St. Kitts and Nevis’ is set to begin a revolutionary rehabilitation project, taking 180 inmates and exchanging the tall prison walls and electric wires for open fields where prisoners will have 70 acres of land to cultivate, giving prisoners a chance to make a positive change for the environment and the country.

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris stated that the initiative will be managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and prisoners will be transported to a designated plot of land to learn “honest pathways to sustainable living.”

“The Ministry of Agriculture has set aside 70 acres of land for a strategic approach for at-risk youth and former inmates of Her Majesty’s Prison and ex-gang members,” Harris announced, adding that it could be the turning point in their lives.

He went on to state that the government is still searching for candidates to fill management roles for the project and are open to collaborative efforts with private sectors, adding that crime is a multi-facet national concern and positive changes require the efforts from all parts of society.

Harris explained that the project is more for the benefit of the wayward youth, to provide a solid and wholesome redirection for their education and energy.

“We are providing opportunities for constructive engagement for our young people,” he said, “providing them with a sense of belonging and we are building trust between the young people and our security forces.”

One group of police officers, the prime minister said, often hit the city streets to talk to adolescents and young gang members, attempting to convince them to leave their habits and bad company behind.