BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOLLOWING the Gaol Report delivery by Chief Prison Officer Alton Liburd at the closing of the January Criminal Assizes on Thursday (Mar. 31), it was revealed that marijuana, cigarettes and cellular phones are items predominantly smuggled into Her Majesty’s Prison.
This information was revealed by the Chief Prison Officer when asked by the jurors who were assigned to the assizes, “What are the most prevalent contrabands smuggled into prison?”
The jurors also asked him to give details of the inmates’ daily routine, to which he explained that except for those in solitary confinement, the prisoners’ day would begin from 6:00 a.m. with a bath, followed by breakfast and then go off to work. He added that they would also be tasked with the cleaning of their cells and the prison compound.
He further explained that lunch would be served between 11:30 a.m. and 12 noon, after which they would be involved in various recreational activities, including the viewing of television programmes.
One juror enquired about the stand taken by the Federation on death penalty and stated that it should be implemented more often. His Lordship Justice Errol Thomas however said it is an issue that has to be tabled in parliament.
It was also revealed that as of March 31, the prison houses 298 inmates, 92 of which are repeated offenders with the majority being no more than 20 years old.
Liburd said that of the 298 inmates, 253 males and four females are in St. Kitts and 41 males at the Prison farm in Nevis.
He explained that 143 males and one female were convicted at the High Court, and 67 males and one female were convicted at the magisterial level, while 45 males are awaiting trial at the Magistrate’s Court and 25 males and one female are to appear in the High Court.
Additionally, three males are awaiting sentencing at the High Court, one is awaiting hearing on his appeal and four are at the Queen’s Pleasure.
He also explained that one male and one female are debtors while five males are condemned prisoners.
As it was in the past during Gaol Deliveries, the question of overcrowding arose and Liburd explained that the prison was built “with 60 barracks” and it has since increased by 20. He noted that it is “massively overcrowded”.
Chief Prison Officer Liburd explained that as part of the rehabilitation programme, prisoners are given the opportunity to be involved in various classes, including engineering, lawn mowing, tailoring, joinery, farming and cooking. They are also taught English and Mathematics.
