BVI News

COVID scare! 23 prison officers, several inmates ‘down’ — Malone

Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut.

Just under two dozen officers at Her Majesty‘s Prison (HMP) are currently ‘down’ with COVID-19. 

This is according Health Minister, Carvin Malone who also indicated that several inmates have tested positive for the virus as well. 

“We have a situation that we’re dealing with at the prison. Twenty-three officers down, 16 inmates down, and we have to deal with that because we don’t have an alternate site so we have to look in terms of how we get that managed at the facility,” Malone said in the House of Assembly (HOA) recently. 

Minister Malone, who has joint responsibility for prisons, did not give any indication of what implications this situation may have had for security at HMP.  

He, however, said the issue is further affected by the fact that each of the inmates and prison officers have families who have be concerned by what is happening at the facility. 

“We had to send health professionals to the prison,” Malone added. 

He also stated that there were also some COVID-19 cases discovered at the Adina Donovan home and at the Safe Haven Center. 

“We have cases in all of these places that we have to be mindful and careful that we provide healthy living spaces,” the Health Minister stated. 

Party done? Crowd gathering event halted

Meanwhile, the Health Minister also suggested that officials have had reason to deny permission to persons wishing to host ‘crowd gathering’ events in February. 

“Yet, there are those persons who are advertising for one of the biggest crowd gathering artistes to come here in February and when you tell them that they can’t do it, then they say that you’re trying to stop livelihoods,” Malone said. 

Positive cases of the virus in the territory have continued to fall rapidly since the start of the most recent outbreak in December 2021; with the total number currently standing at 708 persons. 

The territory has experienced 47 deaths over the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, six of which have been announced since the beginning of this year. 

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20 Comments

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  1. BS! says:

    23 Prison Officers down? Not a one of them following mask wearing, social distancing, sanitizing procedures at all. I’d put them all on unpaid leave until they recover – never heard so much carelessness from one group of “should know better”, grown folk. SMDH

    Like 12
    Dislike 11
    • Shhhhh says:

      The cruises still coming though because that’s money in the govt pocket, tell us what’s the difference.
      What is good for the goose is good for the gander.every body needs uncle Sam not the govt alone.

      Like 5
      Dislike 4
      • Secret Bear says:

        Get it through your head that getting Covid is not a crime or a moral failing. It’s a VIRUS that we are all going to get in the long run no matter how many useless face diapers we slap on.

        Like 11
        Dislike 2
    • Yesss says:

      Well said!

  2. Honestly... says:

    I commend them on being able to divert a spread for this long. We’re abt 2 yrs into this thing and 1st major outbreak.Unfortunately some people will get it. Everyone’s trying it’s just taking time to get things under control. Wishing them all a speedy recovery.

    Like 13
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  3. Certainly says:

    Where are the health officials the Health Minister sent to the prison? Did they take a detour? Asking for a friend.

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  4. covid inmates says:

    Why not take them to the temporary jail that the big red lady had created in her hotel?

    Like 6
    Dislike 1
  5. they brought it from the outside says:

    It those guards who contaminated the prisoners with covid

    Like 4
    Dislike 1
  6. Isolation says:

    So where exactly are the positive 23 prison officers in isolation? If they live in these small apartment buildings on Tortola are the other tenants in the same building aware of their positive condition? Complete isolation is impossible in some of these cramped/crowded apt, buildings so the virus keeps spreading.

    Like 6
    Dislike 6
    • Nonsense says:

      If I’m positive and isolated in my apartment, what does that have to do with you in your OWN SEPARATE apartment, unless you’re coming by me and not minding your business?

      Like 15
      Dislike 1
  7. Speedy Recovery says:

    I don’t wish Covid on a dog, much less a human. I had it and I am still dealing with the aftermath. The funny thing is, I don’t go anywhere: no party, no shop, no church, no doctor. I follow protocols at home because those in my home work directly and indirectly with the tourist sector. Covid still found me. Speedy recovery to all affected.

    Like 14
    Dislike 1
  8. Elsa says:

    They need to do like America. In order to stop the spread of covid they need to send home those who have 6 months or less to serve if they are not prisoners who give trouble.

    Like 5
    Dislike 5
  9. Truth says:

    Over 30 inmates tested positive n up there is already over crowded…

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  10. Ok says:

    So what? The Wuhan virus is a flu and it is flu season.

    Like 4
    Dislike 4
  11. After all says:

    If it gah 23 officers down who working!?

  12. Whoopededooo says:

    It’s a cold. Repeat. It’s a cold. They will all live. It will run its course in 5 days. Give them a blanket, a ginger ale and let them watch cartoons. It’s a cold.

    Like 2
    Dislike 3
  13. Wondering says:

    When will people understand the inoculation does not work? It neither prevents the catching or spreading or dying of the covid. No mask but KN95 prevents the microorganisms of Covid from getting into your nose or mouth. Millions are being made selling useless masks and experimental inoculations and faulty tests and hand sanitizer.

    Fear mongering is no longer working. People die in motorbike accidents but the helmet law is not enforced. If people are afraid of catching covid they will not attend large group events. Let the fearless enjoy their lives. It is time to stop being fearful and to trust the people to take good care of themselves. We are adults and no one wants to be sick. But also no one wants to be TOTALLY CONTROLLED by their government.

    Like 7
    Dislike 1
  14. Lies says:

    It is nothing,but a simple flu. Carvin and Lionel are responsible for the mess this country is currently in with their fake ass covid positive cases. We the people need to hold then responsible for the muck they made.

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