Rehab programme working – Spencer

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security Rudyard Spencer says that passes in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination by persons in the penal system is a sign that the rehabilitation programme is working.

Addressing the opening of an education symposium at the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre in Spanish Town, St Catherine on Tuesday, Spencer said that education is the solution to giving inmates a second chance “to life and an opportunity to do better”.

He noted that among the highlights of the 2018 CSEC results were 60 out of 97 candidates passed at least one subject, and two of them were successful in six subject. He added that “outstanding” passes were seen in principles of business, human and social biology, economics and food nutrition, as well as office administration.

“We pride ourselves on the successful rehabilitation of our offenders, and we are working assiduously with our partners – Stand Up Jamaica, HEART Trust/NTA and others – to achieve this,” the state minister told the audience.

Further evidence of the achievement of rehabilitation, he outlined, the enrolment of 855 inmates from five correctional institutions in various academic and vocational activities under the Department of Correctional Services Education Programme.

Spencer said that education should be seen as a life-long process and that aimed the ministry aims to ensure that all offenders are engaged in rehabilitation activities.

The state minister said that their future is being prioritised to ensure that when they are released from the system, they can be “successfully reintegrated into society”.

The event was held under the theme ‘Education in Focus’.