“We are not sending these young men into society as ‘bare men’ but we are equipping them with the necessary tools and valuable skills they will need to survive, provide for their families, contribute to their communities and to become productive citizens,” said Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn.
Minister Cuthbert-Flynn made the statement on Tuesday (June 24) while delivering the keynote address at the Agriculture and Awards Day at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre.
She further added that the agricultural achievements of the inmates are symbolic of the success of the Department of Correctional Service’s (DCS) rehabilitation thrust.
“This is what we want to see happening, rehabilitation in action. When we see the tangible results as we do today, we are further motivated to continue investing in the rehabilitation and reintegration thrust of the Department of Correctional Services,” Minister Cuthbert-Flynn emphasised.
She noted that the rehabilitation programmes will only yield positive results, “when we provide opportunities like this, we are reducing recidivism and building a safer, more prosperous society.”
In her closing statement, Minister Cuthbert-Flynn urged the attendees to continue to support the rehabilitation efforts of the DCS.
“Continue to support initiatives like this, which demonstrate the power of second chances and the human spirit's capacity for growth and transformation,” she encouraged.
The Agriculture and Awards Day saw over 30 inmates being awarded for successfully completing rehabilitation programmes in barbering, carpentry, crop management and customer service, among others. Additionally, the inmates are now certified in these areas through partnership between the DCS and the HEART/NSTA Trust.
Photos
View album in the Gallery →