Prison Service creates first-ever deputy chief post amid reforms

The Barbados Prison Service (BPS) has established the post of Deputy Superintendent of Prisons for the first time in its 167-year history, as part of a comprehensive modernisation programme.

Yvette Goddard, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, announced the creation of the new role during a pass-out parade for 15 new recruits at Dodds Prison on Friday. 

Goddard, speaking on behalf of Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams, who was unable to attend, outlined the government’s commitment to enhancing the prison service’s operations. The creation of the new deputy superintendent role is part of a broader effort by the ministry to improve efficiency within the BPS.

“I am dedicated to ensuring that the superintendent has the power and the resources, including the most modern technology, to maintain custody and provide rehabilitative programmes here at the Barbados Prison Service. Staffing always provides challenges for any organisation, therefore, we as a ministry continue to address this important area for the organisation,” she said.

The deputy superintendent, once appointed, will oversee administrative and human resources duties. This appointment is one of several moves aimed at strengthening the BPS, which will soon see 54 new prison officers added to its ranks. Goddard also revealed that new civilian positions, including a dietician, dentist, five clerical officers, and four teachers, have been filled to further bolster rehabilitation efforts.

The permanent secretary highlighted ongoing partnerships with various organisations, including the National Cultural Foundation, faith-based groups, community organisations, and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment. These collaborations are aimed at improving the service and performance of the BPS, particularly in the area of rehabilitation.

“There can be no compromise with programmes and equipment necessary to ensure that the Barbados Prison Service operates at its optimum. Inmates at this facility must always be maintained in a safe, secure environment, and any opportunities for escape must be reduced or eliminated. Therefore, officer training and retraining must be a permanent fixture,” Goddard emphasised.

She stressed the importance of education and training in advancing the BPS, noting that the prison must be “a place of continuous learning” and a conducive environment for rehabilitation.

“The infrastructure and human resources must be provided to ensure that inmates who are incarcerated are exposed to these programmes. We aim to strengthen the resources of the superintendent and his staff, through increased transportation, staff, and collaboration from other agencies,” she added.

In line with efforts to modernise the prison service, Goddard also spoke about the ministry’s commitment to keeping the BPS relevant in the 21st century through environmentally sustainable projects. Initiatives in this area include the use of green energy, improvements in food security, water recycling, and the continued expansion of the farm programme. She noted that an irrigation system is already in place and that the prison service is partnering with the Barbados National Oil Company to set up a solar photovoltaic project. Additionally, the ministry plans to phase out fossil fuel vehicles and introduce hybrid and electric options.

Upgrades to the prison’s surveillance systems and IT infrastructure are also in the works. Since its digitisation programme began in 2022, the BPS has made significant progress, with over 30 000 of its 34 552 records already converted to digital format. The remaining records are expected to be digitised by the end of the year, and by the end of October, all human resources-related processes will transition to electronic formats. (SZB)