Technical Assistance Projects

Jamaica

Canada has had a long working relationship with Jamaica through multilateral organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and initiatives through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). In the last decade, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has hosted four Jamaican delegations, as well as conducted a Needs Assessment tour in Jamaica. The Jamaican delegations focussed their information-gathering sessions on various aspects of Canadian corrections, including: management of HIV/AIDS; management, organization and structure generally; staff training; physical management and design of institutions and staff training colleges; women and young offenders; parole and community reintegration; security; case management; and, programs.

In 2002, Jamaica approached Canada for assistance and expert advice for analysis of crime data and trends, as well as to evaluate links between sentencing, rehabilitation and recidivism within the Jamaican context. This led to a Correctional Needs Assessment mission to Jamaica in the winter of 2003 by a team of CSC experts. The mission focussed on overcrowding, flow of inmates through the correctional system, physical infrastructure within correctional centres, and issues in the implementation of corporate intentions. Numerous recommendations were offered, including examination of existing rehabilitation and conditional release programs, as well as possible avenues of further technical assistance from CSC. At this time, there are no immediate plans for future projects or initiatives with Jamaica.