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Appointment of UK man as Sup. Of Prisons a shock to HMP officers

- Gov. McCleary appoints David Foot as Superintendent of Prisons over Charles L. Forbes
The announcement of the appointment by UK-appointed Governor William B. McCleary of a United Kingdom national as Superintendent of Prisons for Her Majesty’s Prison at Balsum Ghut has come as a “big shock” to most senior and junior ranks within the prison service. Photo: VINO/File
Mr Charles L. Forbes was appointed Acting Superintendent of Prisons following the sudden passing of Mr Richard D. Holder on November 24, 2012. Photo: VINO
Mr Charles L. Forbes was appointed Acting Superintendent of Prisons following the sudden passing of Mr Richard D. Holder on November 24, 2012. Photo: VINO
Attempts to contact Governor William B. McCleary (above) proved futile. Photo: VINO/File
Attempts to contact Governor William B. McCleary (above) proved futile. Photo: VINO/File
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI – The announcement of the appointment by UK-appointed Governor William B. McCleary of a United Kingdom national as Superintendent of Prisons for Her Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut has come as a “big shock” to most senior and junior ranks within the prison service.

“I am 100% sure that this was not discussed beforehand with Mr Forbes and that was totally insulting and disrespectful much more to say unfair,” a senior officer told Virgin Islands News Online on condition of anonymity.

Yesterday afternoon October 4, 2013, in a release circulated by the Government Information Services (GIS), Mr McCleary announced that he has appointed Mr David Foot as Superintendent of Prisons; a move the release said was constitutional.

Attempts to contact both the Governor and acting Superintendent of Prisons Mr Charles L. Forbes proved futile. However, other senior officers were very vocal on the matter. This news agency was told that the appointment has given a clear indication that the Governor, allegedly, has not been cooperating with the Minister for Education and Culture and other heads of Government who have been insisting that a VIslander or Belonger be appointed to the position.

“This is something that has been preached over and over and over again even for the employment of ordinary prison officers. They have been insisting that we look internally before going outside and this one is a big slap in the face,” said an upset senior prison officer.

Another said he felt an injustice was done to Mr Forbes as he was doing a commendable job since taking on the acting position following the sudden passing of Mr Richard D. Holder in late 2012.

“Nobody absolutely nobody has ever heard of this Foot person. He never came here to see what is going on here. He coming blinded and would be depending on us and that same Mr Forbes…Rather than we move forward I see this as a step backwards,” alleged the officer.

The unanswered questions now are when Mr Foot will be taking office and what will be Mr Forbes’ position as this was not included in the press release sent to media houses late Friday afternoon.

It is not clear whether Mr Forbes knew long beforehand that he was going to be replaced or whether the Minister for Education and Culture, under whose responsibility the prison falls, was adequately informed of same.

64 Responses to “Appointment of UK man as Sup. Of Prisons a shock to HMP officers”

  • kkk (05/10/2013, 10:59) Like (11) Dislike (25) Reply
    white looking out for whites!!!
  • True Virgin (05/10/2013, 11:09) Like (0) Dislike (12) Reply
    I would not cooperate with that man. Boyd is this why u asked for more time in the VI? Wanna think so, to railroad local people? remember Derek Cudmore??? Ever heard of him??? We will MARCH again.. Seize the time.
    • go on then (07/10/2013, 10:47) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      No more marching going on in the BVI, everyone too lazy and fat.
  • insider (05/10/2013, 11:37) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    why is anyone surprise?
    • Release (06/10/2013, 09:04) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply

      the governor made a fundamental error with this appoinment..w**** putting blacks in lock down

