Arrested or in prison in Grenada
This guide provides information about being arrested in Grenada and what conditions are like in prison there.
Contacting the British embassy or consulate
The British High Commission in Barbados can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the embassy or consulate can offer.
Family and friends can contact:
- the British High Commission in Barbados
- the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000
British High Commission Barbados
Consular Section
PO Box 676
Lower Collymore Rock
St Michael BB11000, Barbados
Telephone: +1 (246) 430 7800
Finding a lawyer and translator
Find a lawyer in Grenada
You should carefully consider getting a local lawyer that practices in Grenada. Discuss all costs with them in advance.
Prisoners Abroad has information on appointing a lawyer and legal aid (not specific to Grenada).
Private lawyers
Check the Find a lawyer in Grenada if you want to appoint your own private lawyer. Ask the consulate if you want a paper copy of this list.
Legal aid
There is no legal aid in Grenada for foreign nationals.
What happens when you’re arrested in Grenada
You can be arrested and taken to a local police station:
- because of an existing arrest warrant
- where there are grounds for issuing an arrest warrant
- if you’re caught in the act of performing a crime
- if it’s expected you’ll leave the country to escape justice
- your identity cannot be confirmed
The police must tell you in English (or a language you understand)
- why you have been arrested
- that initial proceedings against you have started
- your rights
Do not sign any documents unless you understand them – you must be given an interpreter if you ask for one.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- remain silent
- refuse to co-operate in the proceedings
- appoint a defence lawyer of your choice.
- ask for an interpreter
- tell your next-of-kin you have been arrested
- tell the British High Commission that you have been arrested
Personal belongings
The police will log and store your personal belongings at the police station where you are being held. They will be kept securely until you are released.
If you are placed on remand or sentenced your personal belongings will be sent to Richmond Hill prison.
Going to court
You will usually be brought before a magistrates’ court on the next working day after your arrest. If the offence is a minor one, the magistrate may seek to deal with the matter immediately, particularly if the accused pleads guilty to the charge. If a not-guilty plea is lodged or the offence is of a serious nature, then the magistrate may postpone the case to a later date or possibly refer the case to the High Court. At this stage it is usual to appoint a lawyer to represent you.
At court the examining judge will discuss your case with you. They’ll decide if you’ll:
- be placed on remand to wait for your trial
- have to pay a fine
- be released without charge
Being put on remand
You may be put on remand if you’re strongly suspected of committing an offence. This means you’ll be put in prison while you wait for the criminal investigation and trial to finish.
How long you can be on remand for
The length of time on remand can vary significantly. If you believe that the time spent on remand is excessive, this should be raised with your lawyer.
Bail
The judicial system in Grenada has a provision for bail. The decision to grant bail rests with the magistrate. The defendant’s lawyer is responsible for submitting this application to the court.
The British High Commission cannot transfer bail funds for you.
Arriving at prison
On arrival at prison the Admission Chief Officer will detail what is expected from you during your time in prison. You will you be searched and routinely documented. You will have a routine medical examination to ensure your fitness.
You’ll be put in a temporary cell when you arrive at prison. You’ll have your photo taken and get a prisoner number. You’ll be asked to give details like your:
- name, date of birth and nationality
- home address
- medical conditions or allergies
- religion, marital status and profession
- name and address of next of kin
Your next-of-kin will not be told you’re in prison unless you give your permission.
You can speak to the prison social worker, who may be able to help you contact family and friends in the UK.
Personal belongings
When someone is arrested, any personal belongings that are not required as part of the investigation or held as evidence may be transferred to the prison, if there is enough space to store them. These items are usually stored securely in the prison reception. However, for certain offences, there is no guarantee that personal belongings will be returned. The police are legally entitled to retain or destroy items seized as evidence.
Please be aware that The British High Commission cannot trace or store any personal belongings of British nationals imprisoned in Grenada.
If you have questions about your personal belongings or the process, you should speak to your lawyer. They are best placed to provide advice on your specific case.
Your prison cell
Remand inmates are housed on a segregated block in single cells usually with 3 inmates per cell. Once sentenced, inmates occupy dormitory style cells. These self-contained units contain showers, toilets and communal seating areas. Female prisoners are accommodated in a separate wing in single cells with toilet and wash basin.
Basic toiletries are provided but can be supplemented by the purchase of additional items from the ‘canteen’ as needed.
Contacting the British High Commission.
Tell the prison if you want the British High Commission to know you’re in prison.
Medical check-up
A doctor will give you a check-up within the first few days of being in prison. It might include x-rays and blood tests.
Tell the doctor about any medical conditions you already have. The doctor will decide if you need a special diet or any other medical treatment.
