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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.

Local News

Four Charged Following Firearm and Ammunition Seizure in Cane Garden Bay

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Four individuals have been charged following the discovery of two firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition during a police operation in Cane Garden Bay.

According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), officers conducted search operations in the early hours of Friday, January 24, leading to the arrests. The individuals charged are Kadeem Callwood, 22, of Cane Garden Bay; Kaheem Callwood, 22, of Cane Garden Bay; Jerry Smith, 22, of the U.S. Virgin Islands; and a 17-year-old male from Cane Garden Bay.

Each of the four faces charges of keeping a firearm without a license and unlawful possession of explosives. Additionally, Jerry Smith has been charged with overstaying his landing permit.

The Callwood brothers were granted bail at $60,000 but remain in custody due to the absence of a surety. The 17-year-old was granted bail at $50,000. Smith has been remanded. All four are scheduled to reappear at the Magistrate’s Court on March 5.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool praised the officers involved, emphasising the importance of removing illegal firearms from the community. She stated that the removal of these firearms is a significant step toward making communities safer and commended the officers for their professionalism and dedication in this operation and in ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime in the territory.

The RVIPF urges the public to report any suspicious activities. Confidential tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or (284) 800-8477, or directly to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

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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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