Medium Risk Block to Be Built At Tamarind Farm

Work is to commence on a 304-bed, 2-storey Medium Risk block at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Facility, following the signing of a $164 million contract for the improvement project.

The contract was signed today (August 19), in Kingston, by the Ministry of National Security, M and M Jamaica Limited, and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Peter Bunting, said it is the first in decades that capital expenditure is going into the Correctional system.

He argued that the move “is important,” because there needs to be a separation from high risk prisoners of those in the system on crimes that are not very serious, and also to provide the necessary rehabilitation for those incarcerated.

The Minister said  the rehabilitation process has led to a transformation at the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, where they have been able to reduce violent incidents from 15 per week, to a situation where, for weeks, no violence occurs there.

“We have a bakery there that is supplying enough (products) for the entire correctional system. We have a mechanic shop that is doing yeoman service in the repair of the vehicles, and saving the normal labour charges,” the Minister informed.

He also noted that the formation of a 4-H Club at the Spanish Town-based centre is  a shining example of the transformation in the prison system. The members  recently won a 4-H parish competition, while placing second in the national event.

“We are very encouraged by the progress that we have made there, and we are planning to expand that programme to the Tower Street Adult facility, then across the system,” the Minister said.