211 Inmates Transferred from Overcrowded Basse-Terre Prison to New Modern Facility in Guadeloupe

On November 16, 2025, 211 inmates were moved from the outdated and overcrowded Basse-Terre prison in Guadeloupe to a newly constructed prison offering improved living conditions and modern security features. The transfer involved a sizeable operation with police, gendarmes, firefighters, and prison administration personnel from Guadeloupe and Martinique ensuring security and smooth execution.

The original Basse-Terre prison, housed in a historic 17th-century former convent-hospital, suffered from severe overcrowding and poor conditions, often comparing to a penal colony with up to 16 inmates sharing the same dormitory. The new facility accommodates 100 places, allowing two inmates per cell, which represents a major improvement in inmate and staff welfare.

This development follows concerns raised since 2016 by former Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas and prison unions regarding the dire environment at Basse-Terre. The International Prison Observatory has also noted the ongoing overcrowding issues in Guadeloupe's prisons. Looking ahead, plans are in place to demolish and rebuild the Basse-Terre prison by 2028 with a capacity of 300 inmates. Meanwhile, the Baie-Mahault penitentiary, also dealing with severe overcrowding at 149% capacity, is undergoing expansion.

This strategic move marks a significant step in addressing longstanding prison conditions challenges in Guadeloupe, balancing better inmate accommodations with improved working conditions for guards, despite some recent staffing concerns raised by prison personnel.