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UPDATE: Prison officer injured in shooting identified as Isha Martin

The female prison officer shot this morning, October 9, 2023, while transporting a female inmate to High Court has been identified as Isha Martin, who is originally from St Vincent and the Grenadines. Photo: VINO/File
A prison officer was reportedly injured when the HMP van came under gunfire this morning, October 9, 2023. Photo: VINO/File
A prison officer was reportedly injured when the HMP van came under gunfire this morning, October 9, 2023. Photo: VINO/File
Shakilla Hanley was the prisoner being escorted to court when the prison van came under fire. Hanley was not injured. Photo: Team of Reporters
Shakilla Hanley was the prisoner being escorted to court when the prison van came under fire. Hanley was not injured. Photo: Team of Reporters
EAST END, Tortola, VI- The female prison officer shot this morning, October 9, 2023, while transporting a female inmate to High Court has been identified as Isha Martin, who is originally from St Vincent and the Grenadines. She was shot in her leg and, according to hospital officials, her injuries are not life threatening.

One Talk show on the Morning Braff live event on Tola Radio VI this morning had claimed that they were told Martin had succumbed to her injuries but our news centre can report that is false.

Ms Martin remains in stable condition at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital. At the time, officer Martin was transporting inmate Shakilla Hanley who was in jail for allegedly being the lookout for two separate murders in 2017.

It is our understanding that the inmate did not suffer any injuries.

Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital, as of publication time, remained on lockdown as police continue their investigations. His Majesty's Prison at Balsam Ghut on the main island of Tortola; however, is not on lockdown.

See previous article published October 9, 2023

HMP van shot at; Prison officer reportedly injured

Word reaching our news centre is that gunshots were fired at the van belonging to His Majesty's Prison (HMP) this morning October 9, 2023.

Our news centre was told that a female prison officer was injured. Unconfirmed reports are that an inmate was also shot.

The female officer was at the time reportedly transporting a female inmate to the Magistrate's Court.

The shooting reportedly took place in the vicinity of the East End Police Station.

Police and emergency personnel were called to the scene of the shooting.

Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital is said to have gone on lockdown due to the injured officer being taken there for medical attention.

We will provide an update as details unfold.

75 Responses to “UPDATE: Prison officer injured in shooting identified as Isha Martin”

  • So sad (09/10/2023, 09:49) Like (107) Dislike (4) Reply
    This lifestyle is becoming a regular. Imagine finding out that your home boy is who killed your boy. This lifestyle of living on the edge is a reality and must be uncomfortable for a lot of people. All those who accepted blood money will get pinched
    • Vicinity of a Police Station (09/10/2023, 12:35) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
      Imagine that… shooting near to a Police Station.

      It better have CCTVs in the area.

