Commissioner of Prisons (Ag), Mr. Deopersad Ramoutar has launched an investigation into a disturbance which occurred at the Port of Spain prison on Tuesday.
In a release, he confirmed that on Tuesday March 26, 2024, at around 10:15am, a situation developed at the Port of Spain Prison between an officer and an irate inmate.
It was reported that the inmate refused to obey lawful instructions to return to his cell. He became violent and uncontrollable and the officer attempted to have the inmate manage his emotions and return to the cell.
However, the officer was assaulted.
Ramoutar said the officer had no choice but to defend himself and other inmates in the vicinity chose this incident to rally around, causing a fracas.
After several attempts by officers responding to the situation to execute their duties in a professional manner, the use of a level of force became necessary and was utilized. All inmates were returned to their cells and the situation was brought under control.
The fracas resulted with both officers and inmates being injured. Medical attention was rendered at the prison infirmary to some of the individuals involved, and others were conveyed to receive medical attention externally. No life-threatening injuries have been recorded.
Commissioner Ramoutar has launched an investigation into the matter and also engaged members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
Additionally, he wishes to assure members of the public that the incident was quickly quelled and normal operations resumed at the Port of Spain Prison.
He also indicated that situations like these are all in a day’s work for the Prisons Officers who are at times, undervalued and unappreciated. He has given his commitment to have dialogue with all parties and to achieve an amicable resolution.