PM Gonsalves visits Belle Isle Prison facility

Fri, Jun 8. 2012

Just over a month ago, 249 inmates were moved from Her Majesty’s Prison in Kingstown and were relocated to Belle Isle Correctional Facility.{{more}}

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who was out of state at the time of the transfer, decided to pay a visit to the new facility on June 5 with other officials to see how the inmates were adapting to the change.

The Prime Minister was greeted with many cheers from the inmates, as they expressed their satisfaction with the new facility which is built to house 288 inmates.

Gonsalves said the transfer, which was done in a low key manner, was very successful, and from all reports went smoothly. He said his visit was to ensure that everything was going well.

Gonsalves said that even though some inmates are calling for more privileges, such as a television and radio, many things have to be taken into consideration before or if these will be granted.

The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with the new facility, stating that the inmates are given the opportunity to get involved in craft and woodwork, as a work station has been set up and, from all reports, is being used. He also said that the inmates have been given the chance to get involved in Farming and soon will be involved in Poultry.

Gonsalves said that the facility is also built to house the female inmates at Fort Charlotte, who will be moved down at a later date.

Other officials who paid a visit to the facility were Commissioner of Police Keith Miller, Security Advisor to the Government Sir Vincent Beache and Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of National Security Godfred Pompey. (API)