New buildings for Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre

St Catherine, Jamaica: Wards in State keeping at the Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre in Spanish Town will profit from additional housing and learning conveniences next year.

Minister without Portfolio into the Ministry of National Security, Senator Matthew Samuda, made the statement while touring the classrooms plus housing blocks currently under construction.

He hinted that the Department of Correctional Services is working to consolidate rehabilitation exercises through the planned relocation of wards of the Hill Top Juvenile Correctional Centre over Rio Cobre.

"We are quite pleased with the new classroom section, which will be ready to go in January so the boys' classroom experience will be significantly improved. Other areas under development are the new dorms; this is a phased project so some parts will be ready within a week and next month, while the new section should be ready by February," the minister said earlier this daylight while touring the buildings with Commissioner of Corrections, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Gary Rowe.

Then he emphasised that he think the recent announcements of CSEC passes of the adults and young wards should get the country satisfied; however, we want to increase the accessibility and the interest in the educational programmes.

Samuda noted that he is happy of the work being done in the facility to ensure that the wards have access to the critical technology for education. He added that it is essential to ensure that the rehabilitation needs of the wards are met in order to promote their reintegration into society.

"We have a fulsome restoration programme for all ages, but we always need to expand and put more power into it. A critical element of mentorship is not acting realised due to the pandemic; however, we are performing everything we can to assist the wards in other ways," Samuda pointed out.

The Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre currently houses over 40 young men whose ages range between 12 to 17 years, and who have been in conflict with the law.