The Barbados Prison Service is set for a major boost in staffing and training, according to Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams.
Speaking at the service’s 167th Anniversary Church Service, Minister Abrahams commended officers for their dedication despite ongoing staff shortages. He highlighted recent progress, including the addition of 28 new staff members and the granting of permanent positions to 56 existing personnel.
The Prison Service will hold a recruitment drive in the first quarter of 2025 to address staffing gaps. Officers will benefit from specialized training programs relevant to their roles. The rehabilitation program within the prison will be strengthened. The Prison Service plans to expand its farm program, renew partnerships with educational institutions, upgrade its vehicle fleet, and increase programs focused on prisoner rehabilitation and re-entry.
Minister Abrahams emphasized a commitment to providing equal opportunities for all officers to access training and advance their careers within the Prison Service.
These initiatives aim to improve efficiency, strengthen rehabilitation efforts, and create a more supportive environment for both staff and inmates within the Barbados Prison Service. “It must be equitable, it must be fair and it must be often” said Minister Abrahams .