Public hearings for the Commission of Inquiry into the deadly Camp Street Prison have been put on hold as the Commissioners await an extension to the life of the Commission. 

Commission Counsel, Excellence Dazzle, could not confirm the likely resumption of the hearings.

She indicated around noon on Tuesday that the Commission had not yet received the necessary formal extension. “No, we have not [received the extension] that is why we have not resumed as yet,” she said.

Ms. Dazzle could not say either if that extension would be forthcoming before the end of the day. “I’m not sure. I spoke with the Personal Assistant of the Minister of State and she is not sure as yet,” she added.

State Minister Joesph Harmon, who is the point person in the government for ensuring the extension is processed and granted is currently abroad.

His Personal Assistant did not indicate the date of his return.

President David Granger had ordered the setting up of the inquiry following the deaths of 17 prisoners during an unrest in the Camp Street Prison on March 3.

The deadline for the submission of their report was initially set for a date in March, 2016. Public hearings began on March 10 and already the Commission has heard from more than 10 prisoners, including some who survived and sustained injuries during the blaze.

However, during the swearing-in of the Commissioners, Minister Harmon had acknowledged that the initial time frame may not have been adequate.