Gov't drafts plan to build maximum security prison

By Lorraine Mendez    

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government has drafted plans for the construction of a maximum security prison.

 

Mr. Holness says renewed attention is being given to the issue, particularly in light of information that people behind bars were among the masterminds behind Sunday's brutal mass shooting in Clarendon. 

 

"Clearly, there needs to be more modern prison facilities where we can effectively stem, cut off the communication and the contact of prisoners. So the contemplation that we have and that we have started to develop plans is really focused on how we can build a high security facility where these kinds of criminal masterminds can be effectively separated from the society," he said. 

 

But Mr. Holness conceded that the construction of a new prison was not high on the government's agenda at this time, due to budgetary constraints. 

 

"Building a new prison would certainly draw quite a bit of political attention as to whether or not that is wise use of funds when we need new hospitals, new schools, roads and all the other issues. So we have to be very careful as a government how we make these kinds of fiscal allocations," he acknowledged. 

 

National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang said a new Corrections Act will be brought to Parliament in the next legislative year to effectively manage penal institutions.

 

Additionally, Dr. Chang sought to assure that prisoners are closely monitored by the police and correctional officers. 

 

"We in fact monitor the activities of these prisoners not only by investigating and removing contraband from the prison, but the police monitors carefully. That's why some of the intelligence we have, without going into details, are able to identify beforehand, intercept and sometimes save the lives of some of the very criminals who are involved. So work is done to manage the situation quite effectively but there will be slips occasionally," admitted the minister.