Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer

OCHO RIOS, St. Ann:

Jamaica's prison system has one of the lowest HIV prevalence rate in the world according to National Security Minister, Derrick Smith.

Mr. Smith made the disclosure on the weekend while addressing the passing out parade for more than 100 new correctional officers at the Carl Rattray Staff College in Runaway Bay, St. Ann.

He said contrary to negative perceptions, the HIV prevalence rate in the island's prisons was approximately 3.3 per cent.

The minister said the figure was based on the result of recent research done among prisoners.

Better than other countries

Mr. Smith pointed out that the 3.3 per cent rate compares favourably with figures from developing countries such as the United States whose rate ranges between two and 10 per cent and other countries of the Caribbean such as Trinidad which has a rate of 4.5 per cent.

"This means that our HIV prevalence rate within the prison system is actually one of the lowest in the world," Smith said.

He commended probation after care and correctional officers for their contribution in helping to achieve this fairly tolerable level of HIV prevalence within the prison system.

The National Security Minister also disclosed that there has been a dramatic decline in incidents of sexual abuse and the spread of disease in the prisons.

He said this was achieved as a result of a new housing strategy introduced by the Department of Correctional Services, which separates homosexuals, heterosexuals, those who are mentally challenged and those prisoners with communicable diseases.

The minister also thanked prisoners for their cooperation in making the department achieve one of its objectives.