Boys training school being retrofitted for use by month end
By Zaya Williams
In less than a month, the housing of young criminals at the country’s lone penal institution will be a thing of the past.
This was disclosed by Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister Lionel Hurst on Thursday who said that the Boys Training School is being renovated for use by the end of June.
The Willikies facility closed its doors during the height of the pandemic but was in need of repairs even prior to that.
The institution was the home of delinquent minors 12-18.
And with the recent rise in crime committed by youngsters, the move to retrofit the school is welcomed.
Officials say the school will be made hurricane resistant and secure from break ins and boys who may try to escape.
Junior Minister in the Ministry of Social Transformation, Samantha Marshall says that a “more structured program” will be put in place for the juveniles housed there.
In addition, she told state media that although “we do have staff who have been trained…I have now instructed that they be retrained in getting prepared so that we can deal with these individuals once to home is open.”
Renovations of the training school were partly funded by the OECS and USAID.
Improvements include fitting air-conditioning to make it more comfortable, along with new doors, windows and tamper-resistant features, and a new recreation room.
This story was first published by Antigua News on June 3, 2023: antigua.news/2023/06/03/boys-training-school-being-retrofitted-for-use-by-month-end. © 2023 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Chubby June 3, 2023, 9:14 AM