The Modern Prison Cell: From Punishment to Rehabilitation

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – A new high- to medium-security facility is taking shape at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, with new cells and a range of additional facilities planned to modernize the country’s correctional system.

The new facility is expected to include an advanced water system, a mental health clinic, classrooms, a library, chapel, kitchen, laundry area, and a work-release area.

There will also be significant administrative and intake space, including an 11,000-square-foot main entry, 50,000 square feet of administration space, and 60,000 square feet for intake and booking.

The plans also call for medical housing, intake cells, and a medical clinic spanning more than 11,000 square feet.

But before all of that can move forward, Commissioner Doan Cleare says Phase One of the construction must first be completed.

Commissioner Cleare says about 20 of the new cells are already here.

A few years ago, I was given an exclusive tour of one of these cells, designed for single occupancy.

Today, the commissioner took members of the media inside BDOCS, where one of the new cells, designed for double occupancy, was already on site.

The new facility is already drawing criticism, with many questioning the level of “comforts” being provided to inmates.

Commissioner Doan Cleare says it’s about bringing The Bahamas up to international correctional standards.

Commissioner Cleare says there are hopes that once the new facility is completed, the existing buildings could be repurposed into classrooms and a museum that could be open to tourists and the public.