Agreement signals prisons overhaul

Government today signed an agreement with prison officers, aimed at addressing their concerns.

Attorney General Michael Scott admitted current legislation governing prisons was “antiquated” and said work would begin “urgently” to find a body to conduct a review.

He would not be drawn on when the review would start however.

Mr Scott said: “It represents us moving forward and avoiding undesired and unwanted labour issues.

“The ‘number one’ agreed to action is the immediate start of an independent comprehensive review of the Department of Corrections, with the aim of producing a five year strategic plan to assess, clarify and direct the Department mandate with respect to all aspects of policy, leadership management, operations, infrastructure and legislative reform.

“All of which is clearly aimed at addressing current concerns, examining present trends and practices and directing Corrections along clear paths of enhanced management, security and safety across all sectors of the Department.”

Mr Scott said that the issue of dealing with gang member inmates would also be examined.

Craig Clarke, chairman of the Prison Officer’s Association, welcomed the agreement, signed by all parties today.

He said: “My view looking at Corrections is that we are dealing with a new breed of inmate now.

“We have to get away from the idea that we can run a jail with a 1979 Act.

“This agreement will take Bermuda Corrections into the 21st century.

“I want my people to work in a safe environment.”