BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MARCH 13TH 2013 (CUOPM) – Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas will deliver the feature address this afternoon (Wednesday) at the official opening of the New Horizons Juvenile Rehabiliation Centre in Harris’.
The opening, improves the Federation’s Juvenile Justice System, as the centre is a central part of the ongoing Child Development Project.
Minister of Social and Community Development, the Hon. Marcella Liburd and a representative from the Barbados-basd Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) are down to give remarks.
Prime Minister Douglas, who is also the Parliamentary Representative for the area, is expected to highlight his Government’s commitment to ensuring that rather than punish young persons who are in conflict with the law, that they receive every opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration in the community as law abiding and productive citizens.
According to the Ministry of Social Development, following the opening of the centre, persons identified as staff will undergo intense training as they will be expected to ensure that each resident has an enabling environment which takes into consideration their physical, emotional and psychological needs.
In a statement it said that the staff at the centre will extend every effort to eliminating all adverse effects which make children delinquent through recognized approaches which adhere to human rights and our obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
Residents of the centre, which will cater to both males and females, will be exposed to a holistic programme which will include academic and vocational education and counseling. Extensive work would be done with families of the residents and the community.
The facility as the name suggests, will provide new possibilities, hope and a renewed sense of purpose for residents and their families through its well crafted programme, dedicated staff and most importantly the willingness of the community to embrace the idea of second chances and contribute towards the reintegration and transformation process of the residents.
The United States Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Larry Palmer last year handed over to the Government, US$300,000 worth of furniture and equipment for the New Horizon Rehabilitation Centre.