Claude Kettle Assumes Role as Acting Permanent
Claude Kettle has been appointed as Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports following Dr. Marcia Potter's pre-retirement leave. Kettle, with over 30 years of public service experience, steps into this role with a background in business administration and multiple certifications, and will continue until a permanent successor is found.
In a pivotal development within the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Claude Kettle has taken on the role of Acting Permanent Secretary, effective from July 1, following the departure of Dr. Marcia Potter who has moved on to pre-retirement leave. This transition was officially announced in a press release from the government of the Virgin Islands on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Kettle's appointment marks a significant phase for the ministry as it seeks to maintain continuity and leadership until the recruitment process for a permanent replacement concludes. Kettle, who was also recently appointed Deputy Secretary, is tasked with overseeing the ministry's extensive responsibilities, executing ministerial directives, and managing the administrative functions across various departments.
These duties encompass critical areas such as budgeting, procurement, human resources, data management, and disaster readiness, all in line with the mandates outlined in section 56(5) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, and the Public Service Management Act. Kettle's appointment, citing his 'vast' public sector experience and significant contributions to education in the Virgin Islands. "As Acting Permanent Secretary, he has pledged to deliver with the same standard of excellence and effectiveness," Archer stated, emphasizing the full support of his office and the wider Public Service for Kettle in this new leadership chapter.
Bringing over 30 years of experience to the table, Mr. Kettle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Temple University, along with certifications in project preparation and management from the Caribbean Development Bank, policy development from the Royal Institute of Public Administration, and trade negotiations and diplomacy from the London School of Economics.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has underscored Mr. Kettle's appointment as a testament to its commitment to advancing public officers within the territory, ensuring the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports benefits from experienced and capable leadership. Kettle embarks on this interim leadership role, the community watches with anticipation for the continued development and success under his stewardship, navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the educational sector.
Primary source: JTV