Meeting Held on Kolbe’s Prison Contract Renewal

Last week, we reported that the contract between the Kolbe Foundation and the government of Belize for the management of the Belize Central Prison has not been renewed. A meeting between both parties was held today. Police Minister Kareem Musa told News 5, “Whenever there is the ending of the contract, we do have a discussion with the Kolbe Foundation on the way forward. We’re actually having that meeting right now as we speak. My CEO is there, meeting with them, and I’m heading over there to see.”

Discussions between the foundation and government officials have been underway to finalise contract terms. Musa added that “Both sides have concerns in terms of the management, and so we are going to see if we can renew that contract.”

The private non-profit organisation has managed the prison since 2002, transforming it from a facility plagued by abuse, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions into one that prioritises rehabilitation and improved living standards for its 1,150 inmates.

The facility also offers rehabilitation programs such as addiction treatment, education, and vocational training in fields like welding and construction. With a cost of just $7 per inmate per day, the Kolbe Foundation’s focus on rehabilitation has led to lower recidivism rates.