Family Day cancelled, lockdown at Maximum Security Prison

More than 100 prisoners serving life sentences were, on Saturday, denied the opportunity to spend a fun-filled day with relatives after a sudden decision was taken to lock down the Maximum Security Prison and the Remand section in the aftermath of the murder of prison officer Glenford Gardener.

Newsday was told the decision was made by prison officers who say they are concerned about their safety and that of their colleagues and wanted to send a message to the government and the authorities. They said the lockdown would continue until they are given some assurance that their lives would be protected.

The lockdown has resulted in all airing-out being cancelled. Prisoners who usually had the privilege of going to the gym and other classes in the prison were denied those opportunities.

Some relatives contacted Newsday yesterday to complain that the inmates were only served breakfast shortly after 10 am.

At about 11 am yesterday, prisoners began banging on their cell doors protesting the actions of the prison officers who are demanding a meeting with National Security Minister Edmund Dillon to discuss threats to their and initiatives to deal with those threats.

Gardener, 44, was walking outside his Diego Martin home, on Thursday last, when a white Toyota Corolla pulled up alongside him and the occupants opened fire hitting him several times.

He died at the scene. Preparations for his funeral were still being finalised up to yesterday.