Global Solutions Ltd. (GSL)
Global Solutions Ltd. (GSL) describes itself as "a leader in the provision of critical support services for public authorities and corporate organisations internationally. Governments, local authorities and private companies on three continents have entrusted GSL to build and manage facilities, infrastructure and people on their behalf." [1]
In other words, GSL specializes in providing privatized government services via the Private Finance Initiative, also known as Public Private Partnerships [2].
Contents
GSL and prison privatization
GSL operates private prisons in Britain, South Africa, and Australia [3]:
Britain
Australia
GSL describes itself as being "at the forefront of privatisation of prisons in partnership with governments in Australia" [4]:
- Port Phillip Prison, Victoria.
- Mount Gambier Prison, South Australia.
South Africa
- Mangaung Correctional Centre, Bloemfontein, opened July 2001. GSL boasts that: "This was the first PFI contract in South Africa." [5]
Immigration Detention Centres run by Global Solutions Ltd
Global Solutions runs the following Immigration Detention Centres for the British government [6]:
- Campsfield House, near Oxford.
- Oakington Immigration Reception Centre, near Cambridge.
- Yarl's Wood Immigration Detention Centre in Bedfordshire.
- Tinsley House Removal Centre, Gatwick Airport, West Sussex.
Allegations of abuse at GSL's Oakington Detention Centre
In March 2005, an undercover BBC television investigation at Oakington Detention Centre revealed evidence of racism and violence. Fifteen GSL employees were suspended from front-line duties. [7] According to a BBC News report on the programme, GSL employee Jason Martin said to one inmate:
- "You think you're not going to do anything 'cos a white person tells you what to do. Well I'm afraid you're wrong. My great-grandfather shot your great-grandfather and nicked his f****** country off you for 200 years." [8]
Personnel
- John Bates - Director of Corporate Communications [9]
- Elizabeth Alsop - Press Officer [10]
GSL's sponsorship of the 'Awards for Excellence'
Since 1999, GSL has sponsored the Awards for Excellence, which "give much deserved recognition to the work of the police press and public relation officers." [11]
Contact information
GSL
Head Office
Farncombe House
Broadway
Worcestershire WR12 7LJ
UK.
Tel: +44 (0)1386 858585
Email: press.office AT gslglobal.com
Web: http://www.gslglobal.com
(source)
SourceWatch resources
External links
- Tom Morton, "The Detention Industry", Background Briefing, ABC Radio National, June 20, 2004.
- "Probe into immigrant abuse claims", BBC News Online, March 1, 2005.
- Elisabeth Wynhausen, "Odd priorities behind razor wire", The Australian, June 18, 2005. (a story on GSL's contract to run immigartion prisons for the Australian government).
- Australian National Audit Office, "Management of the Detention Centre Contracts-Part B", July 7, 2005. ISSN 1036–7632 ISBN 0 642 80858 9. (Also available for download as pdfs from here [12] (725kb pdf file) and the summary brochure from [13] (184kb file).
- Annabel Stafford, Julie Macken & AAP, "Prison company may face Rau payout, says auditor", Australian Financial Review, July 8, 2005. (Sub req'd.)
- Alan Ramsey, "The Hilton is a cheaper option for detainees", Sydney Morning Herald, July 9, 2005.
- Keith Hamburger, "Findings and Recommendations from Report on Investigation Concerning Allegation of Mistreatment of Five Detainees", July 29, 2005.
- GSL, "Report on Investigation Concerning Allegation of Mistreatment of Five Detainees", Media Release, July 29, 2005.
- Department of Immigration and Multiculktural Affairs, "Secretary Deplores Incident", Media Release, July 29, 2005.
- Louise Dodson, "Detention centre contractor guilty of abuse", Sydney Morning Herald, July 30, 2005.
- "Labor says the Govt has allowed detainees to be viewed as less than human", ABC News, July 30, 2005.
- "Police investigate 'inhumane' treatment of detainees", ABC News, July 30, 2005.
