Prison conditions ‘disgusting and sickening’

CHIEF JUSTICE Satnarine Sharma yesterday called on Government to take immediate steps to address the “disgusting and sickening” conditions at the country’s prisons. He said the executive should deal with prison reform and improve prison conditions as a matter of urgency. The Chief Justice spoke at the ceremonial opening of the 2004-2005 law term at the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain. His address to the legal fraternity was delayed by 30 minutes because of a widespread power outage in North and East Trinidad. In his 85-minute address, Sharma admitted that prison conditions in Trinidad and Tobago were unacceptable. He said the conditions at the Remand Yard at the Port-of-Spain State Prison were appalling. He pointed out that a cell, which was originally intended for two prisoners, now accommodates seven to nine men. He said these prisoners use the cell as a bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen and bathroom. He said there was little fresh air getting into the cell, while infestation by vermin was said to be commonplace.

“Sanitary facilities are reported to be abysmal. In short, the picture painted is one of decidedly sub-human conditions,” the Chief Justice added. Sharma said a cursory examination of the prison rules revealed that remand prisoners are accorded privileges not extended to convicted prisoners. He said exposure to unacceptable conditions of confinement may in some prisoners, generate an attitude of callousness by the conditions. The Chief Justice said although persons engaged in violent crime were perceived in an unfavourable light, they should still be treated as human beings. With respect to convicted prisoners, Sharma feels that greater emphasis needs to be placed on rehabilitative measures. The CJ said the prison system and the remand section in particular, required a radical overhaul consistent with basic norms of decency and civility. He spoke of the inability of poor persons to access justice and said the judicial system was conceived as blind to power, wealth and status. “The courts are supposed to offer a forum where the poor and powerless can stand with all others as equals before the law.

Today, however, an increasing number of poor persons regard the courts as overtly and subtly biased against the poor.” Sharma pointed out that the less fortunate in society chose to avoid the legal system altogether rather than face intimidation, delay, escalating legal and emotional costs, an increasingly long and arduous litigation process and resultant frustration. “It is unfortunate but nonetheless true, that the trials of the famous and wealthy are often those which, to the populace at large, define the legal landscape, thus creating the phenomenon of celebrity justice. If there is an ensuing verdict or result that is favourable to the celebrity, it is frequently perceived that the judicial system itself is biased in favour of the wealthy and the powerful.” The CJ said poor persons were not similarly treated in the press for the apparent reason that they are not considered particularly newsworthy.