Prison Superintendent’s Power to Reduce Sentences to Be Reviewed

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the Government will move to restrict the prison superintendent’s authority to grant inmates sentence reductions of up to one-third.

Browne said he has advised Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin to review and curtail the superintendent’s powers of remission as part of the administration’s broader sentencing reforms.

“I’ve advised the Attorney General to cut the powers of the prison superintendent,” Browne announced. “Going forward, he will not have the opportunity to give any one-third rebates.”

The Prime Minister argued that the combined effect of guilty-plea discounts at the court level and remission for good behaviour in prison could reduce already short sentences to a fraction of the original term.

He gave the example of an offender receiving a six-year sentence, obtaining a substantial discount at sentencing and then becoming eligible for further remission while incarcerated.

According to Browne, such reductions can result in serious offenders spending only 18 months or two years behind bars.

He questioned whether avoiding fights or disciplinary problems in prison should automatically entitle an inmate to a substantial reduction.

Browne suggested that the system should place greater emphasis on penalties for misconduct rather than guaranteeing significant discounts for basic compliance with prison rules.

He said the present arrangements weaken deterrence, reduce the time available for rehabilitation and contribute to repeat offending.

The Government’s proposed changes are expected to form part of a wider package addressing sentencing guidelines, minimum penalties and the maximum terms available to the Magistrates’ Court and High Court.