A new era dawns for youth rehabilitation in Trinidad and Tobago.
On Thursday, Minister of Youth Development and National Service, Foster Cummings, presented a new six-member Board to the Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Centre (YTRC), formerly known as the Youth Training Centre (YTC), with their instruments of appointment.
The Centre, previously under the purview of the Ministry of National Security, is now under the management of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS).
Minister Cummings noted this rehabilitative facility for young male offenders between the ages of 16 and 18 will provide general education, vocational training, counseling, mentorship, active and creative activities. He said this will assist youths to reintegrate into society, while reducing recidivism.
“This is achieved through a variety of programme offerings at the Centre including academic courses, skills training, and behavioural therapy. Thereby fostering personal development, accountability, and positive life skills. The facility also recognises and emphasises the importance of community involvement, through the provision of its creative activity offerings to support the youth’s reintegration upon release.”
According to Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MYDNS, Savitri Balkaran, YTRC’s mission transcends confinement. She said they are committed to the physical well-being, safeguarding of residents’ emotional landscape, and steering them toward adulthood with maturity and responsibility.
“Our purpose is clear – to transform difficult experiences into stepping stones for each young man’s rebirth. Through unwavering mentorship and a nurturing atmosphere, we stand ready to help these individuals rewrite their stories, turning adversity into opportunities for a brighter future.”
Newly-appointed Chairman of the Board, Inspector of Prisons St. Clair Michael O’Neil, said although the YTRC has several programmes which benefits its residents, he intends to improve and add more for the enhancement of residents’ skill sets.
“The custody and physical care administered to these young persons would not just help to minimise the detrimental effects of being incarcerated but it would also contribute to them making better life choices.”
The other Members of the newly-appointed Board are Manager of National Service at MYDNS, Gachelle Gilkes-Edwards, Attorney Stacy Benjamin-Roach, National Social Development Programme Director at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, Patricia De Leon-Henry, Counselling Psychologist Sule Joseph, and Manager of The Student Support Services Division at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ayinka Nurse-Carrington.