Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut was built to hold between 52 and 60 inmates but currently holds 113, Prison Superintendent Richard Holder said while presenting a report to High Court Justice Indra Hariprashad-Charles on Tuesday.
Mr. Holder said he has introduced security changes during his time in office but has been limited by budget and staffing constraints. He has also instituted stricter procedures in searching visitors and staff entering the prison, including “food tasting by visitors who provide meals for inmates on special occasions,” he said.
Inmates working in food handling have received food hygiene and kitchen safety training and certification, he said, and food samples are taken daily for analysis in case of food contamination.
Emergency telephones have been installed in the superintendent and deputy superintendent’s offices, he said.
See the April 21, 2011 edition for full coverage.