THE EDITOR, Madam:
MINISTER KNIGHT'S proposal to construct a new prison at a cost of $3 billion is long overdue. This proposal is commendable.
However, it is not a feasible plan to build, in modern and more enlightened times, a single prison to house an enormous 2,000 inmates.
In due course, the prison conditions we are now experiencing will replicate, resulting in the need for yet another new prison.
A better plan is to build smaller prisons each to accommodate 500 inmates, a male and a female prison in each county. Each of these prisons should be treated on ample agricultural land.
There could be a single Commissioner of Prisons, assisted by county prison superintendents who are answerable to him.
The advantages of having small prisons, in terms of efficiency and criminal rehabilitation especially, are far-reaching and need not be mentioned.
The Tower Street Adult Correction Centre could be converted into public administrative offices.
The St. Catherine District Prison could house a prison hospital with permanent staff for the entire island.
Fort Augusta could be upgraded as a maximum security and remand centre.
I am, etc.,
OREN O. COUSINS
Bog Walk P.O.
St. Catherine
