State Minister Assesses Needs at Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre
By: , May 22, 2018The Key Point:
Photo: Rudranath Fraser
Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Hon. Rudyard Spencer (centre) and Superintendent in charge of the Tower Street Correctional Centre, A.D. Brown (right), examine apparel made by inmates at the institution during a tour of the facility on Monday (May 21). Looking on at right is Commissioner of Corrections, Ina Hunter.The Facts
- He was accompanied by Commissioner of Corrections, Ina Hunter; and Superintendent in charge of the institution, A.D Brown.
- Speaking with JIS News after the tour, the State Minister commended the work of the correctional officers in rehabilitating inmates.
The Full Story
Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, toured the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre on Monday (May 21) to get a first-hand view of rehabilitation programmes under way, while assessing areas of need.
He was accompanied by Commissioner of Corrections, Ina Hunter; and Superintendent in charge of the institution, A.D Brown.
Speaking with JIS News after the tour, the State Minister commended the work of the correctional officers in rehabilitating inmates.
He acknowledged the need for upgrading work to improve conditions for inmates and correctional staff.
“The officers and staff here are doing as much as possible, and my task is to ensure that they get more,” he said.
The Government has earmarked $168 million in the 2018/19 Budget to undertake construction and renovation works at several correctional facilities as well as improve the mobility of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
Of the sum, $82 million will be spent at Tower Street for the construction of an external changing area utilising retrofitted containers, and a new block for the mentally ill.
During the tour, Mr. Spencer was entertained by inmates with renditions of popular songs. He also looked at uniforms and other apparel they have made.
The State Minister said he was impressed by the display of talent.
“I keep feeling a sense of pride whenever I hear anybody in the correctional facilities demonstrate their sincerity in coping with their circumstances, and, obviously, these fellows are doing a lot,” Mr. Spencer pointed out.
He said that, with commitment, the inmates “will leave here much better than they came in, and I’m sure they’ll make a meaningful contribution to the society”.
Superintendent Brown told JIS News that he was pleased with the support from Mr. Spencer.
“He came, he saw what is definitely happening here and he has shown his appreciation for the work we are doing,” he noted.
There are 1,471 inmates housed at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre.