Her Majesty's Prison is said to be in "great need" by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr. Marcia Potter. She stated that the number of inmates had increased and space was scarce. Former Minister for Education and Culture Andrew A. Fahie told the 2012 Standing Finance Committee that the Prison "is a very sensitive topic". Photo:VINO/File

The Member for the First District Honourable Andrew A. Fahie told the House Select Committee that they would leave this department to the Minister, as it was a very sensitive topic. Territorial Member Honourable Archibald C. Christian concurred.

The Department was represented by Charles Forbes, the Deputy Superintendent of Prisons and the Ag. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr. Marcia Potter.

The SFC Chairwoman, Honourble Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe, gave her condolences to the panel on the death of Superintendent Holder. The Acting Permanent Secretary (PS) also told the committee that with the recent passing of Mr. Holder, Mr. Forbes was not prepared to present to members.

However, she wanted to state that the prison was in “great need.” Dr. Potter said that the number of inmates had increased and space was scarce and they needed to look at a physical plan.

The Acting PS further stated that they need to look at healthcare for inmates considering that the hospital was now under the Health Services Authority.

Dr. Potter also told the SFC that the Prison “was in dire need of a truck”. She did not specify the type of truck or the purpose for which it was required.

There continues to be tension between the Governor’s Office and the Ministry as to their roles in the Prison services, even as earlier this year Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn fired off letters to the United Kingdom appointed Governor William Boyd McCleary over prison procedures.