Criticism of current situation at the prisons 'not borne out by the facts' - Ministry
The Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs said this evening that accusations of complacency or inaction expressed in relation to the prison authorities are "simply not borne out by the facts".
The ministry was reacting to criticism in the wake of the trial and sentencing of former inmate Josette Bickle who was yesterday convicted of trafficking drugs in prison between 2006 and 2008. The jury heard how she had free rein, with prisoner and warders scared of her. The court was told that she had four TV sets in her cell, as well as a sound surround system and other items.
In its statement, the ministry pointed out that the proceeding against Bickle were instituted after recommendations made to the ministry by a Board of Inquiry set up to investigate and analyse the operation of the prisons following the resignation of the then Director of Prisons in August 2008. The recommendations were published in March 2009 and the Minister had forwarded the findings of the voard to the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police for further criminal investigations.
The ministry referred to the report "New Developments, trends and in-depth information on Selected issues" published by the National Commission on the Abuse of Drugs, Alcohol and other Dependencies and pointed out that the figure of 41% of inmates -299 individuals - (who tested positive to drugs) quoted in page 11 in the executive summary to the report made available to the media under the title "Prison Data" was not provided by the Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF) and was not borne out by data available to the Corradino Correctional Facility.
"The statistics provided by CCF do not lead to the conclusion that up to 299 individuals were at any point in time found positive in relation to drug abuse but indicate that the corresponding figure should have read 233 persons," the ministry said.
"Regrettably because of this fact, serious misunderstandings arose out of this error in the media. This point which was acknowledged by the authors of the report in yesterday's press release (issued by the Ministry of Education), has cast an unjust shadow over Malta's correctional system. The subsequent statements made are not a fair reflection of the actual scenario."
PRISON REFORMS - DRUGS
The ministry pointed out how over the last few years it had spearheaded several reforms at the prisons, not only to better address specific issues that required specific attention, but also to take the Correctional system to the next level with the introduction of the new procedures that the Restorative Justice Act provides for.
"Clearly, rehabilitation from drug dependency featured prominently in these reforms, as it is well known that substantial numbers of inmates demonstrate drug-related and other dependency problems. In this strategy, substance abuse is addressed from a therapeutic and a psychological, and a medical point of view."
As regards discipline and enforcement, urine testing was conducted whenever CCF staff suspected use of drugs or had intelligence to that effect.
"Of the approximately 480 tests carried out between early 2010 and mid-2011, 1.2% resulted positive for Opiates, whilst 0.75% tested positive for other substances. Cases of drug possession are reported to the Police for further investigation and any other necessary action. In 2010, 36 magisterial inquiries were held in cases related to the findings of illicit substances, whilst in 2011, 25 magisterial inquiries were held so far."
The drugs issue was also addressed from a therapeutic and a psychological point of view, with CCF benefiting from the services of in-house professionals who assist inmates by helping them address the psychological problems related to their addiction. At the same time, the ministry said, inmates were also given the opportunity of one-to-one meetings with key-workers from agencies such as Caritas and Sedqa as part of drug rehabilitation efforts.
"The medical and psychiatric aspects of inmates requiring treatment for opiate dependency are also duly addressed. In this strategy CCF in collaboration with the Substance Misuse Out-Patient Unit (SMOPU) provides such inmates with methadone treatment as well as alternative forms of treatment as required."
Whenever necessary, the social requirements of the inmates were also catered for through the intervention of social agencies such as Caritas, Sedqa and Appoġġ.
"Therefore, drug abuse at CCF is being tackled in all its aspects, holistically, addressing both cause and effect, in that the approach is disciplinary, therapeutic, medical, as well as social. However, the reform at CCF in respect of drug rehabilitation is, even today, not yet complete. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Therapy Unit (SATU) drug rehabilitation programme is currently being revamped in order to deliver shorter and more intensive programmes to a larger number of inmates with a more effective and focused approach," the ministry aid.
This reform will be particularly useful in the context of parole, as it will be a sine qua non requirement for prisoners to be free from drugs in order to be positively considered for parole.