  • BREAKING NEWS (05/10/2013, 11:44) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Yea right the minister did not know...and yea I will sell you the Brooklyn Bridge
    • Axle (05/10/2013, 13:15) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Thank you. Of course the Minister and Mr Forbes would have been respectfully informed, objections aired, suggestions brought forward, decisions made, positions agreed upon and apointment of posts accepted
  • Ah saw (05/10/2013, 11:50) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    Shock? The Premier sell us out again. He even ain't inform bis minister what he agreed to behind close doors with the Governor. What a shame.
  • Incarcerated (05/10/2013, 12:06) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
    Mr Foot is probably an ex SAS military man. Prepare to shave heads and shout Yes Sir, No Sir, but don't think of saying Three bags full Sir. unless you are seeking solitary confinement. Fe Fi Fo fum I smell the blood of an Englishman.
  • B. Mc (05/10/2013, 12:24) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    Governor Boyd McCleary CMG CVO, acting in accordance with Section 92 of the Virgin Islands Constitution, has appointed Mr. David Foot as Superintendent of Prisons.
    David Foot joined the Prison Service of England & Wales as a Prison Officer in 1991 and since then has served in every uniformed grade in a number of different prisons. His postings have included male prisons, high security prisons, female prisons and most recently working as the Deputy Prison Governor and Governor of a Young Offenders Institution.
    He has wide ranging operational experience and qualifications and has served on the National Executive Committee of the Prison Governors’ Association, the UK’s professional body for senior prison managers. He has an excellent track record of ensuring that prisons are well run, safe and secure and is focussed on seeking to reduce reoffending by providing effective rehabilitation services for prisoners.
    • . (05/10/2013, 14:29) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
      So is coming to the bvi a promotion or he is a retiree?
    • IDOSF (05/10/2013, 16:30) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply

      Dave Foot – National Executive Committee
      Dave joined the prison service in 1991, training at Aberford Road and was posted to HMP Wandsworth, followed by a return to the North West at Risley on the now infamous TAC Unit.
      He was promoted to SO at HMP Manchester on it’s re-role to a core local and moved as part of the cuts imposed to keep the SLA in 1999. He transferred to HMP Wymott where he was fortunate to be involved in the introduction of the public protection manual and piloted VISOR for the prison service.
      During his time at Wymott he became the Security PO and then Acting Head of Operations. He moved to HMP Garth as Operations PO in 2007 and passed the Op Man JSAC shortly after that. He was promoted in situ to Manger F and has managed various residential units since.
      Dave is very proud of his career in the service and feels lucky to have gained the experience from differing establishments he has worked in and the people he has worked with. He has worked in every department available and with all types of prisoner apart from young offenders and juveniles.
      Dave has been a member of a Staff Association from day 1 and joined the PGA on promotion in 2007. He is proud to be part of the NEC and hopes that he can be a valued member of the team and help the NEC secure the future of Prison Governors in these difficult times.
      He is a life long Liverpool fan and season ticket holder, and still manages to play football and cricket in local leagues

      • @ IDOSF (07/10/2013, 00:41) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
        I am so sick and tired of the likes of you, repeating the same old tired lines to refuse to give B v Isladers the job!!!
    • MS WISE (07/10/2013, 06:13) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      well done. we need a smooth running prison, not people who assisting the prisoners with phone calls or allowing them to go on facebook commenting n liking links. YOU DID WELL. THE NEXT STEP IS TO GET RID OF THE UNDESIRABLES. I WELCOME YOU MR FOOTE
  • james (05/10/2013, 12:48) Like (32) Dislike (24) Reply
    The Governor did what he felt was in the best interest of the Prison. There are people with cell phones in the prison and God knows what else. How are these phones getting into the prison without the hlp of Prison Officers themselves who must be turning a blind eye or helping to smuggle them in? Persons going in and out of the prison are to be thoroughly searched and clearly there are lapses in the security aparatus which the PrisonOfficers themselves control. The Prison need to be cleaned of the undesirable Prison Officers. Mr. Holder was doing a great job but there were some who felt uncomforable with what he was trying to do which is clean up the place.

    I commend the Governor for his bold decision. While I have to doubt that Mr. Forbes was doing his best, the truth is some of the prison officers are corrupt and bringing someone from the outside may just be the right solution to tackle the problems. Give Mr. Foot a fair chance. Let us not judge him until is on the job and doing the work. I am all for getting the job done regardless of where the person in the position is from.

