In 2026, $1.5 billion has been allocated toward further upgrades to the prison infrastructure,” he disclosed. The minister said there has been continued prioritisation of inmate rehabilitation, vocational training and behavioural programmes, all aimed at addressing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour, while simultaneously providing support for successful inmate reintegration. Also 361 officers have been trained in prison management practices. For this year, there will be advanced and comprehensive human rights and prison management training for 400 officers, ensuring that proficiencies are aligned with the new correctional mandates. We have also advanced several key infrastructural upgrades at the New Amsterdam Prison through the completion of officers’ living quarters, sports club, infirmary annex, kitchen, vocational school and storage and training facilities.”