Kim Hollis, a Queen’s Counsel who has served the territory since 2016, will resign as the director of public prosecutions in December,
Deputy Governor David Archer Jr. announced last week. Ms. Hollis has decided to leave her post so that she can care for an ailing family member, though she is committed to helping her successor become familiar with the role, Mr. Archer said in an Oct. 9 statement.
“Ms. Hollis’ wealth of experience will be missed,” he added. “As a territory, we’ve benefited not just from Ms. Hollis’ experience in the courtroom, but also from her leadership, as she has shared much with her team of prosecutors, the entities she advises within the government, and with the greater legal fraternity within the territory.”
Neither Ms. Hollis nor Mr. Archer could be reached for comment, and it is unclear who will succeed her.
Mr. Archer said he is saddened to see Ms. Hollis go, but he sees a “bright side” to her departure, as it allows other legal professionals to fill the post, and he encouraged residents to consider employment in the territory’s legal realm.
‘Extensive experience’
As DPP, Ms. Hollis handled a wide array of legal responsibilities.
According to a July 2016 statement announcing her appointment, she was expected to “institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any civil court in respect of any offence against any law force in the Virgin Islands [and] provide written legal advice to commissions, government ministries, and departments, as well as attend meetings to provide immediate oral [opinions] on legal matters.”
Before being appointed as DPP, in August 2016, Ms. Hollis had already enjoyed a lengthy career, according to the July 2016 statement.
“I wish to extend my personal thanks for the admirable work [Ms. Hollis] has put in at a demanding post,” Mr. Archer said, adding, “I wish her God’s blessings and a successful extended professional career.”