National Security Ministry and UCC sign MoU
The Ministry of National Security, through
the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), and the University of the
Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday,
January 6, to provide full-tuition scholarships to four inmates and one
correctional officer from the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre.
The UCC has agreed to provide the two-year
scholarships for an online Associate of Science Degree in Business
Administration, each valued at J$600,000.
The pilot project which starts this January
and is expected to expand to other correctional facilities.
State Minister Rudyard Spencer lauded the
initiative as a substantial addition to the rehabilitation programme.
“I wish to congratulate those who were
identified to participate in such a life-changing opportunity. We’ve heard the
cry of ex-offenders who face difficulties qualifying for employment
opportunities because of education limitations. Therefore, we are increasing
the marketability of inmates and officers by providing sustainable scholarships
and grants, through worthwhile partnerships,” said Minister Spencer.
A selection committee, including education
coordinators in the correctional services department, identified the
participants based on good behaviour, achievements in existing educational
programmes, and their qualifications in the Caribbean Secondary Education
Certificate (CSEC) examinations.
Over 800 inmates are currently enrolled in
academic and vocational education programmes across five adult correctional
centres.