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." 

In other words, GSL specializes in providing privatized government services via the Private Finance Initiative, also known as Public Private Partnerships.

GSL and prison privatization
GSL operates private prisons in Britain, South Africa, and Australia :

Britain

 * HMP Wolds
 * HMP Altcourse
 * HMP Rye Hill

Australia
GSL describes itself as being "at the forefront of privatisation of prisons in partnership with governments in Australia" :


 * 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."

Immigration Detention Centres run by Global Solutions Ltd
Global Solutions runs the following Immigration Detention Centres for the British government :


 * 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. 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."

Personnel

 * John Bates - Director of Corporate Communications
 * Elizabeth Alsop - Press Officer

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." 

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

 * Immigration Detention Centre
 * Prison-industrial complex
 * Privatization
 * Englefield Capital