PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday morning, Prisoners at Pointe Blanche Prison were locked in their cells until after midday because no prison guard showed up to work at the facility.
SMN News has been reliably informed that the prisoners at Pointe Blanche Prison were not fed or let out.
The source said even the prison management did not show up on Saturday, leaving the prisoners without basic necessities since they were all locked in their cells on Friday afternoon.
According to information provided to SMN News, the Prisons have been short-staffed for years. Even though several Ministers of Justice have been sworn into office since 2010, not one of them made any effort to recruit more prison guards or to find a solution to the problems facing prison guards who were forced to go on sick leave.
In an invited comment, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling said, “What transpired at Pointe Blanche Prison this morning is deeply concerning and completely unacceptable. Regardless of their circumstances, every individual is entitled to humane treatment, and I fully understand the frustration and concerns this situation has caused.
The facility has been severely understaffed for years, and while this issue is complex and not easily resolved overnight, it has my full attention. Since taking office, I have been actively working on long-term solutions to improve staffing levels and overall conditions at the prison.
To clarify, I was available and accessible for comment and remain open to discussing these pressing concerns. My focus is on meaningful action, and I will continue working toward the reforms necessary to improve the functioning of our prison system and the entire Justice chain.”