    The truth is that we canno always trust some of our locals to get the job done. How many times has this been proven?
  • vip (05/10/2013, 13:00) Like (12) Dislike (14) Reply
    The ndp soft because this could not have happen under ralph.
    • Free Soul (07/10/2013, 00:35) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      Ain't gonna happen from this gang to support locals. Remember that these expat people are registered voters.

  • bul s**t (05/10/2013, 13:07) Like (0) Dislike (206) Reply

    bulls**t this is not right, what u guys just did is close job offers to locals or anyone living here already. cause had Forbes take that post then the rest of the ranks would of moved up opening jobs.

  • facts man (05/10/2013, 13:29) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
    this is injustice in this hard economic time
  • Damn (05/10/2013, 13:32) Like (2) Dislike (22) Reply
    damn forbes i know that hurts
    • 1 (07/10/2013, 00:38) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      It's a shame what they did to charles- let's hope that past experience does not leave this initiative 'dead in the water'.

  • GOVERNOR (05/10/2013, 13:48) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am the big man in town I have the law on my side and If you all do not like it go independent...
  • billyb (05/10/2013, 14:12) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bi dis how we always do it in the BVI!!!!! haaaaa
    achewwww
  • Observer (05/10/2013, 14:44) Like (33) Dislike (8) Reply
    Stop the noise the governor did the wright thing, the prison is to slack with cell phones and other illegal drugs still entering that place some of those same prison officers needs to be locked up. I from here and I backing that to hell with who feel its an injustice to Mr Forbes, what he didn't have the balls to do this man will this is call breaking the culture.
  • good move (05/10/2013, 16:54) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Maybe this appointment will result in changes at the prison. Maybe it will be run in such a manner that people WON'T look forward to going there. Maybe some pink underwear,chain gangs and turning off the TV will work.
  • flUffy (05/10/2013, 17:40) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    Why is this such a "big" suprise to anyone? The governor appointed an english as POLICE COMMISSIONER! AN englishman as head of prisons! Folks!! Wake up WE SAW it coming! Next will be IMMIGRATION!let us not forget he asked for another year so he(THE GOVERNOR) will be hear till 2014!.by then england will have ud just where they want us!!REMEMBER TURKS AND CAICAUS???
  • watch out (05/10/2013, 17:58) Like (2) Dislike (23) Reply
    Slavery started with simple moves like this that seems justifiable. The NDP Premier sold us out again.
  • ccc (05/10/2013, 18:45) Like (1) Dislike (15) Reply
    yea put them back in slavery
  • Paul Revere (05/10/2013, 19:13) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    The British are coming!!!!!,,,,...wait they have arrived.'smile'
  • Real Talk (05/10/2013, 19:28) Like (10) Dislike (15) Reply
    Dear Gov.
    Please appoint a new Premier got our territory because the one eerily currently have is s follower not a leader.

    Sincerely,
    A BV Islsnder
  • bouttime (05/10/2013, 20:00) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    This was a great move. We need more English Assistance in cleaning up this British territory... thanks!!
    • please (07/10/2013, 11:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      becareful what you wish for you might get it and then you cant do anything about it
  • prison officers (05/10/2013, 23:02) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
    We thank you so much for your move, it was one we all were praying for, Thank you governor Mcleary once again
  • Enyedado (06/10/2013, 02:02) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply

    I believe that there are other senior officers up balo who can do the job with some additional training. They sent the acting commish of police for additional administrative training, could do the same for potential officers at the prison. As Paul Revere said, the British are coming!!!!!!!!

  • shark4life (06/10/2013, 07:45) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    by 2020 every government head departments are going to be run by U.K nationals.
    • Lookup (07/10/2013, 12:16) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply

      When we see your prediction happening, I hope they know what time it is. Time for self-determination. Our people keep sitting back and trusting w**** people. Can they ever be trusted knowing our history. If we don't get out from under GB, we will be in the sky fighting the battles for our grandchildren. Watch them damn British!! Watch those South Africans here!! Watch those who want every commercial space in town!! Watch the Ching-Chungs!! Lord, why are our people still sleeping like Rip-Van-Winkle? We got to watch these Governors they are sending here. We are still in slavery. It is time to throw off the modern day shackles.

