The government is taking steps to address conditions at the Aruba Correctional Institution (KIA) while moving forward with plans to build a new prison. In a recent statement, Minister of Justice Arthur Dowers outlined measures to tackle the facility’s longstanding maintenance and infrastructure problems.
Despite the challenges, Dowers said several initiatives are underway to improve security and the living and working conditions of both inmates and staff.
One of the main challenges at KIA is a shortage of personnel. Dowers confirmed that a new group of trainees will soon begin their training, with the aim of joining the workforce and easing the pressure on existing staff.
Last year, the goal was to recruit at least 25 trainees. However, the final group began training with 14 participants. The upcoming training program is expected to provide additional support for employees who work at the facility daily.
Alongside efforts to increase staffing, maintenance work has begun on the facility’s exterior walls to strengthen security. Internal relocations and minor adjustments have also been made to improve conditions and create a safer, more comfortable environment for staff and inmates.
Plans for a new prison
In the longer term, the government is laying the groundwork for a new prison. According to Dowers, an established working group has begun evaluating key aspects of the project, including the available land, the facility’s capacity, and the type of prison Aruba needs.
Questions have also been raised about whether a new prison could be built near a residential neighborhood. Dowers pointed out that prisons in various parts of the world, including The Hague, Dakota, and San Nicolas, are located in or near residential areas.
He stressed that modern technology and appropriate security measures can help ensure that a prison does not pose a risk to nearby residents.
The success of these efforts will depend on whether the planned improvements lead to lasting changes in staffing, security, and daily conditions at KIA. In the meantime, maintaining the existing facility remains essential while the government determines the requirements and feasibility of a new prison.
