Trinidad and Tobago’s Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander has proposed using convicted prisoners sentenced to hard labour to help maintain public spaces, saying the initiative could improve communities while supporting inmate rehabilitation. The proposal comes as the government works to address overgrown public areas following the suspension of the Community-based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP).
Speaking during a visit to the National Programme for the Upkeep of Public Spaces (NPUPS) in Tunapuna, Alexander said convicted inmates could be assigned duties such as cutting grass, cleaning communities and maintaining parks and other public spaces. He argued that the prison system represents a valuable labour force that is currently underutilized.
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“We have the largest labour force in the nation’s prison and we don’t utilise them,” Alexander said.
The minister said the proposal would apply only to convicted inmates serving sentences that include hard labour, not individuals on remand awaiting trial. He added that participation would form part of a broader rehabilitation strategy aimed at preparing offenders for reintegration into society through structured work and responsibility.
The announcement follows months of public complaints about neglected roadsides, parks and other public areas after CEPEP operations were halted because of ongoing legal matters. Alexander acknowledged the maintenance backlog but said the government is exploring alternative ways to improve the appearance and safety of communities while the issues surrounding CEPEP are resolved.
The proposal has received mixed reactions. Several regional security experts have welcomed the idea, saying meaningful work can help inmates develop discipline, vocational skills and a stronger work ethic. However, they stressed that any programme must include careful inmate selection, comprehensive risk assessments, adequate supervision and sufficient security measures.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) also urged caution, noting that the prison system is already facing staffing shortages, overcrowding and limited resources. The association said additional personnel, funding and security protocols would be needed before such a programme could be implemented safely.
Government officials have indicated that discussions on the proposal are continuing and that operational details will be developed before any rollout. If approved, the initiative would combine public maintenance with rehabilitation efforts, while attempting to address environmental concerns in communities across Trinidad and Tobago.
