Mr Lingamanaicker Vijayanarayanan ( Commissioner of Prisons )
NEW YEAR MESSAGE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS
1. It is a pleasure and honour for me to address you as Commissioner of Prisons for the fourth year. With the collaboration and support of Prisons Staff, support Staff and the Prime Minister’s Office, much improvement have been achieved in the infrastructural development, training of staff, rehabilitation, empowerment of detainees and medical care and treatment to detainees living with HIV/Aids and managing the prisons with Human Dignity.
2. Mr. P.J. Reddy, Training Advisor from India, has been appointed since April 2009. 347 Prisons Officers have undergone a professional training in Human Rights and Prison Management, which is the first of its kind. Prisons Officers have undergone training in Trainers Course for vocational trades so as to empower detainees with skills in different trades so that these detainees can find a job on release or put up a trade for themselves.
3. The efforts, hard work and team spirit of this Department have been crowned with success. The Mauritius Prisons Service has been awarded with second prize in the Public Service Excellence Award 2008 for remarkable outstanding work. I extend my congratulations and thanks to all staff of the Mauritius Prisons Service and support staff who have contributed in the achievement of this level of excellence.
4. The Melrose Prison has reached tender stage and the laying of the foundation stone can be held by March/April 2010. With the coming of the Melrose Prison, this can accommodate the detainees of Beau Bassin Prison, hence releasing the Beau Bassin Prison for refurbishment which is warranted since long and I congratulate all the staff working on this project.
5. The consultancy for the E-prison Master Plan has already been finalized. The request for proposal is being awaited for launching of tenders. The E-prison Master Plan will be on a phase wise basis. We need to our appreciation to all Officers participating in this exercise and congratulate the I.T team of the Mauritius Prisons Service.
6. It is very sad to note that a few Prisons Officers have been recently assaulted outside. I am here to reassure the staff and their families that on my intervention with the Prime Minister’s Office and the Commissioner of Police, the latter has put up a unit to give support and assistance to members of the Mauritius Prisons Service. I would like to place on record the prompt intervention of the Police to trace out the accused in the attack of Assistant Superintendent of Prisons A. Omrahoo. The duty of members of the Mauritius Prisons Service is not that easy and they have to work with people who have been convicted for illegal activities. I am to assure the members of the staff that I am with them and I am here to support them. They have been advised to be vigilant and move in team so that assault upon staff is brought down. Necessary circular will also be issued to staff about their safety in consultation with our staff.
7. I take this opportunity to convey my sincere appreciation to all staff for the work done in the year 2009 and I wish a Happy New Year 2010 and continued success to members of the Mauritius Prisons Service, the support staff and their families in their undertakings and wish good luck in your career and to be crowned with success in 2010.