      These demons think they invincible but there’s a never ending scorching fire in hell waiting for them after the devil done use them.
  • wowww (09/10/2023, 09:50) Like (13) Dislike (9) Reply
    Shakella you good
  • Dreads (09/10/2023, 09:51) Like (22) Dislike (63) Reply
    I blame the VIP
  • Citizen (09/10/2023, 09:52) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
    the thing start
  • east (09/10/2023, 09:52) Like (55) Dislike (24) Reply
    I don’t ever want to work the prison UK need to take over the prison
    • @east (09/10/2023, 10:32) Like (30) Dislike (46) Reply
      Another slave mentality posting ignorance.
    • To east (09/10/2023, 10:37) Like (20) Dislike (11) Reply
      So you are suggesting that once the UK take over the prison or anything then everything will be good. This is as brainwash as anyone could get as if these same things and worse does not happen in the UK and other countries although we do not condone them. Watch the news abroad and UK and you will find out these challenges are increasing worldwide and it will take all of us working together to stop them.
      • @To east (09/10/2023, 11:24) Like (41) Dislike (7) Reply
        Couple Uk military personnel on guard and you’ll see how quick up there straighten out. Something needs to be done. This is British territory who else could step in? We can’t help our damn selves.
    • To east (09/10/2023, 10:48) Like (62) Dislike (6) Reply
      You forget the UK man is over the prison now. If Guy was there at the head now, you few BVI haters would have been on this site blaming him all day. What a set of hypocrites.
    • To east (09/10/2023, 12:16) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
      The Governor is in charge of the Prison and the Police.
  • VG (09/10/2023, 09:54) Like (32) Dislike (19) Reply
    Tortola to dangerous I scared when I come over from vg for the day
  • lawdy (09/10/2023, 09:55) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    They went after S she born St kitts but grew up here
    • Longlook (09/10/2023, 17:37) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      Hear her boyfriend mom got killed in st.kitts. by the same man them (A.J )people who got them to do the killings back in 2017 he up the jail to for murder him self 6 feet if you rat I guess
      • What? (09/10/2023, 19:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        That's false news..her mom is who got killed by gang members
        just stop it!
  • Real People (09/10/2023, 09:55) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    Same young boys they didn't catch that night with the bag of guns.
    • Hmm (09/10/2023, 10:59) Like (9) Dislike (62) Reply
      Had to be island people doing this
      • Island boy (09/10/2023, 16:56) Like (12) Dislike (12) Reply
        Yes they from the island of Tortoilet, sorry Tortola!
        • Tolian (09/10/2023, 19:10) Like (17) Dislike (9) Reply
          Yet still u cant leave here but tortoliet...immigration ever have to send yuh ass home you snort like one them lil children who want candy from the shop . I bet u is one them jealous envy st vincentian i tired hear them talk bad about the bvi and yet still fraid to go them yard . Make it worst them self cant talk proper . Set of dotish ppl around us .
      • did you not know??? (09/10/2023, 20:27) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        YES!!!! hmm, because Tortola, is an island, so Tortolans are also "ISLANS PEOPLE", just like the rest of the Caribbean islands, doing plenty drugs, and murdering their own over drugs
      • Garrot (10/10/2023, 11:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Every one are up deislun cursed human dregs.
        No exception.
  • dd (09/10/2023, 10:01) Like (20) Dislike (9) Reply
    Here we go again this place is a little Vietnam God send help
    • Foolish people (09/10/2023, 16:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The virgin islands been the hub for many illegal activities especially to fund these same movies you speak of to have the world how it is now, the little virgin islands, nature's little secret, if you go way back in time here in the VI this is shooting is simple to when there has been different shoot outs with VI men and police so what about shooting up ah van is watching movies....take your head out yuh A**
  • Mortal (09/10/2023, 10:05) Like (56) Dislike (2) Reply
    Tola people watch to much movie but they shooting prison van lol
  • Smhhh (09/10/2023, 10:11) Like (53) Dislike (1) Reply
    These vans should have a heavy police escort. To and from court hearings. With armed tactical force to the front and back of the prison vans, that'll reduce some chances. The goal should be to get to the destination and back to the jail very quickly.
    • @ Smhhhh (09/10/2023, 11:00) Like (38) Dislike (3) Reply
      Satan's minions at it again WITHOUT A CARE FOR INNOCENT LIVES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN THE FIRE ON THEIR WAY TO WORK AND SCHOOL.

      NUMBSKULLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      THEY BUSY TRYING TO TAKE LIVES WHEN THEIR LIVES ALREADY SECURED IN HELL!!!!!!

      DO NOT BE AT ANY FUNERAL TALKING ABOUT MURDERERS IN A BETTER PLACE!!!!

      PREACHERS START PREACHING REPENTANCE AT FUNERALS INSTEAD OF ONLY TRYING TO MAKE THE CONGREGATION FEEL GOOD.
      • @@smhhh (09/10/2023, 11:41) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
        Exactly everybody who died they give wings. We better start preaching the truth. We better start using them pulpits to speak truth because we will answer one day for everyone we didn't warn. Whether or not we believe does not change the realities.
    • Jane (09/10/2023, 16:04) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
      No more transporting prisoners to court for hearings. Let them appear virtually by Zoom.
  • The watchdog (09/10/2023, 10:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look thing
  • WOW (09/10/2023, 10:27) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Thank you vino
    • @ wow (09/10/2023, 10:52) Like (7) Dislike (57) Reply
      i must say vino remains the most accurate news media many news sites do have fake information.
  • justin (09/10/2023, 10:44) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    were can get bullet proof clothing to buy
  • VI voice (09/10/2023, 10:54) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    @Smhhh,
    I agree with you 100%. We are taking things for granted in this country, taking things too lightly. I hope that this is a lesson learned here today.
  • Slackness (09/10/2023, 11:06) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    I thought that the priso nvan was bullet proof..
  • W$I (09/10/2023, 11:11) Like (3) Dislike (23) Reply
    West Bank fully jun like the navy navy, body fi go missin n bury bury
  • Mike Larry (09/10/2023, 11:27) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Very nice!
  • uh (09/10/2023, 11:34) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    All over the this is the first time i see prison officer's transport inmate to courts this reduces and poor
  • @ justin (09/10/2023, 11:44) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    I can sell you a pair of concrete boots. Dog you make me laugh so hard this morning if I was near you I would buy you a drink. Sew some cloth over galvanize. Tola still the best in the west.
  • hmm! (09/10/2023, 11:44) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    (screaming) JESUS!!!!!!!!!!! and the Christians' don't want to stand up, these broken back Christians' playing church. The WORD SAYS 'When MY PEOPLE who are called by My Name would humble themselves and seek My Face (THEN) will I HEAR FROM HEAVEN and WILL HEAL their lands" It is time for some real revival, not the show that is put on today, but some real old time revival!!!!!!! God is watching!

