UPDATE: Conjugal visits will allow better reintegration of convicts – JFJ

Human Rights group Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is supporting the government’s plan to allow prisoners conjugal visits, saying it will help to facilitate continuation of family relationships and better reintegration when inmates are released.

National Security Minister, Robert Montague, announced the plan at the Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Kingston, yesterday.

Spokesperson for JFJ, Susan Goffe, says the group is in support of the move.

She argues that measures to facilitate reintegration of inmates in society are important since most prisoners will eventually be released.

READ: Prisoners to be allowed conjugal visits

Goffe says if inmates leave prisons with stronger family relationships they will be less likely to reoffend.

Since the announcement by Montague yesterday, persons have expressed concern that the move will lessen punishment for criminals.

However, Goffe says the curtailment of people’s movement is already enough punishment.

Meanwhile, Goffe says in cases where conjugal visits are allowed there are usually specific guidelines in relation to who are granted the privilege.