Julie Gómez Gómez, secretary of Puerto Rico’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), visited the Guayama 1000 Correctional Institution on Tuesday, after a group of inmates alleged actions by a lieutenant that they say hurt their chances at rehabilitation. The inmates told NotiUno 630 that Lieutenant Montes allegedly canceled a cultural activity meant to promote Puerto Rican identity through craft workshops and ordered the confiscation of materials their relatives had bought.
They also cited the retention of televisions and video game consoles and the use of collective disciplinary measures that, they said, affect even inmates who do not use controlled substances. They also questioned the alleged entry of drugs into the institution. The DCR said Gómez Gómez went to the prison to verify compliance with instructions issued last week, after learning of an internal coordination problem that had affected the organization of a cultural activity.
During the visit she met with the security component and a group of inmates to hear their concerns and address the situation. She confirmed that the cultural activity, which the official statement says is set for November 17, will be held as planned once the coordination matters were clarified. Gómez Gómez reiterated the importance of effective coordination among correctional staff to guarantee security and the continuity of cultural, educational and recreational initiatives aimed at inmates’ rehabilitation and social reintegration.