Local News
His Majesty’s Prison Receives New Vehicle To Transport Prisoners
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has presented a new vehicles to His Majesty’s Prison to ensure drivers safely and securely transport prisoners across the territory.
The vehicle was recently handed over by Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent O. Wheatley, who stressed that it is “basically our commitment to the development of the prison” which is located in the East End on main island Tortola.
The Minister added: “When you are transporting drivers and prisoners you make sure that they are safely and securely transported. “If they have to go for medical attention or for court purposes or whatever reason they have to leave the prison, we want to make sure they are secure. It is also part of our ongoing commitment to the development and reform of the prison.”
Superintendent of Prison Guy Hill said the vehicle is reinforced with additional features to ensure the safety and security of both prisoners and prison officers.
“It means we have better transportation to escort inmates from point A to point B. So, it is more secure for the prisoners and officers as well and also in an efficient manner which is very important to us here,” Hill noted.
The Prison Service is responsible for the safe custody of all persons committed by the courts. The Prison population is between 113 and 115.
The government statement added that “the Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to protecting the safety and security of prisoners and prison officers at His Majesty’s Prison.”
Local News
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
Local News
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
Local News
Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
-
Crime/Police5 days ago
Two Charged with Gun Possession Following Vessel Search in Frenchman’s Cay
-
Crime/Police2 weeks ago
Shots Fired Near ESHS: Man Injured, High School Goes Into Lockdown
-
Crime/Police1 week ago
K’Shawn Martin Wanted for Questioning in Shooting on Sandbox Road
-
Local News5 days ago
Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Virgin Islands Coach Earns Bodybuilding PRO Card in The Bahamas
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Tortola Welcomes Exclusive Japanese Dining at 1748 Sushi Bar
-
Local News2 weeks ago
TAG and CIBC Caribbean Host Second Annual Season of Giving Sales Event
-
Local News23 hours ago
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status