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HM Prison in lockdown due to suspected contraband

Word reaching our News Centre is that His Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut, Tortola, has been in lockdown since this morning, June 9, 2026, as police and prison officers are said to be looking for suspected contraband. Photo: VINO/File
Superintendent of His Majesty’s Prison Mr Jay Kendall, right, seen here with fellow UK National Governor Daniel Pruce, did not respond to our request for a comment on the prison lockdown and search for contraband. Photo: GIS/File
Superintendent of His Majesty’s Prison Mr Jay Kendall, right, seen here with fellow UK National Governor Daniel Pruce, did not respond to our request for a comment on the prison lockdown and search for contraband. Photo: GIS/File
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- Word reaching our News Centre is that His Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut, Tortola, has been in lockdown since this morning, June 9, 2026, as police and prison officers are said to be looking for suspected contraband.

It is unclear how the contraband got there and who tipped off authorities.

In a message to his staff, Superintendent of Prisons Jay Kendall invited his officers looking for overtime hours to help with the search.

Efforts to get a comment from Mr Kendall were futile.

We will bring more details as they emerge.

11 Responses to “HM Prison in lockdown due to suspected contraband”

  • from here (09/06/2026, 13:27) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    This prison is out of control since them kill the boy up there in 2021 i haven't heard nothing more from this case am hope that this government and governor take care of the families members of that young man .next thing we need to do here all these islands people's inside the jail here send them back to there country to serves there time there in there country too much expensive on us and too much going on up in that prison there cause the same security guards is the one bringing all these things inside the prison
    • From here two (09/06/2026, 16:18) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Did they do the crimes in their country?? You would sound better if you say reduce their sentences and deport
    • Island man and I agree (10/06/2026, 21:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I do agree with you as an expat. I believe this should be done by ALL government. A Memorandum of understanding should be established and all expat prisoners found guilty of a crime again property and persons should expeditiously be sent to their home country!
  • Herbs Powa (09/06/2026, 13:43) Like (11) Dislike (16) Reply
    How can a white man god save black people from white man oppression.
  • next (09/06/2026, 14:16) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Breaking news: contraband has been found in a prison.

    Next they’ll be reporting that patients are in hospital and children are in schools.
  • Effort (09/06/2026, 14:18) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Contraband turns up in prisons all over the world.

    At least they are trying to find it.

  • Big Deal (09/06/2026, 14:33) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    So what else is new today. No need to panic folks, nothing out of the ordinary.Slow news day.
  • Cyclops (09/06/2026, 19:51) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Minty Cake Kendall and his Deputy Girl friend.95 staff only 10 locals work there
    • eh (10/06/2026, 09:08) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      @Cyclops, why would you place mostly locals to work in a prison filled with LOCAL inmates who they're somehow related to or have affiliations with? The majority of the inmate population there ARE LOCALS????
  • pat (09/06/2026, 20:18) Like (2) Dislike (13) Reply
    It’s clear this white man has failed


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