Jamaica to Host ACHCPS Conference from June 11-14, 2018
June 10, 2018The Full Story
Jamaica will host the 12th conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services (ACHCPS) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston from June 11-14, 2018.
It is being held under theme ‘Transforming Prisons and Correctional Services for Regional Development’.
Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Hon. Rudyard Spencer is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, as well as declare the conference open.
Speaking in an interview with JIS News, Commissioner of Corrections, Ina Hunter informed that over the period, stakeholders will “explore how we can together, transform correctional services for regional development.”
This year’s conference will bring together approximately 22 member countries from across the region, as well as, representatives from the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) and guests from the Netherlands, United States and Namibia.
Some of the topics to be discussed include: leadership essentials for transforming prisons and correctional services; radicalization in prisons; and building intelligence: opportunities and challenges of drone technology for Caribbean based correctional facilities.
Ms. Hunter also informed that focus will be placed on Jamaica’s parole system. “Our parole system has been very successful and we really want to share our experiences,” she stated.
A presentation will also be made by doctoral student at the Sam Houston State University, Toycia Collins, on the topic ‘Evidence-Based Approach: Implications for Effective Management of Prisons and Correctional Systems’.
The Commissioner also stated that the management of challenges, and dealing with mental health issues, will be areas of focus at the conference.
The Mission of ACHCPS is to promote the professional development of all personnel involved in various facets of Corrections, while striving to ensure that the best policies and procedures are in place to meet the needs of corrections/prison environment in individual countries and the region as a whole.