July 12, 2003 – At a Friday ceremony held at Government House on St. Thomas, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull named Leon Kendall as his nominee for the Territorial Court. The 57-year old attorney is being chosen to fill the vacancy on the bench created by the retirement of Judge Ishmael Meyers.
The governor expressed confidence that his nominee would prove to be "firm but fair" in the administration of the law.
"Selecting a judge is one of the most significant and, in a way, difficult appointment a governor has to make," Turnbull said. "It is a task I take very seriously. My selection of attorney Kendall comes after deliberation, consultation and interviews with a prospective list of candidates. I am very much impressed with his knowledge, experience and insights in the law."
Kendall, a graduate of Howard University and Howard University Law School, has been a practicing attorney for close to 30 years, serving in local and federal capacities, including a period when he was attorney to the Territorial Court under then-Chief Judge Verne Hodge. He is currently the court's general counsel.
Close to two dozen friends and relatives came to the ballroom at Government House to witness the brief nomination ceremony, with Turnbull formally naming Kendall as his choice. Those who came to the ceremony took turns shaking hands with Kendall afterwards and offering their well wishes.
It will be up to the Senate to confirm the nomination.
And with other legal matters on his mind, the governor also appointed a new legal counsel for Government House. Queen E. Terry is a former prosecutor and a defense attorney with a background in labor relations. A graduate of Hofstra University Law School, she was chosen to replace Paul Gimenez, who resigned to pursue other professional interests, according to a statement released Friday.
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