A recent INDECOM report highlighting deplorable conditions in prisons has pushed Security Minister, Dr. Horace Chang to admit there are flaws in the justice and security ministries which need urgent attention. The case of 81-year-old Noel Chambers highlights the plight of the mentally ill and those lost in the prison system. Chambers died in January after 40 years behind bars without trial. Chang says there is an action plan for the way forward.
“In the immediate term, the DCS has identified persons who have been in their custody for over 30 years and are being held at the Court’s Pleasure or GG’s Pleasure of the. Following internal psychiatric assessment and the determination as low-risk violence producers, these individuals have been identified in a letter to the Chief Justice seeking the Court’s consideration of granting clemency.”
The minister says there are plans to consult with five psychiatrists on how best to facilitate the timely assessment of persons identified as having mental health conditions.
“The building of a forensic psychiatric facility is the ideal long term solution. The Ministry of National Security will be engaging the Ministry of Health and Wellness in an attempt to ensure the mental health needs of these persons while fulfilling our responsibility to national security.”
Following his statement, Shadow Minister of National Security, Fitz Jackson raised several concerns. He called for compensation to be provided to relatives.
“We cannot retrieve his life but out of the recognition of the failure, reasonable compensation must be considered with great urgency,” says Jackson.
Chambers was deemed fit to plead following psychiatric assessments done in 2016 but never made it to court. His case has led to a realization that there are many more like him in the justice system.
