Superintendent Anthony Ennis and ChiefInspector Dennis Brady supported by Officers of the UniformedSupport Group (USG), the Drugs Task Force and others called in- captured the escaped prisoners 'without incident" thismorning at 2:30 AM.
They were fished out of the sea in thearea opposite Wholesome bakery where boats bring in their catchand offered for sale to the public.
Alert Police, who were just recoveringfrom the strain of 29 days of operations in their recent searchand recapture of Prisoners who had escaped earlier - includingMc Andy Thomas and Steve Manderson, who broke out again - thistime with Gary Hurlston, who has been charged with the allegedfiring of gun shots which damaged the Court House a few monthsago.
The escapees were caught in what hasbeen confirmed as a "planned operation", while theywere "making a submerged swim" in an attempt to boarda vessel. The entire downtown George Town and other areas aroundthe island were covered by the teams in this operation.
Arrested along with the escapees wasanother person who was charged with "aiding and abetting"the escape of the prisoners. Another person is also presentlybeing sought by the Police in connection with this matter.
At 5:20 this morning Police CommissionerMr. David Thursfield was seen arriving at the Police Headquarters,obviously pleased that the Officers under his command have donethe Royal Cayman Islands Police and the people of the Cayman Islandsproud.
Press Conferenceheld yesterday by Commissioner
It was only yesterday morning at a newsconference held at the Offices of Government Information servicesto meet with the local media , that Mr. Thursfield appeared alongwith Mr. Nicholas Brooke, the Acting Director of Northward Prison- the gatekeepers charged with the responsibility of the detentionof prisoners - and apologised for what he admitted was "notthe best record for keeping prisoners."
The Commissioner re-confirmed the detailsof the escape, which was outlined by CAYMAN NET NEWS in a reportearly yesterday morning, prior to the Press Conference.
What became clear at the press briefing,is that there are not sufficient Officers on duty at the station- at any given time to manage the various functions required atPolice Headquarters. He said that while attending to on-goingadministration matters and the supervision of relatives comingto the station to visit prisoners, the station is understaffed,thereby making it difficult at times to "monitor" allvisits.
Prisoners being kept at Central are allowed30 minutes to meet with visitors each week. The Commissioner saidto deny prisoners this privilege will be against their "humanrights." He said that in this regard, there will be enforcementof stringent rules in connection with privileges allowed prisonerswhile the station.
The Commissioner said that some of thestation's cells are occupied by prisoners who should really bekept at the Northward Prison. Another person, Donald Hooker whois charged along with Gary Hurlston - who had only returned fromCourt on the day he escaped - is being kept at Northward. OtherNorthward prisoners are sometimes kept at Central for security- and protective reasons.
Mr. Brookes confirmed that the 24-unitcellblock at Northward, which is now under construction, is notready from occupancy, but will be completed "very shortly."He also said that a high security fence will also be completedin another 3 to 4 months, to replace the present porous one nowin place . He verified that three prisoners who are in his chargeas Prison Director, are presently being kept at the Central PoliceStation.
Both Mr. Thursfield and Mr. Brookes alludedto the inadequacy of prisoner-retention facilities and equipmentnow incorporated in the Cayman Prison system, which are of USStandards, but not suited to this climate.
The Commissioner of Police emphasisedthat because of "legal" ramifications and present guidelines,it is not possible for him to post armed men - with specific instructionsto shoot - in the case there was a prison breakout.
In regard to the posting of men to monitorthe egresses from Police Headquarters, he maintained that it couldtake as many as 72 men to post watches at doors (and windows)leading from Police Headquarters.
Meanwhile, an investigation has beenlaunched, in an effort to determine how McAndy Thomas came intopossession of a knife
CAYMAN NET NEWS will continue to bringits readers more details as soon as they become available fromthe Police Officer in charge of Press Relations, PC Mike Cansell.
Gary Hurlston, McAndy Thomas and SteveManderson - are now back behind bars
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