Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Dr Keith Mitchell has changed his 2019 budgeted plans for constructing a new wing at the Richmond Hill prison for young offenders.
Addressing the media on the eve of his party’s first anniversary of the March 13th general elections on Tuesday, the Prime Minister was asked about the plans outlined in the 2019 budget presentation.
He told reporters ‘I wouldn’t go that route. I don’t believe young offenders should be in a prison. There were a lot of suggestion and ideas for a special place for young offenders, but I believe putting them in a prison among other persons who are graduates in their behavior would not necessarily be the wisest investment.’
A few months earlier the 2019 budget presentation read “we are moving to create a youth wing that will house youthful offenders, keeping them apart from the influence of seasoned criminals. This project will be jointly funded by government and the caribbean development bank. It is expected to commence in 2019”.
