Local News
Virgin Islands Prison Service Receives UK Funding to Bolster Security and Modernise Operations
His Majesty’s Virgin Islands Prison Service (HMVIPS) has received a UK-funded support package to enhance security, improve staff protection, and modernize operations at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Balsam Ghut. This initiative represents a significant step in strengthening the prison’s ability to maintain safety for its staff, inmates, and the wider Virgin Islands community.
This week, Lee Pilkington, Head of the National Locking Section for the UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Property Directorate, visited HMP Balsam Ghut, delivering specialized tools and sharing advanced security practices. These measures, utilized across the UK prison estate, are tailored to fortify the local facility’s operational framework and improve response capabilities.
As part of the initiative, prison officers received advanced radios and identification cards funded by the UK Government. The radios, which enhance communication and coordination, have already demonstrated their value. In one notable incident, officers intercepted a package containing contraband, including phones and drugs, thrown over the prison’s perimeter fence. Swift communication via the new radios enabled a coordinated response involving prison and police teams.
The upgraded identification cards also streamline access control within the facility, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized entry and strengthening overall security.
Governor of the Virgin Islands, Daniel Pruce, emphasized the broader impact of these advancements:
“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 critical to that mission. By equipping prison officers with better tools and enhancing security measures, we are creating a safer community and reducing the risk of reoffending.”
Superintendent of HMP Balsam Ghut, Jay Kendall, lauded the partnership with the UK Ministry of Justice:
“Fostering a culture of excellence at HMP Balsam Ghut is vital to safeguarding the Virgin Islands. This support package reflects a commitment to improving our prison service and ensuring its long-term success.”
A significant highlight for HMVIPS came on December 4, with its inaugural Staff Awards ceremony at Government House. The event celebrated the dedication of prison staff and recognized key stakeholders for their contributions to fostering excellence and inclusivity. Among the honorees was Prison Officer Rodriguez, named Prison Officer of the Year 2024.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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