With funding from the European Union, a first model jail unit was opened at the Najayo jail in San Cristobal. The new facilities have eradicated free market operations that are common in Dominican jails, replacing these with a jail-operated store where inmates will make purchases with vouchers. Attorney General Francisco Dominguez was present when the first 30 women of 251 were relocated to the new premises of the Centro de Correccion y Rehabilitacion Mujeres Najayo. The remaining 220 inmates are still at La Victoria jail where they were relocated for the completion of the new premises at Najayo.
Innovations include a new force of 40 women security guards that were trained at the new Escuela Nacional Penitenciaria that is preparing another 533 agents to serve in jails. Inmates will be able to participate in computer instruction, learn hairdressing, sewing and bakery skills.
Ten pavilions were built with cells for four and eight inmates and inmates will have their own lockers.
The program is to be implemented in 35 jails nationwide. Dominguez Brito said that they were not inaugurating a physical area, but a new jail management program.
As reported in Hoy newspaper, the inmates are not so happy about the all-included model of prison. They complain that the free market economy that operated within the jail was a way they could help support their families.