This time around, the Minister says, the centre will house both males and females, as opposed to wards being in different structures.

However, he clarified, that the security of the facility will be beefed up to ensure there isn’t a repeat of runaway wards.

“We will not repeat the problems we have at [Boys’ Training Centre], we will not repeat them here, so we'll make changes accordingly,” the Minister stressed.

He also acknowledged the security shortcomings of the BTC and said the Ministry is working with security professionals to address them.

“The BTC we know has a chain link fence and has a few officers that are security officers and wardens. One of the things that we do not have on the BTC is sleeping quarters for persons who are working double shifts. We’re working with security professionals to advise us on the best approach,” he said.

The Minister also disclosed that the intention is to make the centre co-ed, where males and females are housed in the same structure. At present, boys are housed at the Boys’ Training Centre and girls at Upton Girls’ Centre.

The Minister says once adequate security is in place, the wards can be accommodated in the same structure.

“When we speak of young men and young women, the assumption is that young women and young men will not get together. In the real world, young boys and young girls are together,” Henry explained.

He says their sleeping quarters would be separated.

“In a juvenile centre, you have their quarters, you separate them, you have your stewards. I am more concerned that we find the right staff and the right system to manage our wards, our juveniles, than having boys and girls together.”