We’re becoming increasingly concerned, no
matter the protestations of government to the contrary, that things are getting
quite out of hand at Her Majesty’s Prison Service in the Cayman Islands.
There are a number of issues discussed in
our front page story that are of serious import, at least in our view.
One set of issues has to do with the rights
of prisoners during searches and the credibility of the prison system’s
complaints process. A second set of issues revolves around safety and the law
enforcement environment that exists, particularly at Northward prison.
We cannot go into specific details, but
we’ve received complaints about prisoner search procedures in the prison system
that are of gravest concern. This will be an issue going forward when Cayman’s
first Bill of Rights comes into effect.
In addition, claims about drugs and alcohol
being casually tossed over the fence for prisoners to pick up are worrying
enough. However, we are frankly sceptical of reports we’ve received from the
prison service about this and have to wonder whether at least some of this
contraband isn’t simply walking in through the front door.
Then there is the spectre of yet another
review being done – this time on the “quality of life”, no less – of prisoners
and prison officers. We can understand the need to do this, particularly as it
relates to prisoner rehabilitation and officer safety. However, we wonder
whether either group will answer questions asked in this latest review in a
direct and honest fashion; a participant in a corrupt and failing system can
hardly be expected to tattle on themselves.
Finally there is the issue, following the
death of previous Corrections Commissioner Bill Rattray, regarding oversight
and effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes. Perhaps government will one day
come to a view on replacing that position and its important duties?
It is our view that things within Cayman’s
prison system are in need of considerable improvement. Here’s to hoping real
change is achieved sooner, rather than later.
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