Alex Borg: Transforming Malta’s Prisons into Havens of Hope

Imagine walking into Corradino Correctional Facility, Malta’s largest prison, and being greeted not by the usual grim silence, but by the hum of a bustling workshop, the scent of fresh paint, and the sound of laughter echoing through the halls. This is the vision that Alex Borg, Malta’s Parliamentary Secretary for Prisons, has for the country’s penal system. In an exclusive interview, Borg shared his plans to transform Malta’s prisons into places of rehabilitation and dignity.

Breaking Down Barriers, Building Up Skills

Borg’s approach is simple yet powerful: treat prisoners with respect and provide them with the tools they need to reintegrate into society. “We’re not just locking people up and throwing away the key,” he says. “We’re giving them a chance to change, to learn new skills, and to become productive members of our community.”

At the heart of this approach is the prison’s new vocational training centre, currently under construction in Corradino. Here, inmates will learn everything from carpentry and welding to catering and IT. The centre will also house a state-of-the-art kitchen, where prisoners will prepare meals for the entire facility, learning valuable culinary skills and gaining real-world experience.

But Borg’s plans don’t stop at skills training. He’s also focusing on mental health and rehabilitation. “We need to address the root causes of crime,” he says. “That means providing therapy, counseling, and educational opportunities.” To this end, the prison is expanding its mental health services and launching new educational programs, including a GCE A-level course and vocational qualifications.

From Isolation to Integration

Borg is also tackling the issue of isolation, a common problem in prisons that can hinder rehabilitation. His solution? More family visits and better communication tools. “We’re installing new phones and expanding visiting hours,” he says. “We want prisoners to feel connected to their families and communities, not cut off from them.”

But Borg’s vision extends beyond the prison walls. He’s working with local NGOs and businesses to create a network of support for former prisoners. “We need to make sure that when someone leaves prison, they have a place to live, a job to go to, and a community ready to welcome them back,” he says.

A Haven of Hope on St. Andrew’s Street

To see Borg’s vision in action, look no further than the St. Andrew’s Street Community Centre, a former prison that has been transformed into a vibrant community hub. Here, former prisoners and local residents come together to learn, share meals, and build a stronger community. It’s a testament to what’s possible when we treat prisoners with dignity and give them the chance to change.

Borg’s plans are ambitious, but they’re also necessary. As he puts it, “We can’t just lock people up and throw away the key. We have to give them a chance to change, to learn, and to grow. Because when we help prisoners, we’re not just helping them – we’re making our entire community stronger.”

So, the next time you pass by Corradino Correctional Facility, imagine it not as a place of punishment, but as a haven of hope. A place where people are given the chance to change, to learn, and to grow. Because that’s the Malta that Alex Borg is fighting to create.