Hashtag: #BermudaPrisons
Video: Panel Discussion With Prison Officers
Bernews will be hosting a News & Views panel discussion at around 9am today [May 8] with Timothy Seon and negotiator Thad Hollis set to discuss issues concerning the Prison Officers Association. The panelists will be discussing the matter with journalist Don Burgess, and we will update this article with the live video at around noon today, or... Read more of this article
‘Unaddressed Matters Of Safety & Conditions’
Noting that they engage in arduous work inclusive of caring for mentally ill inmates for which there is no adequate support, the Prison Officers’ Association said they have been “faced with unaddressed adverse matters pertaining to safety, security, and work conditions for over 20 years.” Prison Officers Chairman Timothy Seon said, “The... Read more of this article
Officers Work To Rule, Westgate On Lockdown
Prison Officers have gone on work to rule so the prison will be on lockdown for an “indefinite period,” Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said. This follows after a number of issues, including inmates attacking three officers earlier this month. Speaking at a press briefing called yesterday afternoon, Minister Caines said, “This... Read more of this article
Violence Reduction Programme Graduation
On Friday, the Department of Corrections celebrated five participants from the Violence Reduction Programme [VRP] with a graduation ceremony held at the Co-Ed Facility. “In attendance was the Minister of National Security Wayne Caines, Department of Corrections senior officials, and family members,” a Ministry spokesperson said. “This... Read more of this article
Concerns Raised By Prison Officers Association
The Ministry is “aware of concerns raised” by the Prison Officers Association “regarding the health and safety of its members,” National Security Minister Wayne Caines confirmed, adding that the Ministry “remains committed to continuing to work with the POA membership to resolve any outstanding issues.” Minister Caines... Read more of this article
Minister Meets With Prison’s Treatment Board
Yesterday [Feb 13] at Westgate Correctional Facility, Minister of National Security Wayne Caines, met with the Department of Corrections’ Treatment of Offenders Board to discuss progress made by the Board over 2018, and how to further enhance the programs and opportunities provided to persons in our care. “The Board which is chaired by Scott... Read more of this article
Drone Seen Hovering Over Westgate On Feb 3
Today [Feb 5], Minister of National Security Wayne Caines received a report from Acting Commissioner of Corrections Keeva-mae Joell-Benjamin that a drone was seen hovering over the Westgate Correctional Facility in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 3. A spokesperson said, “The police were notified of the sighting. “Minister Caines... Read more of this article
Contraband Seized & Assault Against Officer
Contraband has been seized and a Corrections Officer was assaulted, and the police are investigating both matters in conjunction with the Department of Corrections, the Minister has confirmed. Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said, “As I indicated in recent statements, the public will be aware that the Ministry has been working with... Read more of this article
Minister Caines Addresses Westgate Concerns
Saying he has been made aware of concerns at Westgate, Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said it is his desire to “ensure that we have a strong plan” and address the concerns, and also noted that they have fifteen new officers starting tomorrow. Minister Caines said, “Most recently I have been made aware of concerns at the... Read more of this article
Inmate Complains About Smoking Ban In Prison
An inmate complained to the Ombudsman’s office about the smoking ban in prison, however the office declined to act on the complaint, noting that the smoking ban had been implemented nearly seven years before the inmate lodged the complaint. This is according to the recently released Ombudsman report which said, “An inmate wrote to our Office... Read more of this article
Inmates Construct Items For Use At Ag Show
The Ministry of National Security advised that the Department of Corrections has once again partnered with the Ag Show Ltd. to provide assistance to the Annual Agriculture Show. For the third year in a row, and under the supervision of Corrections’ staff, around six inmates have constructed various items for use at the Ag Show. Recently, Antwon Albuoy,... Read more of this article
‘Peace Within: Prison Yoga Pilot Programme’
The Minister of Social Development and Sports Michael Weeks and the Minister of National Security Wayne Caines attended the completion ceremony yesterday for the ‘Peace Within: Prison Yoga Pilot Programme’ at the St. George’s Co-Educational Facility and the Prison Farm Facility. Running from January 22, to March 12, 2018 the Department of Youth,... Read more of this article
Former Prisoner Deported Via Private Jet
A foreign national has been deported after serving a prison sentence, with officials confirming that the “deportee was transported via private jet due to associated security risks for transit via the UK, US or Canada.” Asked about suggestions that Kirk Mundy — a Jamaican national who was charged in the Rebecca Middleton case and was... Read more of this article
Police Confirm Death Of Quinton Wendell Baxter
The police have now confirmed the death of 59-year-old Westgate prisoner Quinton Wendell Baxter. In March of this year, Baxter pleaded guilty to multiple indecent assaults on young males in the 1970s and 1980s. A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 59-year-old Quinton Wendell Baxter and extends condolences... Read more of this article
Police Confirm Death At Westgate Facility
Police have today [July 2] confirmed the death of a male inmate at the Westgate Correctional Facility last night. A police spokesperson said, “Around 11:30pm Saturday, July 1st police and first responders were dispatched to a report of a male inmate found in an unresponsive state at the Westgate Correctional Facility. “Despite lifesaving... Read more of this article
Court: Prisoner Pleads Guilty To Assault
Appearing in Magistrates Court, a 36-year-old man — who is currently serving a prison sentence — pleaded guilty to unlawfully assaulting another prisoner at Westgate. Shomari Virgil pleaded guilty to unlawfully assaulting someone at Westgate Correctional Facility in August 2016. The Crown Prosecutor told the Magistrate that in August 2016,... Read more of this article
