In response to the growing prison population, the government, led by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming the country’s correctional system.
This initiative focuses on expanding and modernizing prison facilities and enhancing support for Indigenous inmates and their families.
Despite ongoing efforts to alleviate overcrowding by constructing new prisons and replacing outdated facilities, the challenge remains significant.
During a recent visit to the Mazaruni Prison, Minister Benn observed the high number of inmates from Indigenous communities and acknowledged the complexities of their situations.
He emphasized the need for increased support and resources to aid their rehabilitation, including efforts to maintain familial connections.
One key aspect of the new strategy is to provide financial support for family visits.
The government plans to cover transportation costs for inmates’ families to visit them in prison, facilitating better communication and support during incarceration.
This initiative aims to help inmates maintain important familial bonds, which is crucial for their rehabilitation.
Additionally, the government intends to create opportunities for inmates to engage in activities that reconnect them with their past lives and familiar routines.
This approach is part of a broader overhaul of the prison system, aimed at making it more responsive to the needs of inmates and supporting their transition towards rehabilitation.
These proposed changes represent a significant shift in the country’s approach to criminal justice.
The new strategy seeks to address the root causes of incarceration and provide a more supportive environment for inmates, promoting a smoother reintegration into society upon their release.