Hamilton inmates asking for better books, conditions amid pandemic

Some Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre inmates are protesting what they say are deteriorating conditions in the Barton Street jail amid the pandemic.

Among the demands is a request for access to more books - an issue for years at the jail.

Inmates on several ranges were on a hunger strike for three days last week. It's not clear exactly how many participated, but the Barton Prisoner Solidarity Project estimated more than 100.

One inmate, who asked for anonymity for fear of retribution, said the protest began on a fourth-floor range where inmates had been on near continual lockdown because of a COVID-19 exposure (the jail calls this droplet" precaution). Then word spread.

The jail is in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak. Since Feb. 15, there have been 73 confirmed cases, including 53 inmates and 20 staff.

The prisoner said their demands included regular access to clean sheets and bedding, better quality items - including hygiene supplies - in their canteen, fewer lockdowns, and more access to yard time and books.

I haven't seen the book cart in months," he said.

Inmates and lawyers have also complained about access to defence calls - pre-arranged phone calls between inmates and their counsel - being cancelled amid the outbreak.

Several days into the hunger strike, inmates were told last Friday that their concerns were being considered, he said. But they are considering resuming the hunger strike if inmates don't hear specifics soon.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General, which oversees the jail, said they were aware there had been some meal refusals. Inmates have the right to make complaints and all efforts are made to resolve the complaint locally," said Andrew Morrison.

The jail has a book program that has continued to run through the pandemic, he said. This includes more than 700 books donated from community partners in the past few months.

HWDC is currently recruiting a full-time librarian who will further expand and develop the library program and offer literary support to the inmates," he said.

However, the inmate who spoke with The Spectator said he hasn't personally seen the book cart recently and would like to see a better variety, including the ability to order specific books. In particular, he'd like to see more non-fiction.

If you can get your hands on a good book, you enjoy passing the time," he said.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com