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UK Ministry of Justice is ‘committed to supporting HMP’- UK Minister

- Michael W. Freer says challenges VI’s law enforcement agencies face are ‘not unique’
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom (UK), Michael W. Freer MP, 2nd from left, visited Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) in Balsam Ghut with the Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), right, to see the facilities and hear from prison staff on November 6, 2023. 2nd from right is Governor John J. Rankin, CMG. Photo: GIS
UK Minister of Justice Michael W. Freer met the Premier, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, on Monday, November 6, 2023, and discussed overcrowding in the prison and the rehabilitation of offenders. Photo: GIS
UK Minister of Justice Michael W. Freer met the Premier, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), right, on Monday, November 6, 2023, and discussed overcrowding in the prison and the rehabilitation of offenders. Photo: GIS
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom (UK), Michael W. Freer MP, left, with Commissioner of Police Mark Collins at the Road Town Police Station. Photo: GIS
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom (UK), Michael W. Freer MP, left, with Commissioner of Police Mark Collins at the Road Town Police Station. Photo: GIS
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- The overcrowding at His Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut and the rehabilitation of offenders were some of the leading topics of discussion when the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom (UK), Michael W. Freer MP, visited the Virgin Islands (VI) from Sunday, November 5-7, 2023.

The purpose of the visit was for the Minister to see first-hand the opportunities and challenges in the [British] Virgin Islands justice system, and to identify areas for further partnership with the UK.

According to a press release from Government Information Services (GIS) November 8, 2023, Minister Freer met the Premier, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) on Monday, November 6, 2023, and discussed overcrowding in the prison and the rehabilitation of offenders.

UK ‘committed to supporting’ HMP

He then visited HMP Balsam Ghut with the Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), to see the facilities and hear from prison staff.

Minister Freer also met the Commissioner of Police, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions, Prison Superintendent and members of the judiciary.

“The UK Ministry of Justice is committed to supporting HMP Balsam Ghut. Over the past 12 months we have provided training, personnel support and equipment,” Minister Freer commented.

On Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Minister Freer visited the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Marine Unit to see the UK-funded Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs).

According to GIS, there he learned about the challenges in dealing with drug and gun trafficking due to the VI’s porous borders.

Challenges ‘not unique’

The Minister finished his visit with a trip to H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) for a lively discussion on parliamentary democracy with the Minister for Education, Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL), to mark UK Parliament Week. Students posed questions to both Ministers and the event helped the students to learn more about the political systems in both the VI and the UK.

Minister Freer said “I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received in the BVI. The challenges that law enforcement agencies face are not unique, and we must work in partnership to deal with them.”

Governor John J. Rankin CMG said: “I am grateful to the Minister for undertaking this busy programme. His visit showed the importance of learning and sharing best practice in meeting common challenges. I remain committed to working with both BVI and UK partners in reviewing and improving the law enforcement and justice systems here in the BVI.”

15 Responses to “UK Ministry of Justice is ‘committed to supporting HMP’- UK Minister”

  • Well (09/11/2023, 11:30) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Can we further our partnership with the UK in our Education System, Infrastructure and consumer protection? I feel if we improve these areas it will help a vast majority and the future especially in education
    • @Well (10/11/2023, 09:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

      Why are these w**** people soooo interested in seeing how we house our people in prisons??????? For years this has always been their primary social interest in the VI. Ensuring that our people are well caged!!!!

    • What a leader we have (10/11/2023, 19:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      …. that idiot there shaking their hands!
  • justice (09/11/2023, 14:00) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Send some of them to the UK to serve there time
    • @ justice (09/11/2023, 19:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      I hope when some of your friends and family are sent to the UK Jail House U deal with it
  • We in Trouble.. (09/11/2023, 14:17) Like (5) Dislike (7) Reply
    We need a change. We Need progress. We need help. We sinking fast. Britain please help us.
    • @We in Trouble (10/11/2023, 19:49) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      You’re in trouble cause British can’t even help you gain some common sense! Idiot!
  • Reply (09/11/2023, 14:30) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    He looking for space to lock up politians
  • Walter (09/11/2023, 21:29) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    only thing United Kingdom willing to assist in her territory is HMP
  • @ WALTER (10/11/2023, 08:07) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    ARE THE INVITING YOU THERE ? IF YOU DO THE CRIME , THEN DO THE TIME , SIMPLE
  • @ @ JUSTICE (10/11/2023, 08:19) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    IF WE ALL DO THE RIGHT THING / WE WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT A VACATION IN THE UK PRISION , WE WILL BE FREE TO ENJOY OUR TIME ON THIS EARTH IN PEACE AND LOVE WITH ALL HUMAN BEINGS / REGARDLESS OF RACE
    OR COLOR / WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT ? IF I MAY ASK ?
  • Czech (10/11/2023, 09:44) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Talk about holding persons in prison for years without being convicted. Petty criminals could be sent home with electronic bracelet. No hurricane emergency plan means releasing the prisoners during an emergency again. Reform and alternative programmes needed rather than lockdown. Stop black only incarceration.
  • Concerned 1 (10/11/2023, 10:58) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am seeing that there will be a prison superintendent from the UK in BVI not to distant future
  • coi (11/11/2023, 06:32) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    When is the lot jaspert,Collins and Ranking going have their day in hmp for crimes against the bvi people?


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