Dames: Govt paying $4K per bunk bed in prison

The Ministry of National Security is spending over $409,000 for bunk beds made by inmates at the Department of Correctional Services. That amounts to $4,092.22 per bunk bed.

National Security Minister Marvin Dames made the revelation during his contribution to the budget debate in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

“To improve sleeping conditions, our Government invested $409,226 for 100 bunk beds which were constructed by the inmates. This simple act now aids in better management of the cells, while improving the living conditions,” he said.

What are these bunk beds made out of? Mahogany? Do they come with 1,000 count silk sheets and an entire furniture set with dressers and night stands? Why are beds made by inmates costing taxpayers nearly half a million dollars at a time when unemployment has skyrocketed, the country’s budget deficit will hit an unprecedented $1.3 billion and the government is set to borrow $1.3 billion from the International Monetary Fund - a loan that will come with strict conditions.

“We have also introduced 56 quarts transparent containers costing $9,727 for inmates in Maximum Security for storing,” he said.