National

Ground Broken On $90 Million High-medium Prison And Court Complex

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It’s a dream that’s one step closer to being realized, ground was broken on a ninety million dollar new high-medium correctional facility and judicial virtual court complex.

Published

8 months ago

July 11, 2025

Joshua Williams

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It’s a dream that’s one step closer to being realized, ground was broken on a ninety million dollar new high-medium correctional facility and judicial virtual court complex.

Gathering at the Bahamas Department of Corrections Friday morning, prison officials say it’s the first step for something that they’ve fought long for.

Rolean Forbes – Assistant Commissioner, BDOCS

“Today marks more than turning of soil, it marks the turning of a new chapter in the administration of justice in The Bahamas. The construction of a modern judicial complex signals our nations unwavering commitment to strengthening the ruling of law, enhancing access to justice and ensuring our court systems [have] the facilities worthy of its pivotal role in national development,” he said.

Approved maps show a facility that will include state-of-the-art housing pods, a far cry from the dated facilities that have no plumbing facilities.

Once completed, the new cells will have air conditioned cell blocks along with various medical spaces, library, classrooms and a chapel.

National Security Minister, Wayne Munroe, promised that the project which started under the late Dr. Bernard Nottage will be held to international standards.

He also says they’re making changes now at the current facility as they prepare for the new one.

The U.S. State Department has been vocal about the current facilities, calling conditions harsh with inadequate sanitation, poor nutrition, and poor access to proper medical care.

It’s something that U.S. Chargé d’affaires Kimberly Furnish is commending the government for addressing.

Kimberly Furnish – U.S. Chargé d’affaires

“This new high-medium correctional facility will provide a safer more secure environment for staff and inmates, it will also assist in addressing the needs of incarcerated U.S. citizens, ensuring all inmates have secure environments serving their sentences,” she said.