Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, has lauded the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) for pumping over $85 million into the rehabilitation and expansion of the Gayle Multi-purpose Centre, in St Mary.

Speaking recently at the ground-breaking ceremony for the first phase of the project, Dr. Chang applauded the CSJP for its ongoing commitment to investing in initiatives that encourage a more peaceful and lawful society.

“I want to commend the CSJP, a very important unit in the Ministry of National Security that does work across communities, but particularly in areas they  recognise that have socio-economic challenges, and they continue to facilitate rehabilitation and redemption,” the Minister added.

The CSJP, with support from international development partners, such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB),  Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom, and Global Affairs, Canada, funds  projects aimed at developing the youth in various communities.

Minister Chang urged the community members to recognise the role that a multi-purpose centre can play in the prevention of youth participating in criminal activities.

“If we have avenues such as this multi-purpose centre to spot the potential risks that youth may face, then we can rescue them and get them on the right path. The centre can be a very transformative institution and bring about significant opportunities for Gayle, so use it well. It is up to you to apply some hard work to continue the process of development in this community,” he emphasised.

Work on the project is expected to last six months and will focus on the renovation of the ground floor of the centre to house a police post, a renovated courthouse, conference and office areas, and a computer room.

- JIS