Hostel for low-risk inmates reopened

The Ministry of National Security has reopened the Howard Prerelease Hostel, which will house qualified, low-risk inmates for up to 18 months, while they make their transition back into society.

Located at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston, the dormitory-like facility has the capacity to accommodate 40 men.

Speaking at the opening ceremony yesterday, Minister of State in the Ministry, Rudyard Spencer, said the hostel enables inmates who are deemed suitable for placement to have positive and productive interactions.

They will be provided with food, medical care and counselling, and engaged in religious and recreational programmes.

Spencer said that the objective is to ensure that when the inmates are released “the possibility of reoffending is almost eliminated”.

Commissioner of Corrections, Ina Hunter, noted that nine persons are currently housed there.

She said the money was provided by the Government to refurbish the facility. The scope of work included roof and general repairs, refurbishing of the staff quarters, and replacement of the wooden staircase with metal to ensure durability.