Prison Officers honoured for service beyond call of duty
Kerwin Carter, Kimrill Daniels, Arlene Davis, Nigel Dore, Saniel Durrant, Jene Edwards, Clynton Garrick, Micheal Hamilton, Micheal Hypolite, Douglas Joseph, Beresford McLeary, Anselm McMillan, Alexander Mills and Keith Williams all received certificates of commendation at a ceremony at Government House on June 4, 2013.
“Recognition of good works is a good practice, which can only serve to motivate and inspire the recipients and others to even greater achievements,” said Deputy Secretary (ag.) in the Ministry of Education and Culture, Ms Prudence Mathavious.
The Commendation Ceremony was jointly organized by the Office of the Governor of the Virgin Islands and the Ministry of Education and Culture for the roles prison officers play in regards to security in the Virgin Islands. The officers were also especially recognized for their part in avoiding an escalation of a recent stabbing incident in the prison and assisting in the recapture of inmate Mr Jessroy McKelly.
“Minister and I are well aware that staff of Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsum Ghut face significant challenges in their work day in day out and we are together working to address some of those issues,” said His Excellency the Governor Mr William B. McCleary, CMG, CVO, as he commended the officers for the role they played during the two incidents.
The ceremony was held with not much pomp and ceremony but with an air of honour and deep appreciation.
Present also to commend the officers was Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn who, while congratulating the officers, took time out to recognize Acting Superintendent of the Prison, Mr Charles L. Forbes. Hon. Walwyn said Mr Forbes has been doing an excellent job at the prison. “He took the prison over at the unfortunate passing of Mr [Richard] Holder. As the Minister responsible for the prison I must say I am indeed pleased with the leadership that Mr Forbes has provided in such a short space of time.”
In speaking about the objective of the occasion, Hon. Walwyn said it was to show appreciation for the hard work and valiant efforts of prison officers and that unless they interact directly with the public, the officers’ daily feats of valour and honour are often taken for granted. “That is why it is important that, as we are doing today, we pause to celebrate your work officers. I am reminded that we do have men and women who work each and every day to secure communities and to serve and protect those that are incarcerated,” said Hon Walwyn.
Residents of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Walwyn added, live a relatively safe and carefree life when compared to other countries because of the exemplary work of officers entrusted with the safety and security of the Territory. “We know our systems are not perfect but I believe we are all actively working to improve law enforcement and our prison system.”
“Anyone who thinks that there will be a quick fix at Her Majesty’s Prisons, they are certainly mis-directed,” said the Minister as he alluded to the efforts being made to address the issues that affect the ideal systems of operation at the facility.
“There are a number of human resource matters that I am aware of as well. For many years there were persons who worked in the prison system and have issues,” Hon. Walwyn noted and added that as they work towards improving the morale at HMP, they would also be working to ensure that the security and personal issues of the prison officers are solved.
Acting Superintendent of Prisons, Mr Charles L. Forbes told the honourees they have displayed a high level of professionalism and have proven that they are officers of integrity. He described the working environment of the prison officers as a “volatile” one but that the officers have nevertheless shown a commitment to service.
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