A group of concerned family members has come forward alleging that deteriorating conditions inside Bermuda’s Westgate Correctional Facility have reached a crisis point, calling on the Government, independent oversight bodies, human rights organizations, and the public to take immediate action.
Speaking on behalf of their incarcerated loved ones, the families claim prison officials and the Government have failed to address longstanding concerns, leaving inmates to endure conditions they describe as “inhumane.”
According to the families, the issues at Westgate are not isolated incidents but systemic problems that have existed for years without meaningful intervention.
Among the concerns raised is the lack of air conditioning throughout the facility. During Bermuda’s hottest months, inmates are reportedly forced to endure extreme temperatures inside housing units, creating what relatives describe as unbearable living conditions.
They further allege that when heavy rain falls, sections of the prison flood, yet resources appear to be directed toward additional fencing and security cameras rather than repairing the aging infrastructure where inmates are housed.
The families also claim mold is widespread throughout the correctional facility, including inside cells, housing units, and even in the kitchen where meals are prepared. They argue that no one should be expected to live or eat in such an environment.
Additional allegations include prisoners being confined overnight in cells where toilets do not flush, forcing them to remain in close quarters with human waste until maintenance issues are addressed.
Family members also describe an ongoing termite infestation in some housing areas, claiming insects emerge from desks and other fixtures day and night, invading inmates’ living spaces despite repeated reports to prison authorities.
Serious concerns have also been raised regarding the parole process.
Relatives allege that several inmates who have completed the required portions of their sentences and are eligible for parole continue to face unexplained delays.
According to information shared with TNN News, three inmates serving life sentences have reportedly been informed that their parole paperwork is being processed. However, family members allege that one senior female officer has failed to process the required documentation and has refused to meet with the inmates involved.
These allegations have not been independently verified by TNN News.
One inmate, speaking through his parents, reportedly stated that during his seven years at Westgate he has never seen the Commissioner of Corrections visit the lower housing units.
The families further claim internal emails exist showing concerns about parole paperwork not being processed in a timely manner. If substantiated, they argue, such allegations could represent a serious abuse of authority and warrant an independent investigation.
Medical care is another major concern.
Families allege that inmates suffering from serious injuries are not consistently being referred for appropriate specialist treatment, leaving some to live in pain while their conditions worsen.
They also argue that rehabilitation opportunities remain severely limited. According to relatives, educational, vocational and life-skills programmes are either minimal or unavailable, making it difficult for inmates to prepare for successful reintegration into society upon release. To be honest it’s nothing for inmates to do but kill time.
Family members say inmates themselves have attempted to introduce constructive activities and ideas to stimulate learning, develop skills and occupy their time positively. However, they claim those initiatives are frequently rejected by prison administrators.
“This is not about asking for special treatment,” one family member said. “This is about basic human dignity, accountability and transparency. Losing your freedom should not mean losing your basic human rights.”
The group is calling on the Bermuda Government, the Department of Corrections, independent oversight bodies, human rights organizations and the media to investigate the conditions inside Westgate Correctional Facility.
They argue that while those incarcerated may have lost their liberty through their actions, they have not lost their humanity.
“They are fathers, brothers, uncles and grandfathers,” one relative said. “Many have made mistakes, but their sentence should not include living in conditions that are unsafe or inhumane.”
TNN News has reached out to the Department of Corrections and the Ministry responsible for corrections for comment on the allegations raised by the families.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Sen. The Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP: Submitted a response to the TNN Westgate story.
“The concerns raised regarding conditions, medical care, rehabilitation and the operation of Westgate Correctional Facility have already been addressed publicly.
The Government commissioned a comprehensive independent review of the Department of Corrections, and the report was tabled in the Senate in May.
It contains 75 recommendations covering living conditions, the treatment of inmates, rehabilitation and detainee management.
A post-inspection action plan is active, and the Ministry is working through the recommendations in a structured and phased manner.
The Ministry is not aware of any unnecessary delays in the processing of parole matters.
Should specific information be provided regarding an individual case, it can be referred to the appropriate authorities for review.
The Government recognises the challenges identified at Westgate and remains focused on implementing practical reforms that improve conditions, strengthen accountability and support safer outcomes for inmates and staff.”
This is a developing story, and TNN News will continue to follow the matter as more information becomes available.
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