Wayne Marsh Condemns Antigua’s Prison Conditions As A ‘A Hellhole’

Wayne Marsh, United Progressive Party (UPP) caretaker for St. Paul and an attorney, delivered a strong critique of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) government during a rally in Paynters last night.

Marsh condemned the state of His Majesty’s Prison 1735, describing the facility as unfit for both staff and inmates. He called for immediate reforms to address its dire conditions and to ensure that rehabilitation, rather than punishment alone, becomes a priority.

Marsh, who frequently visits the prison in his capacity as a lawyer, painted a grim picture of what he encounters behind the prison doors. He described the facility as cramped and unsanitary, where even the staff endure conditions that feel more akin to imprisonment than employment. “It’s like they’re in a cage,” he said, highlighting the lack of proper space and resources for those who work at the facility.

He was particularly critical of the prison’s kitchen, which he described as “dirty, dirty, dirty,” raising serious concerns about the preparation of meals for inmates. Marsh compared the situation in Antigua to that in Dominica, a smaller Caribbean nation, where he observed a modern, well-maintained correctional facility. “Antigua, a country with so much potential, has one of the worst prisons in the region,” he said.

Marsh also criticised the government for failing to address the treatment of juveniles within the justice system. He recounted a recent case where a 15-year-old boy was held at the prison alongside adult offenders. He argued that this practice contravenes legal and international standards, adding that juveniles should be housed in secure residential facilities designed for their needs.

“The court agreed with me and ordered that the boy be removed from the prison,” Marsh said. However, he questioned the government’s understanding of proper facilities after officials proposed Camp Blizzard as a solution. Marsh explained that a secure residential facility is fundamentally different from a military base, calling the government’s approach misguided.

Marsh emphasised the importance of ensuring that the prison system focuses on rehabilitation, not just confinement. He shared the example of a former inmate who successfully completed degree programmes while incarcerated, noting that such efforts should be the norm rather than the exception. “Prisoners are still human beings. They are there to pay their debt to society, but they should not be treated like animals,” he said.

He urged the government to invest in programmes that would allow inmates to acquire skills and contribute meaningfully to society upon their release. “The prison should not be a place where people are forgotten or broken. It should be a place where they are given a chance to change,” Marsh told the crowd.

Marsh tied his criticisms of the prison system to what he described as a broader failure of leadership under Prime Minister Gaston Browne. He said that the government’s neglect of the prison and justice system reflects a wider pattern of indifference to the needs of the population. He accused the administration of prioritising self-interest over meaningful reform, leaving critical institutions like the prison to deteriorate.

As the rally drew to a close, Marsh called on voters to support UPP candidate George Wenner in the upcoming St. Peter by-election. He argued that the country needs leaders who will prioritise integrity, fairness, and effective governance.

The by-election is set for 14 January 2025. Marsh urged citizens to make their voices heard, saying that the time for change is now.

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