A Westgate inmate claims prisoners are living in mould-infested cells and are watched over by prison officers who are unfit to perform their duties

The convicted criminal insists prisoners are denied access to social workers or the right to practice their religion.

In a letter to The Royal Gazette listing a catalogue of concerns, the inmate said that if some of the “major problems” at the prison were addressed, recidivism rates would “drop tremendously”.

“First, I want the public to know that we as inmates understand that we are incarcerated for breaking the law in one form or another but we need you to know we are still human beings — sons, fathers, uncles etc,” the anonymous inmate said, adding that he feared being punished if his identity was revealed.

The inmate went on to say that Commissioner Eddie Lamb was rarely at the facility and as a result, “knows nothing about the prisons he is being paid to run”.

He also criticised the majority of prison officers who were “far from professional” and “unfit for this job mentally and physically”.

The letter then lists a series of complaints, including cells that are infested with mould and safety alert buttons “that have not worked in years”.

“If I became sick in my cell, the chances of getting life-saving help are nil,” the inmate said.

Addressing the conduct of prison officers, the inmate said: “Are basic officers getting paid to read novels and eat Buzz when they should be observing the unit they are assigned to? Should a basic officer be allowed to take power naps when they should be observing the unit? Am I safe?

“Officers are slandering inmates’ names when they should be encouraging us to return to society as productive men.

“Why would officers sexually flirt with inmates? Is this a club?”

The inmate also claimed that “case workers and social workers are not being available to those who reach out and need help”, and that inmates were continually confused by regulations “that are changed daily”.

“Do prison officers ... or chiefs have a right to amend laws that govern us and have been put in place by the legislature, the House of Assembly or our government of the day?” the inmate asked.

“I wrote this letter because these matters need to be addressed before it’s too late. If we, as inmates, are to be held accountable for our conduct within these prisons, we feel Eddie Lamb and his staff should be held accountable for their maladministration.

“Everything I wrote is the truth and nothing but the truth so help me God.

“Please print this so that the public can know what their tax dollars are paying for at HMP. If this is not printed in your paper then we go to Plan B.”

Commissioner Lamb is off-duty until next week and could not be contacted by The Royal Gazette.

This newspaper also e-mailed questions to Premier and Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Security said it was “highly concerning” a letter from an inmate had reached The Royal Gazette and that this was a “clear violation” of prison rules.

Regarding the allegations made by the prisoner, she said air quality in some units had been tested and that the Department of Corrections had remedied any issues. This included a need for more ventilation, so screen doors and operable windows were being fitted in the medium housing units to allow better air flow — this work was 80 percent complete, she said.

The spokeswoman added that a cleaning company was in the process of being contracted and that a strict facility cleaning regime had been enacted.

The Department said safety mechanisms in the cell units were operational, and that they had a zero policy towards harassment or any other inappropriate behaviour displayed by corrections officers. Any concerns of unprofessional conduct would be addressed by the Commissioner of Corrections, the spokeswoman said.

She added that a Chaplain visited Westgate daily and that an application process was in place regarding inmates seeking to meet with their case managers and social workers.

Any concerns about inmates being denied access to case workers and social workers would be reviewed internally, the spokeswoman said.

The Ministry stated that officers were expected to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently — non-compliance or negligence would result in disciplinary action.

Regarding claims Commissioner Lamb was rarely at Westgate, the Ministry said all public servants were entitled to annual leave and that Commissioner Lamb had perfect attendance last year. When he is on annual leave, someone is assigned in an acting capacity.

The spokeswoman added that Premier and Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley “has every confidence in the men and women who serve in the ranks of the Department of Corrections”.

The Royal Gazette has decided not to print the letter we received in full as it contains certain unsubstantiated allegations.

Editor’s note: On occasion The Royal Gazette may decide to not allow comments on what we consider to be a controversial or contentious story. As we are legally liable for any defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers.