Prison population overwhelmingly male

prisonMales make up the vast majority of inmates at the State Prison in Stockfarm accounting  for a staggering 262 out of a total prison population of 266.

Speaking at the closing of the January Criminal Assizes, Acting Prison Superintendent, Denis Blanc, said two juveniles also form part of the general prison population which include four females.

The two juveniles were sentenced in the Magistrate’s Court for three and four months respectively. They are among the main prison population since there are no facilities in Dominica which cater for young offenders.

“That breakdown is as follows, 38 males from the High Court and 2 females, from the magistrate’s court 146 males with 1 female, 75 males and 1 female are on remand,” Blanc said.

He also stated that the institution can house about 280 and that staff is always an issue despite the fact that 6 new employees were added to the payroll in February. “Staff is never adequate, we want more and intend to get more….we also have a few programmes ongoing at the prison and also intend to reintroduce our adult education programme,” Blanc said.

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52 Comments

  1. March 27, 2013

    Hello my people and good afternoon. Well am surprised by two thing Mr Blanc said in this article. First in regards to the Juveniles in the general population of this correction facility. He must separate the juveniles from the adults because we don’t want them to be influence by those harden criminals. Also in regards to reintroducing educational programs. I hope that will include training in Auto Machanic and Electrical systems because one can make a living with such skills. We must make sure the female prisoners get some type of entry level clerical skills . Two hundred and sixty six prisoners is not a lot of prisoners but we must always asked our citizens to reframe from committing crimes. We mustn’t compare our prison population with those of Trinidad or Jamaica because both countries have well established drug gangs which control neighborhoods and their crime problem is much more dangerous than what we face in DA.

  2. Better choice
    March 27, 2013

    Wow, how come I am not surprised by this info
    We have too much boys and not enough men is this country
    They are not thought to embrace the gift of education,
    While in school they want to be out and once they are out they want to go back in,
    They are barely in second or third form and they start on the weed diet, and play the bad man while their parents struggling to make two ends meet .They never learn to be responsible or accountable, because they were never thought to work for what they need .They drop out of school, and follow friends to make quick money which usually is the beginning of the end unless some kind of revelation hits them.
    Do you really think that this is fair to the parents who are committed in providing for the children’s three meals a day, plus snacks, clothing, medication etc, and at the end of it all this child turned out some kind of (malfra,voyou) (hoodlum, delinquent, brat) this is sad, it hurt, after all the effort and sacrifices that you mad ,the sleepless nights, the sacrifices that you made.
    But he still wants to sleep in his bed after hours not knowing how the food is coming on the table .And then he leave home to follow his friends purposelessly, behaving like he knows it all.
    As parent this hurts deep.
    You feel like the pain and suffering was not worth it, this was a waste of sperm and blood.
    Life

  3. Really
    March 27, 2013

    Did you know that Dominica’s prison population rate (# prisoners/(population)X (100,000) makes it rank the 24th highest in the world out of 221 measured countries in the world? Dominica is twice higher than Jamaica; higher than Trinidad, Brazil, and so on? Read for yourself:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_incarceration_rate

  4. bwa kwaieb
    March 27, 2013

    No surprise here! Most Dominican males are horrible fathers, baby daddys, sons, cousins, godfathers, brothers etc etc etc!

  5. Justice and Truth
    March 27, 2013

    This is nothing new that prisons house more males than females. It is a worldwide situation. More men commit crimes than women. Conduct a research as to why there are more men in prison facilities than women.
    It has been said that women are the weaker sex but it has proved that men are the weaker sex considering the number of men vs women who commit crimes and who are imprisoned more than the number of women.
    No pun intended men. This has no bearing on you who are law-abiding and fulfill your obligations according to your state in life. Those of you who do, deserve a compliment and citation for you are exemplary, models and worthy to be emulated by especially the youths. :) Probably some of you could assist especially the men in the prison population to transform their live and lead a fruitful life. It is worth a try. The Dominican society in general would benefit from it and your efforts.

    • Justice and Truth
      March 27, 2013

      Is my keyboard not operable as it should? :) I changed the word “live” to “life” and it was not accepted. What has happened? I hope I do not have to replace this keyboard. :)

      • me
        March 28, 2013

        I guess the fact that they hardly ever prosecute or remand the female criminals have nothing to do with it

  6. Female
    March 26, 2013

    Males are always more aggressive and try to always be right, They do not know how to solve problems without being physical. They are also arrogant and don’t even like to acknowledge when they are wrong. I have a father, brothers, uncles
    and male friend. I know what I am talking about. I
    I am not saying some women are not like the men, but in the whole world, men are always more in trouble. Just look at how boys and girls play from the moment they could walk and talk.

    That is why women are bare children. We have more patience. When these men leave us with so many children, we survive, live them one day with their own children to take care of, they go nuts.

  7. say it loud
    March 26, 2013

    Well as I see it men have no brains, women are a more superior species. We think before we act, that’s why.

    • Justice and Truth
      March 28, 2013

      I disagree with you. It would be interesting to khow how many women comment on this Website, who do not utilize their brains and do not think before they act. The comments will project it but who are they, man or woman?

  8. Fun
    March 26, 2013

    266 divided by 4????? lol
    Girls can choose 66.5men to each woman
    They can have mucho fun.
    On the flip side does proposition 8 apply at stock farm?
    Judges and magistratesmust eith send up more women or if it’s men only more girls for guys on the outside.

  9. Waitukubuli-Original
    March 26, 2013

    This is for the one using alias “REAL”

    You amazed me! you are placing the responsibility of raising children on the churches? Child bearing is only for nine months (anyone can do it) BUT child rearing is for a lifetime and it is in that area children are failed.

    Every parent is a leader and MUST bear this mentality when raising their children. They need to have a vision of where these children are going in life so they can lead them there successfully. Child rearing is the responsibility of all parents and that is why family planning is important. Knowing something about parenting before being a parent is vital.

    That is why it is imperative to not just find a sex partner, but a spouse who is competent not just as a wife but as a parent. It is a very delicate responsibility which many take lightly. When one fails as a parent the children suffer the immediate consequences; but, the community/nation experience the side effects.

    Sadly, the government, church leaders and other community leaders are “charged” because parents fail. You should say that parents need to be more effective in their roles and wiser about planning their families. Women, stop having impulsive sex with those good-for-nothing men who walk around aiming to satisfy their sexual desires spreading children like mango seeds.

    Those parents who like to party and leave child rearing responsibility to anyone available need to prioritize. Those women who neglect their children for the sake of a “man” or “woman” need to take back your position as a parent. Those parents who went overseas and left your children for the aged grandma to raise and permanently neglect them, need to be blamed. Those parents who think its ok to be a friend to your children, need to change your mindset and be a parent. Those parents who leave “education” solely to teachers need to show interest in your children’s school work and life in general.

    If you don’t want to take the responsibility as a parent, then DON’T have children! this will be favorable to that “child”, yourself and society on a whole.

  10. tango one
    March 26, 2013

    Hmmmmmn thats northing comparing to Antigua which is just a 108sq miles,Dominica is about 329sq miles and the prison population is not so bad you to consider the crisis this world is facing also which could cause crime to be up,in Antigua the prison population is almost 400 they are thinking of building a new jail cause its over crowded imagine that ha!!!!

    • March 26, 2013

      Square mileage, are you planning on putting LAND in Jail? Size of the island has nothing to do with anything,.. Antigua’s HUMAN POPULATION is HIGHER than Dominica’s — Both countires have aproximately 0.4 Percent of their ENTIRE Population in jail. This is sadly too high for both countries. This means out of every 250 people, one person is in jail.

    • Really
      March 27, 2013

      You should compare by population, not land mass. IF you compare by land mass, you will have to do so by populated mass…. and most of Dominica’s land mass is not populated…..

  11. ricky
    March 26, 2013

    Mr superintendent,you want more staff for what?clearly you are more interested in keeping the business of people wasting away in prison than them being rehabilitated and living productive lives in Dominica for the good of all…what a shame on you!!you should Rather be focused On implementing education and Vocational programs for these men so that eventually when they are released they can have a positive impact in society and not hold resentment towards the likes of you and everyone else thats going to shaun them because they have no skills and cannot find or do any work… :-x

  12. Hard Pitch
    March 26, 2013

    when you think of Dominica you must laugh!

    do they have professional minds in dominica..
    don’t think so at all..

    where is the focus level in dominica..what did they actually gain from all these aid from countries..

    just look at their difference in trade between export and import and that pretty much sums up what dominica is made off.

    dominica lacks focus and direction…

    it would be wise if folks in dominica actually decide to make a change of personal ruling the island…that’s where the problems lies..

    dominicans tend to get excited way too much over a smile and their acceptance of less is amazing..

    they lack the ability to be critical of their own blood, so in the end the rated as the poorest in the caribbean and unattractive island in terms of development focus and direction..

    so that will surely lead to increase at the prisons…dominicans keep worshipping a leader who keeps fooling you all and playing games.

    dominica a lost case matter!

    • St.Joseph
      March 26, 2013

      You kind of beat me to it.
      Just see who their leaders are that shou;d be no suprise.
      Both illegal the President ought to be ashame to get into such a position of being call illegal president.It shows lack of class. Villageboy come Roseau and made it then spoilsit in the end.
      Things realy fall apart it fell apart at the end of his career accepting a position tanish by his predecessor for being over qualified and failly to perform.Not eveb presidential viagra couldmake the lastone rise to the level of respect.
      The last president failed us.Eluid failed before he statrted by accepting .It proves and fortifies what poverty does to those who worked hard and still canot get out of the poverty mode.

  13. real
    March 26, 2013

    the future of our country, this is sad, we as a country on a whole need to work harder to ensure our young men stayout of trouble. the churches must do their part also. people need the lord.

    • toma
      March 26, 2013

      why do we always call on churches,what about parents

      • Justice and Truth
        March 26, 2013

        Parents are the primary educators of their children. It commences from the home. If they have responsible parents who care, they probably would not turn to crimes.
        The church comes second and schools come third.
        We must determine how much parental nurturing they received from the beginning, at their parents’ home and were they obedient to their parents. Disobedient children may not grow up to be disciplined ones. It is only a matter of time that they could end up in trouble with the Law.

  14. Peacock
    March 26, 2013

    That report is so empty — it borders on ridiculous!

    What programs are currently in place at the prison?

    What programs are currently held to rehabilitate the offenders into society once released?

    Why so many persons on remand and what is the average time does a person spend on remand at the prison?

    What are the Gov’t plans for renovations, improved services/courses/faciliteis at the prison?

    what type of training is provided to the Prison Officers

    When and when do we expect to build a facility solely for juveniles? Any plans at all???

    Do we have a female prison? And if yes, why aren’t the juveniles housed in the female section of the prison being that their numbers are much less??

    Mr. Prison Superintendent …please go back to the drawing board and present a proper report …. this one is lacking substance …

    • La
      March 26, 2013

      Peacock,
      You are obviously an idiot masquerading as smart.

      • as I see it
        March 26, 2013

        La, you seem to be a perfect idiot and you don’t even have to masquerade yourself. Your response to peacock comments showed you up as who you are. You sure did not understand a thing that was said and therefore I am sorry you exposed yourself to the public.

      • club
        March 26, 2013

        I second you. The topic was prison population overwhemingly male. The article discussed the topic at hand. Peacock must have failed English composition and comprehension.

      • @ Lalaland
        March 26, 2013

        And you are not only LA but in LalaLand.
        not even masquerading you can’t.You are tous tuknee. naked

      • Justice and Truth
        March 26, 2013

        Peacock posed some valid questions. What is the matter with you? You are the idiot. It appears that you did not comprehend the questions. The pot calling the kettle black. :twisted:

    • flower
      March 26, 2013

      Some of you just sit and write for writing sake.

    • Brook Benton
      March 26, 2013

      When the cabal loses power they will ask for programs they did not providewhen they become part of the population. Lol!
      They should be proactive and build quality space for theirtwilight days in incaseration.
      May seem farfetched but will come to pass.
      It’s only a matterof time.

    • Justice and Truth
      March 26, 2013

      Some years ago I herd that a juvenile facility was being built. In view of your comments, I am wondering, was this true?

  15. Anonymous
    March 26, 2013

    “Staggering”…Guys tone it down! These are still small numbers by any stretch of the imagination.

  16. TRUEMAN
    March 26, 2013

    ***LET”S HOPE NOT***

    Thanks DNO for the good info. I lways wondered about the population of the prison.

    I hope the population will decrease and will have less of a need to add more staff.

    We’re certainly not “wishing” to increase the population. Let’s hope not!!

    -Thanks

  17. as I see it
    March 26, 2013

    What you mean by you intend to reintroduce the adult education programme? You mean adult education is not even available at the state prison? I thought Skerrit was so interested in education but it seems to be just a show, to win votes, and since prisoners are not allowed to vote then he is not interested in educating them? What a shame! Clearly, with over 260 men in prison a basic thing like adult education should be a must at the state prison.

    • Justice and Truth
      March 27, 2013

      How many of the prisoners would really be interested in adult education? Are they academically inclined? A lot of discussions must first take place prior to establishing an adult education, if none is established, to suit the mentality of those prisoners. Most of them, if not all of them may not have completed elementary school much more for high school. Some of them may have been elementary school dropouts or did not attend elementary school. One step at a time will have to be taken to initiate them into an adult education program and to educate them. The government will have to decide how this will be implemented in order to benefit those prisoners. If such a program is implemented, it would be interesting to know how successful it will be.
      Offer advice to the government and relevant authorities.

    • wat u say! u say!
      March 27, 2013

      THATS SO0 TRUE. THANK U

  18. Jimi Hendrix
    March 26, 2013

    I am not sure what the story is since this phenomenon is the norm everywhere else. If females had testosterone, I am sure they would be more than adequately represented at the prison.

    • Bass-la
      March 26, 2013

      What do mean by ‘if females had testosterone’?

      You mean they don’t? 8-O

      • sorry
        March 26, 2013

        Sorry they do not teach that in grade school. One more reason you should’ve stayed in school.

      • Buelah
        March 26, 2013

        Females do have testosterone; though not as much as males.

      • Peeping Tom
        March 26, 2013

        :mrgreen:

  19. March 26, 2013

    Out of the 262 males how many are currently serving time for sexual offences against children? How many serving for sexual offences against women? How many for theft offences? How many for gun/violent crime offences? etc.

    We need to examine the nature of crimes for the majority of the prison population to determine what the government needs to concentrate on. Obviously Dominica will have to worry about racism within the system because it is governs it’s own people.

    • Anonymous
      March 26, 2013

      Empty report

  20. smooth
    March 26, 2013

    the news about the individuals that escape from prison that should be published. Let the public be informed.

  21. England
    March 26, 2013

    Way to many young people are in prison law enforcement, Government, society, parents, what happen to the days when the village raised a child any adult had the right to correct a child we have lost this prayer is the answer

  22. Morihei Ueshiba
    March 26, 2013

    Ahem…. Skerro cause the increase in our prison population and if u think i lying compare the prison population from E O Leblanc time to our current administration. :mrgreen:

    • Dominican Abroad
      March 26, 2013

      Really! Why don’t you compare everything else during the time of E.O Le Blanc and now, then make an educated comment.

    • Peeping Tom
      March 26, 2013

      :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  23. KING WILLY
    March 26, 2013

    Thats number should be 261 and not 262,I checked out early today and am sure no one could replace me so quickly.DNO please update your numbers.

    • true
      March 26, 2013

      funny eh!

  24. Pundit
    March 26, 2013

    This is nothing new. Male have always made up the majority of the prison’s population. There have been times when there were one or no females.

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