The Minister for Social Affairs and Employment Mr Dolor Ernesta has appointed a Board of Enquiry to investigate the escape of convicts from the Long Island Prison.

The appointment follows the announcement made by Vice-President James Michel in the weekly Tête-à-Tête radio programme on Sunday September 21.

The Board comprising members from the Police Force, the Prison Authority and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (MSAE), is mandated to carry out a thorough investigation to establish the exact circumstances in which prisoners escape from the Long Island Prison.

It is to be noted that two convicts – Lambert Laurette and Antoine Joubert – are still on the run after they escaped from Long Island two weeks ago.

Once the Board is satisfied that it has accumulated sufficient, credible evidence as to the real cause of the escape, it will report its finding to the ministry responsible for Prison Administration (MSAE) where necessary actions will be taken against the defaulters.

The finding of the Board will also allow the ministry and the Prison Authority to take necessary action to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.

Meanwhile with the appointment of the new Superintendent of Prison, the ministry is exploring the various aspects of prison operation and administration with a view to adopt a fundamental reform approach that will improve the security system, discipline of both prison staff and prisoners and the general running of the Prison.

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