Prison officers furious

Acting POA President Trevor Richards told Newsday that an investigation will be conducted. "We are going to carry on an enquiry into the assault. They are not serious about the investigation and retarding the police!" The inmate has not been charged despite conflicting reports from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and the Prisons administration.

North Eastern Division police admitted that no charges have been laid against the inmate because prison officers refused to let them interview the inmate. There is also widespread speculation about the inmate’s condition. The Prison Service maintains that the inmate is supposed to be charged by the police. "If there is a police enquiry we cannot intervene and there is an initial enquiry by officers," one prison officer said.

The prisoner officer added that there is also a one-man tribunal, when the inmate involved will be brought before the Superintendent of Prisons. The superintendent will listen to the facts and send a report to the commissioner.

Meanwhile, the inmate is currently in an isolated cellblock awaiting charges by the Superintendent of Prisons and the Arouca police.

According to reports, prison officer Courtney Charles had been working alone in Section E, when he was attacked by an inmate with a baton. Charles was in charge of 80 inmates at the maximum security penitentiary. The automatic door had opened for the inmates to get "air time" for recreation when Charles was assaulted. He sustained head injuries and a fractured ankle.

He was rescued by inmates and then rushed to the Arima Hospital. Charles is now resting at his Carmichael Village home.