TCI: New name for prison says John Malcolm, South Caicos MP

#TurksandCaios, July 8, 2021 – The name of the prison in Grand Turk is changed from Her Majesty’s Prison to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.  In his presentation to the House of Assembly during the Budget Debate from June 29-June 30, Hon John Malcolm, the representative from South Caicos informed that anticipated is the completion of construction at the facility as it will end overcrowding. 

The Yellow Wing, a minimum security section, will feature 24 new units.  Overall, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Utilities and Transportation under which this department falls, will better recruit, adequately train, enhance security and review systems for a better run facility which is able, said Malcolm, to accomplish the goal of reducing the rate of recidivism.  

Rehabilitation is what the department aims to deliver informed the member, who is working with the minister in this area.  A recent tour revealed that not only are relations between the new superintendent and inmates more congenial, but there are successful, therapeutic programmes operational.  Chicken, eggs and pigs are all part of the livestock farming programme at the Department; the report exciting the member, who is also a counsellor, Christian minister and one who has overcome substance abuse. 

More new construction at the site is coming, so is a training manager and an educational center. In addition to these announcements, Hon Malcolm re-ignited talk on EMDs. Electronic Monitoring Devices as a tool to help in keeping track of ex-offenders has not been talked about for a decade in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but it seems the notion and its potential benefits are back on the table.  It was in 2011 that the idea was tested in TCI, but the hype went flat as crime surged to distressing heights. 

The Member from South Caicos, who will work with the newly re-named prison to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation unveiled the plan during his budget presentation.  Hon John Malcolm said it is a more comprehensive approach which sets up for a decrease in recidivism. 

The Member from South wants this to be coupled with a job placement program, he said, reducing even further the temptation of an ex-offender to participate in criminality.

 An upgrade, he said in spending, will allow for this and other initiatives in the new fiscal year.