Release from Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service

On Thursday, 9th April 2015, a camera was discovered covertly recording in a senior manager’s office at Her Majesty’s Prison Northward. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service was contacted and opened an investigation into the matter. One officer has been suspended pending further investigation.

Whilst the investigation is ongoing, details are being withheld. The Ministry of Home Affairs has been advised. The Director of Prisons, Mr. Neil Lavis said, “It is regrettable that someone has seen fit to invade another person’s privacy in such a manner. I am committed to uncovering the parties involved.” An internal investigation is ongoing.

Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service was opened in 1982 to secure persons committed to serve prison time by the Cayman Islands Judiciary. The Prison Service plays a key role in keeping the citizens of the Cayman Islands safe. Responsibilities of the service include taking care of all adult and juvenile offenders in custody, as well as ensuring that court orders are followed and community standards upheld. In addition to public safety, the Prison Service is also committed to providing opportunities for all inmates to rehabilitate themselves, improving their chances of a positive life after release. Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service consists of three facilities, Her Majesty’s Prison Northward provides services to convicted and pre-trial adult male prisoners, Her Majesty’s Prison Fairbanks provides services to convicted and pre-trial female adult, young and juvenile prisoners and Eagle House Rehabilitation Centre that provides service to convicted and pre-trial male young and juvenile prisoners. HMP Northward suffered a riot in 1999, when A wing, B wing, Eagle House (which held female prisoners) and some ancillary buildings were set on fire. These buildings were mainly repaired and bought back into use. HM Prison Fairbanks, formerly an immigration centre, came into existence as a female establishment as a direct consequence of the riots.

Director of Prisons: Neil Lavis
Workforce: 142 employees.
Annual budget: $12.5 million
Annual Revenue: $ Nil

Number of Inmates Held: (08/13)
Northward: 166
Fairbanks: 16

Certified normal accommodation:
Northward: 165
Fairbanks: 35