Prison facilities made ‘a big step up’ following the formal opening of the new state of the art Remand Centre for first time offenders yesterday.
“My Lord this is a big step up,” remarked one official visitor on entering the new holding cells equipped with beds, a face bowl with running water and lavatory that flushes.
National Security Minister Cynthia Pratt, during her first days in office, had said that the Remand Centre, which was started almost four years ago, would be finished by the end of August.
With the help of prison inmates involved in skills training, supervised by Prison officers and Mrs. Pratt’s ability to remove hurdles and barriers that stood in the way of completion, the opening date was realised, said ASP James Farrington.
Although the facility has not yet been fully completed, the additional space will not only relieve overcrowding and bring some relief to some of the inmates, it will also allow the prison administration to free portions of the prison so that much needed repairs can be done.
The function of the facility is to house persons safely and securely until the courts can hear their cases.
The centre was designed with 80 cells. It can accommodate up to 320 inmates. Each cell contains two bunk beds and will be able to accommodate four inmates. Each inmate will have his own bed, however, there will be a shared lavatory and face bowl and shower stall, located at the end of each corridor.
The entire complex is wired to receive cable television.
The facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art surveillance system to ensure that maximum security and safety is maintained at all times. There will be a modern visiting area and lawyer client consultation room, and a large exercise facility for recreation and games.
Acting Supt. Edwin Culmer said the centre is a good indication of the thinking and attitude of The Bahamas in meeting international correctional facilities’ standards.
Remarking on Her Majesty Prison’s international reputation for being “Fox Hell hole” Mr. Culmer said the visit by the human rights organisation, Amnesty international, last week is still vivid in their minds.
“Even Amnesty will have sense of pleasure,” he said.
Mrs. Pratt announced that the Prison’s technical and vocational complex is expected to be commissioned early in October.
When it opens it will provide expanded classroom facilities for basic educational training, along with skills training in a variety of technical and industrial areas.
