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by pltm
(PLTM) - A former United Kingdom Prison Governor was hired last month to work alongside the Prison Superintendent to help effect a number of changes to enhance security at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP), Balsum Ghut.
This is according to Governor John Rankin who disclosed that the UK has also provided equipment.
“To date, a number of urgent repairs have been carried out at the prison, and CCTV is being installed. The UK deployed three UK prison officers for three months to HMP Balsam Ghut, who helped the Superintendent write and update operating procedures,” the Governor stated in his review of the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the Commission of Inquire (CoI) report.
The Governor indicated that the UK has also provided a range of new equipment, including mattresses, prisoner uniforms, handcuffs, and other basic essentials; as well as body worn cameras and training for staff on how to use them.
The CoI Report called for a comprehensive independent review of security arrangements at the prison, directed by the National Security Council, was under way.
The Governor stated that the objective was to conduct a comprehensive review of the security arrangements at HMP Balsam Ghut.
The review concluded ‘neglect for many years, physical security at the prison was poor, procedural security was virtually non-existent, and morale of staff was very low.
The review made more than 50 recommendations, covering security and repairs; prison operations; procurement; staffing and oversight; and rehabilitation.
Governor Rankin stated that to implement the recommendations a Prison Security Review Implementation Committee was established, co-chaired by the Governor and the Minister for Health and Social Development, who currently share responsibility for the prison.
He explained that the Committee meets at working level every month and with the Governor and Minister each quarter.
“The Ministry of Health and Social Development has completed urgent security repairs at the prison and provided some infrastructure upgrades. In September a senior former UK Prison Governor arrived in BVI for six months. He is working alongside the Prison Superintendent to help implement the remaining recommendations, together with the Prison Security Review Implementation Committee,” the Governor pointed out.
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