304-Bed Dormitory to be Built at Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre

A new 304-bed dormitory is to be constructed at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre, in Catherine, at a cost of $194.8 million, following Cabinet’s approval of the works.

This was disclosed by Minister with Responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, at a Jamaica House Press Briefing, on November 26.

She informed that under the contract, a two storey 14,400 square feet dormitory-style block will be built to house inmates.

“It will include 16 solitary confinement single cells and 16 dormitories, each with a capacity of 18,” the Minister said.

Senator Falconer explained that this development is as a result of the Ministry of National Security’s decision to expand the capacity of medium security facilities, which are experiencing major overcrowding.

She further noted that the facility, which is one of the country’s two major correctional facilities, “are centuries old with sections posing safety risks for both staff and inmates.” 

The Minister said the project will commence shortly and will last for nine months.