A past prison officer of Her Majesty’s Prison is now publicly claiming that an estimated 120 prisoners were “permitted” to leave the facility following Hurricane Irma and didn’t “escape” as initially reported.
Julan Browne, popularly known as ‘Iron Fist’ made the announcement earlier tonight via an online radio program.
When questioned on his recollection of the incident, Mr. Brown said prisoners were given permission by those in charge to leave.
He claimed he was made aware of the situation while volunteering as a driver for the BVI Red cross. It was then that he recognized a prisoner and subsequently questioned him on why he was out parading the streets. In response the prisoner said “they let us out to go look for food and our family then come back”. Mr. Brown claim that the prisoners were told return at a specific time.
To further support his claim, he said “they actually signed their names leaving the prison and signed their names going back in”.
The former prison officer claimed that this made way for prisoners to return with much-needed essentials like food following the natural disaster.
In 2017 it was reported that an estimated 120 prisoners escaped the prison. At that time residents were fearful that this would further undermine the security of the island already in crisis following the storm.
Hurricane Irma and Maria resulted in the Prison being “blown open” which allowed for the prisoners escape or according to this new allegation, leave with permission.
Mr. Brown was recruited as a guest on “Honestly Speaking” to discuss his life as a professional boxer. He’s internationally certified and has made consistent steps to train persons locally in the sport with the support of the community. He’s partnering with professionals in the USVI to train young people, confident, that one day a local person can represent the BVI in the Olympics. Mr. Brown said that the program has had a positive impact on the lives of his young students.
His program was halted by the current pandemic but interested persons are encouraged to reach out to him via Facebook.
More details to follow on our 3pm newscast today.