Under cross-examination, Superintendent of Prisons Kenrick Jean Jacques has confirmed that financial issues are affecting the smooth operations of the Prison.
Just a few weeks ago, inmates at the Security Block of the prison had to be restrained after they staged a protest action against the quality of food and conditions at the Security Block.
“I will not say outright that we have financial issues, but we are not able to get things done on time because of lack of resources and that is a major issue affecting us…we are doing our best to improve on the meals and also maybe do a little change in the menu but at times it becomes difficult to source some of the food items,” he said.
The expansion of the buffer zone and remand center is ongoing and he explained that they are hoping to have both projects completed by the end of the year 2023. “Lightening and cameras are also expected to be installed on the prison fence as we continue to face several challenges,” Jean Jacques stated.
Currently, the remand population stands at 115 with 35 mentally ill inmates, which is of serious concern to him. “The number of inmates on remand and the length of time spent on remand before cases are heard is a challenge at the prison as there is a steady increase in the remand population,” he stated.
Jean Jacques also expressed concerns about the “unauthorized articles that continue to find their way into the prison compound.” “Perpetrators cut through the fence to place and send unauthorized articles into the prison compound; hence, we are hoping that when the new fence is completed this practice will cease,” the Prison Boss stated.
The prison population as of July 21, 2023, stands at 240 inmates with 237 males and three females. Of that, there are 114 males on remand and 1 female.
16 foreign nationals are at the prison made up of 3 St. Lucians, 3 Haitians 2 from St. Martin, 3 from Venezuela, 1 from Trinidad & Tobago, 1 from Colombia, 1 Italian, and 0ne from Marie Galante. Six of them have been committed and ten are on remand.
Justice Thomas Astaphan expressed dismay at the amount of mentally ill inmates at the prison and asked who cares for them, he also was shocked at the number of inmates on remand.
“This is not good enough; a matter of grave urgency needs to be addressed regarding the number of mentally ill patients on remand. Lawyers in Dominica need to “speak out” since they have an obligation to society,” the Judge stated.
He commended the media for its coverage of the High Court and also the jury for services rendered, he also took time out to address issues whereby persons summon to do jury duty are not being paid by their employers. “This is wrong and I ask you all to report the matter so those who are responsible will be dealt with by the court,” he said.
The outgoing high court Judge also commended lawyers, police officers and staff of the court including his security detail who he says did “an excellent job.”