Chang says Jamaica gov't plans to expand National Service Corps

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang says the Government plans to expand the Jamaica National Service Corps once funds become available.

The second batch of recruits, numbering 218, recently completed their training.

Delivering the keynote address at the graduation held at Up Park Camp in St Andrew, Chang hailed the programme.

“The Government is committed to building a generation of morally sound, but also highly creative, responsible leaders in our communities.

“We are convinced that before us are over two hundred leaders in their own right. Young Jamaicans who refused crime and delinquency as their choice of living and pursue instead positive, productive, legal enterprises,” Chang said.

“When our youth are engaged, we have safer communities; safer communities where public order and peace are the norms,” he added.

Entities that can immediately benefit from the recruits include the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Department of Correctional Services, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Customs Agency, Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, the minister noted.

Lieutenant Commander Ainsley Neil, Acting Commanding Officer, Directorate of Training and Doctorate noted that the one-year programme saw the recruits undergoing training at the army’s Newcastle facility.

“Many of the recruits also served in the Zones of Special Operations and in areas under the States of Public Emergency. They would have also given service in terms of all the parades that took place where JDF soldiers were required,” Neil told The Gleaner.