Casa De Amor

Barzey’s, Extension, St John’s,

MSR1230, Montserrat

Tel:664-493-1140

Email: nncmulcare@hotmail.com

29 September 2024

Mrs Sarah Tucker

Her Excellency the Governor

The Governor’s Office

Farara Plaza

Brades, MSR1110

Montserrat

Dear Your Excellency Governor Tucker,

REQUEST FOR THE COMPASSIONATE RELEASE OF MRS LORIANN WARNER

In reference to the above-mentioned subject, I am writing to formally express my support in the case of Mrs Loriann Warner, who is currently approximately eight (8) months pregnant and being held at His Majesty’s Prison. In light of heradvanced pregnancy, I am respectfully requesting your compassionate intervention to facilitate her release under appropriate conditions.

Mrs Warner’s situation presents a significant humanitarian concern. Pregnancy, especially at such a late stage, requires specialized medical attention and a stable, supportive environment for the health and safety of both mother and unborn child. Our prison system certainly does not have the capacity to offer even basic medical care, and it is not the ideal setting for an expectant mother to prepare for childbirth nor is it suitable for a newborn baby to thrive.

I would also like to highlight the stance taken by the British Government regarding the treatment of pregnant women in prison, which emphasizes the avoidance of incarceration in such cases. The British Government, through its Ministry of Justice, encourages judges to consider non-custodial alternatives, such as community-based sentences or house arrest, when dealing with pregnant women (Ministry of Justice, 2020). Moreover, the UK prison system is required to provide proper prenatal care, regular medical checkups, and access to midwifery services In some cases, early release or temporary release is encouraged to prioritize the health and well-being of both mother and child (Ministry of Justice, 2020). Furthermore, international human rights standards, such as those from the United Nations, advocate for these alternative sentences for pregnant women. Such measures will minimize her exposure to any potential risks.

This situation also raises an important question for the Montserratian community: Will this be the first time that a Montserratian child is born in prison, spends the first months of its life in prison, or grows up with this as their history and that of Montserrat? As a community, we should strive to protect the dignity and future of every child. A child born under such circumstances may face undue challenges, and it is within our power to ensure that no child in Montserrat begins life in such conditions.

While I understand the need to uphold the law and administer justice, I respectfully suggest that in this case, compassion and mercy should prevail. Mrs Warner does not pose any threat to our society, and releasing her under supervised conditions would demonstrate Montserrat’s commitment to balancing justice with humanity protecting both the rights of the mother and the wellbeing of her unborn child. Furthermore, the conditions Mrs Warner has endured during her pregnancy have subjected her to a harsher penalty than the sentence itself, amplifying the physical and emotional toll far beyond what was originally intended.

In closing, I respectfully urge you to consider this request for Mrs Warner’s compassionate release. We have the opportunity to make a profound difference in the life of an innocent child and to show that Montserrat values both justice and compassion in equal measure.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We anticipate your kind and prompt attention in this regard.

Yours sincerely

Nyota N C Mulcare (Mrs)

CHAMPION FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND JUSTICE

pc: Hon Mr Stephen Doughty, Minister of State for Overseas Territories

Ms Shabana Mahmood, Head – UK Ministry of Justice

His Lordship Dale Fitzpatrick

Mr Collin Meade, Registrar

Mr Bennett Kirwan, Superintendent, HM Prison

Mrs Shivvone White, Head – Visiting Committee