WINAD to authorities: Are women prisoners being abused?

Contending that it was unacceptable that the situation was allowed to continue for more than 48 hours without any statement from the authorities, including the prison administration and the Ministry of National Security, WINAD called on National Security Minister Mervyn Dillon to give the population an explanation on the situation.

WINAD noted that reports in the media indicated that women in the prison system have been appealing for an investigation into the abuse of their rights.

“The situation seems to have worsened overnight with appeals from the women to be rescued from the harsh and oppressive treatment being unleashed by the prison authorities,” WINAD said.

Telephone calls yesterday to Dillon and Acting Commissioner of Prisons, Cecil Duke, went unanswered, while Prisons Commissioner Sterling Stewart who is currently on leave, said he was not in a position to comment on the situation.

Meanwhile, Newsday understands that the prisoners continued their protest yesterday.

While some of the inmates who needed medical attention were allowed to have access to the prison’s infirmary while the majority of women remained locked in fearing that they would be beaten with batons for the protest action.

On Sunday the women jammed locks to their prison cells preventing prison officers from gaining entry.

Newsday also understands that steps were being taken yesterday to increase the manpower at the prison to contain the situation.

A female prisoner told Newsday on Monday that they have been clamouring for better conditions, better bed space, improvement in the food and toiletries for those who could not afford to buy them.

She said their complaints have been falling on deaf ears.