On Friday (29 March), the Department of Corrections celebrated five participants from the Violence Reduction Programme (VRP) with a graduation ceremony held at the Co-Ed Facility.

In attendance was the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Caines, JP, MP, Department of Corrections senior officials, and family members.

This was the second VRP held by the Department of Corrections and the first completed in the east end correctional facilities. The programme was managed by, Lead Facilitator and Psychologist, Dr. Emcee Chekwas, Principal Officer, A. Ming, and Divisional Officer, D. Caisey.

The successful graduates of the program were:

• Daymon Simmons

• Phillip Bradshaw

• Tio Weeks

• Shannon Tucker

• Robert Damon Green

At the graduation, Minister Caines spoke of the need for the men to be proud of their accomplishments. He also informed them of the opportunity they now have to educate their peers, become role models and examples to men in similar circumstances, of what is possible.

Minister Caines said, “After hearing the men speak of their experience going through the program and how it has affected them, I have no doubt that the learning experience has made a profound impact on their lives.”

“Furthermore, it is my belief that when these men are released from custody, the Violence Reduction Program will have provided them the tools needed to break the cycle of violent behavior and become productive members of society.

Those in attendance at the graduation were treated to a inspirational spoken word performance by Right Living House resident, Stephen O’Neil.

• Press release from the Department of Corrections