Senior Reporter
Former detainees and their relatives say an apology from the State would not be enough for what they endured while in detention, with one former detainee describing conditions as fit only for animals.
Yesterday, former detainee Arnez Payison said he and others released without charge should receive compensation, rather than just an apology.
Speaking outside the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre (ECRC) after his release, the 23-year-old minimart owner said conditions at the facility were unfit for human habitation.
“In there, it’s not nice. In there is good for dogs, chickens, you know, animals. It’s not good for human beings, you understand? We need some respect as civilians. That’s what we need.”
Asked what more he and other former detainees should receive, Payison replied: “Money. Compensation. Six months of wasted time. We can’t get back that time.”
A pregnant woman, who did not want to be identified, returned to the ECRC yesterday after initially being told to take her relative home on Saturday. However, a procedural mix-up forced her to return yesterday.
“They called me yesterday (Monday) and said to come up today (Tuesday) again. I got here about 8.20 am. When we arrived, they still weren’t sure of the time. Then somebody came out and said they weren’t starting until after 12.”
Like Payison, the woman said the State should compensate former detainees. She said an apology alone would not be enough.
“An apology? Can an apology make up for six months? Some people were detained for three months. Homes were broken apart, and children started giving their mothers trouble because their fathers weren’t there. An apology can’t fix that. As for me, I’m taking them straight to court. I want my money. I’ve spent too much money because of this. I am going to take legal action.”
After being freed, some former detainees sprinted into the arms of loved ones, while others waved at Guardian Media from vehicles as they made their way home.
Relatives at both the ECRC and Golden Grove complained that the release process took too long, forcing them to wait hours without access to toilet facilities. Families were told to arrive by 8 am, with some coming as early as 6 am, only to be informed that detainees would be released in batches beginning around midday. The first batch of eight former detainees was released from the ECRC shortly after 1 pm.
A total of 100 detainees were scheduled to be released yesterday, including 49 from the ECRC, 45 from the Remand Prison at Golden Grove, Arouca, and six from the Women’s Prison at Golden Grove. By the end of the State of Emergency tomorrow, a total of 564 detainees are expected to be released.
Yesterday was the fourth day detainees were released after the mass release began last Thursday.
