By Sue-Ann Wayow

PARLIAMENT is expected to convene for an extraordinary sitting on Monday to discuss the further extension of the State of Emergency (SoE).

According to the Order Paper, a motion will also be brought to Parliament to appoint any place as a prison.

The Order Paper for Monday’s sitting of the House of Representatives, at 1.30 pm, was released on Thursday night.

Government will be seeking to extend the SoE for a further three-month period in a motion to be brought by Attorney General John Jeremie.

The SoE was declared on July 18 by President Christine Kangaloo acting on advice of the government.

The reason given by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro was to dismantle communication amongst a criminal syndicate with persons operating inside and outside of prisons.

Since the declaration, five people have been killed in altercations with police, three persons kidnapped found alive, a murder suspect arrested, and a quantity of arms, ammunition and narcotics seized by officers across the various policing divisions.

The motion to appoint any place as a prison will also be brought by Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander.

According to the Prisons Act chapter 13:01, the minister may by Order appoint any place a convict depot or a prison. An Order made under that subsection to appoint any place as a prison shall be subject to affirmative resolution of Parliament.

Following the declaration of the SoE, several prisoners were transported to other locations where communication was limited. While one prisoner contested the move in court, his request was denied.

The Act also states, “The Commissioner of Prisons may transfer prisoners from any prison to any other prison as in his discretion may be necessary.”