Penal reform consultant to visit Montserrat

Saturday, January 10, 2004

BRADES, Montserrat: Wendy Singh, a regional penal reform consultant, will visit Montserrat on January 16 to conduct a feasibility study on the establishment of a regional prison service.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has undertaken a project to review national prison services.

Singh will hold talks with the Governor and the Chief Minister.

She will also meet with other relevant stakeholders including the Attorney General, Permanent Secretary -Administration, Senior Magistrate, Registrar of Courts, Commissioner of Police and the Superintendent of Prisons.

Sarita Francis, Permanent Secretary in the Office of Chief Minister, said arrangements are also being made for Ms Singh to meet with members of the Montserrat Bar Association.

While there have been tangible benefits in the quality of social and economic infrastructure of the OECS region, there is the growing concern that the worsening crime situation and the limitations of the criminal justice system can inadvertently erode the social and economic development attained over time.

Empirical evidence has also shown that this trend is placing tremendous strain on the capacity of institutions such as the Courts, Police and Prisons.

In addressing these concerns member states have agreed to examine the efficacy of regionalizing the police and prison services.

Singh holds a Master's degree in International Relations. Her major area of study: International Human Rights Law and Diplomacy, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, USA.

Singh has fourteen years experience working in the field of criminal justice and human rights. She has served as general coordinator of Caribbean Human Rights Network - a regional non-governmental organisation located in Barbados, specializing in human rights promotion, defense and advocacy Singh has worked with a number of regional governments including Grenada, Dominica and St Lucia on penal reform programmes and is a founding member of Penal Reform International. 

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