‘Any number could play’

Richards highlighted dilapidated infrastructure and faulty electronic systems within the prison as examples of deteriorating conditions which pose a serious threat to the safety of prison officers and prisoners.

“You never know in the prison system, when you have a lot of frustrated individuals inhabiting a small area. You never know what might arise. I am saying the nature of the situation coupled with security issues that aren’t being treated with by the National Security Minister, means that anything can happen...any number could play,” Richards said.

Richards added that he is deeply concerned by the deteriorating conditions and is calling on Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to intervene and bring relief to the situation. He says that since the Association’s demonstration on the grounds of the Golden Grove prison on Tuesday, they have not been contacted by any officials within the Ministry of National Security for discussion.

“The situation is crying out for Ministerial intervention, it is a problem bigger than the Prisons service and we hope that the Prime Minister look into this situation to try and treat with it before a catastrophe like what happened on July 24 2015 happens again.”