"Evidently, parole constitutes the next major reform related to CCF and the inmates. The Restorative Justice Act, which has just been published following approval by Parliament, introduces a parole system, which provides for early release from prison at a point which shall be stipulated by the Parole Board following rigorous examination of the individual inmate's behaviour and attitude to reform. The Board shall examine the inmate's progress against the care plan drafted by CCF professionals and endorsed by the Offender Assessment Board (OAB). The care plan would seek to address the causes of the inmate's lapse into crime, including any relevant addictions, thereby building on the initiatives already being undertaken at CCF."
REMISSION
The ministry said the Restorative Justice Act also reforms the remission system. The award of remission will be the responsibility of a Board, and release on remission, like release on parole, will be conditional. The care plan would be taken into account also with respect to inmates who fail to obtain parole but who are being considered for release in terms of the remission system.
Listing other reforms, the ministry said managers have been appointed to assist the new Director of Prions. They are responsible for operations, security and care and reintegration.
Plans are in hand to recruit various professionals, particularly psychologists and social workers to meet the needs of the inmates within the Facility, including those needs arising from drugs and other dependencies.
"Considerable emphasis is being placed on the sustainable rehabilitation of offenders with the primary aim of curbing recidivism. Therefore, as envisaged by the Restorative Justice Act for the first time, a through-care system is in the process of being provided. This is because the Parole Officer, who shall be monitoring the prospective parolee shall be involved in the care and reintegration programme prior to the inmate being awarded parole, with the aim of streamlining the continuation of care and rehabilitation starting from prison and continuing upon release."
"It should be clear that several important reforms have taken place since the investigations by the aforementioned Board of Inquiry, including by way of improving existing structures and practices, as well as new initiatives.
"Notwithstanding the fact that in the past the Maltese prison system has inevitably had to face its fair share of challenges, the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs had definitely not shirked from embarking on comprehensive reforms. On the contrary it has taken them up with vigour and the results have started to show through."
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George Azzopardi
Dec 17th 2011, 16:47
Mr Justice Mallia spoke of a “failed” prison system that allowed Ms Bickle to “operate with... impunity” and which indicated “collusion with the authorities”.
He even voiced suspicion that the prison authorities tolerated drug smuggling as a means of keeping inmates quiet.
....
who is accountable for the above ... is it enough that one just resigns or is removed from the post.
This is the main problem of the current administration. No one is ever made accountable!!
debbie Voss
Dec 17th 2011, 15:04
sex and drugs and rock n roll at corradino lol. just a joke sorry
vincent a galea
Dec 17th 2011, 11:13
Criticism of current situation at the prisons 'not borne out by the facts' - Ministry
W H A T ????????????????? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
vincent a galea
Dec 17th 2011, 11:12
Criticism of current situation at the prisons 'not borne out by the facts' - Ministry
W H A T ????????????????? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Victor Pulis
Dec 17th 2011, 09:26
Someone in prison had to be closing both eyes to what was happening. 4 TV sets in a cell full of booty from drug selling is more than enough evidence of what was going on. Where does the buck stop? If the minister was not aware of the situation then who should have been? Somewhere someone was not doing his/her duty and that someone should face the music. If the minister stops short of finding out who was responsible then we, the public are not to blame if we reach certain conclusions.
Lawrence Fenech
Dec 17th 2011, 08:48
Ghal korruzzjoni rampanti li tesisti ma kullimkien u hadd mhu responsabbli hija lussu li fil-list tal-korruzzjoni qieghdin fit-39 post.
Charles Alamango
Dec 17th 2011, 08:31
BLA BLA BLA we also believe in fairy tales.Grow up and really face and tackle the situation.
Gordon Scicluna
Dec 17th 2011, 08:02
ok, thanks minister, for your consolation. Your 233 means that more than 1 in 3 of inmates are inhouse drug abusers.
A. Borg
Dec 17th 2011, 06:37
Il-qorti emmnet lil prigunieri u ma emmnitx lil ufficjali tal-habs igifieri dawn ta l-ahhar kienu qed jigdbu.Se jittiehdu passi kontrihom? Jew kollox se jmut fuq ommu! Dawn meta xeghdu kienu taht gurament.
Robert Callus
Dec 17th 2011, 01:49
What I know for sure is that when I talk to rehabilitated drug addicts who still have pending cases, what scares them most about the possibility of prison time is drugs.
Alex Saliba
Dec 17th 2011, 00:09
Very serious case. Every time we're seeing those in authority shirking their responsability like ducks. People are not fools and know that someone must be held accountable.
Anthony Camilleri
Dec 17th 2011, 11:18
One thousand per cent correct. When will anyone start houkderin responsibility t east by accepting facts and start thing remedial measures. Enough with reports and reports and reports
Michael Bugeja
Dec 16th 2011, 23:23
Imma Hadd ma jirrezenja, isir x'isir, imma dan x'pajjiz hu, hadd mhu responsabbli, imma kif jistgha jkun,li hadd ma jkun jaf x'hinu ghaddej. Tlift il- fiducja f'kullhadd anke fl-oppozizjoni. Jiena qabel nara' kinsa shiha miz- zewg nahat tal kamra, b'demm gdid ,u b'serjeta kbira, u min jizgarra imur il-habs ,jew jitkecca,jiena ma naghtix shemi, ghal l-elezzjoni li gejja.
Joe Fenech
Dec 16th 2011, 23:03
Dear minister, we know it's all made up and nothing is true. Malta is the best country in the world, it is just, it is immune to financial crisis. It is paradise!
GAUCI JOSEPH C
Dec 16th 2011, 21:46
The Hon Minister is refering to the inquiry set up in 2008. It is true that the results were published. What we don't kmow is what action, especially regarding the top brass at the prison at the time, was taken. Surely the remarks by Judge Mallia, which resulted to him under oath cannot just be brushed away. Come on Minister and show respect to the public outcry and roll out the heads.
R ferriggi
Dec 16th 2011, 21:10
NIDDUBITA SEMMIEX IL MINISTRU JEKK UX IL KAS LI MIN HEMM HEMM GEW (MHUX IL PRIGUNIERI,,,) STESS QIEGHED IMEXXU ID DROGA.
Francis Attard
Dec 16th 2011, 20:55
Sur Ministru,
L-Imhallef Mallia aghmel allegazzjoni, ghaldaqstant il-pulizija ghandha Tinvestiga. Punto e Basta.
Tonio Bone
Dec 16th 2011, 20:39
Behind the politics and attempt to put out the fire with evasive statements, one fact is clear: evidence under oath was given on which a Judge our of Courts gave judgement.
The word on the street has been and now confirms that the Corradino Correctional Facilities are everything except correctional. There seems to be a secluded community where money talks and where money does not make headway, perhaps people that work there to put food on the table are threatened to 'go with the flow'! Someone should be accountable for what has surfaced.
As a citizen I hope that this case, this sentence and this uproar will help put that house back in order. Criminals knowing how comfortable our prisons are will not be deterred from going back as this is an indirect incentive to relapse.
Ivan Calleja
Dec 16th 2011, 20:32
As usual.....someone...in this case the minister responsible for prison trying to make us beleive that everything is under control!!! An insult to the intelligence of Maltese people!! But this is how things are being done...and no one is accountable!!
G Buhagiar
Dec 17th 2011, 08:15
Well said Mr Calleja. It's really an INSULT to the intelligence of the Maltese people!
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Dec 16th 2011, 20:30
@ tony abela 19:01:
You may wish to check me out; it is 32% not 41% as originally claimed; still a lot so there is no need to inflate statistics. I agree with you, but maybe if criminals were not so molly-coddled by the do-gooders there might be more discipline at CCF. I think the wardens are more afraid of coming into the firing line of the do-gooders, the politicians and the media than they are of the criminals.
