Shadow Social Services Minister Ms Renee Webb has called for board of inquiry into problems at the new prison.

A recent mini-riot by prisoners at Westgate Correctional Facility, a sick-out by prison officers, and the fact that a prisoner was able to obtain master keys to the prison underscored the need for such an inquiry, Ms Webb said.

Low staff morale and security were also issues that must be examined, she added.

"It is very disconcerting for the public that a maximum security prisoner and convicted murderer Troy Dean Shorter was in possession of the missing prison keys,'' Ms Webb said. "The situation could have become much more volatile had Shorter decided to use the keys rather that turn them in.

"We believe that the recent events warrant an investigation by a Board of Inquiry.'' Ms Webb also told The Royal Gazette there were mixed feelings among prison officers about the solution to Westgate problems.

"Some have said they think (Prisons Commissioner Mr. Edward) Dyer should go and the problem is with top management,'' she said. "And some feel the policies should be changed within the prison.'' In spite of the mini-riot, sick-out, and security breach, Ms Webb said she could not believe Mr. Dyer had given the prison a B-minus.

"What would it take for him to give it a failing grade?'' she asked.

And while she said she did not believe she was qualified to call for Mr.

Dyer's resignation, Ms Webb said a board of inquiry or a committee could be set up by the Social Services Minister to look into the situation.

Such a board or committee should include the Commissioner, prison officers, and prisoners, Ms Webb said.

"The current prison committee which includes Mr. Dyer, assistant commissioners, the prison psychologist, and an administrative officer should be expanded to include prisoners,'' she stressed. "Officers and representatives from the prison population should meet regularly in order to enhance the effective management of the prison.'' By including prisoners, she said, it will help to "enhance effective management of the prison''.

"The review that takes place should include the prisoners because just like in any business if management want to get workers to do anything, they include them in the decision making,'' Ms Webb said. "The same should apply in the prisons.

"Including prisoners could enhance the rehabilitation process because there is a cross section of prisoners in terms of education and ability.'' Also noting the 71 percent rate of recidivism at the prison, Ms Webb said "this indicates some of the programmes in place are not working''.

When contacted, Social Services Minister the Hon. Harry Soares -- who spent some five hours yesterday with prison officials, including his Permanent Secretary and Prisons Commissioner Mr. Edward Dyer, and three hours being brought up to speed on hospital matters -- said: "I won't be doing things in a panic situation. We will have to assess the (prison) situation.

He said the whole prison system was being reviewed.

However, Mr. Soares said he needed time to educate himself and make sure the situation was handled professionally.