Home Affairs Minister reaffirms Govt priority for rehabilitation of young offenders

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, along with Permanent Secretary (PS) Andre Ally, today conducted an official visit to the Juvenile Holding Centre, as part of the Ministry’s continued focus on rehabilitation, protection and youth development within the justice system. The visit was facilitated by Shondel Shipley, Deputy Director of the Juvenile Holding Centre. Former Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee and Psychologist, Raiza Khan, was also in attendance, providing technical insight into the psychosocial needs and rehabilitative priorities of juveniles in detention. During the engagement, Minister Walrond met with several youths at the facility, listening to their experiences, aspirations and concerns. “Visiting the Juvenile Holding Centre today, I had the privilege of listening and talking to some of our young people who possess great potential,” Minister Walrond said. “We do not see bad children; we see young people with so much promise and so much life.” She assured the residents that they remain a priority of the Government and the Ministry of Home Affairs. “Just rest assured that you are not alone. You have a Government and a Minister working to make sure that when you leave here, you leave feeling full of hope, despite what you have gone through,” she said. Reaffirming the Ministry’s duty of care, Minister Walrond added: “We will care for you as long as you are under our remit, our supervision, and our care, and we are going to fight hard to ensure that you receive only the very best.”
She encouraged the juveniles to express their needs so that the Ministry can strengthen the programmes offered at the facility. “Tell us what you need, more books, more remedial education, because we want you to see that your life can be improved, and we are here to help make that happen.”
The Minister also emphasised that her engagement with the young people will be ongoing. “This is our first meeting, but it will not be our last. Now that I have seen your faces, I know who to ask about and how to make sure your needs are known.”
Reiterating her broader policy commitment, Minister Walrond stated: “As Minister of Home Affairs, I am committed to strengthening policies that focus on skills-training and ensuring the right resources are deployed for the benefit of all juveniles under our care.” PS Andre Ally reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of every child at the facility. “We are here to ensure that your welfare and educational interests are protected, and that the staff care for you as they would their own children,” he said. “We are committed to doing everything possible to keep you safe, comfortable, healthy, and educated.”
He also encouraged the youths to remain hopeful: “This may be a bit of a rough patch, but I want to encourage you to stay positive and keep your head up. Your past does not determine what your future will be.” The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs to assess and enhance programmes related to education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and reintegration planning for juveniles as they work toward successful futures.