Perhaps we should consider transposing the inmates of CCF and St Vincent the Paul. In that way, the elderly can have a protected environment with three square meals, daily exercise and free-everything where they are not obliged to get into bed at 8pm and where they will be effectively monitored by NGOs and media, and criminals can pay for their bed and wishy-washy meals, live on barest minimums out of one bedside cabinet, hopelessly daunted by authoritarian white-coats, in a shared four-bedded room, which they will only leave when their time comes, having been treated as a waste of resources throughout their residence.
Peter Shaw
Dec 16th 2011, 20:10
"simply not borne out by the facts" - Are you serious ??!!! A witness gave evidence in court !
John Schembri
Dec 16th 2011, 21:11
How reliable is the evidence given by the witness?
Alfred Bugeja
Dec 16th 2011, 22:46
The witnesses in court gave evidence about what happened between 2006 and 2008 when Josette Bickle was residing at CCF. None of them could have given evidence about the current situation because Bickle had been released in 2008. Geddit?
Joe Busuttil
Dec 16th 2011, 20:07
Wow ,what a mammoth report. How did you find time to write it Mr Minister,and how much did it cost the taxpayer ,and what did it try to say? You could have saved a lot of time and money just by saying where the buck stops.
MALCOLM SEYCHELL
Dec 16th 2011, 20:00
L iktar ministru inkompetenti jghid li kollox taht kontroll bhas soltu. Daqs kemm ikkontrolla l immigrazzjoni illegali
Claire Busuttil
Dec 16th 2011, 23:16
le ta, laktar wiehd huwa tas sahha....sfortunatament!
Louis Schembri
Dec 16th 2011, 19:48
And where does the buck stop this time? Will Dr Gonzi take full responsibility as he did with Minister Gatt and take over the administration of the Correctional System? Some hope!
Joseph Calleja
Dec 16th 2011, 19:42
I think Dr Gonzi has found another feather in his hat or another thorn in his side. First the Air Malta Scandal, then the Arriva Scandal, after that the Legal System which includes our liberal courts and the Prison System incompetence. That is three Ministers who have failed the Government System so far and probably more to follow. How many more "Bucks" is the Prime Minister be able to stop? I think maybe somebody has to come up and step to the plate, and there are quite a few able Ministers in the PN that can do that. This kind of Political arrogance has to stop somewhere. The business as usual system has to stop and the citizens are compelled to block the Good Old Boys type of politics. Somebody has to take responsibility for this incompetent behavior by our Politicians, they must be held accountable, even if done one at a time. Judge Mallia said what was to be said and the government should pay very close attention to his comments.
pat muscat
Dec 16th 2011, 19:42
No accountability! Arriva no fiasco;debt no problem; heavy fuel oil does not pollute; Hotel Corradino not borne out by facts; waiting 12 years for a sentence is not a fact! Don't exert yourself too much cause a lot of vigour is not good for you!
Claire Busuttil
Dec 16th 2011, 19:41
u hallina ministru.....sitwazzjoni disastruza li hemm fil habz!! tal mistija ghal kulmin imexxi!!
M Vella***
Dec 16th 2011, 19:07
We had a chief Justice and a Judge sent to jail, noting is new in this land where no-one grows up . Have we become a worse state than Zimbabwe,Haqqkon Gieh iz-Zarbuna
Joseph N. Attard
Dec 16th 2011, 19:05
Let's cut through the drivel. Are the persons (from top to bottom) who were responsible for the tragic situation in the prisons, as described by Judge Mallia, still in employment there? If yes, all the "plans are in hand to recruit professionals" (after 3 years?) are whitewash. And what about the "possible" collusion from outside the prisons?
tony abela
Dec 16th 2011, 19:01
What the people expect from the Ministry is action and not playing around with words to try to convince people that the matter is not as bad as it was exaggerated a little bit. Does the fact that it was 233 instead of 299 is any consolation? 233 is still a big percentage of the prison population.
