Sixty-five offender clients were formally recognised on Thursday at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre for successfully completing a range of academic programmes. The ceremony highlighted their dedication to learning and underscored the Department of Correctional Services’ commitment to supporting rehabilitation through education.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Forging a New Path: A Journey to Redemption,” honoured clients who successfully completed Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, remedial classes at the George Davis Centre, and The University of the West Indies’ Prison-to-College Pipeline Programme in Entertainment Business. One client was also recognised for earning an Associate Degree in Business Administration with distinction from the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

In addition, 10 inmates received special awards for achieving Grade One passes in their CSEC subjects, an accomplishment that underscores their hard work and commitment.

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, Hon. Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, encouraged the graduates to apply their learning as they move forward.

“I hope that you will use your education for good… I know it takes courage, it takes strength and also resilience to face the challenges that brought you here. And I want to commend each and every one of you for taking this important step on this journey.”

The Commissioner of Corrections, Brigadier (Ret’d) Radgh Mason, noted that the event represents the determination of individuals who are choosing to change the direction of their lives.

“This is not just another event on the calendar, this is a celebration of courage, effort, and the belief that every person has the capacity to rise, rebuild, and reclaim their future,” he said.

He emphasised the role education plays in rehabilitation, adding, “You now possess that weapon. It is yours. No one can take it from you. Use it to make different decisions… Use it to create a future you can be proud of.”

He also acknowledged the educators and rehabilitation staff whose work continues to support positive outcomes, stating that their efforts demonstrate that “rehabilitation is not a theory, it is a life-changing practice.”

Dr. Marc Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Probation Aftercare, reported that academic performance at the Keith Walters School has steadily improved. CSEC pass rates rose from 71% in 2023 to 78% in 2024, reaching 88% in 2025, reflecting both the quality of instruction and the determination of the students.

Several graduates demonstrated remarkable academic progress:

• One individual, who entered the facility unable to read or write, advanced from the remedial programme to preparing for tertiary-level subjects.
• Another, transferred from the Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre, passed three CXC subjects and later earned acceptance into a Bachelor of Arts programme at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.
• A third graduate progressed from remedial classes to the Keith Walters School and completed an Associate Degree in Business Management with honours.
• Two other graduates achieved distinctions in their CSEC subjects, building on their academic foundation while in the facility.

The ceremony also highlighted ongoing rehabilitation initiatives, including:

• The Aspire Higher 12-week violence-reduction course, completed by 20 participants.
• The New Me pilot programme, which engaged 15 previously disengaged inmates, several of whom are now preparing for academic advancement.
• A chess programme with 20 active participants.
• Vocational training through HEART/NSTA Trust Level 2 programmes in Micro-Entrepreneurship, Tiling, and Data Entry Operations. Fourteen inmates participated in the Blitz Sanitation Programme, and a second cohort is completing the Barbering programme.

The DCS remains committed to giving clients every opportunity to grow, succeed, and prepare for a brighter future, while contributing to a safer Jamaica.