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Primus Hutchinson
Thursday, June 26, 2003 - Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony,
has decried what he said were deplorable and sub-human conditions that prevailed
at Her Majesty’s Prison in down town Castries. Dr. Anthony said it were those
very concerns, along with the need to maintain national security that prompted
government to build the multi-million dollar Dennery based Bordelais facility.
The remarks from Dr. Anthony came against the background of having undertaken an
extensive tour of the old prison. Accompanied by other government ministers,
prison officers and members of the media, the prime minister indicated that
after witnessing the dehumanising state in which prisoners spent their everyday
lives, he was convinced more than ever, that government had acted wisely in
constructing the new prison.
According to Dr. Anthony, the conditions that existed at Her Majesty’s Prisons
do not justify the treatment meted out to both prisoners and prison officers
alike. Dr. Anthony argued, that anyone exposed to the conditions at the old
prisons, would agree that the expenditures on the Bordelais Correctional
Facility were justifiable.
“I believe that Bordelais has done very well so far, and I can well understand
why persons are interested in the operations of Bordelais. But I do hope that
after seeing the conditions at Her Majesty’s Prisons, then it would be
understood how important that investment really is to the country as a whole.
Our very security was at stake.” Prime Minister Anthony said.
The prime minister singled out maintenance as one factor that should have
received greater attention at the old prison. Dr. Anthony made specific
reference to the kitchen environment and Bakery. He expressed the view that
perhaps some greater sensitivity on these matters could have been displayed in
the past, to make life at Her Majesty’s Prison far more tolerable.
St. Lucians will enjoy far greater security as a result of government investing
in the Dennery based Bordelais Correctional Facility.
Government is also contemplating moving the operations of the Central Police
Station to the old prison some time in the near future. The last batch of
prisoners left for the Bordelais Correctional Facility early Tuesday.
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