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.”
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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