Esmeralda is the New Prison for Women: President Mulino Cuts the Opening Ribbon
The project was completed in 18 months and involved an investment of $22.4 million. The center opened today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by President José Raúl Mulino.
President José Raúl Mulino inaugurated the new La Esmeralda Women’s Rehabilitation Center, known as CEFERE, located in Las Garzas, Panama province. It is a prison designed exclusively for women deprived of their liberty. The project was completed in 18 months and had an investment of $22.4 million. The project was under the responsibility of the Ministry of Government, within the official plans to reorganize the female prison system. The new center was designed for a population of 520 inmates and concentrates in one space areas of training, medical care and family visits.
It also has recreation areas and spaces intended for spending time with children, something that did not exist in a comprehensive way in the previous prison. The complex includes educational workshops, a school, a clinic, an auditorium, and sports facilities. According to the government, the facility complies with United Nations regulations and international human rights standards, with the aim of promoting rehabilitation and social reintegration. With the opening of La Esmeralda, the current CEFERE Cecilia Orillac de Chiari will cease to operate as a regular prison. The place will be set up as a Transition Center for women in the pre-release stage.
