Tortola inmate transferred to Grand Turk confirms Prison Superintendent

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, January 20, 2024 – An inmate from Tortola is now staying in His Majesty’s Prison, Grand Turk, after a Prisoner Transfer Agreement landed him in Turks and Caicos lockup.  Confirmation of the transfer came on January 15, from Michael Woodbine, Superintendent of Prison, in the Department of Corrections.

A week earlier, on Tuesday January 9, the man had been flown in on a commercial flight, flanked by prison officers and shuffled into a police cruiser.  The usual sight raised concerns in some TCI residents but Woodbine says there’s nothing to worry about as the transfer was well within protocol.

“Responding to a request from the British Virgin Islands (BVI), both the BVI and the Turks and Caicos Islands conducted a comprehensive risk assessment before agreeing to transfer the prisoner and take into account considerations of safety, security, and rehabilitation— The transfer was facilitated in accordance with existing legal and procedural frameworks,” he told the news team.

The Superintendent maintained that the swift and unannounced entry into the country was for optimal operational security.  He did not comment on the reports that the prisoner had been involved in a particularly violent incident prior to his change in environment.

Woodbine also declined to offer any identifying details on the inmate, citing confidentiality requirements, but he had assurances for residents.

“We wish to reassure the public that both Prison Services have implemented robust security and safety measures. These measures are designed to minimise any potential impact or disruption to prison regimes, ensuring the well-being of all involved, including prisoners and staff.”

Woodbine also said the gesture served as a good example of the Turks and Caicos’ commitment to fostering collaboration among the Overseas Territories.