Following reports highlighting the deplorable conditions in some of the island’s correctional facilities, the Ministry of National Security was expected to indicate the next steps in fixing the issue. As such a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to support the rehabilitation of wards and inmates transitioning out of correctional facilities through mentorship while providing training. It was signed among the Ministry of National Security(MNS), the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Heart Trust/NSTA and the HOPE program. Now,
“This phase will include the provision of a holistic framework for collaboration among MNS, DCS, Heart Trust, NSTA and the HOPE Programme to facilitate training, certification of DCS staff, wards and inmates in transition, support the rehabilitation of wards and inmates through mentorship while providing training for mentors under the WETransform program,” said Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Matthew Samuda.
The Memorandum of Understanding will also allow for the recruitment and training of wards and probationers in the HOPE programme. The move comes after reports of an inmate’s death at the tower street adult correctional center. He was allegedly beaten by wardens.
“We have to look at the real metric of success as the reduction of re-offending and that is the only way we will really know if the efforts we are making do more than make us feel good,” Samuda added. “As we continue to up-size our environment and through this MOU to broaden the efforts of the varying agencies, it is important that we pull and examine entrepreneurship grants.”
Meanwhile, the National Project Coordinator of the Housing, Opportunity, Production, and Employment (HOPE) program also commented on the necessity of the Memorandum of Understanding.
“The HOPE Programme is very happy to be associated with this project, which will provide more opportunities for our youth and the people of Jamaica, particularly those who have run afoul of the law, to have a new lease on life,” said Colonel Martin Rickman.
