Prison Boss David E. Foot disputes article speculating he is being booted!
Speaking exclusively to our newsroom in an invited comment Mr Foot, who has been on the job for almost four years, said “as far as I am aware it is a matter of procedure that a post has to be advertised following two, 2 year contracts which I have had.”
When asked if he wants to stay on as the Prison Boss, Mr Foot responded, “I have indicated I will stay and I wait to hear.” He said no one has told him his contract will not be renewed again.
'I have accomplishments'- Foot
When asked about his achievements as Head of one of the most difficult departments in Government, Mr Foot said his many accomplishments include, “implementation of a full offender management system including sentence planning, rehabilitation, including sex offender treatment and educational programmes” among others.
He also mentioned that under his tenure he has brought about a “full restorative justice programme directed at juvenile prisoners and has improved security procedures, both physical and procedural.”
When quizzed, if the Minister responsible for the Prison Services, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), supports him, he responded, “I have the full support of the Minister.”
The United Kingdom appointed Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka ‘Gus’ also shares some of the portfolio for prison security.
Foot has his critics
However, many critics of Mr Foot’s stewardship have claimed that he has been a failure. Almost monthly there is a scandal at the prison at Balsam Ghut on the North Eastern side of Tortola. Reports include fights, inmate stabbing each other or prison guards and allegations of Prison Staff collaborating to allow drugs and other illegal items in the state owned penitentiary.
In addition, there have been allegations of sexual misconduct between prison staff and inmates; however, unconfirmed.
Nevertheless, in defending his job, Mr Foot said “I believe the prison service has moved a long way forward under my tenure in all areas.” Additionally, the Superintendent said under his leadership he has “brought about a work release programme to get those in for child maintenance paying.”
When asked what is his biggest challenge, he reported it is “putting the prison back together following the damages done by Hurricane Irma.”
Many have also cited the serious prison break after Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017 caused severe damages to the facility, resulting in all 100 plus prisoners- some dangerous and convicted of murder- roaming the streets of Tortola. To date, there are still three prisoners on the run.
There is also the issue of succession planning, as no local is currently understudying Mr Foot following the firing by the controversial Minister for Education and Culture, Hon Walwyn, of local acting Superintendent Mr Charles L. Forbes.
.png)
Follow Us On
13 Responses to “Prison Boss David E. Foot disputes article speculating he is being booted!”
But you all got short memory
send his as... packing a failure not damn thing he has done but kill the sprit of the few good officers up there. He never mention any thing about whole the breach the cover up . What a big waste of the BVI tax payers money. Everyone up there needs sending home and bring in those guy that were there right after Irma the yes Sir No Sir officers when they ask you a question and you have to reply . Thank God for them and Irma that the officers now have a little control over the prison . Foot needs to get them St Kitts boys sent to real prison from up there terrorizing the officers and threating them . Once again the worst thing to out of the UK.