THE National Correctional Services Policy, which is expected to bring improvements to the operation of correctional institutions across the island and the welfare of inmates, is to be tabled in Parliament as a White Paper before the end of this financial year.

According to state minister in the Ministry of National Security, Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, the policy serves as a testament to the Government’s unwavering commitment to establishing concrete measures that will guide its actions over the next five years as it moves systematically to address the unacceptable state of the country’s major correctional centres.

“With the White Paper approved and policy framework established, we move to accelerate and complete the long overdue comprehensive amendments to the Corrections Act, the Parole Act, and the Probation of Offenders Act. This will bring the policy and legislative framework for the corrections portfolio into the 21st century,” she said during her contribution to the State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

She said that by developing and implementing this policy, which was tabled in the Parliament as a green paper in January of this year, the aim is to bolster human resources management, development, and welfare while simultaneously enhancing infrastructure, improving legislation, and prioritising the health and well-being of incarcerated offender clients.

“Furthermore, we are dedicated to enhancing rehabilitation and treatment programmes, ensuring that individuals in our care receive the support they need to be successfully reintegrated into society. In this endeavour we wholeheartedly encourage the Jamaican people to actively participate and provide their valuable input during the public consultations on the Green Paper, which is currently taking place,” added Cuthbert Flynn.

She said that while the Government acknowledges that there is still much to be accomplished in terms of establishing modern facilities, the National Security Ministry is diligently working towards upgrading several areas of its facilities.

“Just a few weeks ago the Department of Correctional Services proudly unveiled its first nursery, specifically designed to cater to women who enter the facility pregnant and give birth. This is one of the initiatives being implemented that underscores our commitment to providing compassionate care and support to vulnerable individuals within our correctional system,” she said.

She also pointed out that a European Union-sponsored hostel was created to aid in the reintegration of inmates by providing a transitional living environment prior to their release.

“Presently, four inmates are housed within the facility and are being prepared for reintegration into society. It is noteworthy that several inmates have successfully completed the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations and have even obtained associate degrees through higher learning opportunities. Moving forward, we remain committed to enhancing the physical infrastructure and fostering the personal development of the inmates,” she said.