The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has unveiled an ambitious ‘Revitalisation Blueprint’ aimed at transforming the nation’s historic prison facilities into vibrant cultural, economic, and residential spaces. The plan, launched on November 6, was presented to private sector representatives and diplomats at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s, signaling a call for both local and foreign investment.
Central to the initiative is the consolidation of all prisoners and select justice facilities into a state-of-the-art 500-acre Tamana Prison Campus, designed to house 6,000 inmates. This move is projected to save the State $60 million annually. The campus will feature a youth/juvenile detention center, agricultural facilities, training programs, and maximum-security units, all focused on education, reform, and reintegration. According to the TT Global Hub website, the project reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a fairer, more compassionate society.
Under the plan, the historic Carrera Prison Island will be redeveloped into a 75-room luxury resort, while the Port of Spain Prison will be transformed into an exhibition and event hall named ‘Dem Boyz Jail,’ inspired by the lyrics of the Mighty Shadow. The facility will include classrooms for artist education and workshops. The land currently occupied by the Golden Grove Prison will be repurposed for housing developments, featuring single-family homes, high-rise apartments, and townhouses.
In addition to these transformations, the government proposed the creation of a National Security Complex in Mt Hope to centralize national security operations. A South West Security Hub in Cedros will house the Coast Guard, Customs, and Immigration teams, with upgrades planned for the Coast Guard’s Staubles Bay and Teteron Barracks. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar described the initiative as a ‘bold modernization agenda’ essential for national security and economic growth. Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander also emphasized efforts to strengthen the TT Police Service by filling vacancies to combat crime effectively.