Prison watchdogs have highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety of vulnerable inmates and the state of the cells.
A relative lack of training and job placement opportunities for female inmates was also among a number of challenges highlighted by the Cayman Islands Independent Monitoring Board in its annual report for 2021, published this week.
In general, the board reported, that both prisons managed the coronavirus outbreak well, despite some challenges with visitation rights and keeping education classes running.
The board also highlighted reports of improvement in accountability and transparency for prison officers, who are now required to wear body cameras.
Many of the issues outlined relate to long term problems with the state of the prison buildings.
The board commended prison staff for its efforts to make the facility more comfortable, including improving lighting, repainting certain areas and installing air conditioning in most wings.
But it warned the cells at HMP Northward are still considered to be uninhabitable – a concern first highlighted more than a decade ago in a British prisons inspectorate report.
The issue is unlikely to be resolved until a new prison is built.
The report states, “The living conditions at HMP Northward that were highlighted in past reports remain a major concern for the Board. The main concern is the condition of the cells which are not fit for human habitation.”
Mental health challenges
Similarly the board said it was concerned about the lack of dedicated facilities for vulnerable prisoners, with some inmates with mental health challenges housed in isolation or in high-risk units.
“It remains a major concern that there is no purpose built facility or space for prisoners with mental health issues,” it wrote.
The report was largely complimentary about education and vocational programmes at the prison, highlighting improvements in creating pathways for inmates to live productive lives on their release.
There was concern, however, that female prisoners were not being afforded the same range of options as their male counterparts.
“Prisoners at HMP Fairbanks still do not have the same variety of purposeful activities to choose from as prisoners at HMP Northward. Classes are much fewer and there are still complaints by prisoners of inconsistencies and frequent cancellations of scheduled classes, at short notice,” the report states.
The volunteer board based its report on a combined total of 183 visits to the two prisons and the Enhanced Rehabilitation Unit over the calendar year. Board members also receive feedback from prisoners.
Acting Prisons Director Daniel Greaves said the report accurately highlights the current state of affairs, including structural challenges and the need for additional resources.
Acting Chief Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Julian Lewis, said the report showed the good work being done to improve conditions, despite the challenges.
“As a Ministry, we recognize that many areas of development are related to the need for a new fit-for-purpose prison estate, especially in providing equitable services to specific segments of the population. The new prison project, although in its early stages, is currently on track and the Ministry remains committed to supporting HMCIPS in implementing other necessary solutions.”
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