The growing consensus to commute sentences of elderly and infirm people - As in many jurisdictions, the Virgin Islands correctional system is plagued by a growing number of aging people whose medical expenses cost the Bureau of Corrections millions of dollars each year.
Who are the VI3?
Abdul, Hanif and Malik are three men who were arrested, tortured and continue to be incarcerated 50 years after the tragic incident known as the Fountain Valley massacre in 1972. We invite you to join the call for their release in the spirit of compassion and reconciliation.
Abdul Azeez
Abdul (born as Warren Ballantine on January 9, 1949) was 23 at the time of his arrest. Now in his 70s, he has several chronic health issues that are difficult to manage inside prison including advanced cardiac disease, severe arthritis and degenerative disc disease with injury to the spinal cord. After suffering two massive heart attacks in 2016, he is often unable to do many simple tasks including ambulating to the visiting room or the phone area to call loved ones. Of his time with the Awaken Mentoring Group out of Golden Grove prison, he recalls, “we were doing excellent and exemplary work… on many different occasions attending schools, youth rehabilitation centers and other places to enlighten children.” He has support within the Virgin Islands and mainland U.S. and at his age and stage of health he is not at risk to recidivate and should be granted release so that his daughter can care for him.
Hanif Shabazz Bey
Hanif (born as Beaumont Gereau on August 16, 1950) was 22 at the time of this arrest. While at Golden Grove prison from 2009-2016, he was involved with the Awaken Mentoring Group that assisted troubled youth to help stop violence. He states, “with no animosity or bitterness, I just would like to be given the chance to give back something to society.” After a half of a century in prison, he has severe health issues including untreated Hepatitis C, commonly contracted in places like prisons, that he was diagnosed with in 2000. The FibroScan test to determine the extent of liver damage was ordered by a physician in 2017, but has yet to be done. Please help reunite Hanif with his family including 3 children and 8 grandchildren, as his wish is, “to give and share with [his grandchildren] things that I was unable to give their parents.”
Malik El-Amin
Malik (born as Meral Smith on October 8, 1950) was 21 at the time of his arrest with no prior history. Now over 70 years old, he has severe chronic health issues including treatment-resistant prostate cancer that has metastized to his bones and degenerative joint disease in his knees. He enjoys writing poetry and cooking fresh food to share with others. He states, “I would be of better service in open society… especially among the younger generations assisting them with means to avoid negative behavior and with how to resolve conflicts non-violently.” While at Golden Grove prison from 2009-2016, he was the chairman of the Prisoners Advisory Council (PAC) and member of the Awaken Mentoring Group who assisted troubled youth to help stop violence. He has support within the Virgin Islands and mainland U.S. should he be granted release to reunite with his family.
Summary
After the 1972 shooting at Fountain Valley Golf Course, dozens of Black youth in St Croix were rounded up and tortured, resulting in statements from five young men in their early twenties. After the trial, three jurors reported coercion that led to their guilty verdict. Three of the defendants–Abdul Aziz, Hanif Bey, and Malik El-Amin– are held in prison over 50 years later. Due to their advanced age, they have a variety of chronic health conditions that are difficult to manage in prison particularly in the private prison system far away from their families.
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Select ‘Support the Virgin Island 3’ from the drop down menu to send vital funds for them to keep in contact with their families and for legal efforts.
Poetry
For a view into Malik’s ideas throughout his time in prison, download the ebook and please make a contribution in support of Malik and his codefendants.
Blog
Updates on the VI3
In Response to Josh Rovner’s Overview of Juvenile LWOP Rollbacks - Josh Rovner of the Sentencing Project published a May 2021 ”Juvenile life without parole: An Overview,” outlining recent litigation to protect youth rights in the criminal legal system.
Sunni Needs Our Help (A Poem) I am now 70-years-old. This coming September I will be 71, and will have been locked up for my 49th consecutive year in prison.