The British Government has asked the New Zealand Department of Corrections for assistance with staffing a prison facility on Pitcairn Island.
Speaking after a sitting of the Pitcairn Supreme Court at the Papakura District Court this afternoon, Matthew Forbes (Deputy Governor of Pitcairn) said that the decision should not be seen as prejudging the outcome of any trials.
"It is for the Court to determine questions of guilt or innocence and sentences but given the remoteness of Pitcairn Island we have to plan for all contingencies.
"It was logical to ask for assistance from the New Zealand Department of Corrections as they have previous experience in providing staff in remote locations (East Timor). The New Zealand Government has been helpful throughout including passing special legislation to assist the trial process. The Governor's office is also located in Wellington as is the headquarters of the New Zealand Corrections Department."
Ian Taylor, Assistant General Manager Operations, Department of Corrections, expressed the Department's willingness to take part if necessary.
"We're happy to assist the British Government with this matter, and for our corrections officers to be involved, as we have been with similar projects before now. It allows our corrections officers another opportunity to broaden their experience in this type of work," said Mr Taylor.
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