State Minister in the Ministry of National

Security, Senator Matthew Samuda says the Government is taking a serious

approach to the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by extending the

suspension of visits to the correctional centres.

“Following the recent announcement by the

Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health & Wellness, the

extended suspension of visits will be effective immediately after the existing

suspension ends on Monday, March 30. This will remain in effect until the DCS

is advised otherwise by the National Disaster Risk Management Council,” said

Minister Samuda.

He noted that during this time the facility

has made preparations for increased food and sanitary items for the inmates and

children, based on the needs of each facility.

However, relatives and friends of

inmates/wards may also deposit money to inmates’/wards’ tuck shop cards.

Deposits can be made to Bank of Nova Scotia

(Scotia Centre Branch) Account name: Department of Corrections Project Fund,

Account number: 10908-7815. Upon completing the deposit, relatives are required

to send a WhatsApp message to 876-319-1616 or email

projectdepartment@dcs.gov.jm containing:

1.            Reference

number or receipt number

2.            Inmate/ward

name and date of birth

3.            Name

of correctional centre where relative is housed

4.            Scanned

copy or photograph of identification (drivers’ licenses, passport, national ID)

5.            The

maximum deposit per inmate/ward is twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) monthly.