Conditions at the lone, 18th-century prison are primitive. In November 1997, following prison riots and reports of serious security breaches, the Government decided to privatize the prison and hired a foreign security company. All prison officials, with the exception of a small administrative staff and women's prison officials, were replaced by Trinidadians. Prison conditions reportedly have improved since the change in prison management. Death row inmates are restricted to 1 hour of exercise per day, but all other prisoners are able to exercise throughout the day.
Prisoners receive three meals a day and have opportunities to take literacy classes.
Prisoners are also permitted to supplement their diet if their relatives are able to bring food to the prison. There are about 190 prisoners and 38 prison officials. The Government permits prison visits by independent human rights monitors. The Constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, and the Government respects these provisions in practice. Criminal defendants have the right to a judicial determination of the legality of their detention.