During the first half of the year, the authorities reportedly received 13 complaints regarding excessive use of force by the police. In November 1997, the authorities forced the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of police to retire as a result of recommendations by a Commission of Inquiry that investigated allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and police brutality. Under new leadership, the police created an Internal Affairs Department in December 1997 to investigate public complaints against the police and to provide counseling to police. In July 1998, a consultant from the United Kingdom conducted a 3-month study to update antiquated police regulations and to establish new operational guidelines for the police. This report was submitted to the Government in 1998, but the recommendations have not yet been implemented.
Prison conditions are poor.
Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions continue to be problems in the sole prison facility. There are over 200 prisoners. The prison provides work therapy, sports programs, educational opportunities, and counseling for inmates. There continued to be complaints by prisoners about the poor quality of prison food. The Government permits prison visits by independent human rights monitors.