he was an English. Can't we disagree over a matter without degrading others? I suggest that we look for a Magistrate from the USVI. That may be more acceptable. After all they are our "brothers and Sisters"
    • Real Talk (18/07/2021, 22:51) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      You buy tola out you pocket talking about island man governor and islandwoman magistrate in our country you set of fools.
  • Back a yard (18/07/2021, 11:20) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    YIKESSSS!!!
  • Mango Man (18/07/2021, 11:27) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    So what is Tortola, a continent??? I already come to the decision that those who making these comments are NDP rug rats playing nationalism politics.

    Set of antivirus idiots.
  • Eagle Eye (18/07/2021, 13:33) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    For all those of you with your negative comments and grudge. Can any of you take up this job offer and have her qualifications and experience? If you can't then keep your mouth shut.
  • I know her (18/07/2021, 13:43) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    I know this lady! We’ve been friends for years and been here a few times. I’m happy for her congratulations honey on the achievement. See you soon
  • tola (18/07/2021, 15:24) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Welcome miss palmer don't mind the noise
  • Faithful (18/07/2021, 16:26) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who the hell cares where she is from if she is qualified and can get the job done. I am sick of the discord between expats and citizens in this small place.
  • If Bloggers are any indication (18/07/2021, 18:46) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    If the bloggers on this site are representative of the BVI it’s pretty sad. What a bunch of petty racist insecure people. Here is a beautiful woman of color who has risen professionally to great heights and is offering her services to this great territory and all you set of backwards pigheaded locals can do is complain because she’s Jamaican? Good luck with your society.
  • belonger (19/07/2021, 07:28) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Welcome to the BVI Ms. Palmer. I wish you a successful tenure.
    Just want you to know that the majority of us BVILANDERS and belongers are grateful for the services provided by our expat community especially our brothers and sisters from neighboring islands.
    Stay focused and do your best.
  • Jane (19/07/2021, 13:44) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I will say this again...people of the BVI....this idea that you cannot police yourself, judge yourself or govern yourself is just wrong-headed, colonialist/racist nonsense that all of you seem to believe. Magistrate Palmer seems to be a very well qualified appointee, and great to see her do so well in her career, but the judiciary ought to be from the place in which they sit as judge so that the people of that place feels an ownership to that process. Of course a BVIslander can dispense justice without bias, just as people do all over the World in their own very large and very small communities. Many people talk a lot of BS about the British plot to "take over" and so on, but on this subject there is a very real truth: the Governor, the top Cop, the AG, the DPP, the Prison boss...all of these roles must be filled by local people and if the answer is "we dont have anyone qualified to do it" then that is due to the systemic racism of the British state mixed with the brainwashing of people locally to believe that they innately cannot govern themselves. Of course you can, you must and this is a fundamental path toward self-government (which as a British non-belonger I fully support because I believe in democracy).


    We have so many brilliant BVIslanders practicing law here in BVI in litigation and commercial practices, let's hope when they have earnt enough money they can pay it back to their community by serving as magistrates or in the DPP's office or AG's office.
  • You love your people (20/07/2021, 05:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Oh this is so sad. You love your people so much. And those who govern, seem to be very concerned about control, not you. Take a deeper look if you really love “your” people. Then educate yourself and follow the money, not the people, simply follow ... and allow yourself to see the mighty global dollar “not racism”, destroy Countries and Islands. Where is the mighty dollar missing from your people now? Right now? These are the things you may want to research. You’re beating a dead horse with old rhetoric. It’s old and cryptocurrency for the people by the people, will change us all for the better. You may want to spend valuable time checking that out. The world governments are adopting it because it is time. And all will change. And those who steal will be subdued. No one has to accept evil in order govern their own people or to run a Country but that money is hard to leave and ignore. It is far greater than you and your story. Way beyond!
  • Well Sah (20/07/2021, 21:36) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    none of these Woman Magistrate ever leave when their time expire they always fine some poor sap to marry and stay it will soon have a ex Magistrsde alley


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