Historic Port of Spain Prison to Be Decommissioned After Over 200 Years

September 5, 2025- The Government has announced the official decommissioning of the Port of Spain Prison, bringing an end to more than two centuries of operation.

The announcement was made by Minister of National Security Roger Alexander, who cited long-standing concerns over the facility’s deteriorating conditions and repeated legal challenges related to its infrastructure.

Once a central pillar of the nation’s correctional system, the prison has faced mounting criticism for its outdated and inhumane conditions. The move signals a shift toward modernizing the country’s prison system and addressing human rights concerns.