The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

SUPERINTENDENT of Prisons Dr Elliston Rahming apologised to appellate court judges for the late arrival of prisoners to that court two weeks ago.

The prison chief explained that the incident was not a "contemptuous" act on his agency's behalf, or an attempt to disobey the court.

In yesterday's session, Dr Rahming explained what caused the delay on March 12.

He said the prison bus had been disabled in an accident a week before.

As a result, the Prison Department asked for and received assistance from its "sister agency", the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

However on the day in question, the police bus broke also down, causing the delay, Supt Rahming said.

Court of Appeal President Justice Anita Allen asked: "When was that corrected?"

"Later that morning" he replied.

On March 12 in an appellate court session, a senior police officer in charge of receiving inmates for court said it was not the police's official duty to transport prisoners to court, and they only offer assistance to the prison.

Justice Allen made an order for the prison chief to be summoned on March 28.

The Court of Appeal begins at 10am and prides itself on being punctual. However, there have been occasions when proceedings have begun late.

At the time of the delay, the appellate court president voiced her displeasure at the tardiness. Her colleagues Justices Christopher Blackman and Stanley John agreed.

Dr Rahming said 100 or more inmates are transported to court every weekday of the year at around 9am.

Prison officials also have to transport remand inmates to the new remand court near the prison.

With their own bus disabled, he said fulfilling these responsibilities has been difficult, adding that the bus should soon be fixed.

The appellate court president asked him what time prisoners are collected and brought to the remand court, and he said for 10am.

She suggested that as the higher court, the Supreme Court should get preference and the remand court should begin at 11am.

The prison chief said this was beyond his control, but said he does believe prisoners should be taken to court earlier.

The judges accepted his apology and explanation, but told him the situation needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.