DeFreitas accuses Benjamin of only ‘faking work’ at His Majesty’s Prison, noting that watchtowers are still not complete
Franz deFreitas, the United Progressive Party (UPP) Candidate for St. John’s City South, is blasting the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs for what he terms “faking work” at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP).
In October, prison officers downed tools over their poor working conditions and cited the long-incomplete guard towers among their concerns.
After a number of contraband items were found in the cells sometime in August, the Cabinet promised that the two watchtowers – started when Deputy Police Commissioner Albert Wade was Acting Prison Superintendent – would be completed.
The towers were expected to deter persons from hurling items over the prison walls, since this has become a practice.
Other issues impacting the penal facility included the lack of telephones; no drinking or running water; no air conditioning; no security or protection; and even no toilet paper.
However, in spite of promises by the Administration to address these shortcomings, apparently nothing is being done.
Accordingly, deFreitas is putting the Minister – Attorney-General Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin – on notice that his incompetence is being closely watched, and admonishing him to do the work he promised to address months ago.
The UPP Candidate adds that the Police Force, which also falls under Benjamin’s remit, is being neglected, as well.