National Security Ministry To Consider Releasing Some Inmates

The Ministry of National Security (MNS) says it will be reviewing recommendations for the release of  low risk inmates, following a tour at a Correctional Facility with the Ministry of Health earlier yesterday.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says it is fairly pleased with the COVID-19 measures established within the Penal System. 

Additionally, Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton says there will be a revision of the current protocols to ensure that they are in line with the current stage of the community transmission phase of the virus. 

Representatives from the Ministry of Health and National Security toured the Tower Street Adult Correctional Facility on Wednesday. Fourteen inmates at the facility recently tested positive for COVID-19. 

Director of Medical Services at the Department of Correctional Services, Dr. Donna-Michelle Royer-Powe says inmates who test positive are isolated and treated at the facility, however, for more serious convictions, they are hospitalized.

Dr. Royer-Powe says the routine checks have to be done to ensure that the inmates are in good health as a majority of the cases are asymptomatic.

She described the current infrastructure as a danger and conducive to widespread infection, and stressed the importance of mask wearing by inmates and staff within the Penal System.

Now, Human Rights Activists have been calling for the release of low risk inmates after health experts warned that the Penal System is one of the worst place to have an outbreak.

The Ministry of National Security is seemingly acknowledging those calls and has committed to consider the recommendations. 

CVM LIVE‘s Jamaila Maitland reports: