Newly appointed Superintendent of Prisons De Carlo Payne has defended the effectiveness of incarceration as a deterrent to crime, despite Barbados recording 50 murders last year, the highest in its history.
Addressing criticisms of the prison system’s ability to curb crime, Payne acknowledged societal changes, but insisted that loss of personal freedom still had a significant deterrent effect.
“I don’t support the assertion that the prison system is no longer an effective deterrent. The mere fact that your freedom is being curtailed is enough to deter most individuals.
“What we’re seeing is a reflection of societal evolution, with factors such as Internet access, exposure to global crime trends and shifting attitudes influencing behaviour,” he said.
Payne highlighted that changes in society had shifted public perceptions of incarceration.
“In years gone by, there was a stigma attached to being sent to prison. Today, for some individuals, it’s seen as a badge of honour. But the reality behind bars is far from honourable. When inmates enter, many of them realise it’s a completely different experience from what they expected,” he added.
“This is not an issue unique to Barbados. Across the region, we are seeing a rise in violence, particularly gun-related crime. Just last week, Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency to deal with escalating violence. These issues are being driven by gang activity, access to firearms and broader social challenges.”
The superintendent also stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling crime, starting with youth engagement.
“Addressing crime starts at the root. It begins with our young people, from primary school through secondary school. We also need to look at reforming the education system to address some of the issues that contribute to criminal behaviour,” Payne explained.
He highlighted progress in reducing recidivism rates, a key focus of his tenure.
He revealed that the national recidivism rate dropped from 68 per cent to 53 per cent in recent years, based on research conducted with the National Task Force on Crime.
Within the prison system specifically, re-offending rates were about 30 per cent.
“We’re making strides in reducing recidivism, but there is still work to be done,” he said. The Superintendent of Prisons disclosed that in 2007, the prison population was 1 184, 14 shy of its maximum capacity. Currently, Dodds Prison houses 690 inmates, 348 of whom are on remand.
A significant part of this effort is the result of expanding rehabilitative programmes within the prison.
“We’re looking to broaden our rehabilitation efforts to align with the country’s sustainable development goals. For example, we are enhancing agricultural programmes, including aquaponics, animal husbandry and beef production.
“We currently manage over 40 cattle and have refurbished chicken pens, with plans to expand pig farming facilities.”
Education and skills training are also central to the prison’s rehabilitation strategy. Payne noted that 46 inmates recently sat Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams, achieving 24 passes, including grades 1 to 3.
“This is a solid achievement and we’re working to build on it by bringing more teacher-instructors on board. Education opens doors for inmates, allowing them to reintegrate into society more successfully.”
Vocational training, he said, was another cornerstone of the prison’s programmes, noting they were equipping inmates with skills in areas such as hospitality, entrepreneurship and culinary arts.
“These skills provide them with opportunities to build better lives once they leave. For example, the hospitality training covers food preparation, cooking and bartending, all of which are in demand in Barbados,” he said.
Psychological support was another key area of focus, he said, noting that they expanded programmes to address the psychological needs of inmates, including anger management and counselling.
“This is about tackling the root causes of criminal behaviour and ensuring that individuals leave the prison better prepared to make positive contributions to society,” he added.
Responding to concerns about the rising murder rate and its implications for the prison system’s effectiveness, Payne argued that incarceration alone could not solve societal issues.
“Prison is only one part of the justice system. The factors driving crime are complex and include issues like poverty, education and access to firearms. These require a coordinated response from all sectors of society.”
Payne expressed confidence in the prison system’s ability to deter crime and rehabilitate offenders but called for broader societal engagement.
“We cannot do it alone. Tackling crime requires collaboration across Government agencies, the private sector and community organisations. Everyone has a role to play,” he said.
Looking ahead, Payne’s vision includes balancing deterrence with rehabilitation, ensuring that the prison not only punishes but equips inmates with the skills and support needed for reintegration.
“Rehabilitation is not just about helping inmates; it’s about creating a safer society for all,” he concluded.
