Cabinet Approves New Modular Prison as Government Intensifies Response to Crime
Cabinet has approved the construction of a new modular prison at the Prison Farm in the Potworks Dam area as part of the Government’s wider response to crime, violence and longstanding deficiencies within the country’s correctional system.
The first phase of the development will accommodate approximately 150 inmates, with additional units to be constructed as they become necessary.
The decision was taken as Cabinet continued discussions on the increase in crime and violence, particularly gun-related offences, and the need for a decisive and coordinated response from law-enforcement and justice institutions.
Cabinet said the country must launch a frontal attack on crime, with law-enforcement agencies aggressively using the resources available to identify, apprehend and prosecute people involved in criminal activity.
The new prison will eventually facilitate the closure of the ageing facility in St. John’s, commonly known as 1735 Prison.
The existing prison dates back to the 19th century and occupies buildings originally constructed as military barracks. It has also faced longstanding overcrowding and capacity problems.
The Government said a modular approach would allow the project to proceed in manageable phases instead of waiting for the completion of one large facility.
The initial 150-inmate unit will establish the foundation for Antigua and Barbuda’s transition towards a more modern correctional system with adequate capacity and improved facilities.
Cabinet stressed that the development represents only one component of the national response to crime. The Government also intends to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to confront serious and repeat offenders.
At the same time, Cabinet said prison modernisation must be accompanied by appropriate rehabilitation and skills-development programmes.
Those programmes would be designed to reduce repeat offending and equip inmates to reintegrate productively into society following their release.
Planning and implementation arrangements for the new facility will now proceed, with Cabinet expected to monitor the project as part of its broader programme to strengthen public safety, national security and the justice system.
That is ittttttt. Proceeding to read article now lol
Long overdue! That old 1735 prison should have been closed years ago. I really hope it is not just words
Fine time
Yes full time there are different levels of crime.everyone should not be held in one facility.it proposes a risk and what about women and human right violations what is being done about that.
Prison is rehabilitation it is meant to change not harden
Cutie Benjamin and Gaston doesn’t know what rehabilitation facilities and programs are, all they know is creating more criminals to roam the country streets. @Anonymous, please educate them!
It’s about time we build a new prison. Name it after Cutie Benjamin or Gaston Browne.
I am not a fan of the Chinese; however, to get the prison built by year end or early next year give the contract to the Chinese. They normally work around the clock to get something this critical done on time.
I swear this is not the first time I’m hearing about constricting a new prison
What can i say….Well to be honest….This is a necessary and long-overdue investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s correctional system. The conditions at 1735 Prison are unacceptable for both inmates and prison officers. However, a new facility must be accompanied by stronger rehabilitation programmes, improved security, adequate staffing and firm measures to prevent repeat offending. Fighting crime requires tough enforcement, but the ultimate goal must be to create safer communities.
While I agree that building a new prison is necessary and that rehabilitation must be introduced and strengthened within the correctional system, we also have to address the root causes of crime.
As someone who works within the social welfare system, I have personally observed that many individuals who eventually become involved in criminal activity come into contact with the system from a very young age. Unfortunately, due to limited resources and insufficient investment in social services, we are often unable to adequately address the underlying issues affecting these individuals and their families.
By the time some of these young people enter adulthood, the problems that could have been addressed early have escalated, and they may have already become deeply involved in a life of crime.
So yes, build the prison but let us also invest in prevention. We need greater investment in social welfare, family support, mental health services, education, youth intervention, community programmes, and early intervention.
A prison can remove someone from society after a crime has been committed, but meaningful investment in our social systems can help prevent some individuals from ever reaching that point.
We cannot only treat the symptoms of crime. We must also address its root causes.