Dear Editor,
As indicated in my article on Friday, June 27, 2025, the population was deprived of the understanding of how the amendments to the budget would have impacted the Justice Ministry and Parliament. Due to the near-sightedness of this low-informed group of parliamentarians (the worst ever), the real issues were unaddressed, intentionally. So, I will elaborate my thoughts, for further clarification.
On several occasions, the public was informed by Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling that the construction of a new prison is on the horizon. As I recalled, not much details were disseminated to get a vivid picture of the operation of the establishment. I have never visited the House of Detention and so I have no clue of what the interior looks like nor how it is being operated.
I had expected the Members of Parliament to present questions that would have enlightened the public on the workings of the prison – a comprehensive overview, that supports the minister’s vision, rather than to have wasted precious time to impose their personal and selfish cravings. Since that expectation did not take place, I am compelled to pose these inquiries for myself and like-minded persons, who deserve more explanations.
Besides the desire to expand and have a more modern facility, what programs would be implemented to supplement the existing ones? I would have liked to hear about the educational program in its entirety and how (very specific) does this program help the inmates.
If confiscating cell phones is a challenge, has management considered having a switchboard to detect, blocked and seized these illegal phones when they are being used in the facility? What penalties would the guards, other personnel, prisoners and their outside contacts faced, when these infractions are committed?
At the same time, what are the root causes for various contrabands to enter the prison and what can be done to reduce this illegal activity? Is it the lack of integrity, the principal reason or does bribery become a factor to supplement a guard’s meager salary? Or, is there a possibility that they are being threatened by inmates and their associates, on the outside? However, these partial inquests do not reflect the broader picture.
How about the sudden disruption of the home, especially when very young children are involved/affected? What demands do they place on their dads to keep that close connection with them on a daily basis? The spouses, family members and friends haven’t even come into play as yet. What pressures do they exert, just to keep in contact with their love ones, who are being incarcerated?
Apart from their freedom being seriously restricted, these situations could be reasons for their rebellion, although the inmates are the ones who made the choice to commit the crimes that caused them to be behind bars. But if rehabilitation is the goal (which is compulsory), then there must be a comprehensive approach to identify and tackle the root causes of these destructive behaviours.
If the focus of the justice ministry is on reintegration, would the prison consist of a state-of-the-art kitchen, so that the inmates could learn professional catering, which includes baking and bartending? Because, if tourism is our number one industry, why not use the opportunity to prepare them, so that when they are released, they can fit easily into the hospitality field, either as an employee or an employer?
Sewing (clothes) is an occupation that is pushed a lot, even though we don’t see the results. But what about upholstery, repairs (an industry that is not being tapped into, locally) – watches, shoes, radios, computers, electronic devises? How about carpentry, mechanic, electrician, tiling, landscaping, and gardening? The prison could be an incubator for several skilled jobs that do not require a degree.
It is high time that government invest in its own. This will cut down on the influx of persons who are just coming in to make money and then leave, which is a constant reoccurrence of a cycle that does not benefit the development of a country that is striving to be self-sufficient.
Consequently, would there be a well-designated family-orientation area where spouses and their children could assembly and engage in various activities as a family, in a private setting? How about another section where other families can mingle and network to share their challenges?
Again, if the restoration of the mind is the cornerstone to help the inmates become better citizens, would there be an overhaul of the mentoring program, to extend beyond the prison? Because, if that support system is lacking, then the cycle of delinquency will start all over again, only this time it will escalate with greater intensity.
Joslyn Morton
