Expert advice and new equipment were part of a recent United Kingdom-funded support package for His Majesty’s Prison Service, according to government.
The package — which was designed to enhance prison security, safety and staff protection — also included a visit last week from Lee Pilkington, head of the National Locking Section for the Ministry of Justice Property Directorate in the UK.
Mr. Pilkington brought specialised tools and shared expertise used to maintain security across the UK prison system, according to government.
Additionally, Virgin Islands prison officers were equipped with state-of-the-art radios and identification cards funded by the UK government.
“The radios enhance communication and coordination across the facility, significantly improving security and operational effectiveness,” according to a press release issued last Thursday by the Governor’s Group. “The ID cards streamline security processes, ensuring stricter access controls.”
Already, officials said, the upgraded radios have helped intercept contraband items such as phones, drugs, weapons and alcohol.
“In one instance, an officer on perimeter patrol detected a package being thrown over the fence,” the press release stated. “With the radios’ swift communication capability, staff responded effectively, involving both prison and police teams.”

‘Top priority’
Governor Daniel Pruce stressed the importance of the support.
“The safety and security of Virgin Islanders is my top priority, and His Majesty’s Virgin Islands Prison Service is a key facet in that,” he said. “By enhancing security at [the Balsam Ghut prison] and investing in protecting and equipping prison officers, we enable the prison service to transform lives and reduce the risk of reoffending, improving the overall security of the Virgin Islands and safety in our community.”
Prison Superintendent Jay Kendall thanked the UK Ministry of Justice for the support.
The Deputy Governor’s Office did not disclose the amount of funding the UK provided for the prison support package as of Beacon press time.
The prison service also launched its inaugural staff awards last week with a Dec. 4 ceremony at Government House recognising prison employees and other stakeholders.
Among the honourees was “Prison Officer Rodriguez,” who was named Prison Officer of the Year for 2024, according to the press release, which did not provide the officer’s first name.
British Caribbean News