    To those who go to church, and leave their kids home , God will judge, that is why some of our society are in trouble the Word isn't heard. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God that is. But at the same time want to show of themselves to be seen as, prophetess, pastors, prayer worriers, evangelist, and some even want to behave like they are Jesus; but their house is not in order, stat at home. That's what Timothy said a leader should be, (one who can lead their home). Bring the young to church let them hear God's Word, to condition their minds against these evil day. Sad times we are leaving in. Both Christians, and unbelievers are in sad times. Christians cold for the real Word, and God will spew you out! Because of their light not shinning by the suppose to be Christians, unbelivers are doom!
  • Rick (09/10/2023, 11:53) Like (50) Dislike (2) Reply
    I keep telling the commissioner to raid the prison cell and take away the phones from these individuals that are in prison,they are the making the calls to individuals on the streets,is like I fid up cunt,these police are walking in to a war that they cannot win if they don't start from their building first.
  • 2023 (09/10/2023, 12:26) Like (1) Dislike (13) Reply
    lots on here seeking to pull our little place however they will not to back to their big country

    lack of enforcement could be the issue our country is face with

    United Kingdom needs to enforce border security but the UK mainly concerned with sending our people to HMP

    get a broom and sweep the place
    • @2023 (09/10/2023, 18:16) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Uk sending our people to hmp? You mean the people with guns the murderers robbers drug dealers? Is the UK send them prison? Not themselves? Their actions? Where you leave your brain when you type that bs?
    • Local (09/10/2023, 20:24) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      @2023 only concern about locking up our people who is our people is this the way our people behave I don't think so they want to behave like other people there's two st Kitts boys in the prison doing what they want and calling hits out side first they kill Jeff now they trying to kill the young lady that is testifying in high court that is presently in prison. They need to be removed from the BVI prison and sent somewhere else to serve out there time or just poison them both. There many ways to kill a disease.
  • Practice? (09/10/2023, 13:09) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply
    They practising for the more serious criminals maybe? Send the serious offenders to a hard prison in the Caribbean and throw away the key. Have them under UK military guard for the transportation. Let them join the courtroom virtually for any hearings. They do not have to be on the island. This has gone too far now and drastic measures now have to be taken as a matter of public policy, in the interest of the safety of the public.
  • WE ACTING SUPPRISED (09/10/2023, 15:31) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    AMD I HAVE BLOGGED ABOUT THIS BEFORE / ( AND AH GO SAY IT AGAIN ) THESE SO CALLED YOUTHS ARE GETTING MORE BRAZEN WHICH WAS TO BE EXPECTED / HOW CAN YOU PROTECT THESE COLD BLOODED EXECUTION STYLE KILLERS , AND EXPECT THE COUNTRY TO GET BETTER , EH HYPOCRITES ? / THESE GUYS HAVE ( AK47 ) AND THEM AINT NO TOY GUNS , I ALSO MENTIONED THAT SOON THEY WILL BE TAKING GUNAMS ON THE HIGHT SCHOOL GROUNDS AND IT MAY HAVE HAPPENED TODAY / DRUGS ARE BEEN TAKEN IN ALREADY , ACCORDING TO
    THE TALK ON THE STREETS SND I ALSO SAID THAT PARENTS NEEDS TO HAVE THEIR SCHOOL CHILDREN TESTED TO SEE WHATS IN THEIR SYSTEM , THE IMPORTED WEED HAS IN COKE OR HEROINE AND SOME OF THOSE KIDS ARE SMOKING IT / AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO BELIEVE ME , ( I AIN'T NOBODY ) JUST SOME DAYS AGO A YOUTH WALK BETWEEN BARGAIN CENTER AND MC KELLY 'S WITH A GUN IN HAND LIKE A CELL PHONE AND WALK UP MAIN STREET LIKE IT WAS NO BIG DEAL , BEFORE HE START POPPING AT SOMEONE IN THE ALLE8Y MEXT YMTO THE SPANISH RESTURANT BEFORE A BLACK SOUL KIA DRIVE OUT FROM THE CAR WASH BEHIND WHERE
    SHABAZZ USED TO BE AND HE CASUALLY STEP MIN AND THE DROVE DOWN THE ROAD AND WENT ACROSS BY RITE WAY SIDE AND THERE WERE WORKERS IN THE STREET THAT HE PASS THROUGH FIRST WITH THE GUN ( MEANWHILE ALL SOME IDIOT IS DOING IS SPEWING OUT RACIST RETHORIC DAILY, AS THE COUNTRY IS SLOWLY TURNING INTO THE KILLING FIELDS / THERE IS A LOT OF SICK MINDE ON THE LOOSE ALSO ~ SADLY
  • Very disappointed (09/10/2023, 16:04) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    The bad boys need to be hunted, not arrested. Special Ops.
  • John (09/10/2023, 16:41) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    These people does not shoot like that they know who they looking for so you stop talking post I live. At
  • joe (09/10/2023, 16:49) Like (2) Dislike (16) Reply
    I live only a few steps from the prison I take my walk over there these people does not go shouting like crazy people they know who they looking for so you goat from VG stop talking crap
  • But why (09/10/2023, 17:27) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Shouldn't a prison ride be bullet proof. Yes i know certain bullets might still get through but come on you mean to tell me the one we have isn't.


