Group calls for prison reform
By JIMENITA SWAIN, Guardian Senior Reporter
jimenita@nasguard.com
The Grand Bahama Human Rights Association is attempting to apply pressure on the government to seriously address the issue of Prison Reform as the situation at Fox Hill Prison would only "get worse and not better."
"What we have seen in the last few weeks is but a tip of the iceberg. Human beings, be they prison officers, prisoners and/or immigration detainees, will not forever put up with continuing inhumane and degrading treatment," said the Association Chairman, attorney Frederick Smith.
He charged that the Association is alarmed over the many reports that it has received from some families of individuals on remand and convicted prisoners at Fox Hill Prison that indicate that prisoners are being denied their fundamental rights and are being abused.
As a result of the claims, Mr Smith said the organisation made a request "to visit the prison for the purpose of directly interviewing prisoners and determining for itself the legitimacy and credibility of the complaints regarding abuse and conditions at the prison." He noted that the press release issued was not solely to reflect the concern for abused prisoners.
"The Association is painfully aware that, for many years, prison officers have also complained about the abuse that they have suffered by being subjected to working in a prison which has been described as "Fox Hell" and the "Black Hole of Calcutta".
In addition, the human rights activist said prison officers have also complained about their status within the public service, the conditions of their employment, salaries and morale problems due to various leadership crises.
"More particularly, the Association does not in any way condone or turn a blind eye to the violence perpetrated against prison officers in the recent breakout leading to the tragic death of Prison officer Bowles," he said.
Tags: Caribbean Affairs Institutional Strengthening Social Policy
By JIMENITA SWAIN, Guardian Senior Reporter
jimenita@nasguard.com
The Grand Bahama Human Rights Association is attempting to apply pressure on the government to seriously address the issue of Prison Reform as the situation at Fox Hill Prison would only "get worse and not better."
"What we have seen in the last few weeks is but a tip of the iceberg. Human beings, be they prison officers, prisoners and/or immigration detainees, will not forever put up with continuing inhumane and degrading treatment," said the Association Chairman, attorney Frederick Smith.
He charged that the Association is alarmed over the many reports that it has received from some families of individuals on remand and convicted prisoners at Fox Hill Prison that indicate that prisoners are being denied their fundamental rights and are being abused.
As a result of the claims, Mr Smith said the organisation made a request "to visit the prison for the purpose of directly interviewing prisoners and determining for itself the legitimacy and credibility of the complaints regarding abuse and conditions at the prison." He noted that the press release issued was not solely to reflect the concern for abused prisoners.
"The Association is painfully aware that, for many years, prison officers have also complained about the abuse that they have suffered by being subjected to working in a prison which has been described as "Fox Hell" and the "Black Hole of Calcutta".
In addition, the human rights activist said prison officers have also complained about their status within the public service, the conditions of their employment, salaries and morale problems due to various leadership crises.
"More particularly, the Association does not in any way condone or turn a blind eye to the violence perpetrated against prison officers in the recent breakout leading to the tragic death of Prison officer Bowles," he said.
Copyright © 2006 The Nassau Guardian
Tags: Caribbean Affairs Institutional Strengthening Social Policy
