Prison probe set - House hears sequel to St. Catherine violence

A ONE-MAN Commission of Inquiry is to be established to determine what triggered the violence at the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, Spanish Town, May 21, in which scores of inmates were battered by soldiers and warders.

"The Prime Minister has indicated that he will be writing to the Governor- General, exercising his authority under the relevant statute for the Governor-General to establish the Commission of Inquiry," National Security and Justice Minister, K.D. Knight told Parliament last night. He was responding to questions brought by Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) members, Delroy Chuck and Derrick Smith.

According to the Minister, the enquiry was being set up "because we want to move away from the gossip, move away from the speculation, (and) get to the facts".

Mr. Knight said that at a later date the country would be advised on the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry and who the sole enquirer would be. The aim, he said was firstly to look at the build-up of prohibited weapons, substances and equipment within the institution. "We want to know how all these knives...cellular phones get there," he said, adding that "we also want to know how soldiers, correctional officers and inmates got injured".

Almost 50 of the more than 150 prisoners who were badly beaten by soldiers and warders are nursing a range of injuries including bone fractures. One inmate has since lost sight in one eye as a result of the beating he received. A number of soldiers and correctional officers are also on the injured list.

In response to the allegation of a prisoner being shot, Mr. Knight referred to Section 15 (3) of the Corrections Act which says "every correctional officer may use weapons against any inmate using violence to any person if such officer has reasonable grounds to believe that such person is in danger of life or limb or that other grievous hurt is likely to be caused to him". He pointed out that the officer is within his rights to use a firearm as long as, if possible, he gives a warning to the inmate that he is about to fire on him.

JLP leader, Edward Seaga, in an earlier letter to the Prime Minister P.J. Patterson urged him to "submit the administration of the St. Catherine District Prison to a commission of inquiry to allow those who wish to testify as to the root causes of the problem and to feel secure in doing so".

"It is only when all the truth is known that we can expect proper correctional systems to be put in place," Mr. Seaga said.

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