Guadeloupe Transfers 211 Overcrowded Basse-Terre Prisoners to New Facility
In a significant move to address prison overcrowding in Guadeloupe, 211 inmates were transferred from the outdated Basse-Terre jail on November 16. This transfer was part of an effort to relocate prisoners to a new, modern facility located within the same neighborhood in Basse-Terre, as announced by the prefecture.
Details of the Prison Transfer
The operation involved extensive coordination among various authorities, including police, gendarmes, firefighters, and prison administration agents from both Guadeloupe and Martinique. The area was secured during the transfer to ensure the safety of all involved.
Modern Facility Features
- State-of-the-art security technology
- Improved living conditions for prisoners
- Enhanced working conditions for prison staff
The prefecture highlighted that this new facility aims to provide better conditions for both inmates and corrections officers, a crucial improvement given the former jail’s history of overcrowding and violence.
Background on Basse-Terre Prison
The Basse-Terre jail occupies a building originally constructed in the 17th century, initially serving as a convent and hospital. It was converted into a prison in the 18th century and has gained notoriety for poor detention conditions. In July 2016, then-Minister of Justice Jean-Jacques Urvoas acknowledged the pressing issues of overcrowding and violence at the facility.
Overcrowding Issues
Prior to the transfer, detainees at the Basse-Terre facility faced severe overcrowding, with up to 16 individuals sharing a dormitory. In contrast, the new facility accommodates two inmates per cell in a structure designed for 100 individuals, yet over 200 inmates were anticipated.
Future Plans for Guadeloupe’s Prison System
The Basse-Terre jail is scheduled for demolition and reconstruction, aiming to provide 300 prison places by 2028. This plan aligns with ongoing efforts to expand the Baie-Mahault penitentiary, which currently experiences an occupancy rate of 149%.
Concerns Spotlighted by Authorities
Prison staff have raised concerns about their working conditions. Recently, Frantz Sapor, a local union representative, mentioned that although there was some acknowledgment of staffing shortages, improvements still fall short of their needs. The overall issue of prison overcrowding continues to attract criticism from prison unions and the International Prison Observatory.
As Guadeloupe addresses its prison issues, the transfer of inmates to this modern facility marks a critical step towards enhancing inmate welfare and safety for prison staff.
