TNN News understands that tensions are continuing to rise at the Westgate Correctional Facility, where inmates have now been without reliable running water for approximately four days.
According to information reaching TNN, water was reportedly restored for only three to four hours two days ago before the supply was lost again.
The continuing disruption is said to have left conditions inside the facility increasingly unbearable, particularly for inmates housed in the E2 and E3 units, who are reportedly refusing to be locked inside their cells last night under normal prison procedures.
Prisoners are normally secured in their cells from approximately 7:30 p.m. until 7:30 a.m.
TNN understands that inmates are demanding that Commissioner of Corrections Mrs. Joel-Benjamin come to the facility and personally address the prison population today.
The inmates of E-2, E-3 maximum security including remand units and the segregation unit-are reportedly seeking answers about when the water problem will be resolved and why, after several days of disruption, no senior prison official has formally addressed them about the situation.
TNN understands that no Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner or chief officer has addressed the inmate population regarding the ongoing water crisis, the anticipated timeline for a permanent resolution, or to acknowledge the inmates’ continued patience.
Of particular concern is the reported condition of cells being used during the outage.
TNN understands that prison policy does not permit a prisoner to be assigned to a cell without a functioning toilet or access to running water at the sink.
Yet, according to information provided to TNN, all inmates have continued to be locked in their cells despite the ongoing water problems.
At this time, TNN understands that there has been no reported violence or vandalism connected to the situation.
The inmates remain peaceful, but sources inside the facility say frustration is reaching a critical point.
Some prisoners are reportedly pleading for senior government officials to intervene, including the Minister responsible for Corrections the Attorney General, and are also calling for the Premier to come to the facility and address them directly.
The message coming from inside Westgate is that the inmates’ patience is running out.
They want answers.
They want a timeline.
And, most importantly, they want someone in authority to come before them and explain what is being done to restore basic water services.
Speaking directly to a group of inmates they stated “We are human beings who have committed crimes and we are paying our debt to society, We are not animals We are fathers, brothers, and sons of men and women throughout this Bermuda society. We need help now.”
TNN News will continue to monitor the situation closely and is seeking responses from the relevant authorities regarding the ongoing water disruption, the reported conditions inside the facility, and when inmates can expect the problem to be permanently resolved.
Stay tuned to TNN News for further updates on this developing story.
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