Interpretation

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, “contracted out prison” means a prison or part of a prison for the running of which a contract under this Act is for the time being in force; “contracted prison officer” means a prison officer employed by the contractor; “contractor”, in relation to a contracted out prison, means the person who has contracted with the Minister for the running of such prison; “Keeper” means the gaoler or other officer in charge of any “Minister” means the Minister responsible for prisons; 8 “Permanent Secretary” means the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry responsible for prisons; “prison” includes any gaol and any buildings and other places, set apart by the Minister for the reception and confinement of prisoners, and also includes the yards, airing grounds or other grounds or buildings occupied by prison officers for the use of the prison and contiguous thereto; “prisoner” means any person committed to prison on remand, or for trial, safe custody, punishment or otherwise; “prison officer” means any Keeper of Prisons or other officer appointed to exercise the duties of the several offices in connection with but does not include the Superintendent of Prisons; “sub-contractor”, in relation to a contracted out prison, means a person who has contracted with the contractor for the running of such prison or any part of such prison; “Superintendent of Prisons” or “Superintendent” means the officer in charge of the Belize Prison Service.