By Sue-Ann Wayow
CEDRIC Neptune who served as Inspector of Prisons of the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service from 2017 to 2019 is once again serving in the post.
His appointment was announced by Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds at a press conference on Monday.
Neptune also received his instruments of appointment from Hinds which takes effect from Monday and will continue for a period of two years.
The minister said it was brought to his attention by Commissioner of Police Dennis Pulchan that there was a vacancy for the post and he began a search in selecting the right individual for the job.
Hinds said his search took him back to Neptune who is the executive holder of a Masters in Business Administration, a student of the Hugh Wooding Law School and the holder of a law degree from the University of London, a long-standing police officer and Chief Security Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC).
“Mr Neptune agreed on the basis of his experience and willingness and as a man of ideas,” he said.
Neptune also indicated to Hinds that he would like to implement measures in the prison system from observing global prison systems.
Hinds said, “The appointment of an Inspector of Prisons is in accordance with Section 19 of the very Prison Act, Chapter 13:01. The duties of that office holder include the visiting of all penal institutions, it includes addressing all breaches of discipline by prisoners, and it also includes attending to their petition when they raise them and they do.”
Other duties include advising the Commissioner of Prisons on any irregularities or any contravention of the law observed during those visits, adjudicating on behalf of prisoners charged for serious offences, and advises on matters directly to him by the Commissioner of Prisons.
Responsibilities also include providing an impartial assessment of the prison system, reporting on prison conditions and acting as adjudicator in disciplinary matters involving prisoners Hinds said.
The minister said Neptune’s role was an extremely important one especially as it related to the constitutional rights of prisoners.
Neptune’s Focus
In answering questions from the media, Neptune said one of his first tasks would be to transform the role of Inspector of Prisons to make it more relevant to the 21st Century with oversight of ten prison facilities and almost 3,000 prisoners, 65% of whom were remanded.
Neptune said, “The dynamics in terms of the reconfiguration of the office, in my respectful view needs to be reconfigured or reengineered. I think that it can be done in two years. Once that is done, it is my respectful view that the results for which the office intended to achieve will in fact be achieved.”
Admitting that the Covid-19 pandemic may pose some challenges, Neptune also said first on his agenda will be meeting with the Prison Service administration in charting the way forward.
Pulchan said Neptune’s appointment will auger well for the Prison Service as he reports directly to the Minister of National Security bringing an impartial balance.
“I think Mr Neptune is quite suitable for this job,” he said.
