NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Commissioner of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Charles Murphy refutes recent allegations made in THE TRIBUNE daily that inmates are living in “desperate” conditions with inadequate protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a Bahamas Department of Corrections review of the claims made a week ago, Commissioner Murphy confirms that the prison is stocked with sufficient supplies during the lockdown period, with no shortage or rationing of meals for inmates.

“There is simply no truth to what was written,” Commissioner Murphy stated. “Inmates are fed three meals per day and there is no cutback on inmates’ meals during any serving, and inmates are receiving their daily exercise.

“We have also confirmed that supplies continue to be issued every week or when requested.”

Included in these supplies given to each inmate in the male and female facilities, are bleach, disinfectant, washing powder, hand towels, garbage bags, soap, toothpaste and toilet tissue for use in keeping their environment sanitized.

Commissioner Murphy said the Department also made it a priority to conduct regular checks and searches for illegal items and contrabands. Whenever these items are found, he said the culprits are dealt with by the law, as is standard.

Given early proactive measures to avoid any cases of COVID-19 within the facility, the Commissioner said there were still no reported cases of infection.

“As it relates to COVID-19, there is no truth to the claim that any inmate has COVID-19,” he reassured. “Please note that when the first case was announced, our facility went into lockdown and COVID-19 prevention mode.”

To date, the prison is still adhering to the following protocols that were put in place for the protection of inmates and officers alike:

• All activities with the public were suspended;
• All officers and staff were screened and are being screened;
• Hand washing stations were installed in strategic areas in the facility;
• All inmates coming in for the first time are screened by our medical personnel and placed in quarantine for fourteen (14) days after which they are examined again by the medical personnel before they are placed in general population;
• Masks, hand sanitizers, face shields and gloves are issued to the staff on every shift;
• Inmates are issued hand sanitizers and masks;
• Re-useable masks are being made within the Department. The majority of staff and the inmate population have received a pair of masks;
• Deep cleaning was carried out in the facility;
• The number of inmates in our work gangs have been reduced so as to practice social distancing. Officers are also advised to practice social distancing wherever possible, and the washing of their hands.

Commissioner Murphy welcomes any individual or inmate to “turn in” anyone involved in illegal activity at BDOCs.