Surge in firearm crime, rising high-risk remands, prison chief warns

Superintendent of Prisons DeCarlo Payne issued a stark warning about the escalation of firearm-related crime in Barbados and its ripple effects on prison operations, as more high-risk offenders are being remanded to Dodds Prison.

Speaking at the Barbados Prison Service’s 168th anniversary medals presentation ceremony at the St Philip facility Superintendent Payne said the situation unfolding in wider society is now being reflected at the correctional facility.

“One of the things you will need to take note of is the increasing prevalence of firearm crimes in the country,” he warned. “Those are raising a lot of alarm among the public. All of us, not just the prison, but all of us in the country have to join hand in hand to ensure that we work together closely to address this phenomenon.”

That surge in gun violence, he said, is not just a policing and prosecutorial matter, as it is a security concern, as more violent offenders are being remanded.

“You will see that a number of high-profile, high-risk inmates are coming into the institution almost daily,” Superintendent Payne revealed. “As a result, we have to ensure that our security posture is constantly adjusting to meet the challenges that these individuals will present to our organisation. Whether you want to accept it as a reality or not, that is where we are right now.”

Payne stressed that the mandate of the prison administration remains uncompromising.

“As the person in charge of the prison it is my remit to ensure the safe and secure custody of all who are here, and it is my intention to do that without flinching.”

He stressed that any lapse in professionalism at the prison from officers will not be tolerated.

“I’m going to employ a zero-tolerance approach to breaches as it relates to national security issues with regards to our prison. I’m making it clear to everybody. What I say, I mean.”

The superintendent also addressed a matter of compensation for officers in relation to the 12-hour shift system, which has been a recurring issue of concern for officers who worked long shifts without fair compensation. He insisted the matter is active, though outside the prison’s direct administrative control.

“I know that staff are eager to get their compensation as it relates to the 12 hours that we would be working, because that was so often you’re seeing things in the Press,” he said. “Just last week I had a call from the Ministry of Home Affairs indicating that the matter is with the Ministry of Finance, and as soon as they address the approvals, we’ll get the green light to make sure those funds are disbursed.”

(SB)