KINGSTON, Jamaica — State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, has described the custodial facilities for the 146 female inmates who have been relocated from the Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre to the South Camp Rehabilitation Centre, as adequate and conducive to more effective management and supervision.

A day after the relocation, Charles, who has portfolio responsibility for the nation’s correctional system, toured the South Camp facility on Friday for a first-hand assessment of the move and to have discussions with the correctional officers and the inmates.

“This facility is more secure with new and modern equipment”, said the state minister, adding that despite the “successful” transition, inmates have raised a number of concerns, which he has discussed with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).

Charles stated that the issues, which were not identified, will be resolved in short order as he had gotten reassurance from the leadership of the DCS.

He also pointed out that the closure of Fort Augusta and the relocation of the inmates to the South Camp Rehabilitation Centre, are in alignment with the Ministry’s thrust to improve its rehabilitation and re-integration programmes.