Prisons commissioner likes new prison plan

Prisons Commissioner Hayden Forde has expressed optimism at the prison revamp which is part of government's TT Revitalisation Blueprint, which was unveiled by the prime minister on Thursday at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann's.

During an interview on November 7, Forde gave his perspective on government's ambitious plan to overhaul the prison system, including the development of a new justice centre in Tamana which will house all of the prisoners previously held at the Port of Spain prison, the Golden Grove prison in Arouca and the Carrera Island prison.

The new facility will hold up to 6,000 inmates, double the current capacity of the nation's prisons, which house approximately 3,300 inmates.

Forde acknowledged the long-standing challenges faced by prison officers due to outdated and inadequate facilities.

“Based on the neglect the prison service suffered from continuously for many years, I believe I'm in a position to speak for the officers, especially being one who would have been through the vineyard and understand what it is we have been through, and the challenges we are facing. Based on that the officers will be elated to have such a prison complex.”

Forde emphasised the new facility will be equipped with necessary security measures to address persistent problems including contraband trafficking.

“We have suffered with inadequate infrastructure for many years. So this particular facility that will be built obviously will have the necessary security checks in place.

“Where we were compromised by drones, throw overs and our gates where officers weren't able to be checked properly, these are some of the things that will be forthcoming in this new facility.”

He emphasised his support for prison officers who conduct themselves with integrity and said the new measures will leave them feeling positive.

“Those who bring contraband (into the prison) I don’t expect them to be upbeat about it and quite frankly I do not care about how they feel. I am for the upright officers who are professionals and give of themselves time and time again.”

Forde said he was among several stakeholders consulted regarding the relocation and construction of the new facility adding that discussions are ongoing.

“I was invited to a meeting where a presentation was made. And then the executive and other key stakeholders, would have been privy to the presentation.

“Questions were asked and, based on that, we would have given our input because the Prison Service, with our tacit knowledge and years of experience, would be able to identify certain infrastructure that would be beneficial to the proper operation and management of our prison service." Forde said the consultation will continue before the prison is completed.

He also addressed the logistical challenges involved in relocating inmates and staff from the three prisons being closed.

While recognising that the move will pose some challenges for inmates adjusting to a new environment, he downplayed any significant issues with the relocation process.

“No, I don’t see any major issues because we transfer inmates on a daily basis. Inmate movement is our bread and butter.

“That physical change for the inmates, can pose a sort of challenge adjusting from one prison to the next. But I don’t see it being a major shift logistically

He added the location of the new facility will positively affect the amount of time officers spend commuting to work.

“In terms of commuting to and from the facility, plenty of the time it will be against the traffic. I think it would be excellent for the officers as well, getting to work from the work site.”

Speaking with the media on November 6 at the launch of the revitalisation plan, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander’s said a section of the prison will house individuals convicted of minor offences such as failure to pay child maintenance.

Forde expressed support for the concept saying capacity has been the main issue at prisons for years.

“We have been overcrowded for quite some time. Therefore we weren't able to properly separate inmates.

“So having a facility for those individuals, it is ideal. And the officers will treat the inmates with the military dignity and the respect they deserve, especially those who come in for those minor offences.”

Forde also acknowledged a gap in the current staffing levels of the prison service but assured that efforts were underway to address it.

He said he believes it will be dealt with before the prison is completed.

“There is a gap. I wouldn’t say exactly what it is for obvious reasons. There’s a gap and we are currently working to bridge it.

“We will be having persons being trained hopefully in the very near future at the turn of the new year.”

Looking ahead to the timeline for the new justice centre, Forde remained hopeful that the prison service would be adequately staffed by the time the facility is completed.

“We should (be fully staffed). And if there are shortfalls, well then we will go back to the ministry to request additional staffing based on that.”