Javascript Menu by Deluxe-Menu.com

SKNBuzz Radio - Strictly Local Music Toon Center
My Account | Contact Us  

Our Partner For Official online store of the Phoenix Suns Jerseys

 Home  >  Headlines  >  NEWS
Posted: Wednesday 12 July, 2017 at 4:54 PM

Government to finalize drawings for new prison

Her Majesty’s Prison
By: Jermine Abel, SKNVibes.com

    BASSETERE, St. Kitts – THE Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is targeting November as the period to have the final drawings for a new Prison to be constructed in Estridge, according to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Osmond Petty.

     

    Updating reporters at the recent opening of the 2017 Fire Safety Camp in Basseterre, Petty indicated that the prison construction is at the stage of design.

    He declared that it was earlier in the week that officials met with the architect – Hobson and Associates – to view the preliminary designs.

    The Team Unity Administration is pushing to have a new penitentiary in order to alleviate the growing problem of overcrowding at Her Majesty’s Prison in heart of Basseterre.

    Officials at the prison have encountered a number of challenges in recent years, including the smuggling of contraband items into the facility and people throwing illegal items over the walls.

    Petty told reporters that after the drawings would have been submitted, they would then be seeking funds to begin constructing the prison.

    “At this time, we are in the process of doing the designs and it is going to be located at Estridge,” Petty said.

    Questioned on the importance of a new prison, the PS acknowledged that the current one in Basseterre is overcrowded while claiming that “there is only so much that you can do”.

    He added that they have a number of rehabilitation programmes taking place in the prison but many of them were affected owing to the cramped spaces.

    “So to really do proper programmes and rehabilitate prisoners, we have to improve security. You would have seen that there was a recent fire outbreak in Guyana and we would want to ensure that nothing like that happens.”

    He adamantly pointed out that the cramped facility at Her Majesty’s Prison needs to be addressed urgently.

    “So it is very important that we get a new prison going in the near future. It is important for proper security; so it’s important for proper rehabilitation programmes and generally we need a new prison,” Petty said.

    Guyana’s largest holding facility was completely burnt after prisoners lit fires to wooden structures in the prison compound, which eventual engulfed the entire housing block.

    After some prisoners were taken to safety at the adjacent Prison Officers Sports Club, they drank alcoholic beverages, poured Smirnoff Vodka on their shirts, lit them and set the building on fire.
     
Copyright © 2024 SKNVibes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy   Terms of Service