Government is to launch a public inquiry into the death of prison inmate Steven (Pepe) Dill.

Mr. Dill died at the Farm Facility in St. George's on December 19, 2001 after pleading for medical assistance for seven hours after suffering an asthma attack.

An inquest into the death in October last year ruled that Mr. Dill, 41, died as a result of "the absence of timely medical intervention from the complication of bronchial asthma, which was possibly exacerbated by poly-drug abuse".

But last month Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Kulandra Ratneser ruled that no criminal charges would be brought in the case, adding that, "a prosecution would not be in the public interest".

Yesterday Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton said: "During the past week, I have discussed the issue of an inquiry with His Excellency the Governor, the Commissioner of Prisons, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and the remainder of my Cabinet colleagues.

"I wish to announce a public inquiry will be held to determine any weaknesses in the Island's correctional system relating to the medical care of inmates, and to determine which changes should be made in keeping with modern day medical care for persons who are incarcerated."

Details of the composition of the board and its terms of reference will be announced during the coming weeks.

Mr. Dill, a father of two who lived on Dundonald Street, Pembroke, had been jailed for possession of drugs.

Minister Horton continued: "It is a sad irony that the announcement of the public inquiry relating to Mr. Dill's death should virtually coincide with the announcement of the sudden death of Mr. Earnest 'Hey's' Johnston, an inmate at Westgate Correctional Facility, who died on Friday.

"Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and friends of both Mr. Dill and Mr. Johnston."

Shadow Home Affairs spokesman Maxwell Burgess said he was encouraged by the news. He said: "This will allow, at the end of the day, the prison service to get on with what it is charged to do, hopefully bring closure to the family and give guidance to the Government on what it should do."