BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SUPERINTENDENT OF PRISONS, Junie Hodge has debunked rumours circulating on social media that he was terminated because of a verbal altercation he had with the Prime Minister.
The post, which was made by a prominent citizen, indicates: “Superintendent of Her Majesty’s Prison, Mr. Juni ‘Scrape’ Hodge has been forced out after just 20 months on the job”.
According to reports, Hodge’s departure comes days after a verbal clash with Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris.
Contacted for a comment, Hodge told SKNVibes there is no truth in the rumour and since waking up this morning “I am still the Superintendent of Prisons”.
The Prison Chief has been at the helm for close to 20 months, taking over the reins in February last year.
Since taking up the position, Hodge has made a number of changes to the prison’s security system, among other areas.
He was embroiled in controversy shortly after assuming office, when he displayed to the media a number of contraband items which were reportedly found during a 21-day lockdown of Her Majesty’s Prison.
Questioned on why someone would go to lengths in spreading such a rumour and draw the Prime Minister into it, Hodge said he did not know.
“I don’t know about drawing the Prime Minister into it – that would be their issue and the Prime Minister’s. Probably there might be persons within the institution who wants to be the head, and they would have started that…that I was forced out.”
Hodge confirmed that he did not receive any letter from any individual indicating that he was terminated.
Over the last several weeks, the prison has seen gang-related incidents that left two persons reportedly nursing stab wounds.
Many have opined that those incidents might have be the cause for his termination, but Hodge noted that only this morning (Oct. 5) he had visited the facility and all was well.
Against that backdrop, Hodge was asked when the prison is likely be reopened, to which he said he was not aware because he is currently on vacation and referred this media house to his deputy.
“I wouldn’t be there for some time because I have taken some vacation leave, so you can contact ASP Connor.”