Contact British High Commission if you need help getting your medical notes from the UK.
Rights and responsibilities in prison
The prison must tell you your rights and responsibilities. Ask if they have a copy of these in English.
Speak to your prison social worker or a prison guard if you have any questions.
Visits from friends and family
Family and friends are permitted to visit inmates in person, but all visits must be prearranged. You or your family or friends can ask your lawyer, or the prison directly, about the rules.
How many visits you’re allowed
- Inmates are allowed weekly visits whilst on remand and two visits per month when sentenced.
- Currently visits are allowed on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between 09:00 hours and 11:30 hours and between 13:00 hours and 15:00 hours.
Arranging visits
To arrange a visit a request can be submitted by the inmate to the Superintendent of Prisons. Alternatively, family/friends can contact the prison authorities on the following number to arrange an appointment. Tel no. +1 473 440 2298. They may also contact the British High Commission, and a consular representative will subsequently contact the prison on their behalf.
During the visit
Visitors should arrive at the prison at least 30 minutes before their appointment.
They must bring a valid photographic id.
Visits last 30 minutes. Longer visits are sometimes allowed on compassionate grounds or if visitors have travelled from the UK.
What visitors can take with them
Visitors of foreign nationals are allowed to take in fruit, vegetables and snacks. All other prison comforts can be obtained from the inmates’ canteen (shop).
All bags will be searched before entry, and the authorities have the right to withhold items they deem unacceptable.
Visits from British High Commission staff
After our first visit following your arrest, we will usually visit you every 6 months.
During these visits, you can talk to us about:
- your health
- your treatment in prison
- any safety or security concerns
- any other issues you want to raise
If there is anything you do not want us to share with your next of kin, please tell us during the visit.
You can also write to us at any time if you have concerns. If your situation is urgent, it may be quicker to ask prison staff to contact us on your behalf.
Money
The British embassy or consulate does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.
Money transfers from family or friends
There are 2 ways in which you can receive financial assistance whilst in prison:
-
private funds deposited to you by family or friends
-
Prisoners Abroad is a British charity who can send a quarterly grant when funds are not available through family
Family or friends can send you money by bank transfer. They cannot send you cash in the post.
Ask the prison authorities for the bank account information for your family or friends to use.
They must put certain details on the money transfer reference:
- prisoner’s name and date of birth
- prison name
- what the money’s for, for example the prisoner’s private fund account
Prison accounts
Prisoners will have a prison account, which can be used to purchase items from the prison canteen.
The prison social worker can explain how the system works and how funds can be managed.
How to make a complaint about mistreatment
The British High Commission can help if you have been mistreated or abused – and will take all complaints seriously. Tell the British High commission if you decide to make a complaint. The British High Commission will ask your permission before taking any action.
How to make a complaint about mistreatment
The British High Commission can help if you have been mistreated or abused and will take all complaints seriously.
If you have been tortured or mistreated, please inform Consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you; to check on your welfare; discuss the allegations; and inform you of any local complaints’ procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we may also be able to raise your allegations of torture and/or mistreatment with the authorities.
Complaining to the Superintendent of Prisons
If you wish to make a complaint, you can speak to the Superintendent of Prisons or submit a complaint to the Superintendent in writing.
Your investigation and trial in Grenada
The Grenada judicial system is very similar to that of the UK. The British High Commission cannot interfere with the Grenadian judicial system. It cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.
Judges have the responsibility of carrying out a detailed assessment of all the facts about your case. Their final decision will be based on these findings.
The trial starts when the investigation is finished.
Choice of court
The Magistrate’s Court deals primarily with:
- Criminal matters that fall under summary jurisdiction
- Preliminary inquiries for indictable offences
- Family and civil matters such as maintenance, protection orders, and landlord-tenant disputes
- Traffic violations and minor offenses
Magistrates preside without juries and often serve as the first point of contact for legal proceedings before cases escalate to the High Court.
The type of court your case will be heard in normally depends on how serious the alleged offences are.
Completion of investigations
While you’re on remand before the trial, the public prosecutor’s office investigates the charges against you.
This can include things like:
- questioning you and the witnesses
- getting expert opinions
- getting police investigative summaries
- examining laboratory reports
The investigation stage is finished when the public prosecutor believes they have enough evidence to take you to trial or they decide to end the case and release you.
Bill of indictment
If your case goes to trial you will be given the ‘bill of indictment’. It will say:
- what you’re accused of
- which laws may have been broken
- what the evidence is
If you think the charges are incorrect, you’ll be given time to say why. You can also apply for further evidence to be considered if you think it will help you.
