These incidents include the September 17, 2023 escape of convict Elwin Lansiquot and the still-missing firearm of a senior correctional officer. Poyotte disclosed law enforcement personnel are diligently investigating the matter.
“[The investigation] into the escaped convict is still ongoing. He’s back behind bars and the judge will rule on whether [the inmate] will receive some stiffer penalty for having violated the law,” the Home Affairs Minister disclosed. She added that the government has expended resources to tighten the security at the prison.
“The fencing around Bordelais, which is almost twenty years old, was falling apart. The government has invested over $5 million to put in new fencing that is more durable and long-lasting. The process is currently ongoing. We want to restrict movement close to the facility,” Poyotte told members of the press.
The Correctional Services Welfare Association had also voiced its concerns to the government relating to airborne drones spotting above the facility in the past. The Home Affairs Minister says measures have been put in place to combat that occurrence. “With regards to the drones, we have also increased security at the facility with cameras that pick up things that are happening there. We know that it will be possible for security persons at the prison to pick up any strange movements or objects within that vicinity.”
The Minister also commented on the missing firearm. This matter, she says, is also under investigation. “At the Correctional Facility, they are taking measures now to ensure that it is not on the premises and then to do what is necessary, like how that firearm can be recovered. It is currently under investigation,” she disclosed.
Following the disappearance of the firearm, a thorough search of inmates’ cells was conducted. This operation resulted in the seizure of over 140 mobile telephones, marijuana and hundreds of other contraband items at the Bordelais Correctional Facility (BCF). Officers are said to have seized about 1, 500 contraband items.