KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, says an additional 300 cells are to be constructed at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre as part of the drive to restructure correctional institutions and rationalise the inmate population more efficiently.

He revealed this in a meeting with Department of Correctional Services (DCS) staff from Region One, which includes St Mary, St Thomas, Portland, and Kingston and St Andrew, last Wednesday.

Charles Jr stated, “We are pressing ahead with an ongoing reclassification exercise that will shift inmates with lower risk levels from overcrowded institutions to other facilities that are under capacity.”

The senator underscored his acquaintance with the current conditions that staff and inmates grapple with.

“I am aware of the myriad issues affecting the institutions, especially as they relate to overcrowding, the need for adequate rehabilitation programmes and the overall treatment and care of inmates; particularly those who are mentally ill,” he said.

During the forum, correctional officers shared recommendations on how inadequacies can be addressed. The digitisation of record keeping and cross-collaboration efforts with key ministries, such as the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, were among the suggestions.

Charles Jr also asserted that he will continue to use his capacity to establish public/private partnership arrangements that will include the provision of additional resources to boost rehabilitation programmes.

So far, the visits have provided the State minister with a first-hand orientation to the challenges in the correctional system and an opportunity to meet with and address the concerns of correctional officers, other staff, inmates, and wards.

The Senator has so far visited five of the island’s correctional facilities: St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, Tower Street Correctional Centre, Rio Cobre Juvenile Centre, South Camp and Richmond Farm.

He is to continue the tour this week with a visit to the Metcalfe Street Correctional Centre and Horizon Adult Remand Centre.