Bordelais Deputy Chief Sounds Alarm on Overcrowding and Justice Delays

Acting Deputy Director of Corrections at the Bordelais Correctional Facility (BCF), Chris Felix has raised concerns about overcrowding at the island’s maximum security prison and delays in the justice system. In his report presented to the High Court, Felix highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the penal institution. His detailed presentation to an audience that included judges, defence attorneys, police officers, prosecutors, and other key stakeholders underscored the strain the BCF is experiencing. As of December 18, the facility was operating at 95 per cent capacity, housing 579 inmates. Among those, 373 are remand prisoners, many of whom face lengthy delays in trial and hearings. “Rehabilitation is the overarching responsibility of the Bordelais Correctional Facility, but overcrowding remains a major concern,” he said. The inmate population includes 184 on charges of murder or causing death, 23 for attempted murder, 37 for assault-related crimes, 70 for weapons and ammunition offences, and 80 for sexual offences. There are 10 foreign nationals from countries including the United States, Venezuela, and Jamaica. Felix pointed out that many inmates are affected by delays in the judicial process. Currently, 175 inmates await sufficiency hearings at the High Court, and a large number of cases are still...