LaTonya Linton, Gleaner Writer
Spencer
A NEW Transition Centre is to be constructed at the Tamarind Farm Correctional Facility, according to Senator Kern Spencer, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of National Security.
Senator Spencer revealed plans for the new facility during his contribution to the State of the Nation Debate yesterday.
"A centre to house 200 additional inmates is to be established at Tamarind Farm for inmates serving between one and six months of the remainder of their sentences and whose risk level is either low or medium," he said.
The facility to be created will allow inmates to be exposed to sustained rehabilitation activities, some of which include vocational activities, spiritual development and anger management.
"The objective (of the transition centre) is to enable the offender to modify his or her behaviour and to provide him or her with the necessary coping skills to live a productive and crime-free life after release from custody," Mr. Spencer explained. He added that plans are in place to design and implement the programme.
HEALTH STUDY
Meanwhile, a Sexual and Reproductive Health study will be undertaken at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre. The study will be carried out by the Department of Correctional Services, the Ministry of Health, Jamaica AIDS Support, John Hopkins University, and Dr. John Mary from Health Through Walls.
"The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence rate for HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases, Hepatitis A, B and C and to develop appropriate treatment programmes," he added.
Senator Spencer added that the qualitative phase for the programme has already been completed. He also stated that plans are now in place to start the testing of inmates. A laboratory will be established with the support of the Ministry of Health to facilitate the testing of inmates.