Alfred Bugeja
Dec 16th 2011, 19:40
Seems like you have not even figured out yet that the figure of 233 refers to individuals testing positive UPON ADMISSION. Just in case you're finding it difficult grasping that as well, it means that they test positive when ENTERING the CCF, not while they're staying there.
John Schembri
Dec 16th 2011, 21:30
As long as it’s against the government Tony doesn’t mind repeating yesterday’s bad reports.
C Muscat
Dec 16th 2011, 23:24
@ Alfred Bugeja...u fuq dawk li jidhlu clean u johorgu addicted tahseb li dan il-post kellu jkun biex nibdew it-triq tad-drogi ghal min jidhol hemm.
mary mifsud
Dec 16th 2011, 18:54
From what Charles Muscat said when he came out of prison earlier this year not much seems to have changed from Bickle 2008 situation.
C Muscat
Dec 16th 2011, 18:41
Ma infiqux!!!! Nibqghu nippruvaw insibu r-ragun u d-drogi jibqghu dehlin fil-habs u kollox possibli!!! Biex naccettaw li jistghu jidhlu d-drogi fil-habs naccettaw kollox. U l-ohra hi tar-remission mela insejna ta dak li tajjar zewgt ahwa.!!
Mr C Galea
Dec 16th 2011, 18:41
But of course ,but of course, so please can you mow make it clear and well known to all maltese who is to blame for this sort of corruption and badly run institution/s???
mary mifsud
Dec 16th 2011, 18:41
Two questions for the minister:
1. Why was CCF left with an acting director for 3 years since 2008? Isn t that demotivating? Acting should be a temporary office. An acting director for 3 years since 2008! He was only made director this year.
2. Why has the bill on reparative justice,parole and remission mentioned here,STILL not come in force?
Urgent things should be done urgently. The question is : When will reparative justice act come into force?? After all??
Peter Shaw
Dec 16th 2011, 20:13
Acting Director - says it all. He was literally ACTING the part and not really doin it !
John Schembri
Dec 16th 2011, 21:37
Who defines the urgency Ms Mary Mifsud or Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici?
alfred seguna
Dec 16th 2011, 18:40
No accountability, no responsibility,no resignations and the story goes on and on.Not a day passes that something scandalous surfaces and yet each new one makes you forget the previous one. The ordinary citizen have every reason not to feel safe.It seems that criminality has got the upper hand.Should not those in power rest the honest citizens' mind to start feeling secure.I don't feel that we can get lower than this. Please do something.
John Schembri
Dec 16th 2011, 21:41
Before writing sweeping statements read the article:"the ministry pointed out that the proceeding against Bickle were instituted after recommendations made to the ministry by a Board of Inquiry set up to investigate and analyse the operation of the prisons following the resignation of the then Director of Prisons in August 2008. The recommendations were published in March 2009 and the Minister had forwarded the findings of the voard to the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police for further criminal investigations.”
I thought you read the article there was a resignation and an arrest which led to a 12 year imprisonment.
Roderick Micallef
Dec 16th 2011, 18:28
BLA BLA BLA dear Minister, we have heard this chit chat before on other issues but time will tell and most probably you will have to reverse most of the comments you made. I guess the PN's ego is too big to admit mis-management and incompetency or is it individual ministers that have this problem?
Alexander Pace Gouder.
Dec 16th 2011, 18:17
Who is correct The Minister or The Magistrate????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joseph Calleja
Dec 16th 2011, 19:25
Take a guess and the second one does not count?
charles tabone
Dec 16th 2011, 18:12
This is sheer complacency. Rather than giving such an assertion as " not borne out of facts". the ministry is in duty bound to investigate and remove ALL staff members who evidently have let so much grass grow under their feet through indifference, maybe fear or corruption. Turning a blind eye on the oucomes from witnesses in court will definitely get the QUEEN and her in-house gang a back to business leeway. The general public is expecting action, and quick for that matter. Statements of witnesses made in court have given the creeps to all law abiding citizens.
