Minister of National Security St. Clair Leacock, views the prison system not just as a place of incarceration, but as a critical area for infrastructure reform and social reintegration. Following a recent visit to the facilities with his policy team, he provided a candid assessment of the conditions and his administration’s philosophy on rehabilitation.
Leacock described his recent visit to the prisons as “revealing” and admitted that the environment “turns you up”. He acknowledged that while some inmate complaints regarding food and loss of freedom are expected aspects of incarceration, there are legitimate grievances regarding the physical plant.
He admitted the prison has been wrestling with infrastructure issues for years, specifically citing a “plumbing system” problem where water flows affect some prison cells and noted complaints from inmates who feel the justice system has been too slow in processing their appeals.
A central pillar of Leacock’s approach to correctional services is the concept of a “second chance administration”. He argues that the state must actively facilitate the transition from prison back into society to prevent recidivism.
He expressed concern that if society does not receive former inmates properly, they will feel forced to return to criminal protocols and outlined a specific policy framework called “learning or earning.” This involves equipping released inmates with tools to use their talents, providing opportunities to grow, and offering counseling and support services.
Leacock observed that the prison possesses a “very good team” running workshops, and he noted the “extent of the talent that resides inside of the prison,” which needs to be facilitated by government policy. He emphasized that a necessary journey for inmates—and society at large—is learning to “deescalate”:
The Deputy PM utilizes the harsh reality of prison life as a deterrent. As part of his “soft power” strategy to curb crime, he mentioned using media campaigns that feature stories from inside the prison, such as an apostle serving a life sentence, to communicate to the public that “prison life is not nice”.