Verdict
The judge will read the verdict out after the closing statements. They will explain exactly what parts of the law have been used to reach it.
The courts will inform you, your lawyer and if applicable, the prison, of their decision. The penalty for an offence can range from a reprimand to a fine and/or a prison sentence.
If the defendant cannot pay the fine, he or she is sent to prison for a sentence set by the magistrate. The sentence can be reduced if the fine is paid. As a sentence is served, the size of the fine is proportionally reduced, thus making it easier to pay off. Defendants who are foreign nationals are remanded in custody at HM Prison, Richmond Hill, St. George’s, Grenada.
Sentences
Sentences for an offence can vary greatly and will depend on the seriousness of the offence. Your lawyer will be best placed to advise you on the length and appropriateness of the sentence.
Sentences can include:
- time in prison
- fines
- a suspended sentence (a punishment outside prison during which you might need to meet certain conditions, for example do unpaid work, or you will be sent to prison)
Making an appeal
There is usually the right to appeal against your sentence through your lawyer. Your lawyer is best placed to advise you on the appeal process.
Prison conditions in Grenada
HM Prison, Richmond Hill has a capacity for 198 prisoners, but overcrowding is a problem. The number of inmates to each cell depends on the size of the cell and number of detainees at the time. There is a separate women’s unit, but no separate facility for young offenders.
Letters and packages
There’s usually no limit to how many letters you can send or receive from the prison.
Your prisoner number needs to be written on all letters you send and receive.
You can receive letters and parcels, but these will be strictly controlled and restrictions may apply.
Mail should be sent directly to the Prison at the following address:
F.A.O (Inmates Name)
British Inmate
C/O The Superintendent of Prisons
HM Prison Richmond Hill
St George’s
Grenada
Receiving packages
You may have to make an application to receive packages. Check with the prison to see what can and cannot be sent to avoid parcels being returned and check other restrictions (e.g. maximum size and weight, and type of packaging).
You’re not allowed to receive food or luxury goods.
The person sending the parcel must take care of any customs paperwork and possible charges when they send the parcel to avoid it being returned.
Stationery and stamps
Stationary is available from the canteen.
The judge can restrict or stop your letters if they think they may harm legal proceedings. You will be told if a letter is withheld for evidence in your case.
Checks on mail
All mail is subject to strict censorship procedures and will be read and checked prior to reaching you.
Telephone calls
Inmates are entitled to receive one 30-minute telephone call from family/friends per week. Allowances will be made for foreign nationals to be able to contact family and friends.
If you have a matter of a ‘serious nature’ which you need to discuss with consular staff on the telephone you may ask the authorities to pass a message to the British High Commission on your behalf. We will then make a telephone appointment to speak with you. We will only do this if we consider the issue to require urgent attention.
Medical and dental treatment
Your basic medical needs must be met while you’re detained in Grenada.
If you need medical or dental treatment you should make an appointment to see the prison doctor or dentist. Prison doctors are often the equivalent of GPs in the UK, so unusual or complex problems may be referred to a specialist outside the prison (usually the General Hospital). Routine treatment is funded by the prison however this does not apply to specialist or non-essential treatment.
There is an appointment list. The prison doctor usually visits on Monday. For non-urgent cases you can expect to wait until that day, in urgent cases there is a call out procedure. There is no charge for basic medical attention. There is a small infirmary inside the prison for those who require hospitalisation.
The process for this will be explained by the prison officials and is usually straightforward. Any challenges with this can be reported to the Superintendent and/or to your consular representative.
For information about how Prisoners Abroad can help with medical requirements please see Prisoners Abroad.
Treatment for a new illness or condition
Speak to the prison guards or your social worker if you need medical or dental treatment.
The doctor might only visit weekly, so submit the request as soon as possible.
Prison doctors are often similar to UK GPs (general practitioners). If you have an unusual or complex condition you might be referred to a specialist outside the prison.
Existing conditions
The British High Commission can try to make sure the prison knows about any medical or dental issues you have if you want it to. It can also talk to your UK GP to help get your medical records sent to the prison.
You might be transferred to a hospital with a police guard if your condition cannot be treated in prison.
Drug and alcohol addiction
There are no specialist facilities for drug and alcohol addiction.
Talk to the prison doctor as soon as possible if you feel you need treatment for your drug and alcohol addiction.
The prison may be able to make recommendations about adjustments for addiction issues.
Mental health care
There are no specialist facilities for mental health care. Consult the prison doctor.
Talk to the prison psychologist or doctor as soon as possible if you feel you need treatment for your mental health. For example, if you have depression or anxiety.
The prison may be able to make recommendations about adjustments for psychological issues.
