The government intends to build a 300-cell block in the building.
Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2006 and is projected to be completed in 18 months.
Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts said at a press conference at his J. F. Kennedy Drive office that the government will spend more than $6 million on the project.
The new building will be able to house approximately 700 to 800 inmates. The current maximum security section of the prison houses 700 inmates.
Minister Roberts said the building is expected to have 80,000 square feet for inmates’ personal use and about 20,000 square feet for other support space.
The facility is also likely to be a two-story structure, he said, adding that the idea is to provide a safe environment for both inmates and prison officers.
“Each cell will have a modern combo unit or restroom space consisting of vandal resistant toilet and face bowl fixtures. In addition to the combo unit for each cell, each range or group of inmates cells will be provided with a shower block,” Minister Roberts said.
Noting that the government over the years has faced stinging criticisms from international bodies like Amnesty International, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Cynthia Pratt stressed the importance of building the structure.
“The government has come under severe criticisms over the conditions in the maximum security facility,” Minister Pratt said.
She added that the government has an obligation to provide flushable toilets and acceptable sanitary conditions, but reminded the public that despite the state-of-the art facility it will still be an escape proof prison.
“It will be designed to allow for acceptable living standards and it will concentrate on providing criminal offenders with viable and meaningful alternatives to a life of crime, but it will be a prison,” Minister Pratt said.
The new facility will be constructed by inmates and the Ministry of Works and Utilities will supervise the project.
But first, Minister Roberts noted, the designs must be completed.
Leslie Johnson, a co-partner at Axum, indicated that his firm is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the project.
“We have had the opportunity to tour prisons some years ago in Canada, which is looked upon as the leader in correctional facilities, and we look forward [to] having similar facilities here in The Bahamas,” Mr. Johnson said.
He said it is hoped that the new facility would be a place where inmates can reflect on the crimes that they have committed and be able to see tangible opportunities for change and reform.
Minister Roberts said at the completion of the new facility the vexing problem of overcrowding at the prison should be somewhat resolved.
By: Bianca Symonette, The Bahama Journal
