Jamaica has opened the Caribbean's first Correctional Academy, a major regional milestone in the continued transformation of the nation's security architecture and the advancement of correctional training, standards and services across the Caribbean.
Located at 12 Worthington Terrace with headquarters at 153 East Street, the newly opened Academy is equipped to strengthen the corrections system regionally through standardised education, leadership development, research and regional collaboration.
While speaking at the Official Opening Ceremony of the Caribbean Correctional Academy (CCA) Campuses on Wednesday, September 9, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, revealed that in establishing the Correctional Academy Campus, the Carl Rattray Staff College being rebuilt, and the existence of the Caribbean Military Academy and the National Police College, "the country now has a complete suite of institutions for training members of the security services, from the Police, Army and Correctional Service."
"Correction services is a crucial part of our security apparatus," he stated and detailed that there has been a "significant reduction in recidivism over the last five years, reflecting the professional quality of the work being conducted by our correctional officers...When you have a reduction in recidivism, in the long run you get a reduction in crime and other violent activities."
Minister Chang further explained that the Academy is a tangible symbol of the transformation taking place within the security framework and marks the completion of a comprehensive security college system.
He also noted that the institution is positioned to enhance the quality and professionalism of security services in Jamaica while creating opportunities for the country to provide world-class training and expertise across the Caribbean region.
Key features of the facility include state-of-the-art classrooms designed to support a hybrid methodology of instruction, the integration of an online learning management system, an e-library and a wellness centre to serve correctional officers.
Welcoming the development, Commissioner of Corrections, Brigadier (Ret'd) Radgh Mason, acknowledged the ongoing partnership between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), University of the West Indies (UWI) and University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) in developing the technological structure of the facility.
"We are very proud of this historic moment...this is especially important in the development of the discipline of correctional management and administration, and we are proud to get this up and running," he added.
The regional milestone reflects the government's commitment to building a modern, capable and people-centred, knowledge-driven security architecture.
Built on the foundation of delivering regionally relevant, internationally aligned correctional education that enhances public safety and supports offender transformation, the Academy will deliver a structured curriculum. Among the offerings are correctional management, correctional administration, criminogenic risk, custodial security, rehabilitation, reintegration, and specialised areas to include mental health and suicide prevention, among others.
Anchored in the National Correctional Services Policy and aligned with the Government's vision for a people-centred approach to national security, this initiative reflects the understanding that staff development and wellbeing, rehabilitation, and institutional effectiveness are critical and interconnected drivers of Jamaica's peace-building efforts.