17 Oct 2011

Hopes mass prison escape may fast track new prison for Port Vila

2:08 pm on 17 October 2011

There are hopes the Vanuatu government will fast track plans for a new prison in Port Vila, following the escape of more prisoners last week.

Thirteen high risk inmates walked out from a Vanuatu Correctional Centre last Thursday before all returned back to prison the following day.

They included frequent escapee Jean Michel.

Our correspondent, Len Garae, says the New Zealand government has already agreed to help fund a new prison but the delay has been on the Vanuatu government's side.

"VAN PRISON TP"

The onus is on the government. The mass walkout by the prisoners, and then their return, may help the government to act quickly. 12

Len Garae says it is still unclear where security guards were at the time of the escape.

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