Dear Editor,
Extensive works at a substantial cost for the reinforcement of security at the Suddie Police Station lock-ups were completed by a private contractor several months ago, but yet for all of that, they are still to be put into use. There have been reports that the job was not properly done, and since taxpayers’ money was used for the job it is their right to know what is really taking place.
I understand that a consultant’s design for the execution of the works was given to the contractor, but in the end, the newly constructed lock-ups were found to be lacking adequate ventilation.
The incarceration of human beings under inhumane conditions should not be tolerated, and corrective measures to provide enough ventilation should be taken as early as possible. In the meantime, concerns have been raised by residents whose relatives were detained by the Suddie police about the hardship and inconvenience they have to endure in the absence of the lock-ups which have not been functioning for almost one year now. The alternatives are the lock-ups at Aurora station some 6 miles away, and at Anna Regina, 12 -odd miles away. This is hard on the relatives of those in custody, and is expensive in terms of travel since they have to take meals which are not otherwise available.
Many a time detained persons in the Aurora and Anna Regina lock-ups are held longer than the stipulated 72 hours, which makes it even more difficult for relatives in an impecunious position.
Yours faithfully,
Baliram Persaud
