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by pltm
(PLTM) - The Government of the Virgin Islands has a $180,000 bill so far from the Government of St. Lucia, to accommodate 21 BVI prisoners, while some have now been returning to the Territory.
Following the September 2017 hurricanes, Her Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut was extensively damaged and 21 hardened inmates were temporarily transferred the Bordelais Correctional Facility in St. Lucia.
Yesterday, August 16, 9 prisoners returned to continue their sentence at Balsam Ghut, bringing the total number who have returned to 11 so far, while 10 inmates are still in St. Lucia.
When contacted, Hon. Myron Walwyn told BVI Platinum News that thus far, the cost to the BVI Government to St. Lucia is in the region of $180,000.
He said that the inmates were able to return because some works have been completed at the Balsam Ghut penitentiary.
“…The cells have been completed for their (prisoners) return and by the time the other 10 return, all works will be expected to be complete,” the Minister said.
He could no say when the remaining 10 will return, but said it will be shortly.
Initially, Hon. Walwyn had indicated to the House of Assembly that the Government is paying some $13,000.00 monthly to the St. Lucia Government to house the prisoners. They were transferred in late September last year and Government had anticipated that they would have returned by March.
In a joint statement yesterday, Minister Walwyn and Acting Governor David Archer said, “We wish to sincerely thank the Government of St. Lucia and the Bordelais Correctional Facility for their assistance and cooperation during this time.”
They also thanked the families of those returning now and for those remaining individuals who will return soon, for their patience whilst refurbishments to the HM Prison have been undertaken.
The Prison Authorities will be in direct contact with the next of kin of all concerned to apprise them of the relocation of their relatives.
The high-risk prisoners who were transferred are Andrew 'Ratty' Milton, Dennis 'Soupy Campbell, Aaron George; Kareem Durante; Orlando Bonnick; Yan Edwards; Omarie Winter; Kenyatta Boynes; Alcedo Tyson; Devin Maduro; Deshawn Stoutt; Matthew Daniel Hazel; Jessroy McKelly; Jevone Demming; Sherman-Abdul Williams; Jerry Martin; Samuel Harris; Alberto Rosa De La Rosa; Lorne Parson; Allen Baptiste; and Shakoy Lavacia.
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