Permanent Secretary Commences Capital Project Inspection 2023

Permanent Secretary Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas and a team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, accompanied by Mr. Miguel Choo-Kang from the Ministry of Finance, conducted a walkthrough of the Lusignan Prison Complex on March 22, 2023 as part of her ongoing inspection of capital projects.

The multi-billion-dollar rehabilitation of the Lusignan Prison is set to be completed soon and is expected to address the longstanding issue of overcrowding in the prison.

There the Permanent Secretary was informed that prisoners have already been relocated from the holding bay to blocks one to three of the new facility.

Ms. Thomas was given a walkthrough of lots four to six, which are being reconstructed into a modern facility. Work on lot five is 70 per cent complete, while lots four and six are ongoing at 40 and 35 per cent respectively.

Upgrades to the facility will also accommodate a female prison, which will see the relocation of female inmates from the New Amsterdam prison.

Additionally, work on the prison’s vocational school, which is aimed at upskilling inmates while reducing recidivism, is at 95 per cent practical completion. This structure works in conjunction with the Home Affairs Minister’s ‘fresh start’ initiative, which was conceptualised to help reintegrate inmates with the community and their families.

The permanent secretary also inspected construction works on the senior and junior officers’ living quarters, which will both accommodate 100 males and 50 female officers.

The infirmary annex, overhead water storage tanks, and water treatment plants are at practical completion.

The construction of the outer perimeter fence is 95 per cent practical completion and is advancing according to specifications.

Ms. Thomas also inspected works at the Beterverwagting Police Station, where rehabilitation work is ongoing on a living quarter to the tune of G$25 million. The project is currently on schedule at 40 per cent completion.