5 Apr 2005

Solomons prison commissioner says service improved since jail riot

9:32 am on 5 April 2005

The Commissioner of Prisons in Solomon Islands says the service has progressively improved since a riot at the main jail in Honiara.

On the tenth of August, more than a hundred prisoners broke out of their cells and seized parts of Rove prison.

Assistance mission police quelled the riot, which had caused a third of a million US dollars in damage to the building.

The Commissioner of Prisons, Philip Norris says the issues that sparked the disturbance have now been dealt with.

"We've now established a brand new prison emergency response group from local prison officers, with support from an advisor from Australia. Hopefully we won't have any more August the 10th."

Commissioner Norris says issues of food and visiting hours are being progressively dealt with, as problems arise.

The prison had virtually lost its ability to run itself in five years before the arrival of the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission.