The Ministry of National Security has made arrangements for 72 year Vernal Walford to be temporarily accommodated in a private nursing home, with a view to having him moved to an infirmary by the end of the month.

The Ministry notes that the temporary arrangements were finalized yesterday ahead of Mr. Walford’s appearance in court today.

Mr. Walford who is in good health, was incarcerated in 1997, but was diagnosed with a mental disorder, and held at the Governor General’s pleasure at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre.

 In 2014, the Ministry of National Security, the Department of Correctional Services, the Ministry of Justice, and the Legal Aid Council formed a committee to oversee the return of cases to the court system, with respect to persons who are unfit to plea in order to release them into the care of family members.

The committee has reported that in most cases family members cannot be located, and when they are found, they show no interest in assuming the responsibility of caring for their relatives.

Mr. Walford’s relatives have indicated that they are not interested in accommodating him.