The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services acknowledges and wishes to address statements of mistreatment of inmates that went viral on social media on Thursday, 8^th April, 2021.

I categorically deny the claim that inmates are treated unfairly and inhumanely while incarcerated at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Additionally, I wish to advise the general public that inmates are allowed three meals per day, daily exercise and showers in accordance with the Human Rights Convention, standard minimum treatment of offenders and the Correctional Service Act 2014.

Further, the southern wing of the Maximum Security Housing Unit has just been recently renovated as part of our improvement project. This area is designated as a NO SMOKING ZONE to which all inmates placed in that housing unit are aware.

It was brought to my attention that inmates are smoking in the unit which created a problem for inmates who do not smoke. Inmates were also found damaging the walls and cells doors in the newly renovated unit with the cigarettes. They have been warned to discontinue this practice many times to no avail.

Therefore, Administration took the position to discontinue the issuance of cigarettes to preserve health and safety of all inmates and to protect the infrastructure within Maximum Security and the interest of the general public at large.