The April Assizes concluded last week Wednesday with the spotlight on the significant challenges faced by the nation’s prison system.
The completion of 18 out of 79 matters listed for adjudication in the Criminal High Courts underscored the pressing need for reforms.
The closing ceremony was presided over by Madam Justice Paula Gilford at the St. George’s No. 1 High Court, who was accompanied by her colleague Justices Agnes Actie, Shawn Innocent, and Raulston Glasgow.
Senior Prison Officer Elvin Sylvester provided a detailed breakdown of the prison population, which comprises 372 inmates, including three females, ten non-nationals, and 28 receiving treatment for mental conditions.
Sylvester pointed out that the current physical structure of the prison is a major challenge, emphasising the authority’s inability to separate seasoned inmates from first-time and young offenders, as well as mentally challenged inmates from the general population.
“The continued mixing of these groups has negatively impacted the rehabilitation and recidivism rates of inmates,” he said.
Attorney Jerry Edwin expressed grave concerns, describing the prison as unsuitable for vulnerable persons and threatened to withhold his services from the court if substantial measures are not taken to address the issue.
“The vulnerable suffer,” Edwin stated, adding that “for the past decades since I’ve been here, there have been calls to remove mentally challenged inmates from within the prison… (that) has it fallen on deaf ears.”
In addition to the prison conditions, the lack of relevant technology in the judiciary was also a significant concern.
Attorney Edwin touched on the dire need for modern technology in the courts, noting, “Here in Grenada, we have no screens.”
He elaborated that while the technology exists, there has been a lack of willpower to improve the conditions of advocacy in the court.
According to Edwin, the recently passed court recording legislation does not cover the use of technology in the courts.
“Let us be clear – it does not cover the use of technology in the courts neither has it done anything to improve the conditions of advocacy in these courts,” he remarked.
The April Assizes saw 59 matters traversed to the September Assizes, which will commence on September 19.
Five matters, including the case involving Stephen Croney, who was found guilty of non-capital murder in May, are awaiting sentencing.