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by pltm
(PLTM) - The 21 hardened inmates of Her Majesty's Prison (HMP), who were transferred to St. Lucia, will be returning soon, as repair works on the Balsam Ghut penitentiary have commenced and are progressing well.
Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister of Education and Culture said that Phase 1 of the project which is being funded by the ministry is almost completed.
"We were able to start the much anticipated work on the rehabilitation of Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsum Ghut. We expect this work to be completed very soon so that our prisoners can return to the Territory from St Lucia," he said today, Monday February 2.
The Minister added, "Phase 1 of the work, which is being funded by my Ministry is near completion and phase 2, which is being done by a team through the Governor’s office is expected to commence soon."
Following the September hurricane, the prison was extensively damaged.
The BVI will have to pay some $78,000.00 to the government of St. Lucia, to accommodate the 21 prisoners for six months. Government had anticipated that the inmates would return by March.
Government in its proposed Recovery and Development Plan for the Territory, indicated that $10.5M will be needed to repair HMP.
According to the plan, the monies will allow for prison infrastructure repairs, including security fence, infrastructure improvements and expansion, ICT infrastructure, and vehicles.
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