Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, is touting music as a significant tool in the rehabilitation process of wards of the state.
Addressing wards and guests at the Ministry’s LIV GUD Jingle Competition Awards Ceremony at the Metcalfe Street Secure Juvenile Correctional Centre on Tuesday, March 24, the Minister underscored the transformative role of music in reshaping lives and fostering resilience.
She described the initiative as a creative outlet that empowers young people to rewrite their stories and embrace positive change.
“In the hands of you, our creative young men and women, our future LIV GUD Ambassadors, today, music has become a tool of rehabilitation, the rhythm of reintegration and the chorus of hope that cannot be silenced,” said Minister Cuthbert-Flynn.
The State Minister praised the participants for their courage, creativity and determination, stating that they have immersed themselves into the competition and that they have inspired her.
“You did not stop at just showing up; you showed heart and synergy. Your actions are also empowering and refreshing,” Minister Cuthbert-Flynn said.
She emphasised that the initiative is part of a broader rehabilitation strategy aligned with the National Correctional Services Policy, which recognises the importance of social and recreational programmes.
Complementary efforts include LIV GUD Paint and Sip sessions, the opening of a new sewing lab at South Camp Juvenile Correctional Centre and academic programmes offered by the Department of Correctional Services and its partners.
“These are not stand-alone efforts. Together they create real opportunities, giving our young people creative outlets, practical skills and access to education,” Minister Cuthbert-Flynn said, adding that “They help to restore dignity, build resilience and support a successful return to society”.
Thirty-seven (37) wards participated in the competition, producing fourteen (14) original jingles, from which the top three groups will be professionally recorded, mixed and mastered then incorporated into the Ministry’s public awareness advertisements.
In the end, wards from the Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre swept the podium places, with ‘Easy Skankers’ taking third overall, ‘Luxuriant’ in second and ‘Lemonade Fresh’ copping the top prize.
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