Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn says the 65 prisoners who were released early had each served one-third of their sentence and had displayed commendable behaviour. The Minister submitted this written response to questions posed by Opposition Member of Parliament, Geeta Chandan-Edmond over concerns of the early release of the prisoners.
The response was circulated at the 14th sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday. In November, Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels had announced that the prisoners were released early. Chandan-Edmond had also requested the names, length of sentence and offences committed by the prisoners.
However, the Minister, in his response, noted that names and length of prisoners’ incarceration will not be stated, but can be shown to Chandan-Edmond in confidence. He said the information will not be made public unless the person is alleged to have become recidivist.
Minister Benn did, however, provide a breakdown of the offences committed. They are manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving, abduction, armed robbery, robbery, unlawful and malicious wounding, unlawful assault, bestiality, attempt to commit a felony, trafficking in cannabis, trafficking in cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, break and enter larceny, affiliation arrears, damage to property, breach of protection order, simple larceny, fraudulent conversion, escape from lawful custody, contempt of court and fraud.
