Citizens Security and Justice Project Gets $964 Million Boost

The Citizens Security and Justice Project (CSJP) will be enhanced with the provision of $964 million, as stated in the 2009/10 Estimates of Expenditure, currently before the House of Representatives.
The project, which got underway in September 2001, through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank, aims to prevent and reduce violence, strengthen crime management capabilities, and improve the delivery of judicial services. It is being implemented by the Ministries of National Security and Justice.
Physical achievements of the project up to February 2008 include the development of an integrated management system to link the Courts, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which is now in progress; the completion of design of the DCS’ Transformation Centre and tenders invited; the St. James Resident Magistrate’s Court has been equipped; and a total of 80 members of the DCS’ staff have been trained in new Risk/Needs Assessment Instrument for incarcerated offenders.
A total of 128 Family Court staff in Kingston and St. James have been trained, while the building at Duke Street has been refurbished to facilitate the relocation of the Kingston Family Court.
Additionally, 20 rapid impact projects have been completed in 13 communities, while multi-purpose centres have been renovated in Tower Hill and Fletcher’s Land, and a similar facility at Cassia Park has been furnished and equipped. The Drewsland Community Centre is almost completed.
Other physical achievements include: the refurbishment of reception areas at the Cross Roads, Allman Town and Kingston Central Police Stations; six Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) delivered educational, cultural, and conflict resolution services to approximately 7,000 persons in 15 communities; and some 4,800 persons have been assisted with education and training opportunities inclusive of scholarships.
The project has also seen the establishment of 13 Community Action Committees (CACs), with 135 persons trained in organisational development and leadership skills. In addition, violence prevention programmes have been implemented in six communities in St. James and one in Westmoreland; a total of 950 out-of-school youths have been enrolled in skills training programmes, with 30 persons employed under the internship programme, and 84 employed in data operations.
It is expected that for the current fiscal year, the implementation of the Integrated Management Information System will be substantially completed; the Drewsland community multi-purpose centre will be completed; while the August Town and Parade Gardens multipurpose centres as well as one in Montego Bay, will be renovated and equipped.
It is also anticipated that for the year 2009/10, certified skills training will be provided to approximately 2,000 persons from 15 communities. Four NGOs will also deliver educational/conflict resolution services to approximately 2,000 persons, and strengthen 10 parenting groups and establish four cultural groups. Scholarship/tuition support will also be provided for approximately 300 secondary and 150 tertiary students in Kingston, and 20 tertiary and 100 secondary students in Montego Bay.
The project is also expected to provide administrative support for four CACs. Violence prevention programmes will be continued in the communities of Granville, Farm Heights, Mount Salem, Salt Spring, North Gully and Flankers in St. James, as well as Russia in Savanna-la-Mar.