Director of the Virgin Islands Studies Institute at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Dr Angel Smith speaks to members of the media at the opening of the Old HM Prison Museum on December 6, 2016. Photo: VINO

The old HM Prison on Main Street is listed as the old building in Road Town. Photo: VINO

City Manager and Project Supervisor, Mrs Janice Braithwaite- Edwards said the first phase of the Old HM Prison Museum cost some $275,000 and 'it will probably take another $200,000 to finish it.' Photo: VINO

Inside the courtyard of the Old HM Prison Museum. Photo: VINO

Information on the history of the Old HM Prison. Photo: VINO

The refurbishment of the Old HM Prison to a museum started in 2014 following the submission of a comprehensive plan by the late Captain Hugh R. Whistler (left). Photo: VINO/File

The building, the oldest in Road Town and which houses over 11 old cells including five segregation, one execution and five other cells, a military history, shower block, exercise yard and prison history area, is the latest addition to the historical hub in the territory.

City Manager and Project Supervisor, Mrs Janice Braithwaite- Edwards said the first phase, cost some $275,000 and “it will probably take another $200,000 to finish it.”

The second phase will see the building in the courtyard brought up to par by the National Parks Trust, and some four more phases are scheduled to take place, including the completion of restoration works to the administrative department and proper interpretation on the paneling boards.

Preservation of VI history

Meanwhile, Premier and Tourism Minister Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith sees the opening of the old prison museum as a preservation of the culture and history of the territory.

“The primary objective of my Government is the preservation, enhancement, and promotion of our culture by defining and supporting those unique aspects of our cultural heritage. Her Majesty’s Prison Museum is an important tool towards achieving this goal and it will help in teaching our people about our history and from whence we came.”

The Old HM Prison is said to be among the oldest made for public use in the Virgin Islands (UK), and was also the home for Fire Services, Immigration, and Customs.

Rehabilitation of old prison to continue

According to information from the Department of Information and Public Relations, in early 2017 a second phase of works will commence to further rehabilitate and improve the museum, including the addition of a gift shop and snack bar, opening of the second floor, installation of additional interpretation panels and creating a more interactive experience through audio-visual aids, which has been hit by financial setbacks.

The refurbishment of the Old HM Prison to a museum started in 2014 following the submission of a comprehensive plan by the late Captain Hugh R. Whistler. Captain Whistler also served as the project manager and oversaw significant renovation and repair work, as well as the installation of interpretation information. 

The completion of the works was a collaborative effort of the Minister of Communications and Works and Representative for the Fourth District, Honourable Mark Vanterpool; the Ministry of Communications and Works; the Office of the City Manager; the BVI Tourist Board, the historians of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and other stakeholders.

Opening Hours

The museum will open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. Visits on weekends and other times can be arranged. 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.

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