KINGSTON, Jamaica—Twenty-nine prisoners serving time in Jamaica’s prison system have been readmitted for a fourth time, while 19 were readmitted on three separate occasions.

The rate of recidivism which hovers around 27 per cent has prison administrators concerned, according to the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, a publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

“Recidivism remained a concern for the Department of Correctional Services and the Ministry of National Security and Peace,” said PIOJ.

The survey reveals that 153 inmates were readmitted during the period under review. Males accounted for the majority of readmissions, totalling 149 of the 153 inmates.

“By recurrence level, 78 inmates were readmitted for the first time and 26 for a second time,” the survey found. It said the recurrence level of one inmate was unknown.

While there is not a set global average for recidivism since rules vary from country to country, it has been reported as high as 60 per cent in some countries and generally between 18 and 45 per cent.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation and reintegration activities continued during the period, with participation from both adult and juvenile inmates. PIOJ said a total of 531 inmates – 359 adults and 172 children participated in educational programmes, while 541 inmates – 374 adults and 167 children – engaged in vocational training.

-Lynford Simpson