The Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday announced changes in the prison system aimed at keeping young, first–time offenders away from hardcore criminals.

Under the new regulation, first time offenders, particularly those facing narcotic charges and are on remand, would be relocated to the Lusignan Prison.

The move comes in wake of persistent concerns about provisions in the prison service for young offenders and the Ministry said in a statement that it is in keeping with the “desire to place greater emphasis” on correctional services within the prison system.

Young offenders, between 18 and 21 years, would be relocated to the Lusignan Prison on the East Coast. The Ministry said that the Prison Service has since acted and removed all first offenders to Lusignan.

According to the statement, the objective of the new provisions is to avoid incarcerating young offenders with recidivists and hardcore criminals. Further, the Ministry said discussions were recently held on young offenders being spared the hassle of travelling to the city for court hearings, and that the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary has been approached with respect to establishing a court at Lusignan to hear cases for first offenders only. The Ministry reported that the Chancellor has agreed with the proposal.

Additionally, the Ministry expressed satisfaction with a public notice by the acting Chancellor this week which indicated that a Courthouse would be established at the building housing the Lusignan Prisoner Officer’s Club.

For years justice advocates have raised concerns about young offenders being incarcerated with adults and the impact of this on rehabilitation. More recently, calls have been sounded for juveniles who are within the criminal justice system to be housed separately. The Ministry’s announcement did not address juvenile offenders specifically.