Ramon Casha
Dec 16th 2011, 18:10
Is there ANYONE in authority in this administration who is capable of saying "yes, we have a problem"
Alfred Bugeja
Dec 16th 2011, 18:25
The "yes we have a problem" came in 2009 with the publication of the recommendations by the Board of Inquiry which is quoted above - the same report which eventually led to Bickle being tried and found guilty. The recommendations are being implemented. You should read the report more slowly if you did not grasp it.
Joseph Calleja
Dec 16th 2011, 18:52
Mr Bugeja, Maybe the whole problem is because there is a sense of "OMERTA" written all over this scandal. How gullible do you think the public is? Maybe it used to be, but not so anymore, although I expect more comments on the subject. I think there should be a third party investigation from top to bottom.
Lawrence Fenech
Dec 17th 2011, 08:51
@Ramon.
As Gonzi.
C Galea
Dec 16th 2011, 18:06
How come this kept on happening for so long amazes me .
Mr J Xerri
Dec 16th 2011, 18:05
(Without comment.....)
"Accusations of complacency or inaction expressed in relation to the prison authorities are "simply not borne out by the facts".The Ministry of Justice and Home Affair
“The jurors’ verdict is not only a verdict against Josette Bickle but against the system which allowed her to operate with so much impunity for so long”
- Mr Justice Mallia
Joseph Calleja
Dec 16th 2011, 18:04
Shame on the general public picking on the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs. I especially like the last sentence "On the contrary it has taken them up with vigour and the results have started to show through." And very justifiable at that, look at the results. Give us a break and do what is right, start resigning, one at a time starting from the top. So it took almost three years to find out that there was a cell full of contraband in the prison? What happened with unannounced on the spot checks by prison personnel? Drugs, TVs, Surround Sounds Units, and a Queen with all kinds of slaves surrounding Her Majesty and some of those slaves might have been prison guards themselves. Give us a break and don't try to insult our intelligence.. I expect the Minister will conduct a full investigation in both prison systems, Corradino and Mt Carmel.
ALBERT FENECH
Dec 16th 2011, 18:01
As usual, a whole load of waffle, blinding statistics, sweeping assertions and enough hyperbolic jargon to befuddle even the most logical of minds. The very simple facts speak otherwise. Ave "Queen" Josette Bickle, hail to the Corradino regina and all the lackeys who paid homage at her feet.
ALBERT FENECH
Paul Micallef
Dec 16th 2011, 18:00
FARFAR,FARFAR ghax hekk tafu taghamlu.
Mario Busuttil
Dec 16th 2011, 18:20
mela jekk il hatja wehlet sentenza ta habs ,jighdu ghax ser tkun sinjura izjed gol habs, jekk il Ministru ghamel stqarrija u kien hemm rizenja tad direttur tal habs ...jghidu ghax Farfar, jekk kien hemm prison wardens jibzaw .. ..jehell il Prim Ministru...jiena ma nafx kif taghmlu dawn il kummenti.....Korruzzjoni tezisti kullimkien, u l-izjed importanti ghal poplu Malti huwa li nitaghmlu minn zbalji...nahseb issa wara dan il kaz ma tantx ser tkun 'easy' li tiddahhal id droga fil habs...imma ma nafx ghaliex dejjem jehel il Gvern u mhux min ikun responsabbli.....basta kullhadd jikkritika lill Gvern
Robert Agius
Dec 17th 2011, 07:34
The problem Mario, is that. no one takes the blame, resigns or is forced to. Some people in the government are responsible and if you don't think so you're brain-dead.
Paul Caruana
Dec 16th 2011, 17:49
This statement is particularly disturbing, in that it does not try in any way to address the concerns regarding the ability, or lack of, of prison authorities to enforce discipline within the confines of the Corradino Correctional Facility....a most ironic name, if there was ever one!
Joseph Calleja
Dec 16th 2011, 18:09
This is not in any way a correctional facility, especially not when an inmate comes out worse than when he/she went in. I think they should call it what it is, and that is Corradino Prison Facility. I don't think the inmates would object, or maybe the Ministry should conduct a survey among the inmates, see if they agree.