The Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, has hailed the opening of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Recruitment and Training Centre as a bold and intentional step in reforming Jamaica’s correctional landscape.
“This is far more than a ceremonial opening—it signals our commitment to equipping correctional personnel with the tools, resources, and professional environment they deserve,” she stated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Centre on Friday (June 20).
Acknowledging long-standing challenges in the sector, Minister Cuthbert-Flynn emphasized that meaningful reform begins with those on the front lines.
“Our National Correctional Services Policy makes clear: building a structured, supportive and professional workplace is key to safer, more rehabilitative outcomes.”
She described the facility as an investment in the people who take on the difficult yet vital role of restoring order and dignity in often-overlooked areas of society, reasoning, “professionalising the correctional workforce is not optional - it’s a strategic imperative. It means elevating standards and making this a career that commands respect,” the Minister said.
She underscored the government’s determination to create an environment where correctional staff are seen not just as functionaries, but also as nation-builders. “We must ensure those behind the walls are not forgotten, but supported, empowered and treated with dignity,” she added.
The new Centre, located at 135 East Street, will offer continuous professional development, with refresher courses and leadership training designed to keep even the most experienced officers agile and informed.
As a central hub for cultivating correctional excellence, the facility will deliver structured training modules on human rights, rehabilitation, conflict resolution and mental wellness; ensuring officers are equipped to respond not just with authority but also with empathy and insight.
Minister Cuthbert-Flynn concluded by noting that the DCS is forging a new legacy—one built on international best practices and grounded in the values of service, integrity and accountability.
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