Present at the Luncheon was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Andre Ally, and representatives from various non-profit organizations and supporting groups.

During brief remarks, Permanent Secretary Mr. Andre Ally reassured the gathering of the Government’s commitment to the rehabilitation of Juveniles, noting that the Ministry has just signed a contract to rebuild the Juvenile Holding Centre. He also told the juveniles that they are a part of Guyana’s population, and as such, can contribute positively to the country.

Mr. Ally also expressed heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Holder Centre who work daily with the Juveniles, and the Non-profit organizations (NGO) and other support groups who commit their time to rehabilitating juveniles. He emphasized that the goal of the Ministry is to see juveniles fully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.

In an overview of the achievements at the JHC, Social Worker Ms. Sabrina Persaud told the gathering that for 2023, thirty-one (31) juveniles were housed at the centre and to date, nine (9) of those juveniles have been released into their family custody, one (1) released on bail, six (6) transferred to the adult facility and six (6) transferred to the New Opportunity Corp (NOC).

The juveniles were also engaged in various programmes within the centre throughout the year, that is geared towards their academic development. These prograammes includes preparation for Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), and the Insert Literary Programme among others.

Director of Juvenile Justice Mrs. Joan Ann Edghill-Stuart in her closing remarks thanked the chambers of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Blossom Inc, Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, Childlink, the staff of the Juvenile Holding Centre, and all the NGOs and supports groups, who would have contributed to the rehabilitation of Juveniles in Guyana.