Prison service gets UK-funded support
The United Kingdom has funded a substantial support package for His Majesty’s Virgin Islands Prison Service (HMVIPS) to bolster security, safety, and staff protection at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut.
This week, Lee Pilkington, Head of the National Locking Section for the UK Ministry of Justice’s Property Directorate, visited HMP, Balsam Ghut. He brought specialised tools and expertise used to maintain security across UK prisons, facilitating the sharing of advanced security measures to enhance safety for staff, inmates, and the broader community.
In addition, prison officers at HMP have been equipped with state-of-the-art radios and identification cards funded by the UK government. These radios improve communication and coordination within the facility, significantly enhancing security and operational effectiveness. The identification cards streamline security processes, ensuring stricter access controls.
The upgraded radios have already proven instrumental in intercepting contraband items such as phones, drugs, weapons, and alcohol. In one instance, an officer on perimeter patrol detected a package being thrown over the fence. With the radios’ swift communication capability, staff responded effectively, involving prison and police teams.
Reducing the risk of reoffending
Governor Daniel Pruce emphasised the importance of security during the handover.
“Security provides a strong foundation for growth and prosperity. The safety and security of Virgin Islanders is my top priority, and His Majesty’s Virgin Islands Prison Service is a key facet in that,” he stated.
Governor Pruce explained that by enhancing security at HMP Balsam Ghut and investing in protecting and equipping prison officers, the prison service transforms lives and reduces the risk of reoffending. He added that this has helped improve the overall security of the Virgin Islands and safety in the community.
Meanwhile, HMP Superintendent Jay Kendall expressed gratitude for the support. “Fostering a culture of excellence at HMP Balsam Ghut is essential to safeguarding the Virgin Islands. I extend my gratitude to our UK Ministry of Justice partners for their invaluable investment in our prison service and its future.”
Many years of neglect
This initiative follows a series of UK-supported efforts to address longstanding issues at HMP Balsam Ghut. In October 2022, an independent review revealed that the prison had been “neglected for many years,” with poor physical security and low staff morale. The UK responded by deploying prison officers to assist in updating operating procedures and providing essential equipment, including mattresses, uniforms, handcuffs, and body-worn cameras.
Further support was demonstrated in November 2023, when UK Minister Mike Freer visited the BVI to discuss challenges within the justice system. He affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting HMP Balsam Ghut, noting that over the previous 12 months, the UK had provided training, personnel support, and equipment to the prison.
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Don’t our Colonial Masters and Mistresses not know we already have barges and don’t need help.
We are so stupid! All they do is fund Prisons and Police, nothing else and we are here lauding it as if it’s something special!
A testament to who we are…these prisons are filled to capacity in short order by the volunteers of bad behaviour and cannibalism. They never fail.
When we go Independent who will be doing the money’s for the heavy demand. Much appreciation to the UK for its current and prior donation of these must haves to us .
Hopefully a new and additional Prison is in the wings. No vacancy in the current one. More criminals remain out,remain ” unsolved”un apprehended. No room for incarceration.
Isn’t there an agreement whereby the local Gov is responsible
for specific things and certain things are the responsibility of the UK. It is my understanding that the prison and staff is falls under the UK.
Step back andctske a look at the myriad ofneglect in this BVI.Name them one by one. Each and every one in the category of neglect falls under the local elected Gov. Water,schools,hospital,infrastructure etc.
Iam grateful for the UK in doing it’s due diligence with the Prison and whatever crumb thrown at us..Not even water we get from dem clowning unconscionable black like we that we ourselves elected and pay salaries from our labor . I shudders to think
whatif”..just imagine what a ting
if we go independent..Perish the thought!!!
I’m not sure a radio is specialized in the law and order business. They really didn’t have them before??
That gravel on the ground gonna scuff up the ladies heels
What’s funny is that if this was the Premier making a big deal about getting some radios for the prison, there would be 50 comments already blasting him. But it’s the great master so let us be grateful for the tokens.
Wait. We already have barges we can use.
They need to install cell phone jammers to block unsolicited calls from inmates
Bird food rations body bags and prisons. Nothing for hospital or schools.
Hospital and Schools are the responsibility of thise yokect,oer territoru eul agreenent.
Any and all that has lapsed functionality and is in dir or functionally lacking,is abd has been the responsibility of the local Gov elect. Inspire of our reported millions in revenuu,the place us in shambles and in dire need of livable conditions.
people are their own worst hypocrits.
They write uninformed rubbish, then continue to advocate to remain rather then seek some sort of self determinatinon from the imperial scourge who, since in ancient time build only prisons and police.
The most weak and feeble of the races controlling the lands and strongest of them What is wrong with that picture, phylosophy, political and existential reality?
Not too long ago BVIs didn’t have
a real prison but 2-3 inmates fir bad behaviour shamefully were locked away. The Police were figure heads. Not needed. They mostly worked as Immigration Officers.
Then,THEY arrived . We can’t keep up neither can the UK..The need is real. THEY are a very Special off shoot of humanity.
I weep for my BVI.