Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Prison Boss David E. Foot disputes article speculating he is being booted!

- says he has indicated he wants to stay & the advertisement of the post is procedural after him having 2, two year contracts
David E. Foot, Superintendent of Her Majesty's Prison at Balsam Ghut, Tortola, has refuted speculations he is being given the boot. Photo: VINO/File
The HM Prison in Balsam Ghut has been frequently rocked with scandals and violence. Photo: VINO/File
The HM Prison in Balsam Ghut has been frequently rocked with scandals and violence. Photo: VINO/File
There is no local currently understudying Mr David E. Foot as prison boss following the firing by the controversial Minister for Education and Culture, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (right), of local acting Superintendent Mr Charles L. Forbes (left). Photo: VINO/File
There is no local currently understudying Mr David E. Foot as prison boss following the firing by the controversial Minister for Education and Culture, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (right), of local acting Superintendent Mr Charles L. Forbes (left). Photo: VINO/File
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- Superintendent of Her Majesty’s Prison, British national David E. Foot has come out swinging against an article in a local online publication asking if he is being booted because his current post is being advertised.

Speaking exclusively to our newsroom in an invited comment Mr Foot, who has been on the job for almost four years, said “as far as I am aware it is a matter of procedure that a post has to be advertised following two, 2 year contracts which I have had.”

When asked if he wants to stay on as the Prison Boss, Mr Foot responded, “I have indicated I will stay and I wait to hear.” He said no one has told him his contract will not be renewed again.

'I have accomplishments'- Foot

When asked about his achievements as Head of one of the most difficult departments in Government, Mr Foot said his many accomplishments include, “implementation of a full offender management system including sentence planning, rehabilitation, including sex offender treatment and educational programmes” among others.

He also mentioned that under his tenure he has brought about a “full restorative justice programme directed at juvenile prisoners and has improved security procedures, both physical and procedural.”

When quizzed, if the Minister responsible for the Prison Services, Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), supports him, he responded, “I have the full support of the Minister.”

The United Kingdom appointed Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert aka ‘Gus’ also shares some of the portfolio for prison security.

Foot has his critics

However, many critics of Mr Foot’s stewardship have claimed that he has been a failure. Almost monthly there is a scandal at the prison at Balsam Ghut on the North Eastern side of Tortola. Reports include fights, inmate stabbing each other or prison guards and allegations of Prison Staff collaborating to allow drugs and other illegal items in the state owned penitentiary.

In addition, there have been allegations of sexual misconduct between prison staff and inmates; however, unconfirmed.

Nevertheless, in defending his job, Mr Foot said “I believe the prison service has moved a long way forward under my tenure in all areas.” Additionally, the Superintendent said under his leadership he has “brought about a work release programme to get those in for child maintenance paying.”

When asked what is his biggest challenge, he reported it is “putting the prison back together following the damages done by Hurricane Irma.”

Many have also cited the serious prison break after Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017 caused severe damages to the facility, resulting in all 100 plus prisoners- some dangerous and convicted of murder- roaming the streets of Tortola. To date, there are still three prisoners on the run.

There is also the issue of succession planning, as no local is currently understudying Mr Foot following the firing by the controversial Minister for Education and Culture, Hon Walwyn, of local acting Superintendent Mr Charles L. Forbes.

13 Responses to “Prison Boss David E. Foot disputes article speculating he is being booted!”

  • I shall not be moved (28/11/2017, 13:06) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    We WILL never get him out of here lol
    • @ I shall not be moved (29/11/2017, 09:50) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      What are you trying to say that he has a 'Foot Hold'? lol
  • staff (28/11/2017, 15:20) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Muron got rid of many locals forbes from hmp forbes from technical school brathwaite from being chief education officer ms scalifee from technical school two private secretary including his mother in law and the list goes on.

    But you all got short memory
  • Third eye of the storm (28/11/2017, 16:06) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    A local will never see this post again until the vip returns to power
    • @Third Eye of a Storm (29/11/2017, 07:20) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      Change will come but not with Fahie and VIP. Right now Frazer and VIP stand a better chance. I like Fahie. This is not a business of Like and disliked... Its the business of likes and dislikes have us in this bad position...
  • tretretrete (29/11/2017, 03:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Interesting!!!! Under the government system employees who are on contract are usually given 2; 2 years contract. At the end of the second contract the employee becomes permanment or their service is terminated. Mr. Foot read between the lines.
  • my suggestion (29/11/2017, 07:23) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Give Vere Brown that position.. He is more than qualified and he wize!
    • @ mt suggestions (29/11/2017, 11:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      funny man does not like him over some thing that happened years ago over service charge thing to tell the king
  • lollol (29/11/2017, 16:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He need booted lol to much fun in the sun
  • wize up (29/11/2017, 19:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Will this be another cline moment whereby foot expects to stay in that post then sues government( foot ain't moving a foot)
  • Observer (29/11/2017, 21:01) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply

    send his as... packing a failure not damn thing he has done but kill the sprit of the few good officers up there. He never mention any thing about whole the breach the cover up . What a big waste of the BVI tax payers money. Everyone up there needs sending home and bring in those guy that were there right after Irma the yes Sir No Sir officers when they ask you a question and you have to reply . Thank God for them and Irma that the officers now have a little control over the prison . Foot needs to get them St Kitts boys sent to real prison from up there terrorizing the officers and threating them . Once again the worst thing to out of the UK.

  • myrun (29/11/2017, 21:19) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can only assume he has made a mistake by talking to the press on this
  • wize up (30/11/2017, 17:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ myrun: cline also held a press conference


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.