The Chairman of the House Public Safety Committee were unable to carry out a inspection of the Territorial Correctional Facility that was scheduled yesterday because of a reported communication breakdown between the Governor’s Office and Department of Public safety.
Chairman Manumaua Wayne Wilson and committee members arrived at the TCF to be told by TCF Warden Tauese Vaa Sunia that there was no communication from Commissioner of Public Safety Le’i Sonny Thompson about an inspection.
Manumaua advised him that the House had sent a letter to the Governor’s Office last Thursday requesting a visit.
The Committee Chairman said he checked with Commissioner Lei who verified that there had not been any notice from the Governor’s Office about the House visit of the territorial Correctional Facility,
Apparently someone in the Governor’s Office didn’t relay the message to the commissioner.
Manumaua said upon the recommendation of committee members he made the decision to reschedule the visit.
The House Committee ‘s inspection was prompted by complaints regarding the including lack of food and clean water, unsanitary conditions, and treatment of inmates.
