The appointment of an Inspector of Prisons has raised hope in one regional Human Rights Organization that moves are being made to improve the conditions of local prisons.
News Power Now first highlighted the issue last month, after it was raised by the Executive Director of The Caribbean Centre for Human Rights, Denise Pitcher.
Ms Pitcher at the time was addressing claims of inhumane conditions in the nation’s prisons and allegations of abuse of prisoners by prison officers which reportedly fuelled several attacks on prison officers outside of the prison walls.
The attacks resulted in the deaths of two officers and the injuring of at least one other.
At the time, Ms Pitcher reasoned that there was a need for the post of Inspector of Prisons to be filled so as to allow for independent monitoring of Prison conditions.
She argued that it also allowed prisoners a legitimate avenue for their concerns to be properly ventilated.
Following Monday’s appointment of Cedric Neptune to the post, one in which her previously served, Ms Pitcher told News Power Now that this is hopefully a move in the right direction.
Ms Pitcher took note of Mr Neptune’s experience as stated by the national Security Minister which she said made her hopeful that there will be tangible change in the prisons.
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