inmates

Commissioner of Corrections Charles Murphy defended the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services position after reports circulated social media regarding uproar at the facility by inmates claiming mistreatment.

In a press statement, Murphy said the claims of mistreatment are untrue.

“I categorically deny the claim that inmates are treated unfairly and inhumanely while incarcerated at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.”

Why it matters

Inmates at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services are heard in a voice note demanding the resignation of Murphy while accusing him of denying them pure water, food visitation and the ability to smoke.

Reports are that prison officers were also assaulted by inmates who doused them with urine and feces because their demands were not met.

What Commissioner Murphy Says

Murphy says inmates are allowed three meals daily. He added that inmates have been smoking cigarettes in a no-smoking zone which has irritated other inmates who are non-smokers.

“I wish to advise the general public that inmates are allowed three meals per day, daily exercise, and showers in accordance with the Human Rights Convention, standard minimum treatment of offenders, and the Correctional Service Act 2014.

“Further, the southern wing of the Maximum Security Housing Unit has just been recently renovated as part of our improvement project.

“This area is designated as a NO SMOKING ZONE to which all inmates placed in that housing unit are aware. It was brought to my attention that inmates are smoking in the unit which created a problem for inmates who do not smoke.

“Inmates were also found damaging the walls and cell doors in the newly renovated unit with the cigarettes. They have been warned to discontinue this practice many times to no avail.”

Murphy said, as a result, his administration had taken the position to discontinue the issuance of cigarettes to preserve the health and safety of all inmates and to protect the infrastructure within Maximum Security and the interest of the general public.

Minister of National Security Marvin Dames said nearly 60 prisoners could be released early from the Bahamas Department of Corrections as COVID-19 cases climb exponentially in New Providence.

“To date, the Committee has recommended for approval, by the Governor-General, the release of 57 persons and others are currently being reviewed and considered for the same,” he said.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Health Organisation, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights have jointly encouraged institutions of detention around the globe to consider the release of inmates, as COVID-19 undermines hygiene, health and safety due to social distancing limitations.

Why it matters

The Bahamas Department of Corrections has an inmate population of 1,489, with many crammed in small spaces, sharing cells, showers and toilet spaces, making them susceptible to the virus.

The cramped spaces make it impossible to social distance, poor hygiene exists and like in many prisons, hand sanitizers are not permitted as they can be used to brew alcoholic drinks.

This is a big move. Who will be released?

The Prerogative Board of Mercy Committee has begun reviewing the files of inmates to determine who would be considered high-risk for contracting the virus.

The board is considering the following people for release:

• the elderly
• people with comorbidity
• people who have completed more than half of their sentences with good behavior
• people sentenced for minor, non-violent offenses that don’t compromise public safety

The virus may be rising within the prison. Reported COVID-19 prison statistics

There are two confirmed positive cases of the virus which represent 0.1 percent of the total inmate population.

• The first case was recorded in August, five months after the first case was recorded in the Bahamas. The inmate contracted the virus while receiving medical care for an unrelated illness outside of the prison.
• The second reported case is a  male inmate who tested positive on September 23rd.