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Local empowerment! Another VIslander takes up top post in territory

- Guy M. Hill is new Superintendent @ Her Majesty’s Prison
Just over a month after our newsroom had reported that former Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Mr Guy M. Hill had been tipped for the post of Superintendent of Prison, his appointment has been confirmed. Photo: VINO/File
On May 5, 2020, former Principal Crown Counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Tiffany R. Scatliffe-Esprit, left, became the first ever local to be appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) while on October 1, 2020, Dawn J Smith, right, became the first local Attorney General in 20 years. Photo: GIS/File
On May 5, 2020, former Principal Crown Counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Tiffany R. Scatliffe-Esprit, left, became the first ever local to be appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) while on October 1, 2020, Dawn J Smith, right, became the first local Attorney General in 20 years. Photo: GIS/File
Virgin Islander Mr Charles L. Forbes’ (left) contract as Superintendent of Prisons was not renewed by Government when it expired in September of 2013 after a recommendation from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the National Security Council with the full knowledge of the then Minister for Education and Culture, Myron V. Walwyn, right, according to an NDP source. Photo: VINO/File
Virgin Islander Mr Charles L. Forbes’ (left) contract as Superintendent of Prisons was not renewed by Government when it expired in September of 2013 after a recommendation from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the National Security Council with the full knowledge of the then Minister for Education and Culture, Myron V. Walwyn, right, according to an NDP source. Photo: VINO/File
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- Just over a month after our newsroom had reported that former Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Mr Guy M. Hill had been tipped for the post of Superintendent of Prison, his appointment has been confirmed.

Mr Hill replaces St Lucia national Mr Verne A.G. Garde who was handpicked by the former Minister for Education Myron V. Walwyn to head Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP).

Mr Garde contractual appointment ended on July 2, 2021.

Hill’s appointment took effect July 3, 2021

The appointment of Mr Hill was made by His Excellency the Governor John J. Rankin, CMG with consideration by the Public Service Commission on a contractual appointment for a period of two years that took effect on July 3, 2021, a press release from Government Information Service (GIS) on July 9, 2021, stated. 

According to GIS, while serving in his new role as Superintendent of Prison, Mr Hill will be responsible for the efficient and effective management and operation of Her Majesty’s Prison.  He will also serve as the Government’s Chief Advisor on all matters pertaining to Prison Management and Rehabilitation.

Highly qualified Hill

Indigenous Virgin Islander Mr Hill was repeatedly snubbed by the now-ousted National Democratic Party (NDP) Government for the post of Chief Immigration Officer, has more than 20 years of extensive experience in the Public Service, particularly, law enforcement.

He served in various ranks at the Immigration Department including the leadership role as Deputy Chief Immigration Officer prior to his retirement in 2018.

Mr Hill holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from the University of Texas at El Paso along with several training certificates in the areas of criminology, surveillance, supervision and investigations.

Locals taking up top posts under VIP Gov’t

It has been the policy of the Andrew A. Fahie-led Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government to ensure qualified Virgin Islanders take up leading posts in the territory.

Under the VIP Government, the posts of Attorney General (AG) and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) have been taken up by qualified locals after being held by expatriates for decades.

On May 5, 2020, former Principal Crown Counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Tiffany R. Scatliffe-Esprit became the first-ever local to be appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

On October 1, 2020, Dawn J Smith became the first local Attorney General in 20 years.

Former legislator under the VIP Government, R. Dancia Penn-Sallah holds the distinction of being the first local Attorney General.

Meanwhile, Mr Hill will be the first local Superintendent of Prison in nearly 8 years.

The post was taken away from a local under the NDP Government in 2013.

