Minister Reiterates Government’s Commitment To Rehabilitation Of Offenders

Minister of National Security and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Horace Chang, has reiterated the Government’s commitment to the rehabilitation of offenders.

“We have challenges within our prison system, but we have done much work in dealing especially with our juvenile members… . There is a ‘We Transform Youth Empowerment Programme’, which is going extremely well,” Dr. Chang said.

He was speaking during his contribution to the 2022/23 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 1.

The We Transform Youth Empowerment Programme is one of the Ministry’s flagship youth transformation programmes, geared at equipping youth, under the care and supervision of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), with the requisite skillset, character, and support to become productive citizens.

In addition, the HEART/NSTA Trust Certification Programme continues to partner with the juvenile institutions.

The programmes that will be implemented within this fiscal year include Barbering – Level 2, Nail Care Attendant, Hair Braider and Weaver, Hairstylist, Fundamentals of Makeup Artistry, Housekeeping – Level 2, Breakfast Cook, Baker, and
Public Area Attendant.

On the academic front, Dr. Chang said the DCS continues to make significant strides.

As at March this year, 141 wards were engaged in academic activities, 151 wards were engaged in vocational activities, 271 inmates were enrolled in academic activities, and 484 inmates were enrolled in vocational activities.

In addition, 121 inmates and wards registered for the 2021 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

“Forty-five per cent of all candidates who sat the exam passed at least one subject and 50 per cent of the registered juvenile candidates were successful in at least one subject,” Dr. Chang said.