Africa-Press – Mauritius. The first dedicated rehabilitation facility within the Mauritius Prison Service was inaugurated today at the Petit Verger Prison in Pointe aux Sables by the Secretary for Home Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mrs Kan Oye Fong Weng-Poorun, in the presence of the Commissioner of Prisons, Mr Premnathsing Jokhoo and other personalities.
The Petit Verger Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre is in line with government’s ongoing effort to combat drug addiction and reduce recidivism. In its initial phase, the Centre will accommodate approximately 50 detainees, who will undergo a comprehensive six-month multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme.
This programme is designed to address addiction and behavioural challenges through a series of interventions, ranging from therapeutic counselling and addiction treatment; health-based detoxification; to behavioural change and personal development modules. Additionally, the programme includes life skills and vocational training; education and literacy support; and a pre-release preparation and reintegration component to support detainees as they transition back into society.
A team of 10 specially trained Prison officers, along with psychologists and programme facilitators, will oversee the detainees’ rehabilitation journey. The initiative also benefits from the collaboration of several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which contribute expertise and resources to the programme.
In her address for the occasion, the Secretary for Home Affairs viewed the inauguration of the Petit Verger Centre as a symbol of hope and transformation for detainees, and commended the prison staff for their dedication to the project. She underlined that fostering rehabilitation and helping inmates to transform their lives with a view of reintegrating society reflect the new approach adopted by the Mauritius Prison Service. The approach is expected to instil a positive culture in the correctional service and reduce reoffending while at the same time support the fight against drug abuse, she said.
According to Mrs Kan Oye Fong Weng-Poorun, Government is committed to address the drug problem and break the recidivism cycle which currently stands at 70%. She noted that some 434 detainees are currently struggling with drug addiction. For the rehabilitation programme to succeed, there is need for close coordination among all stakeholders, including the families of detainees, she added.
Moreover, the Secretary for Home Affairs conceded the significant challenges facing detainees, particularly upon their release, such as finding employment and continuing to fight out addiction. To address these issues, the government plans to work with the private sector to find job opportunities for former detainees, potentially helping to alleviate labour shortages in certain industries.
The Secretary for Home Affairs further called for a broader reflection on the criminal justice system and suggested the creation of a tribunal dedicated to rehabilitation. This tribunal would provide a supportive, framework, based on restorative practices and rooted in compassion and justice, rather than a purely punitive approach.
For his part, the Commissioner of Prisons pointed out that dignity, purpose and hope underpin the new approach being implemented at the Mauritius Prison Service. Mr Premnathsing Jokhoo underscored that second chances remain a real opportunity for detainees and that rehabilitation is powerful investment in the future.
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