THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON THURSDAY, August 14 I was listening the news, when I heard a newscast that inmates at the Adult Correctional Centre formerly General Penitentiary in downtown Kingston were on a hunger strike as a result of a Family Day being postponed.
What these inmates and their relatives should really take into consideration is that they have given up their right to freedom the moment they have committed the crimes that had them placed in this institution. Therefore the authorities have to make sure that the proper security measures are in place to accommodate this day. And for whatever reason that the Ministry of National Security have decided that the necessary security measures weren't in place, I believe that the inmates and their relatives should respect their decision and have patience with them. As a matter of fact they are so kind to have another date being rescheduled for them. The Family Day is really a 'favour' being done to the inmates, as part of the intended punishment is for them not to enjoy the same privileges as a free law-abiding citizen. Otherwise it would not make sense to have them confined.
I must extend my profound gratitude to the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of National Security, Senator Kern Spencer, for leading a team in the absence of the Minister of National Security - taking a hands-on approach to immediately meet with the heads of the Correctional Services, and then with the inmates where a settlement to the hunger strike was immediately achieved.
I would like to urge other government officials not to sit back and wait to see what will happen but be very responsive, caring and concerned about the things that affect the people whom they serve.
Good job, Mr. Spencer! Keep it up!
I am, etc.,
NORDIA DALEY
Little London
Westmoreland
