Crime/Police
Jay Kendall Appointed Superintendent of Prisons in the Virgin Islands
Mr. Jay Kendall whose career in the criminal justice system spans over seventeen years, has assumed the role of Superintendent of Prisons, effective from October 30.
Mr. Kendall’s most recent assignment was as the Superintendent of Prisons on Saint Helena Island. There, he spearheaded the design and execution of a comprehensive five-year development plan and played a pivotal role in advancing the construction of a new prison facility.
Taking charge as the Superintendent of Prisons, Mr. Kendall will now bear the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of prison operations and ensuring the enforcement of relevant laws and policies at His Majesty’s Prison in Balsum Ghut, Tortola.
Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, the Minister for Health and Social Development, expressed his enthusiasm about Mr. Kendall’s appointment, stating, “I am elated to welcome Mr. Jay Kendall to the post of Superintendent of Prison for the Virgin Islands. Mr. Kendall comes to the Territory with a wealth of knowledge and experience. I am confident he will bring this experience, which will help to support and propel the rehabilitation and security of the prison system of the Virgin Islands.”
Acting Governor, Mr. David Archer Jr., emphasized the significance of Mr. Kendall’s appointment in the ongoing evolution of the crucial branch of the Public Service. He remarked, “Mr. Kendall’s appointment is a step forward as we continue to evolve this vital branch of the Public Service. We have a mandate to ensure that qualified and capable professionals are in place to provide impactful leadership, and I am confident in Mr. Kendall’s ability to do so.”
Mr. Kendall, reflecting on his extensive professional journey, has previously held roles such as the Operational Head of Function at the H.M Prison and Probation Service in the United Kingdom and the OASys Operational Support Manager in the Ministry of Justice.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Superintendent of Prisons, Mr. Kendall shared his outlook for the role, stating, “Any opportunity to serve the public is one that should not be taken lightly. I am delighted and humbled to serve and provide leadership as the Superintendent of Prisons. I have a strong commitment to the forward advancement of the criminal justice system, which will not waver in this role.”
The Superintendent of Prisons is a key figure responsible for day-to-day leadership and guidance at His Majesty’s Prison in Balsum Ghut, also serving as the Government’s chief advisor on all matters related to prison management and rehabilitation. The commitment of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the development and advancement of the Territory’s criminal justice system remains unwavering.
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A man believed to be mentally challenged was apprehended yesterday, May 8, for allegedly breaking and entering. While it is unclear whose property was involved or when the incident occurred, a voice in the video of the encounter is heard saying, “You hungry, ask for food, you don’t break into people’s houses.”
JTV understands that the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been made aware of the matter. Further details will be provided as they become available.
A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with a late-night shooting outside a popular nightclub in Free Bottom. Following reports of gunfire in the area on Monday, April 28, 2024, officers arrested Jamari Scatliffe of John’s Hole, who now faces charges of possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear, unlawful possession of explosives, and attempted robbery.
According to initial reports, officers responded to the scene shortly after 1:45 a.m., where two masked individuals allegedly approached a group near the nightclub, prompting one person to flee inside. The masked assailants then fired several rounds before escaping.
A subsequent search of the area recovered eight spent shell casings, including five .223 caliber and three .40 caliber rounds.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool commended the swift action by officers, stressing the department’s commitment to public safety.
“Gun violence has no place in our community,” Vanterpool said. “The swift action by officers to investigate and bring charges in this matter reflects our continued commitment to ensuring public safety. We thank those who have already come forward and continue to urge anyone with information to do the right thing.”
The RVIPF is encouraging anyone with information related to this or other crimes to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
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Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.
A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.
Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.
Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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