A team of prisoners launched into action on Tuesday, giving two communities in Portmore, St Catherine, a welcome facelift as the Department of Correctional Services kicked off its Inmates Work Programme 2009.

The clean-up campaign ended yesterday.

The project, the 19th since the programme began, took place at the border between the Portmore Pines and Silverstone communities, which also borders the Silverstone Basic School. It is expected to cost about one-fifth of open-market costs.

Minister of state in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Arthur Williams, said he was satisfied with the effectiveness of the programme.

"It has gained public acceptance, and it is of tremendous benefit to communities and to our educational institutions, because we have focused on schools," he stated.

According to the junior minister, the project was chosen after intense lobbying by Portmore Mayor Keith Hinds.

Hinds reportedly insisted that the overgrown area posed a serious security threat to residents of the adjoining communities.

Mayor Hinds said he has been encouraging other councillors to use the programme and make significant savings. Close to $900,000 was saved on the current project, he said.

'Trouble spots'

He said there were several other 'trouble spots' that the council was considering.

"We know the police stations are going to be getting some attention, and we're in negotiations and looking around at some other projects, but we have to confer with the other councillors," Hinds said.

Principal of the Silverstone Basic School, Pauline Christian, said she was pleased with the clearing of bush, as it would reduce the rodent population on the compound, and allow for another emergency exit, in the event of an evacuation of the school.

Inmates clear overgrowth in Portmore, St Catherine, on Tuesday. - JIS Photo