Twenty-five million pounds or 40 per cent. By now all Jamaicans know these figures. The purpose of said figures is also the reason so many of us are incensed. But, why exactly?
Is it merely because of the prison? If it is, then that's not a good reason. We need the prison. To many of us this is not an urgent item on our priority list, but it is necessary. A recent video clip showcasing the conditons of the Tower Street facility revealed a deathtrap on stilts. The two maximum security prisons were built from the days of British rule with no intention of rehabilitation. The termite feast covered in concrete that is falling away is no place to keep humans, yet bursts at the seams with them. They are within themselves fire and earthquake hazards. It's a humanitarian crisis in the making. Imagine all of this against the fact that these two facilities house around 3,000 inmates. Is it any clearer? We need the prison.
Where the issue lies is in the 'offer'. The infamous 40 per cent is to part-fund a 1,500-bed prison that is made primarily for the 300 former British residents. Where is the rest of the money coming from? The sale of the two other prisons? By now you should see the lack of logic. Bunting and friends will sell the residence of our prisoners to build a new home that will house only 1,200 of them. With the sale of land, as any realtor will tell you, the time on the market is unpredictable. When will these lands be sold? In the volatile locations in which these prisons are, who is willing to buy for as much as the Government will need? After the sale of these lands, is there any particular investment scheme for the area that buyers will even consider adhering to after paying those prices? Then, of course, will the unhoused prisoners receive an amnesty, because now we may have nowhere to house them?
The fine print in the 'gift' imparts to us prisoners who cost Britons $6 million each in comparison to the $1 million we spend on ours. Poor public sector workers who just returned from battle, appeased rather than victorious, will have to return the spoils to host the welcome party.
Jamaica, I think we just swapped black dog for monkey.
Taking one step further, one must now wonder how much of our uncertain share of the £300 million will be used to pay for the litigation of the prisoner transferral that has a five-year timeline. Can you imagine legal fees? Imagine a five-year retainer.
Dave Richards
d1darichards@gmail.com
Prison this, prison that
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Is it merely because of the prison? If it is, then that's not a good reason. We need the prison. To many of us this is not an urgent item on our priority list, but it is necessary. A recent video clip showcasing the conditons of the Tower Street facility revealed a deathtrap on stilts. The two maximum security prisons were built from the days of British rule with no intention of rehabilitation. The termite feast covered in concrete that is falling away is no place to keep humans, yet bursts at the seams with them. They are within themselves fire and earthquake hazards. It's a humanitarian crisis in the making. Imagine all of this against the fact that these two facilities house around 3,000 inmates. Is it any clearer? We need the prison.
Where the issue lies is in the 'offer'. The infamous 40 per cent is to part-fund a 1,500-bed prison that is made primarily for the 300 former British residents. Where is the rest of the money coming from? The sale of the two other prisons? By now you should see the lack of logic. Bunting and friends will sell the residence of our prisoners to build a new home that will house only 1,200 of them. With the sale of land, as any realtor will tell you, the time on the market is unpredictable. When will these lands be sold? In the volatile locations in which these prisons are, who is willing to buy for as much as the Government will need? After the sale of these lands, is there any particular investment scheme for the area that buyers will even consider adhering to after paying those prices? Then, of course, will the unhoused prisoners receive an amnesty, because now we may have nowhere to house them?
The fine print in the 'gift' imparts to us prisoners who cost Britons $6 million each in comparison to the $1 million we spend on ours. Poor public sector workers who just returned from battle, appeased rather than victorious, will have to return the spoils to host the welcome party.
Jamaica, I think we just swapped black dog for monkey.
Taking one step further, one must now wonder how much of our uncertain share of the £300 million will be used to pay for the litigation of the prisoner transferral that has a five-year timeline. Can you imagine legal fees? Imagine a five-year retainer.
Dave Richards
d1darichards@gmail.com
Prison this, prison that
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