Minister of National Security, the Honourable Stuart R. Young, M.P. along with Commissioner of Prisons, Mr Gerard Wilson and Deputy Commissioner of Prisons, Mr Dane Clarke toured the Prison facilities at Golden Grove and the Maximum Security Prison on Wednesday 25 September, 2019.
Minister Young met with, and was accompanied on his tour of the facilities by the executive of the Prison Officers’ Association, led by Mr Ceron Richards.
At Golden Grove, Minister Young toured the Women’s Prison Facilities, the Mechanic Yard Facilities, the Food Storage and Kitchen Facilities, Remand Yard and the Officers’ dormitories. Minister Young also toured parts of the Maximum Security Prison facilities.
During his visit Minister Young had the opportunity to interact with a number of male and female inmates and listened attentively to their concerns about a variety of matters, including, their personal experiences with the judicial system.
The executive members of the Prison Officers’ Association showed Minister Young and Commissioner Wilson some of the issues that they would like addressed and the Minister engaged in discussions on the matters raised with the officers.
Minister Young undertook to continue doing his best to improve the prisons and the conditions for both inmates and Prison Officers.
The Minister once again thanked Prison Officers for their continued commitment to duty and reminded them that since assuming the office of Minister of National Security, he has placed considerable focus on the Prison Service. He reiterated that he has been placing much effort on improving the conditions at the various prison facilities across the nation, as well as on the safety and security of Prison Officers.
Minister Young stated, “I often wish that the population could see the dedication and professionalism that the men and women in the Prison Service exhibit, despite the conditions that they face. My Cabinet colleagues have provided much support, as the Ministry of National Security work towards improving the conditions of the Prison Service.”
Minister Young once again reemphasized the Government and in particular the Ministry of National Security’s commitment to working with the Commissioner of Prisons and the Prison Officers’ Association to ensure that the Prison Service has the requisite equipment, technology and facilities to successfully fulfill its mandate "to hold and to treat."