By Latrishka Thomas
Tensions ran high at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday when former prison officer Dwight Peters was remanded into custody on murder charges.
The case has sparked outrage among his colleagues, who initiated a go-slow at His Majesty’s Prison.
Peters, 36, of Ovals, charged with the murder of 26-year-old inmate Ricknaldo Isaac of Bendals, appeared calm as he was led away, uttering “it’s ok” to distraught family, friends, and colleagues.
A group of uniformed prison officers and other individuals had gathered outside the courtroom in a show of support.
They caused a scene on the court compound when the deceased’s father expressed his delight at the outcome. They had to be escorted off the property by police.
The charge stems from an altercation at the prison in late April, which left Isaac paralysed from the waist down.
Isaac, who also suffered from epilepsy, died in May due to complications from his injuries while awaiting surgery at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.
On Wednesday, Peters was charged with murder after being arrested at VC Bird International Airport. He had been planning to travel to St Kitts with a male netball team he is part of.
Peters’ attorney, Wayne Benjamin Marsh, stressed to the court that his client was not attempting to flee when apprehended.
Marsh also expressed concerns about Peters’ safety if housed at His Majesty’s Prison and indicated he would seek alternative arrangements.
Despite these pleas, Magistrate Dexter Wason had no choice but to remand Peters, as magistrates cannot grant bail for murder charges.
Peters was remanded to prison where he will remain unless bail is given at the High Court.
The case has ignited protest among prison officers. Speaking to Observer, one junior officer revealed that some officers have decided to embark on a ‘go-slow’ in support of their former colleague.
While acknowledging the unfortunate nature of Isaac’s death, the junior officer noted that he “was not a model prisoner”.
She stated that, in addition, the working conditions at the penal institution are a major issue.
“We are short staffed. We are underpaid. You come in every day, you are smelling faeces from the time you come to the time you leave. There are a lot of situations there that are plaguing us officers. And we are protesting for all of that,” she stated.
The officer indicated that the industrial action is set to continue this morning.
Peters’ committal hearing is scheduled for November 25.
As the legal process unfolds for Peters – who served as a prison officer for almost a decade before being transferred shortly after the incident in question – the protest actions of his colleagues underscore the complex challenges facing the prison system in Antigua and Barbuda.