    Now the whole public knows and the criminal that they can bullets in these van


    Its like a living a tv series shoe just waiting weekly for new thing to happen


    Bvi to small for all this crazy things that are happening
  • Things to talk (09/10/2023, 17:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Check that young man that they picked up by the high school for that eastend situation this morning Just saying he might know alot oh and that Honda or Acura car in the road town police station just saying he might know alot
  • Forbidden Truth (09/10/2023, 20:00) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    How come the white man incharge of the prison is not put on blast? But Hmm.
  • Serios times (09/10/2023, 22:20) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    " THE IMPORTED WEED HAS IN COKE OR HEROINE AND SOME OF THOSE KIDS ARE SMOKING IT "

    Sure the kids but what about every Caribbean adult that grew up smoking pure home grown, Jamaican & Vincy all natural weed. While the cannabis bill is stalled the smoking population is being lambasted by addictive adulterants. A person can buy weed as an aid to cancer treatment and become addicted to some crap. We allow ourselves to be destroyed as a country.
  • tt (10/10/2023, 00:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes a police station that is no fully operational. 2 unarmed police could have done anything g either. I dont know y the out stations not fully fuctio al like before. This a disgrace.
  • HMMM (10/10/2023, 09:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The question is what was the mission:
    - kill the guard
    - kill the witness
    - hijack/ escape with the witness.
  • Norris Turnbull (10/10/2023, 09:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    WHY HAVE THE GOVERNOR OR COMMISSIONER PF POLICE HAVENT ADDRESA THE PUBLIC ON THESE RECENT CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES??¿
    TIME TO GO TO THE STREETS.
  • ... (10/10/2023, 13:35) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    We are seriously lacking.

    7 million on a plane. Do you not see what is going on?????

    They called him Kim-Jung Fahie but at least he seemed to have half a brain by buying that armored vehicle for the premiership, now the current premier benefits from increased security.

    All legislators should be driving in stylish & bullet-secure vehicles. Air port needs its own BVI government air ambulance.

    All of those together cost less than 7 million. The premier's vehicle was around 100 thousand. ten vehicles 1 million. twenty stylish armored vehicles 2 million. Unlike the plane... to buy a helicopter I wonder if they can make do with 5 million remainder.

    My goodness we need proper security & so much more. What happens when these thugs say they dont like what the politicians are saying? For this to happen close to a police station speaks volumes to our airheaded situation.

    This is why the pier park robbers felt they could pop off in the middle of the flipping multi-million dollar investment. Had they shot someone.... We are building sand castles with no protection, no protection for the people, nor the will of the people by protecting the politicians. In comes the crime wave.

    Everything is gone.
  • Love that reds in west end (teacher) (10/10/2023, 20:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Things will never be the same again
  • Big Slick Willie (11/10/2023, 22:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great for tourism. Visit Tortola!


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