  • long look me come from (06/10/2013, 08:55) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Political leaders and the PSC are sending double signals to our local people.
  • sorry to say (06/10/2013, 09:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope that deeds two faced Politians will be vocal in their support for our people!!!
  • Blame yourselves (06/10/2013, 09:46) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    A bunch of corrupt officers taking bribes from prisoners- even a politician on the outside contacting prisoners on the inside by cell phone for his stupidness- what do you expect- set of worthless---------
  • small head (06/10/2013, 10:48) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The above appointment is an indiment on the NDP.
  • hard times (06/10/2013, 13:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I welcome new thinking at the Prison, where this comes from is neither here nor there. I hear that Mr Forbes is considering a new career in the Police. Unfortunately he will have to start at the bottom, and is probably unwelcome anyway. Good luck.
  • cow boy (06/10/2013, 14:40) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I will com he. Cause some prison office woman take druge n phone up dear. Ndp do some thing gud. More to com
  • ooooo (06/10/2013, 16:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    m***n lied to us again...the governor said that he supported the move

  • My My (06/10/2013, 16:03) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    NOW AYO SEE WHY THIS MAN WANTED AN EXTENSION BARRY SAY YOU WILL HEAR
  • who cares (06/10/2013, 19:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    who cares ? just get the job done ... the last guy died on the job do you want that ?
  • the rock (06/10/2013, 22:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look how both Mclearly and Myron out smart poor Forbes!
  • one eye roster (07/10/2013, 00:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let!s get this done! No more task forces! Support your own NDP...My two cents whether you guys like it or not.

  • MS WISE (07/10/2013, 06:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    @JAMES. YOU AND I ARE ONE THE SAME WAVE LENGTH...... RIGHT IS RIGHT. SOME OF THE OFFICERS CANNOT BE TRUSTED
  • Concern 1 (07/10/2013, 07:28) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Working at institutions such as the prison is a very very very stressful job it doesnt matter the position as i had to assist my sister many times. Massages , going to the hot spings, using her off days to relax as much as possible. If there is segregation in the prison what do you expect. Everyone must work together, allow for socializing programmes as much as possible For example worshiping together as a group and an entire entity, sometimes you have to involve the prisoners in your programmes remember they are human beings also. so many things you can do. As I realised also we allow for too much backbiting and stabbing in order to climb the ladder, this not always work because what for you is for you.Give Jack his jacket and let him wear it , if he fails to perfom pass the jacket to Jill then.
  • pig man (07/10/2013, 11:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who is next???
  • Janet Williams (07/10/2013, 11:08) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    An untidy mess!...but what did we really expect, looking at history ?
    One Love !
  • prepare (07/10/2013, 16:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need to stop being so critical with things, we need to look at things in a positive way. The announcement was made, maybe our chief could have said something to prepare the public. Once we are under the UK we will have to abide with certain rules until we start to act civilized. We are continuing to keep our self in mental slavery instead of finding solutions and dealing with them in the way they should. The Churches are divided with hatred, envy and jealousy and how many whites you see in them? So who is oppressing who. If you do not start thinking and preparing for independence we will continue being the way we are. Governments should educate the people about independence, because one day we will need to go there.
  • Outsider (07/10/2013, 17:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    why don't we get some white politicians since these we have agree only white people could run our business lets give them up the same way
  • tolagal (09/10/2013, 09:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    People if u don't like how the government is running the Territory over throw them. Call for Council to be dissolved and have a new Election. You put them in, u can take them out. People wake up! Enough is Enough! Stop yapping n waddling with your tails between your legs.....Uk going to take full control if things keep getting worse!
  • talk (20/10/2013, 11:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's time the prison is run like a prison. If you sendo officers were doing the right thing then Foot would not be coming in. Be part of the solution.
  • henry (20/12/2013, 09:29) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I know this man having worked with him in the UK .
    A very good and fair man . You'll change your negative opinions given time .


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