24 Responses to “Local empowerment! Another VIslander takes up top post in territory”

  • wow (12/07/2021, 08:44) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Good Thing
  • MacBeth (12/07/2021, 08:50) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
    A poisoned chalice if ever there was one.
  • T (12/07/2021, 08:53) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Arsum news do your best and God will do the rest
  • Nice (12/07/2021, 09:08) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    after how many years and nice to see a local back in the development of VI: mr frett blazed the trail but under NDP local people were placed on the back seat…..i hope a local can qualify for the post of commission of police again under NDP no local had enough brains to qualify to head the police department
  • E. Leonard (12/07/2021, 09:17) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Guy, congratulations on your appointment as Supt of Prison. Leading and managing a law enforcement organization/agency is a difficult and challenging job; And leading and managing a penal institution more so. Nonetheless, you possessed and have demonstrated the requisite knowledge, skill, ability and hands/on experience to effectively lead and efficiently manage Her Majesty Prison. It is not going to be a walk in the park nor a day on the beach. However, stay the course, stay focus, keep your eyes on the prize, be vigilant, stay strong, do the right things……etc. Make a difference by changing lives. Best wishes and good luck.
    • Actually (14/07/2021, 05:27) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Bring in charge of a prison is not being in charge of a law enforcement agency!
      The law has already been enforced by the judge. All you are doing is following a Court order.
  • Rubber Duck (12/07/2021, 09:19) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Vino this is old news vino you were first to report it
  • really?? (12/07/2021, 09:34) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulation Guy!! Do your job at the best of your ability and don't get caught up in the political cesspool. Don't let anyone get in your head to do anything that you feel is unethical or against your morals.
  • R Callwood (12/07/2021, 10:11) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations on your appointment. Well deserving!
  • #@@ (12/07/2021, 10:48) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations
  • K (12/07/2021, 11:03) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    This a man who does his work with no compromise I solut you
  • ? (12/07/2021, 11:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    please call
    • Get Callwood with you (12/07/2021, 13:00) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
      Since the Police knocking about a good, no nonsense and serious Cop like Callwood get him up the prison with you to help put things in order...
      • Hmmmm (15/07/2021, 08:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        You kidding! Law and Order on the Streets is not the same in a confined area like the Prison. Prisoner would attack you without notice or provocation. They will attack you because it is popular. You have a small prison with a close group of people who tries on a daily basis to attack you. Guy need to get a strong staff structure, lots of technology and strong enforcement.
  • Ghost (12/07/2021, 12:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Guy.. AWESOME news.. I have no doubt that you will do your very best and “The Right thing”.. E. Leonard is correct with all he has said.. I’ve always been proud of the work that you do and your level of integrity. I Pray God’s Presence be with you always and let Him be your Source of Wisdom and Guidance in leading.. Blessings bu..
  • mildred (12/07/2021, 15:42) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    congrats mr hill god dont sleep .i know that you can handle the job '
  • Wow! (12/07/2021, 18:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations sir, I know you would do an exemplary job. Feeling very proud.
  • Shaft (12/07/2021, 19:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I BELIEVE YOU CAN AND AM SURE AM
    NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT KNOW YOU CAN HANDLE IT ( ALL RESPECT TO YOU BRO ) STAND FIRM AND MAKE SURE YOU TRIPLE CHECK EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING ,( THATS A VERY DANGEROUS ATMOSPHERE
  • Fhb (12/07/2021, 20:10) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Awesomeness Guy, classmate and friend. We got U!! Keep ur eyes on the prize….U can do it…
  • Proud (13/07/2021, 06:51) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Hill, you have always shown integrity in every area of your life. I am proud of you and I am confident you will set up the prison with training programs enabling the inmates to come out with a trade to contribute to our society in a positive way. Set up a proper library for them, help them to feel better about themselves. Our society failed a lot of them as did some parents. It is not all about being a big and bad ruler but creating a disciplined environment for the inmates to become better human beings.
  • Hmmmm (13/07/2021, 10:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Under the VIP Government many locals have landed top spots in government and this never happened under the last government. The haters will never say thank you VIP Government.
  • Cannon (13/07/2021, 22:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why he look like Dr.Ron Georges so?
  • Brenda (13/07/2021, 22:40) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Gosh he's one handsome man.


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