The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) held the first in a series of public meetings on the introduction of a parole system for inmates at the prison.
Legislation has been drafted that will govern the proposed system which includes the establishment of a parole board. The Minister of National Security spoke to this in his presentation at the meeting. He said, “the decision of the board is to be taken by a majority. And so you can tell that the majority is up to twenty people. So if there are eighteen people there, fifty plus one. The parole board is concerned basically that you’re no longer a danger to the public and you can be safely released. The parole board is concerned about your education and you being integrated back into the culture.”
Acting Commissioner of BDOCS Doan Cleare also addressed the meeting appealing to those in attendance to encourage others to attend these meetings. He also explained that parole “is not releasing people early because they’re coming out anyway. They are coming out, 98% of them are coming out. But its just that when they come out we want them to be ready.”
Officials at BDOCS have planned three additional meetings.
