KINGSTON, Jamaica — State minister in the Ministry of National Security Pearnel Charles Jr has lauded the Caribbean Cement Company for partnering with the Department of Corrections (DCS) in the establishment of a greenhouse project at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre.

“The use of greenhouse technology at Tamarind Farm is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance rehabilitation through skills training, and advance the production of quality crops that can be used in our eat what we grow campaign,” said Charles, the state minister with responsibility for the DCS.

He said that the initiative facilitates inmates being exposed to training in modern agricultural techniques, and should benefit both correctional officers as well as the inmates.

According to Linton Campbell, a correctional officer assigned to the institution, “The type of system that is being introduced to the inmates and staff is the hydroponic system based on water and nutrients. It is the first of its kind to be set up at the Tamarind Farm facility and the inmates and staff are very happy to be part of this historical occasion. I know with the energy and interest shown the project will be successful and will help tremendously with the rehabilitation of our inmates.”

Twenty officers and ten inmates have, so far, been trained in greenhouse farming technology, a release from the ministry said.  

One inmate who is being trained as a hydroponic farmer stated, “The Greenhouse Farming will help us inmates to be better men in society and to learn the basics of setting up the greenhouse. The basics of the greenhouse is to build it from start, maintain, and keep it to standard. I am proud to become a hydroponic farmer, and be part of this system for as long as I can.”  

The greenhouse is intended to produce vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, sweet pepper, tomato and pak choy, which will be sold to staff members, visitors, and supermarkets.