In response to recent allegations circulating in a viral video clip, the Home Affairs and Information Minister, Wilfred Abrahams, has vehemently denied claims of a cover-up related to an incident at Dodds prison in Barbados. The incident involved the apprehension of an individual attempting to smuggle contraband into the facility.
Minister Abrahams clarified that there is no association between the individual involved in the incident and the National Peace Programme, which operates under the supervision of Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General, Corey Lane.
According to Minister Abrahams, the Barbados Prison Service acted on credible information indicating an attempt to introduce contraband into Dodds prison. Upon the individual’s arrival, they were identified and subsequently subjected to a search at the main checkpoint. The search revealed two flash drives concealed in a compartment of their bag.
Following an interview with the Acting Superintendent of Prisons, the Barbados Police Service was promptly notified. The individual was then handed over to law enforcement authorities and escorted off the prison compound.
Minister Abrahams emphasized that at the time of the incident, the individual was participating in an organized volunteer rehabilitation programme focused on film techniques. This programme, he stressed, is entirely separate from the National Peace Programme and is aimed at equipping inmates with marketable skills to facilitate their reintegration into society upon release.
The individual was subsequently released by the Barbados Police Service without charge, as the unauthorized flash drives were deemed non-threatening to prison security.
Addressing concerns of a cover-up, Minister Abrahams underscored the transparent handling of the incident, stating that operational successes at the prison are not routinely publicized for reasons of national security. He refuted allegations of any concealment, affirming that the incident was managed in accordance with established protocols.
