Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, is affirming the government’s commitment to reintegration as a cornerstone of national security and sustainable development.
She emphasised that reintegration is not a peripheral social issue but a national development imperative, stating, “Every successful reintegration means fewer victims, fewer court cases, fewer cycles of incarceration and stronger community trust.”
The State Minister made the remarks during the opening session at the 10th National Symposium on Best Practices for Social and Community Development held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on Tuesday, January 27.
This year’s symposium is being held under the theme “Reintegration for Sustainable Community Development: Bridging Gaps, Building Futures”.
State Minister Cuthbert-Flynn, said that the theme reflects Jamaica’s national priorities and underscores the importance of inclusion as investment rather charity.
Further highlighting Jamaica’s leadership in structured reintegration, she pointed to the country’s proactive approach since the establishment of the Involuntary Returned Migrants Project in 2008.
“We understand that rehabilitation without reintegration is unfinished work and reintegration without community support is a fragile progress,” the State Minister said, noting that, “every successful reintegration means fewer victims, fewer court cases, fewer cycles of incarceration, and stronger community trust”.
Minister Cuthbert-Flynn affirmed that reintegration is crime prevention in its most sustainable form, while calling on employers, communities, faith-based groups to embrace second chances and support reintegration efforts.
She said, “every bridge we build for reintegration becomes a pillar of national peace and every future secured through inclusion strengthens Jamaica’s security”.
Most recently, Cabinet approved the Deportation Response Action Plan (2025), which brings together security agencies, social services, civil society and community partners to ensure returning nationals are received with dignity, security and access to opportunities.
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