An apparent outbreak of  tuberculosis at Grenada's sole prison at Richmond Hill is causing grave concerns among lawyers on the island.

The President of the Grenada Bar Association (GBA), Ruggles Ferguson has written to Health Minister, Senator Ann David-Antoine for urgent action to be taken by government to prevent the disease from spreading among inmates at the institution.

Ferguson suggested that no prisoner should be brought to court without first being tested and cleared by health officials of any signs of TB. Speculation is rife that the presence of the disease at the Richmond Hill prison could severely affect the October Assizes which was due to start on Tuesday.

Following is the full text of the letter that the GBA President sent on Monday to Sen. Antoine on the issue:

Hon. Ann David-Antoine
Minister of Health
Ministry of Health
Botanical Gardens
ST. GEORGE'S

Dear Madam,

Re: Tubercolosis (TB) at Richmond Hill Prison

I am deeply concerned, and indeed alarmed, over reports that several inmates at the Richmond Hill Prisons are infected or suspected to be infected with tuberculosis - an airborne bacterial disease capable of deadly consequences ­ but have not been quarantined  

Reports began circulating just over a week ago that one inmate - who had been hospitalised for TB a few years ago - was again recently hospitalised, treated and returned to the prisons. Supposedly, his TB has resurfaced.  

Since the night of his return (September 25th) he was coughing up blood and complaining of chest pains. He was not, up to last week, returned to the hospital. I have now been reliably informed that several inmates were tested last week and, based on preliminary results, over twenty (20) of them are suspected to be infected with TB. Most alarming, however, is the fact that these inmates continue to be among the prison population.

I have further been reliably informed that though less than one-third of the prison population were actually tested, close to one-third (or over 20 persons) of those tested showed signs of TB infection. Further, the inmates tested positive came from different parts of the prison.

Hon.Minister, as you are no doubt aware, TB is a communicable disease which thrives in relatively closed and unhygienic environments and which can be spread by indirect contact.   Simple routine acts like talking; coughing and sneezing can facilitate the spread of the disease.  No direct contact is necessary.

If this situation remains unchecked, the wider population faces the risk of being infected. Family and friends visit inmates. Lawyers visit clients at the prisons.  Several religious and other activities involving the general public take place in the confines of the Prisons.   Prisoners attend, on a daily basis, the several Magistrates courts throughout the country. Prison officers interact with both prisoners and the public.

Further, the October Assizes are due to open tomorrow (Oct.9th).  All remand prisoners awaiting trial before judge and jury are expected to attend.   Judges, lawyers, police officers, jurors, witnesses and members of the public can therefore become exposed to the risks of those carrying the disease.

You may recall that about two years ago close to one hundred persons at the Richmond Hill Prisons were infected with chicken pox over a three (3) to six (6) month period ­ the result of one guy coming from St. Vincent with the condition and appropriate, timely measures not being taken to arrest its spread.

Grenada cannot afford a new national disaster in the form of TB. I am not satisfied that this potential crisis is being treated with the urgency, expertise and professionalism required. Procrastination seems to be the order of the day, while more and more persons become infected. Health officials need to act now ­ time is of the essence!

In light of the above, I wish to urgently recommend the following:

* That all inmates infected, or  suspected to be infected, be removed from the prisons, subjected to further tests and given urgent medical treatment.

* That ALL inmates and Prisons Officers at the Richmond Hill Prisons be tested immediately.

* That all inmates released from Prisons within the last six (6) months be tested along with their close family members.

* That the Ministry immediately issue a public statement on this latest development and the steps being taken to prevent further infection.

* That strict protocols be established for handling suspected cases of TB ­ and indeed all communicable diseases - particularly as it relates to persons in institutions.

* That the Ministry immediately embark on a public education programme - via the media - to sensitise the population on the types, causes, symptoms  and effects of TB.

As an officer of the court, and President of the Bar, I deem it my duty to bring this matter not only to your attention but also to the attention of the relevant court and other officials. I am therefore copying this letter to the relevant persons.

In the interest of public safety, I shall be advising the Registrar and Chief Magistrate that no prisoner be allowed to be brought to court ­ for criminal assizes or otherwise - without first being tested and cleared by health officials of any signs of active TB.

Hon. Minister, I trust that you will address this matter forthwith. Let me assure you of the Bar's support in whatever way possible to prevent further spread of this infectious disease.


Yours sincerely,


Ruggles Ferguson
President


cc    Rt. Hon Prime Minister
   Chief Justice
   Director of Public Prosecutions
   Registrar of the Supreme Court
   Chief Magistrate
   Chief Medical Officer
   Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health
   Madame Justice Clare Henry
   Mr.Justice Francis Cumberbach
   Members of the Bar