34.3 million Dollar Project to Renovate the Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre

The Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, the Hon. Zavia Mayne, says the 34.3-million-

dollar project of the newly renovated block at the Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre (Tredegar

Park, Spanish Town, St. Catherine) will contribute to creating a conducive environment for resident

juvenile offenders.

"The project provides a structured and secure environment where juvenile offenders can receive

educational, vocational, and behavioural interventions designed to facilitate their rehabilitation",

the Minister expressed while giving the keynote speech on Tuesday, April 4 at the recent Ribbon-

Cutting Ceremony for the renovation of the block. He further highlighted that the project shows the

importance that the government is placing on investing in the Juvenile Correctional Centre as it plays a

role in the reformation of juvenile offenders into Jamaican society.

The project comprised:

 Renovation of all bathrooms;

 Replacement of Timbre-Framed Roofing with Slab Roofing;

 Installation of Grilles for the watch stations in the dorms; and

 Fabrication and Installation of Security Check Points.

Ms. Claudette Hamilton, Director of Juvenile Services, Department of Corrections, while giving remarks

underscored that the “juvenile corrections center provides a second chance at life for these children,

and so this is a new chapter for the Department. Our mandate of rehabilitation and reintegration

will be realized, with the multifaceted approach by all categories of staff and all units within the

Department of Correctional Services and the Ministry of National Security.”