The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Public Service Union (PSU) says it strongly opposes any action by the Ministry of Health house prison inmates at the Mental Health Institution.
In a release issued today by the Organization, General Secretary Phillip Bailey said they have been informed that there is an attempt by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment to house certain prisoners, at the Mental Health Institution, some of whom have been charged for murder.
The PSU said there is no suitable facility for accommodating such patients. It said it is convinced that the workers will be at risk if such action is allowed.
“We have therefore written to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health for an urgent meeting no later than Monday 7th October, 2019 to discuss the issue” the PSU Said in a statement.
On Thursday, October 3rd three accused murderers, Maverick Joseph, Calvin Johnson, and Kesean Cain, who were previously being held in prison, were transferred to the psychiatric hospital.
Joseph, 20, of Belmont is awaiting trial in connection with the May 2, 2016 murder of Police Constable Giovanni Charles of New Montrose, who died after being stabbed at the Belmont Government School – while Johnson, 29, is charged with the May 1, 2014 murder of his father, Calvin Jacobs, a 56-year-old mason, also of Biabou and arson Small, who is said to be charged with burglary.
The accused murderers, along with another prisoner, were transferred to the psychiatric hospital in keeping with a court order.
