Prisons Commissioner Sterling Stewart yesterday said a clean-up exercise was needed to rid the Prisons Service of “cancerous” rogue elements. He said administrative action had been taken against three officers assigned to the Port-of-Spain prison from where three inmates escaped on July 24.
Stewart’s said so after a number of newspaper reports that seven prisons officers faced suspension, with some soon to be charged by police. He said while at this stage of the investigation the means by which destructive items entered into the prisons were yet to be determined it was clear they were not brought in by “ghosts” but by treacherous individuals working together on this sinister escape plan.
On July 24, three men—Hassan Atwell, Allan “Scanny” Martin and Christopher “Monster” Selby—broke out of the Port-of-Spain State Prison armed with a gun and a hand grenade and engaged in a shootout with police. Police officer Sherman Maynard died in a police vehicle during the shootout. Martin was killed by police that same day while Atwell’s body was found riddled with bullets one day later in east Port-of-Spain.
Selby, who turned himself in to police two days after the escape, was charged with Maynard’s murder among other charges. He appeared in court on Monday facing ten charges, including Maynard’s murder. Stewart, who had been silent since the prison break, broke his silence in a press release late yesterday.
He said the administrative action taken by the Prisons Service was part of a thorough investigation, incorporating all available intelligence and resources to not only bring closure but also to address all the concerns being presented to us.
He added: “At this stage of the investigation, we are yet to determine the means by which these destructive items entered into the prisons. What is manifestly clear, however, is that they were not brought in by ‘ghosts’ but by treacherous individual working together on this sinister escape plan. “It has been mandated that the investigation be done thoroughly, but swiftly, with a clear message being sent to all that the nefarious, underhand dealings of negative elements shall not be tolerated.”
Stewart said the recent events had made it blatantly clear that there were rogue elements plaguing the prisons system, “seeking to wreak havoc and bring our Prisons Service into disrepute.” He said the lives of officers, of fellow national security officers and of the public were placed in grave danger.
He added: “We can no longer have confidence in mere human resources. The time has come for us to have access to and use of all the technology available to us and all that can be obtained. “The Minister of Justice has advised that measures are being in put in place for the procurement and implementation of CCTV systems, full body and hand-held scanners in the shortest possible time.
“These we anxiously await as they will undoubtedly improve our static security competencies and overall outputs.” Stewart advised the committed and dedicated officers to be professional at all times in the performance of their duties and service. “It is with our dedication, commitment and perseverance, that we will reclaim our prisons and bring justice to those who seek only to destroy and cast a dark shadow over us.
“I want my officers to rest assured that as your commissioner, I am committed to work with you for the development of the service; ensuring your security and your safety. We will not cower but stride with heads held high,” he added. He also sought to reassure the public that the T&T Prisons Service was unwavering in its commitment to the protection of society.