Prisoner escapes from Her Majesty’s Prison

Escaped prisoner Keenan Bethelmy

The announcement was made today at a joint press conference with the Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Andrew Fahie, under whose portfolio prisons falls and the Acting Superintendent. Mr. Callwood said during a roll call of all prisoners on Sunday, October 12, it was discovered that one prisoner was not accounted for.  “An immediate search of the prison compound and all other areas of the prison was carried out in order to ascertain his whereabouts,” he said.

He added, “The search discovered that a hole had been cut in the perimeter fence which was large enough to enable a person to pass through.  It is assumed that this was the escape route.”

Mr. Callwood said the prisoner, who is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 144 pounds and of a brown complexion, has been in custody since January 2007 and uses the alias Khalid ABDUL.  “Immediately upon discovering the escape, the prison was ’locked down’ and remains locked down until further notice,” he said. 

Acting Superintendent Callwood said the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force was notified and details of the prisoner provided to them.  They are carrying out searches for him throughout the BVI.  A full investigation surrounding the escape is underway.

Minister Fahie announced that in order to assist the prison, the ministry has been in discussion with Overseas Territory Advisor Mr. Steve Fradley to bring a veteran officer to work with the prison as a change manager for the prison reform process and that this effort has now been given high priority.  ~~Adz:Right~~

All members of the public are being asked to be on the alert to any possible sightings of the escaped prisoner and to notify the police immediately at 494-3822 if anyone notices a suspicious person in their community.