DCS Opens Medical Centre and Infirmary for Inmates

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) announced the opening of the Medical Centre and Infirmary (MCI) at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre in St. Catherine on Friday, October 29.

The 25-patient capacity facility will house bed-ridden and infirmed inmates from the Tower Street and St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centres. The Department currently has 18 such inmates who will relocate to the MCI within two weeks. 

The DCS reported recently that there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases among the inmate population in the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre. They noted there were 74 positive COVID-19 cases among the inmate population, while one inmate has been hospitalized. Two staff members at the institution have tested positive and are now in isolation. Additionally, there are three positive cases of the virus at Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, two at South Camp Juvenile, and one at Hilltop Juvenile.

Commissioner of Corrections, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Gary Rowe said, “the infirmary is for those in the care of the Department who need special care and medical treatment.” The new facility is of high quality as the Department strives to maintain international best practices. 

Addressing the attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre to mark the occasion, the Commissioner says the MCI is a part of the transformation of the DCS’ strategic plans as we head into 2030. 

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Permanent Secretary, Courtney Williams, Director of the Medical Services Unit at the DCS – Dr. Donna-Michelle Royer-Powe and other senior members of the Ministry and DCS were in attendance.