I am proud to have served the Department of Correctional Services for over 30 years. During this period many changes have been made to the benefit of staff and inmates alike; it is for this reason that I take issue with a section of the report carried in The Sunday Gleaner dated December 2nd, 2001, captioned "New State of the Art Facilities for Prisoners".
Let me state for the reporter and the Commissioner's information, as also the general public, that unless the Correction's Rules, 1991, has been changed recently, the following prisoners/inmates are allowed to wear their own clothes. These inmates are classified as First, Second and Third Division inmates, namely for default in payment, civil debt, tax or rate, contempt of court, or to await deportation or extradition.
2) To await trial, to be remanded in custody. As appellants, or those appealing after sentenced:-
These inmates are not issued prison uniform unless they request in writing to the Superintendent in charge, to be so issued.
My congratulations go to Hon. K.D. Knight, the Government of Jamaica and Lt. Col John E. Prescod for taking such a bold and humane move in building such a modern facility to house fellow Jamaicans and aliens, falling foul of the laws in this wonderful island.
