Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
Dr. Donald Rhodd (left), Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Superintendent Albert Lynn and June Jarrett, deputy commissioner of custodial service, observe an inmate as he sews in the tailoring department. The occasion was a tour of the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre in St. Catherine, yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
SPANISH TOWN, St. Catherine:
A comprehensive rehabilitation programme targeting illiteracy is to be embarked in the nation's correctional centres, says State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Dr. Donald Rhodd.
The Junior Security Minister told The Gleaner yesterday that, for inmates doing two to three years, the aim is to make them literate up to grade nine level, as well as give them the requisite training to be ratified by the HEART Trust/NTA.
He said this would enable them to become better persons and adaptable to changes when they regain their freedom.
The literacy project is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of National Security and the Department of Correctional Services.
Dr. Rhodd was touring the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre in St. Catherine to examine the level of rehabilitation there. He said that, from observations made, the facility appeared to doing well with its rehabilitation programme. The minister noted, though, that the centre was struggling to accommodate the number of inmates because of its size. That, he said, will be addressed shortly.
The National Security State Minister said the rehabilitation programme at the centre included the building of office furniture, uniforms for inmates and staff and also the production of several crops including callaloo, corn, sorrel, cattle and other productive endeavours.
