$275K Refurbished Prison Museum Opens [Photos Included]

The long awaited Her Majesty's Prison Museum on Main Street, was officially opened with much pomp and ceremony as government boasts of continued efforts to increase the traffic of visitors to the Territory, by adding more cultural and heritage sites.

At the opening ceremony held today, December 6, in Road Town, Premier and Minister with responsibility for Tourism, Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith highlighted that such a historic site is a great addition to the existing activities and sites, where both visitors and residents can explore.

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Tourists on a tour through the newly opened museum

(PLTM) - “We needed to develop the facility as an attraction for residents, as well as visitors to engage in, while they are here, particularly during the tourism season," he noted.

City Manager and supervisor of the project, Mrs. Janice Braithwaite- Edwards, said that although the prison is open to the public, 4 of the 5 phases are yet to be completed, due to financial restraints.

“It’s [Museum] not fully finish, upstairs is not ready for viewing yet, and there are some stuff that we need to complete in other sections," she told BVI Platinum News.

She noted, “We opened it so people can actually walk in and get a feel of it.”

Mrs. Braithwaite-Edwards went on to note that up to today’s date, the venue which began its refurbishing process in 2012, has seen approximately $275,000 worth of expenses.

She added that an additional $200,000 is needed to finance the project’s full completion.

Meanwhile, the opening of the Museum has also been labelled as a clear indication of the strength of the government, working as 'one government and one BVI', “As we continue to work steadfast in the enhancement of the Territory of the British Virgin Islands and the sense of who we are as BVIslanders,” said Premier Smith.

He added, “One of the primary objectives of my government is the preservation and enhancement of VI culture, by supporting and defining the unique aspects of our cultural heritage. The prison is a tool that would assist in educating persons of the Territory’s journey.”

Persons can visit the premises of the Prison Museum between Mondays to Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, where one-hour guided tours will be offered three times a day from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. At other times, visitors can do a self-guided tour of the museum.

Tour Guides are currently being trained by Dr. Angel Smith, Director of Virgin Islands Studies Institute.

The entrance fee is $5 for all non-residents, $3 for residents, and children under five years old will have free access.

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