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Frustrated Prison Staff Stay Home Following Security Incidents

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A prison van gun attack, an injured officer, rampant overcrowding, growing gang concerns, infrastructural issues and security concerns have shifted the focus back to the state of His Majesty Prison in the British Virgin Islands.

The just over seventy prison staff, who do not receive any hazard pay, are frustrated that their concerns continue to be dismissed by the government.

Some staff have chosen to stay home in the aftermath of three hooded men fleeing the vicinity of the prison, leaving a bag of weapons on September 21, and the brazen shooting incident on October 9, where a prison van carrying inmates to court was shot at around 9:30 a.m. resulting in an officer being injured.

“Things have gone from bad to worse. It’s a boiling pot waiting to explode right now. Everyone is shifting the responsibility” shared a source.

Originally designed to accommodate 60 inmates, a recent investigation conducted by jahphixtelevision.com found that the prison in Balsam Ghut now houses 132 inmates, including six women.

Furthermore, prison officers are still reliant on manual keys to access prison cells, and the fire emergency alarm buttons are nonfunctional due to the absence of electrical installations.

Additionally, there is no available plumbing blueprint for the prison, which is currently plagued by water leaks, compelling the prison authorities to procure water at a cost of up to $12,000.

“Prisoner officers have to walk around and look for leaks,” the source added. “ We have an ongoing water situation here. There is no water.”

The penitentiary officially opened in 1997 as a young offenders institute, juvenile detention centre, remand centre and immigration removal centre.

The overcrowding in the facility has rendered it infeasible to transfer inmates from one block to another in the event of fights, including those related to gang conflicts.

“There is no space. So prisoners cannot be moved from one block to another,” the source stressed.

In October 2022, an independent Prison Security Review was conducted by the Superintendent of His Majesty’s Prison in Anguilla and two former Chief Inspectors of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

Their review, which was ordered by the National Security Council, yielded more than 50 recommendations, addressing matters such as infrastructure repairs, enhanced prison operations, and the bolstering of staff morale.

Governor John Rankin, who jointly oversees the prison with the territory’s Minister of Health & Social Development, announced last year that a Prison Security Review Implementation Committee was established to implement the recommendations.

Urgent repairs were undertaken by the Health and Social Development department, and a collaborative effort involved three prison officers from the United Kingdom working alongside the local prison authority to update operational procedures, and new equipment, including mattresses, prisoner uniforms, handcuffs, and other essential items, were supplied to the prison.

The ongoing challenges in the territory’s prison system have persisted for an extended period characterised by an escalating prison population due to an increase in individuals on remand awaiting court proceedings and longer sentences being served by offenders convicted of crimes such as murder and drug-related offences.

“Action needs to be taken. All relevant authorities are aware of the issues in the prison,” the source added.

Education

Enis Adams Primary Warns of Stranger Giving Items to Students at Festival Grounds

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Parents of students attending Enis Adams Primary School have been urged to warn their children against accepting candy and other items from strangers following concerning reports from the school’s administration.

In an official notice issued by  a representative of the school, concerns were raised regarding an individual unaffiliated with the institution distributing items to students at the Festival Grounds. The individual’s identity and intentions remain unclear, prompting the school to take immediate action.

“It was reported that a person who is not a parent or affiliated with the school has been giving items to students,” the statement read. “We urge parents to have discussions with their children about the dangers of accepting items from strangers.”

The school emphasised that students would be advised not to take or consume any such items, and faculty members would also address the matter directly with students.

This incident has sparked concerns about student safety, particularly for those who rely on government transportation services to and from the Festival Grounds. While no harm has been reported, the school administration is taking a proactive approach to prevent any potential risks.

Local authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on the matter, but parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near school transportation areas.

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Local News

Driver Suffers Seizure, Triggers Multi-Vehicle Accident in Road Town

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At least one person was hospitalized following a chaotic multi-vehicle accident in Road Town shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

According to eyewitness accounts, a white truck lost control near the roundabout, barreling across the area before coming to a halt near Supa Value. The truck’s erratic movement caused significant damage to at least six vehicles in its path.

Reports indicate that the truck’s driver suffered a seizure, leading to the loss of control. Emergency services responded swiftly, and the injured individual was transported to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital for treatment. The extent of the injuries remains unknown at this time.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force was on the scene to assess the situation and coordinate recovery efforts. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

 

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Crime/Police

DPP Appeals Dismissal of Breach of Trust Charges Against Walwyn and Stevens

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The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is formally challenging the decision by Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards to dismiss breach of trust charges against former Education and Culture Minister, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, and his former assistant secretary, Ms. Lorna Stevens. The charges stemmed from alleged mismanagement and budgetary improprieties in the construction of a perimeter wall at the Elmore Stoutt High School.

On January 21, Senior Magistrate Richards ruled that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case, effectively bringing an end to the prosecution’s arguments. However, just two days later, on January 23, the DPP filed an appeal, contending that the magistrate exceeded her jurisdiction, improperly rejected substantial evidence, and delivered an unreasonable decision.

The case against Mr. Walwyn and Ms. Stevens was rooted in the controversial construction project, initiated in December 2014 during Mr. Walwyn’s tenure. The project, aimed at building a perimeter wall around the high school, has been marred by allegations of mismanagement and public funds misuse.

According to a 2018 Auditor General report by Sonia Webster, the project suffered from budget overruns, contract splitting into over 70 work orders, and the use of unlicensed contractors. The report highlighted that over $1 million was spent, yet the wall remained incomplete. Ms. Webster’s findings prompted a police investigation in 2019.

Both Mr. Walwyn and Ms. Stevens were arrested and charged with breach of trust in October 2022. Prosecutors alleged that the duo failed to exercise proper oversight, leading to unnecessary expenditures and diminished value for taxpayer dollars.

In her January 21 ruling, Magistrate Richards found that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to establish a case against the defendants. Legal experts noted that the decision posed significant questions about the strength of the prosecution’s strategy.

The appeal filed by the DPP argues that the magistrate disregarded critical evidence that impacted the merits of the case. The filing also suggests that the dismissal was unreasonable given the severity of the allegations.

The Elmore Stoutt High School perimeter wall project has been a flashpoint of public criticism for years. During the 2021 Commission of Inquiry (COI), led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom, the project was described as “extraordinary” in its mismanagement. The COI report echoed concerns raised by Ms. Webster, particularly regarding the use of multiple unlicensed contractors and the resulting inefficiencies.

Sir Gary’s report noted that the project’s structure increased costs and complexity, further delaying its completion. He recommended that the police investigation continue without interference, emphasizing the need for accountability in public spending.

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