JFJ seeks clarity on proposed multibillion dollar maximum-security prison

Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has welcomed the Government’s renewed commitment to replacing Jamaica’s ageing correctional infrastructure, but is calling for greater clarity on the classification of inmates the proposed facility will house and whether a public-private partnership will be used to finance or operate it.

The Government is planning to build a new maximum-security correctional facility, with a site identified and a committee established to advance the project. State Minister for National Security and Peace Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn said preliminary work is under way, although she later clarified to The Gleaner that the project remains at the planning stage and financing arrangements have not been finalised.

The proposed investment is estimated at between $8 billion and $10 billion and is intended to provide a purpose-built infrastructure to support rehabilitation, enhanced security, improved operational efficiency and better working conditions for correctional officers.