Some prison inmates who recently completed university-level courses and performed with academic excellence are being encouraged to pursue further studies.

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn commended the inmates for their hard work and perseverance.

She was delivering remarks yesterday at a graduation ceremony for ten inmates who earned tertiary degrees in Business Administration while incarcerated.

Cuthbert-Flynn noted that education remains one of the most effective tools for rehabilitation.

Five inmates were awarded Associate of Science degrees while five others received their Bachelor of Science degrees.

In addition, four correctional officers earned their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

The initiative is a joint venture between the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and lobby group Stand Up for Jamaica.

The programme began in January 2020.

The DCS said yesterday’s graduation ceremony marked a pivotal moment in Jamaica’s rehabilitation efforts, demonstrating that with opportunity, support and determination, true change is possible.

Commissioner of Corrections, Radgh Mason noted that the graduates are proof that the past does not have to define the future, and encouraged them to serve as a beacon of hope for others.