CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – THE management of Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) has debunked an article published by SKN NEWS, which stated that police were reportedly called in to deal with an operational matter at the Prison Farm in Nevis on Saturday night (Oct. 26).
A press release from HMP indicated that management of the penal institution had seen the article and noted that the claims made by the online media house are false.
“Given the inaccurate information contained in the article, it is apparent that it was deliberately written with the intent to deceive the public.
“The Commissioner of Corrections was never contacted before the malicious statement was issued. As a result, the management of HMP publicly denounces this malicious report to portray the Prison system in a less than favourable light.”
The independent online media house claimed that according to sources, “The police were called to the prison compound due to continuing poor management operations there.”
It also stated that although the specific reason was not known for the police presence, it was suggested that the incident had involved the Chief Officer not complying with prison rules.
“Officers or an officer did not comply and the Chief Officer called in the police to remove an officer or officers from the Prison Farm, which also houses the living quarters for prison officers,” it added.
The press release however pointed out that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and HMP have always had a healthy and professional working relationship and that they assist each other in several ways.
To justify the lawmen’s presence at the Prison Farm, the release explained that they were summoned to assist with an internal matter, for which their services were not required.
The release declared that the prisoners and the operations at the Prison Farm remain intact.
With regards to the Chief Officer’s involvement, as stated by the media house, the release claimed that “it is completely untrue” and that “it is also false that anyone had to be escorted off the premises”.
In relation to the accusations of “continuing poor management operations” at the Farm, the Commissioner of Corrections, Terrance James, dismisses that accusation as ludicrous.
“The Commissioner takes this opportunity to place on record his satisfaction with the management of the Prison Farm. He and his team visit the Farm frequently and constantly dialogue with the staff there,” the release said.
It also said that since taking office, Commissioner James has undertaken several improvements at the Prison Farm. Renovation on the barracks is currently underway and work to improve the Guard Room has just been completed.
“With the wide array of positive initiatives being undertaken within the prison system, the management of Her Majesty’s Prison strongly condemns efforts to improperly represent any situation at the institution and to malign any member of its staff,” the release concluded.
