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by pltm
(PLTM) - Inmates at the Her Majesty's Prison at Balsam Ghut, will be transferred to the prison in St. Lucia, Governor Gus Jaspert announced today, Monday, September 25.
"Following the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, one of my and Cabinet’s top priorities has been the safety and security for all of us. In this regard, yesterday I signed an Emergency Powers for the Transfer of Prisoners, regulations 2017 and have issued warrants for the transfer of prisoners to St. Lucia," he said this morning.
The Governor added, "I will keep you informed of any further developments on this matter."
Following Hurricane Irma on September 6, the penitentiary received damaged and according to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) situation report, all 150 inmates escaped. However, with the help of the United Kingdom's military and other law men, most of the inmates were recaptured and some returned on their own.
Approximately six inmates are said to still be at large and they have been deemed low-risk prisoners. Some of the prisoners have been thanked for assisting in the recovery efforts while on the outside, but others have engaged in criminal acts.
Immediately following Irma, St. Lucia's Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet disclosed that St. Lucia has made an offer to the United Kingdom (UK) government, to have prisoners the BVI transferred to that island.
“But certainly we wanted to let them know that we would make facilities available, should it be needed,” Chastanet said.
He added, “The prison (at Balsam Ghut) was badly damaged and so we were making space at Bordelais as well as making facilities available at the free zone to be able to help."
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