By Shawn Seabrookes
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
 |
| Prisoners being placed in the open courtyard by security forces, while restoring order within Her Majesty's Prison. Photo by Shawn Seabrookes/SKNVibes.com |
(Basseterre; St. Kitts): The Ministry of National Security maintains that everything is under control at Her Majesty's prison, in Basseterre, following disturbances inside the facility over the last weekend.
According to reports emanating from the Ministry, the initial disturbance occurred on Friday 23rd, when some prisoners refused to allow Prison Officers to enter into cell # 22, where it was suspected that marijuana was being smoked.
The Prison Officers were eventually able to subdue the resistance from the prisoners and order was temporarily restored.
The following Saturday, March 24th, some prisoners in cell # 1 were somehow able to use the furniture in their cell to beak the locks and escape into the courtyard.
The Prison Authorities then summoned the assistance of the security forces, which included of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defense Force and the CARICOM Joint Task Force, who were able to quell the situation and effectively restore order.
Unconfirmed reports, however, state that a number of prisoners were shot, with live as well rubber ammunition, to bring them under control. Three of them are reported to be in serious condition and received attention at the Joseph N France General Hospital.
Prior to the release of the official statement from the Ministry of National Security, rumours were circulating about a prison shooting. Greater public attention was drawn to the situation on Saturday, when patrons who were going to the Warner Park Cricket Stadium, to witness the Australia versus South Africa match, heard loud noises coming from within the prison walls.
The arrival of additional security forces cordoning off of the surrounding area confirmed of the developing situation in the prison.
The situation will be monitored continually.~~adz:Right~~
