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by pltm
(PLTM) - British national, Mr. David Foot has been given a six month contract extension as Superintendent of the Her Majesty’s Prisons (HMP), Balsam Ghut.
Foot, who was hired back in late 2013, second two-year contract recently came to an end and as procedural, government advertised the post.
Governor Gus Jaspert would only comment briefly on the current arrangement the government has with Mr. Foot.
“The Director of Human Resources has confirmed that Mr. Foot was issued a six month appointment from 12 December 2017 to 11 June 2018,” the Governor told BVI Platinum News on Wednesday, January 10.
Governor Jaspert has shared responsibilities for the prisons, along with the Education Minister.
There have been calls for a succession plan to be put in place at the prison to allow for a local to fill the position.
Mr. Foot has had his share of criticisms and challenges since at the helm of the HMP.
There have been a number of reports of fights among inmates, which have led hospitalization; inmates attacking prison officers; and smuggling of cellular phones and drugs into the prison.
However, in recent years, an aggressive rehabilitation programme has been undertaken in collaboration with the prison and the Ministry of Education and Culture.
Following the passage of hurricane Irma in September last year, all 150 inmates escaped from the penitentiary. Some returned on their own, while others were captured by lawmen, but two remain at large.
Also, 21 inmates have been transferred to St. Lucia prison pending the completion of repairs at Balsam Ghut.
Government has earmarked $10.5M towards repairing the prison.
