The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

SIX senior inmates of the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys are still on the loose after a weekend breakout, it was revealed yesterday.

The escape, and disturbances at both of the country’s juvenile detention centres have uncovered serious problems and left Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin deeply concerned.

She told Parliament yesterday: “Since assuming responsibility for the centres, I have become more acutely aware of the critical issues at both facilities which require urgent attention if the rehabilitative role of these institutions is to achieve any measure of success.

“Notably, lapses in security initiatives have led to increased abscondments at both centres and steps to continue to improve the security at both facilities.”

Mrs Griffin reported that on Sunday, seven inmates, all over the age of 16, escaped from Simpson Penn. However, one was later captured.

The background of the missing inmates has not been disclosed, but the population of Simpson Penn can include young men accused of crimes such as armed robbery, as well as those with less violent behavioural problems.

The minister said that the following night, a disturbance took place at the Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls, “due to the disorderly behaviour of several residents.”

The police had to be called before order could be restored.

“I was made aware of the matter around 10.30pm on Monday night,” Mrs Griffin said, “and immediately proceeded to the centre along with senior

staff of the ministry and Department of Social Services where officers from the Elizabeth Estates Police Station were already on site.

“Action was taken in consultation with the staff and the police to diffuse the situation.”

However, she said, another disturbance took place at around 2am, and the police had to return yet again.

The minister emphasised the “deplorable physical condition” of Simpson Penn and spoke of the efforts to improve the facility.

“These include the repair and replacement of light fixtures in the dormitories, which I am assured are tamper resistant; the replacement of water closets in the bathrooms of the cottages and the clearing of overgrown bush.

“More work remains to be done and this is being addressed by my ministry in consultation with the Ministry of Works and Urban Development.”

Mrs Griffin said that while the Willie Mae Pratt Centre is not in such bad shape, some work needs to be done.

“Both centres,” she said, “have outgrown their current facilities and focused attention has to be given to the redevelopment of these facilities in keeping with the new trends and techniques for juvenile detention facilities.”

Mrs Griffin assured the public that the government is “committed to providing the resources for the short term measures required to restore good order and security to the centres, improve conditions for the residents and staff and put in place the programmes which are so vital to the personal development and rehabilitation of residents.”