Rats force transfer of detainees from Spanish Town lock-up 

An infestation of rats has forced the relocation of detainees from the lock-up at the Spanish Town Police Station in St Catherine.

“The relocation follows reports of rodent infestation and overcrowding at the facility,” the Ministry of National Security said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

With news of the forced relocation, the National Security Minister, Dr Horace Chang, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving police facilities island-wide.

According to the ministry, the Spanish Town lock-up has been assessed by the relevant authorities and remedial works are expected to start next month.

Chang said the Government has been investing in redesigning police stations island-wide, and making them “customer-friendly, welcoming public spaces”.

The minister also indicated that “from a total of 186 police stations island-wide, most need significant work”. He said that some stations are in total disrepair, others have had to be abandoned, and the men and women of the security force are working under extremely challenging circumstances.

So far, of 60 police stations that have been targeted for repairs in the current financial year, 19 are being renovated, 24 have been completed, and the remaining 17 are expected to start before the end of the fiscal year.