BCF “Resilient” Despite September Like No Other

Over the last couple of weeks the Bordelais Correctional Facility has found itself in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons. Three (3) separate incidents have left as many inmates dead in the aftermath. The first taking place on September 16. Forty-five-year-old inmate Kevin ‘Goats’ or ‘Carlos’ Wilson was found unresponsive in his cell. He was on the mental health case list of the correctional facility. The second incident saw twenty-one-year-old Noah Peter’s body being found stabbed on Wednesday, September 15 with fellow inmates tightlipped about the circumstances. He too succumbed to his injuries and passed away on Saturday September 18, 2021. The third incident is that Yohan Henry, a 23-year-old who became victim number 3 after an explosion in the tailor shop of the facility by what has been deemed an “industrial accident”. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

A meeting was held on Friday, October 1 which was presided over by Home Affiars Minister, Virginia Albert Poyotte. At the meeting, BCF Director, Hilary Herman reported that under his guidance the facility remains resilient and dedicated to the safety and security of staff and inmates alike. The director expressed optimism that the facility is being supported in overcoming its perennial challenges including some operational changes that will in short order be addressed, some of the areas requiring critical attention.

Apart from addressing management and security concerns, the BCF is also addressing the trauma that both inmates and staff may have experienced in recent times.

“We have had counsellors on compound to speak with inmates and officers who were in the vicinity of any of the tragic incidents that occurred recently.  We have a volunteer from a civil society organization and the Employee Assistance Programme within the Public Service is also providing the counselling support.  It has been well received and we really thank the counsellors for that. We are placing a high priority on the healing process right now” explained Mr. Herman.

The Bordelais Correctional Facility continues to work closely with family members with regards to the burial of their loved ones. “We are communicating with them. We would appreciate and recognize that they have lost a loved one. In at least one of the matters the burial arrangements is fairly advanced,” said Mr. Herman.

The Bordelais Correctional Facility (BCF) extends condolences to all the bereaved.