Attorney Wendell Alexander has voiced strong criticism over the prolonged delay in conducting a coroner’s inquest into the death of Jamaican national Chinley Robinson, who died under suspicious circumstances in an Antigua prison earlier this year. Robinson, who was remanded in December 2024 on charges of stealing a $400 cell phone, was found unresponsive in his cell in January 2025. Initial reports suggested he may have been strangled, and a post-mortem examination later confirmed the cause of death as anoxia, trauma to the neck, and cardiac failure. Alexander, representing Robinson’s family, expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from authorities, stating that the delay has left the family “in the dark for months” and eroded public trust in the justice system. He emphasized that high-profile cases like this should be handled swiftly to ensure accountability. The delay, he argued, not only prolongs the family’s suffering but also undermines confidence in law enforcement. Alexander also highlighted systemic issues, noting that in other cases, he has had to seek High Court orders to compel inquests after delays of up to five years. Robinson’s death has raised broader concerns about prison oversight at His Majesty’s Prison, where he was reportedly sharing a cell with another inmate, who has since been released. Superintendent of Prisons Trevor Pennyfeather acknowledged that while the facility conducts hourly checks after lockdown at 4:30 p.m., incidents may not always be detected immediately. He added that additional training is being provided to recruits to enhance security. As of now, neither the Coroner’s Office nor the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has provided an official update on the inquest or its findings. Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further actions will depend on its outcome.
Attorney Criticizes Delay in Inquest Into Death of Jamaican Inmate at Antigua Prison
