21 hours Ago By Dianne Wilson
AS we ring in 2025, reflections of the past year serve as a stark reminder of the dire challenges that continue to plague correctional services and its facilities the country over. At the Kerevat Correctional Services (CS) in East New Britain Province, overcrowding and health concerns required the collective efforts of both the officers and medical staff to manage. The Post-Courier was privileged to talk to the Facility’s acting Commanding Officer Timothy Binae and officer-in-charge of the Kerevat CS Clinic Inspector Beven Esi earlier this week.
Following is a comprehensive overview of the key issues and accomplishments that marked the year, 2024, as highlighted by the gentlemen. Juvenile Inmate Increase and Overcrowding A significant challenge for Kerevat jail in 2024 was the dramatic increase in juvenile intakes. Acting Commanding Officer, Timothy Binae, highlighted that the facility has seen a rise in young inmates, some as young as 10 years old, who have committed serious crimes such as murder and armed robbery.
According to Binae, the root cause often lies in inadequate home environment, with many juveniles committing crimes while still in school, highlighting a breakdown in parental guidance. One of the most pressing concerns for Binae is the lack of proper facilities to house juvenile offenders separately from adults inmates. The institution currently accommodates juveniles in the same cells as adult inmates due to the absence of a dedicated juvenile facility.
This overcrowding in cells has exacerbated existing security and management concerns. Despite these challenges, the facility continues to accommodate a growing inmate population, with the current capacity for males being far exceeded by the actual number of inmates, which stands at 500. To address the issue of overcrowding, Binae has called for immediate assistance, including the construction of additional buildings to accommodate the growing number of inmates.
This would help reduce health risks associated with overcrowding, such as skin infections and diseases like scabies. Health and Medical Challenges The overcrowding at Kerevat jail has also contributed to an increase in infectious diseases. The clinic, headed by Inspector Beven Esi, reported a notable outbreak of scabies in 2024.
In October, 65 cases of scabies were recorded, followed by 56 cases in November. While the situation is under control, the limited resources in the clinic, such as insufficient medication and medical supplies, have made it difficult to fully address the issue. Additionally, there has been an increase in cases of tuberculosis (TB), with six positive cases recorded and treatment ongoing.
The clinic also struggled with malaria outbreaks, though they were largely under control thanks to available medication. However, a shortage of mosquito nets has been a pressing issue, as new inmates arriving at the facility are left without them. Despite past donations from Rotary, the current supply is inadequate for the number of inmates.
Inspector Esi has called for additional support from the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority (ENBPHA) and other donors to address this deficiency. Training and Support for Correctional Staff A recurring theme in the interviews with both Binae and Esi is the need for additional training for the officers and staff at Kerevat jail. Binae emphasised the importance of specialided training for handling juvenile offenders, particularly in light of the rising number of young inmates.
Such training, Binae believes, would better equip officers to manage juveniles in a manner that minimises security risks and ensures proper rehabilitation. Transport and Referral Challenges Transport has been another significant challenge for the medical staff. With only three operational vehicles, the clinic struggles to handle referrals to external hospitals, including Kerevat Rural Hospital and Rabaul Provincial Hospital.
The lack of an ambulance has been particularly problematic, and despite past requests, the promised replacement has yet to materialise. As a result, staff have had to rely on limited resources, further burdening an already strained system. As Kerevat jail moves into 2025, the need for immediate infrastructure improvements, better medical supplies, and enhanced training for correctional officers remains paramount.
With the growing rate of admissions, especially during times of heightened law-and-order situations in the province, the facility is under immense pressure to maintain safety, health, and security standards. Acting Commanding Officer Binae has called for the support of state agencies, government entities, and business houses to help relieve the facility’s overcrowding and health challenges. Without additional support and resources, the future remains uncertain for Kerevat jail, especially as the inmate population continues to swell.
In conclusion, while 2024 posed numerous challenges for Kerevat jail, the dedication of the officers and medical staff has ensured the continued management of a difficult situation. However, to maintain the integrity and safety of the facility, urgent interventions are required in the areas of infrastructure, medical resources, and staff training..
