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

‘No evidence’ prisoner was denied food, basic care- HMP

- said incident involving prisoner was resolved following proper protocol
A video surfaced on social media during the week on May 13, 2026, where a prisoner at His Majesty's Prison alleged that he was being mistreated by prison officers and staff. Photo: VINO/File
Acting Superintendent of Prison, Raymond B. Grant, said the incident involving a prisoner at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) in Balsum Ghut and circulated on social media in a video, earlier this week, was resolved safely. Photo: GIS
Acting Superintendent of Prison, Raymond B. Grant, said the incident involving a prisoner at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) in Balsum Ghut and circulated on social media in a video, earlier this week, was resolved safely. Photo: GIS
BALSUM GHUT, Tortola, VI- Acting Superintendent of Prison, Raymond B. Grant, said the incident involving a prisoner at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) in Balsum Ghut and circulated on social media in a video, earlier this week, was resolved safely “by prison staff acting in accordance with established operational procedures and contingency arrangements”.

In a May 14, 2026, statement, he explained that the incident involved one prisoner and remained fully contained within the institution at all times, posing no wider threat to public safety.

“The incident arose after the individual became non-compliant with lawful instructions issued by prison officers in relation to matters concerning prison discipline and security. Behaviour that disrupts the good order of the prison, prevents staff from safely accessing and securing any part of the institution, or places the safety of staff, prisoners, or others at risk is taken seriously and will be addressed in accordance with the Prison Rules and the laws of the Virgin Islands.”

Contraband recovered 

Mr Grant also revealed that while responding to the incident, prison officers found contraband, including an unauthorised cellular device. The prisoner, who was not named, was relocated safely. 

“The matter will now proceed through the appropriate internal processes. Where necessary, it may also be referred to external law enforcement agencies for consideration of any criminal offences.”

No evidence to support claims of mistreatment

Meanwhile, Grant also said they are aware of claims being circulated in public about the prisoner’s treatment and welfare. 

“Based on the information available at this time, there is no evidence to support claims that the prisoner was denied food or basic care.”

Staff, he sought to explain, continued to monitor the prisoner throughout the incident, with safety, welfare, and de-escalation considerations guiding the response.

“Incidents of this nature are treated with the utmost seriousness. Any conduct that compromises the safety, security, or good order of the prison will be managed through established procedures and, where appropriate, referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities.”

Mr Grant added high commendations to the prison officers and staff throughout the incident for the professionalism, restraint, and courage shown. 

“Their calm and disciplined handling of a difficult situation ensured that the matter was brought to a safe resolution while maintaining the security of the institution.”

12 Responses to “‘No evidence’ prisoner was denied food, basic care- HMP ”

  • Stop It (15/05/2026, 14:32) Like (14) Dislike (13) Reply
    Just the usual spin and lies up there is a royal
    Mess too much island man working up there
  • LOL (15/05/2026, 15:32) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    so u say but that boy is a hot head
  • Joker (15/05/2026, 17:00) Like (28) Dislike (2) Reply
    Funny how people screaming “human rights” but ain’t nobody noticing man had enough snacks in dey cell to open one lil Bobby’s mini-mart ???? plus using a whole contraband phone from inside prison. If he really getting starved and denied everything, how he posting videos from behind bars? Some ah these fellas does only remember rights when dem get catch breaking rules.
  • clown (15/05/2026, 17:02) Like (29) Dislike (2) Reply
    All I know is plenty ah these same people complaining now would be the first ones crying if he out dey robbing people house again. Better he inside dealing with prison rules than outside terrorising decent people trying to live peaceful.
  • Blaming other (15/05/2026, 17:04) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    People quick to blame prison officers for every contraband issue, but plenty contraband in Caribbean jails does come from outside too…..visitors, throw-overs, smuggling attempts and all kinda foolishness. That’s why security searches and strict rules important.
  • Can’t do dey time (15/05/2026, 17:09) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
    Everyone know dis boi a clown
  • Jamaican promoter (15/05/2026, 20:45) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Don’t bother with he, lets plan the next event for the prisoners, that’s what this second man great at.
    We had basketball, football, domino, and drama.
    What’s the next event?
  • Local (15/05/2026, 20:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He jamaker friend in the jail hav hot plate
    But he tek my airfryer.
  • Rubber Duck (16/05/2026, 07:13) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
    Free the inmate he is a local free the drew
  • HMP inmate (17/05/2026, 20:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I’ll like to start by addressing the governor who is denying everyone’s early release but is still telling the public that the jail is full. HMP Prison is a big poppy show because they post things on the news like the jail is so progressive
  • hmm (18/05/2026, 02:36) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree that we should focus on human rights but these a flipping prisoners!!!! Whose fault is it that they’re up there?!? On our flipping dime!!!!


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.