Metcalfe Street boys to get assistance

An agreement was signed on Monday by various stakeholders for the pro-vision of intervention programmes for boys at the Metcalfe Street Secure Juvenile Centre in Kingston.

The agreement was signed by the Ministry of National Security, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), during a press briefing at the Ministry of National Security in Kingston.

Acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Dianne McIntosh, said the Metcalfe Street facility is both hope and promise for the many young men who will enter the facility.

"The promise is one of care and protection while they are in the facility, and the hope is the programme of redirection that will help them to make the right choices when they return to their families and communities," McIntosh said.

Staff to play key role

She pointed out that the facility's staff will be an important part of the success of the programme.

"We expect that this tradition of care and support will continue, as the staff relate to the young men in positive ways, guiding them through the process of change that will steer them away from trouble," the permanent secretary said.

The staff-training component of the programme will help staff to develop and refine their skills to not only maintain order in the facility, but to understand the nature of youth development and associated behaviours, as well as ways to engage them in positive relationships for change.

Meanwhile, mission director for the USAID in Jamaica, Denise Herbol, welcomed the partnership.

"The agreement between USAID, UNDP and the Ministry of National Security underscores the international partners' commitment to work directly with the ministry to achieve its goals of ensuring public safety and the rights and well-being of youth who find themselves in conflict with the law," Herbol said.

The US$350,000 being granted by the UNDP/USAID will also go towards conflict resolution.