Three prisoners to be released to attend funerals of men who died in Sandy Bay crash

Three prisoners will be allowed to attend the funerals of their relatives who died in a tragic accident on Sunday September 11 at Old Sandy Bay.

The deceased men are all from the community of Clare Valley and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves visited their grieving families on Tuesday September 13.

Gonsalves said while meeting with the families in Clare Valley, he learnt that three persons who are related to the deceased, are inmates at His Majesty’s Prisons.

One of these persons is on remand and the other two are convicted prisoners.

The Prime Minister, who is also Minister of National Security, said for the prisoner on remand, the issue is one relating to bail.

In relation to the other two prisoners, Gonsalves said he has already spoken to Superintendent of Prisons, Timothy Hazelwood, “about having them out for the day of the funeral.”

Speaking on NBC Radio on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said the release of the prisoners was requested by relatives of the deceased.

“I think in the circumstances, that is something which is reasonable to accede to.”

In this regard, Gonsalves said he will “exercise …[his] discretion as Minister of National Security, and more particularly as head of the Mercy Committee.”

The Prime Minister stated that the prisoners “will be out with appreciate and discreet security.”

Gonsalves said he thinks the situation poses “a reasonable request to accede to.”

The victims of last Sunday’s fatal accident, Ishmael Bruce, Khalid Colin Robin, Elvis Harold, Giovanni Barker and Kenroy Haywood/Phillips, were all passengers in minivan ‘General’ – H 8190 which was traveling from Clare Valley to Owia.

The passengers were heading to Owia to attend the funeral of murder victim Rohan ‘Charla’ Rawlins.

Rawlins who lived at Owia was shot and killed at Lowmans Bay on August 15.

Apart from those who died in the accident, some of the passengers are still recovering and one person is still in a critical condition at hospital.

On Wednesday Gonsalves also noted that two condolence books are now available for persons to sign to express sympathy to the bereaved families.

The books are located downstairs the Financial Complex on Bay Street and at the Postal Corporation building on Halifax Street in Kingstown.

Additionally, the national flag, which has been flying at half mast since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, will continue to be flown that way, as the nation mourns the loss of five young men.