Dear Editor,

On October 10, 2007, my colleagues and I were preparing to return to Georgetown via the ferry from New Amsterdam. While waiting to board the ferry, the most amazing thing happened. Here in the hot afternoon sun, a police officer was transporting two prisoner, who were handcuffed to each other.

The prisoners were arguing with the officer telling him that they are not supposed to be transported this way on public transportation. While they were right in their own way, the officer didn’t pay them much attention. Then, right in front our very eyes, the handcuffs loosened and the officer didn’t even notice until the prisoner himself brought it to his attention. Now had the prisoners decided that they wanted to ‘cut and run’ what would have been the outcome? What if the prisoners had decided to take the gun from the officer’s waist and make a run for it? While we thought the two were petty thieves, it was later brought to our attention that one was charged for murder.

Now if these prisoners of themselves know that they are not supposed to be transported in this manner what of the police force?

These prisoners were also allowed to make phone calls from the cell phones of people they knew on the ferry. What if they were making arrangements for a getaway?

Can the Director of Prisons shed some light on this matter. I cannot see how the people who are here to protect and serve can end up putting citizens’ lives at risk in this way. Nothing happened on the ferry, but those of us who witnessed it are all left with the thought of “What if?”

Yours faithfully,

Nevica Wray

Editor’s note

We are sending a copy of this letter to the Commissioner of Police for any comments he may wish to make.