(CMR) Over 20 inmates scheduled to be released from prison in Barbados will have to wait longer because of an outbreak of COVID-19 at the facility.
Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams said Her Majesty’s Prison Dodds would not be taking or releasing prisoners at this time due to the outbreak, Barbados Today reported.
There were 26 prisoners to be released in January. The prison is now looking at how their release can be done safely and promptly.
Abrahams said it was a priority to get persons who have served their sentence out. He said,
“We are under a period of no one in, no one out, that was ordered by the Chief Medical Officer.”
However, he added that the prison would be making arrangements to separate those who are due for release and have them tested over a set time. They will be released if they have two negative COVID-19 tests during that period.
“From the time you have been separated, and you get your second test, you are free to go,” Abrahams said.
Due to the virus outbreak at the prison, Abrahams said there would be no unnecessary remands there.
Almost 300 inmates and over 70 wardens at Her Majesty’s Prison Dodds have tested positive for the coronavirus.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