Food and diet
Food is prepared in the kitchen area and delivered to the dormitories by trustees and workers within the kitchen area. The prison authorities assure us that the food they provide is a balanced diet giving the necessary daily nutritional requirements (e.g. meat, rice, bananas, bread, beans, and peas). There is little opportunity to buy supplements for your diet in the prison, although visiting family members or friends are permitted to bring food items. Prisoners can buy extra food from the prison shop. Clean drinking water is available.
Special diets
A special diet can only be approved where the prison doctor gives authority on medical grounds. Vegetarians may not fall into this category, nor will special diets related to religious beliefs. Your diet can be supplemented by purchasing items from the prison ‘canteen’ when available.
Prison shop
There is a prison shop or ‘canteen’ where you can access food, clothing and toiletries. The prison shop is open 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Sunday.
Showers
Basic toiletries are provided but can be supplemented by the purchase of additional items from the ‘canteen’ as needed. Communal showers are available for use every day.
Work and study
Those serving sentences are able to work, but due the limited types of jobs available, demand regularly exceeds supply. Opportunities are currently available on the prison farm, the kitchen and in workshops. Applications to work should be submitted to the Superintendent.
There is a library service and classrooms where inmates are offered the opportunity to study a variety of courses including business studies, IT, basic literacy and numeracy, life skills, and vocational training. The female wing also has weekly handicraft classes.
Books, languages and activities
Usually there is access to a wide range of books via the prison’s library service.
You might be able to:
- order books directly from publishers or authorised websites
- subscribe to English newspapers or magazines
Ask the prison. You always need permission before ordering a particular book, magazine or newspaper.
Prisoners Abroad might be able to send some reading material, language textbooks and dictionaries.
Exercise
There are limited opportunities for leisure and entertainment. Indoor games include dominoes and chess and there is opportunity to play cricket, basketball and football outside. There is also a TV recreation room.
Clothing
The prison does not provide a prison uniform; prisoners wear their own clothing. Additional clothing can be sent by family and friends.
Religion
You are allowed to take part in religious services of your choice. You also have the right to receive visits from a priest, rabbi or minister of your faith.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are strictly forbidden in Grenada prisons. You will be disciplined if you – or anyone visiting you – are found with one. This may include losing your job or affecting your release date. Visits could also be suspended.
Transferring to another prison
You may be able to apply to transfer to a prison in the UK.
There is a Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) between the UK and Grenada. If you are sentenced to a term of imprisonment you may apply to serve the term in the UK, subject to the provisions of the PTA and providing you have at least six months remaining on your sentence and no outstanding fines to pay to the courts in Grenada. The consular representative can explain the scheme to you in more detail. It is important to be aware that overseas convictions could eventually appear on record in the UK. There are various ways the UK authorities can find out about overseas convictions and avoiding a prisoner transfer to the UK does not necessarily mean that the UK authorities will not find out.
Transferring to another prison
There is only one prison in Grenada.
Early release
Circumstances which can result in early release may vary. Your lawyer is best placed to advise you on the possibility of early release.
You can sometimes have your sentence reduced, especially if you are a first-time offender. Clemency or pardon is possible in some rare cases. You can also sometimes pay a fine instead of spending time in prison.
Reduction of sentence (remission)
At the time of sentencing, the magistrate or judge has the option to decide if time which has already been served on remand will be taken into consideration; this is not an automatic right. Once convicted, prison authorities will advise prisoners of the terms of their sentence, including the expected date of release. It is normal practice for prisoners to serve at least 2-thirds of their sentence.
Clemency or pardon
Your lawyer is best placed to consider the nature of your offence and advise you on the possibility of clemency or pardon.
Paying a fine instead of detention
If your sentence includes a fine, the verdict must say how many days you would have to spend in prison if you did not pay the fine.
Release and return to the UK
You can contact the British High Commission Bridgetown if you need help when you’re released.
Deportation
The prison authorities will inform you of your release date as you near the end of your sentence. In turn, the British High Commission can assist in informing family/friends in the UK.
Foreign nationals are not usually permitted to stay in Grenada after release.
Flights to the UK
As you approach the end of your sentence, the prison authorities will tell you your release date.
The British High Commission can help inform your family or friends in the UK of your confirmed release date, if you wish.
Foreign nationals are responsible for paying the cost of their return flight to the UK. You should only make flight reservations once the prison authorities have confirmed your release date.
Prison social workers may be able to work with your family in the UK to provide support with release arrangements.
Getting a passport
Make sure your British passport is still in date. Contact the British High Commission before you’re released if you need an emergency passport (emergency travel document) for your journey home.
Annex
FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad
FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals
Find a professional service abroad - Find a lawyer in Grenada