This information was revealed via the post-cabinet meeting statement of August 25, 2021, released on Thursday, September 2, 2021.

In 2017, the Virgin Islands sent a group of 21 prisoners to be housed in St Lucia following extensive damages to Her Majesty’s Prison. After the prison was damaged, the inmates had left the facility although most returned and others were recaptured.

There have been calls for the Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incident of the prison breach. HMP falls under the Governor's Office.

'Most dangerous' of prisoners were sent to St Lucia

Many of the prisoners sent to St Lucia had committed serious offences including murder, attempted murder, and firearm charges and were described as being the "most dangerous" among the prison population of 143 inmates.

The VI payments will be made to the Accountant General, Government of St Lucia; however, it remains unclear when the Government will be handing over the money.

All 21 prisoners who were transferred to St Lucia were eventually returned to the VI in 2018 after repair works to improve security at the HM prison had been completed.