Three probes launched into Jamaica prison riot

Riot police had to be called in after the prisoners began breaking the locks to their cells. (File photo)

KINGSTON, Jamaica, February 10, 2010 – A day after a riot at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre in Jamaica’s capital in which 40 inmates and nine correctional officers were injured, authorities have launched three separate probes into the incident.

And while those investigations are carried out, visits to the facility have been suspended.

The incident on Monday was sparked by lack of water at the prison and, according to National Security Minister Senator Dwight Nelson, their displeasure with measures which we have put in place to stem the flow of contraband into the jail.

Riot police had to be called in after the prisoners began breaking the locks to their cells. It was reported that some of them also set fires in their cells and damaged prison equipment. Police and soldiers used tear gas and batons to restore order.
 
The National Security Minister Senator Dwight Nelson said investigations into the incident have already started.

"The Department of Correctional Services is conducting an investigation and I expect to have a preliminary report on the matter by tomorrow,” he said yesterday after touring the prison with along with Assistant Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington and Commissioner of Corrections, June Spence-Jarrett.

“The Protective Service Unit of the National Security Ministry along with personnel from the Jamaica Defence Force and the Department of Correctional Services have begun a security audit at the Remand Centre to determine whether or not there are areas of weakness as far as the security provisions are concerned. I expect this audit to be completed by tomorrow and a report no later than next week. The Inspectorate Unit at the Ministry of National Security has also started an investigation into the matter," he added.

The news will be welcomed by the human rights lobby group, Jamaica for Justice (JFJ), which called for thorough internal and independent investigations into the causes and handling of the incident.

Water has since been supplied to the remand centre and extra security has also been implemented.

Meantime, Nelson gave a breakdown of those injured in the melee.

"None of the Correctional Officers was hospitalised. However, 15 inmates have been admitted to hospital, while 17 were treated and returned to Horizon. Three were transferred to the hospital at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, and five are being treated at hospital," he said. "No one was shot in the incident."

Family members and friends have complained they were not being allowed to see the inmates. Many of them went to the prison yesterday but were denied entry. They accused officials of being secretive and not giving them the information they needed.

However,the National Security Minster said measures would be put in place to allow the injured inmates' relatives to visit them.