Juvenile detainees are being held in a dedicated section of His Majesty's Prison in Balsm Ghut in the absence of a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre. Photo: GIS

Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) has accused the government of breaching the Constitution Order of 2007 by placing juveniles in cells at His Majesty’s Prison. Photo: YouTube/HoA

Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Minister for Health and Social Development, said in the absence of a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre, several safeguards have been implemented at His Majesty’s Prison to ensure the welfare and rehabilitation of juvenile detainees. Photo: YouTube/HoA

Hon Turnbull, during the Question and Answer segment at the Eighth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, said he has tried to get an answer to this question for the last ten years, as long as he has been an elected member of the House of Assembly.

A violation of Constitution Order of 2007

The Member for the Second District also admitted that governments over the years were not able to give him answers; however, he added that the present government has not made any steps towards building a centre for young persons who would have made poor choices and ended up in the judicial system.

“Could the Honourable Minister for Health and Social Development tell this Honourable House how much longer he, as Minister, intends to have us violate the Constitution Order of 2007 by placing juveniles in cells at His Majesty’s Prison?”

Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Minister for Health and Social Development, in responding to Hon Turnbull, admitted that the placement of juveniles at His Majesty’s Prison is “not in keeping with the letter or spirit of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order of 2007, particularly Section 30, Subsection 3.”

Section 30, Subsection 3, he explained, speaks to the welfare and well-being of children and emphasises their protection from harm and a right to be treated in a manner appropriate to their age and legal status. 

“This government fully recognises the gravity of this longstanding issue and is committed to resolving it.”

Planning process initiated- Hon Wheatley

According to Hon Wheatley, the planning process for the establishment of a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre was initiated by his ministry in collaboration with key stakeholders. 

“A policy framework has been developed to guide the design operations of such a facility. This framework focuses not only on providing secure accommodations for juveniles in conflict with the law, but also on delivering therapeutic and educational programs to support the rehabilitation and reintegration into society.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Development, he added, also intends to update the existing policy framework, which will reflect the most current data and practices. 

Interim setup @ Balsam Ghut prison 

Hon Wheatley revealed that in the absence of a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre, and recognising the government’s “constitutional obligations”, several safeguards have been implemented at His Majesty’s Prison to ensure the welfare and rehabilitation of juvenile detainees. 

He said these include a dedicated section of the prison designated for juveniles; a juvenile regime with a tailored programme that provides enhanced access to educational, health, legal counsel, social and pastoral support; and a Rehabilitation Officer who works closely with the Social Development Department and the Courts to support the judiciary in identifying non-custodial alternatives, and developing individualised rehabilitation plans.