By KRYSTEL ROLLE, Guardian Staff Reporter, krystel@nasguard.com

Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest expressed disappointment yesterday in the actions of prison escapee Kendrick Rahming, who walked off his work detail assignment at Government House on Tuesday morning.

Prison and police officers are still hunting for the inmate, who had less than two months left to serve, and would have been released on July 11.

"I am disappointed that he escaped. He was not considered a flight risk, so that was the whole reason he was placed on the work scheme. It's just disappointing," said the minister.

Meanwhile, prison officials are still investigating the circumstances that led to his escape, despite the heavy Defence Force guard presence at Government House. Rahming escaped from custody around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, while on a work detail assignment on East Hill Street.

When asked if they were considering beefing up security in the areas where prisoners are assigned to work, the minister noted that the level of security was already more than adequate, and could offer no reason why Rahming was able to escape.

"Normally we have good security as it is," Turnquest said.

He added that such incidences were quite rare.

Rahming was serving a four-month sentence for housebreaking and theft. He could face an additional two-year sentence for escaping.

Prison officials said he is not believed to be armed and dangerous, but cautioned the public to remain on guard.

The Guardian attempted to contact Prison Superintendent Elliston Rahming, however, calls were not returned up to press time.

Rahming is the first prisoner to escape since Aldet Clice walked off work detail nearly two years ago. Clice was working at the Chaplain's residence just off the prison compound. Clice was reported missing on July 18, 2006 after a routine roll call detected his absence. He was serving a three-year sentence for fraud.