Chief Magistrate Meets Prison Superintendent, Conducts Workshop

Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel visited His Majesty’s Prison on Friday morning to meet with newly reappointed Prison Superintendent Albert Wade.

The discussions centered on any concerns which Wade may have and how these can be addressed.

The chief magistrate also conducted a workshop on the treatment of prisoners, particularly regarding use of force and ethics.

The workshop also provided clarity on remand deduction from sentences, as stipulated by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s Sentencing Guidelines.

The meeting comes as prison officials craft a comprehensive reform plan within the next 30 days, as the operations are set to be impacted by the looming increase in sentences for serious gun offences and sex crimes against minors.

Parliament’s Lower House has passed amended Firearms and Sexual Offences legislation, paving the way for minimum sentences of up to 15 years for gun offences, as well as sentences of up to life in prison for sex crimes against minors.