This year the Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre – Zenaida Haven – marked its 7th Anniversary of providing a secure and rehabilitative setting for juvenile offenders. This year’s Anniversary Celebrations were held under the theme: “Taking the Steps to Make the Change – Zenaida Haven Turns 7”.
In observance of this occasion staff, residents and invited guests attended a Church Service at Central Baptist Church and participated in – Family Fun Day in an effort to continue strengthening the relationship of stakeholders, families and staff. These events also assisted with bringing a greater awareness about the significance of the Caring facility to the Anguillian Community. Further, it highlighted the valuable work that is being done by staff at Zenaida Haven. The success of the Zenaida Haven Programme is due to its non – institutional care and the use of Government and Community resources which enable residents to reduce their risk of reoffending and aid their successful reintegration into society.
In the last seven years, Zenaida Haven demonstrated commitment, perseverance and resilience in pursuit of high quality residential care and excellence in our work. This has been recognized both regionally and internationally by the OECS Commission and UNICEF. The staff of Zenaida Haven have continued to grow professionally through multiple trainings which were financed and facilitated by UNICEF and the OECS Commission.
Our successes and achievements during the seven – year period are no accident, as we recognize the commitment and contributions made by the Minister of Social Development – Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers. PS Social Development – Dr. Bonnie Richardson Lake, Chief Probation Officer – Ms. Jocelyn Johnson, and staff both past and present.
Earlier this month a new Supervisor was appointed to Zenaida Haven. Ms Yoshida Gumbs is a young Anguillian who has a passion and dedication for the rehabilitation of our juvenile population. She is innovative and brings a wealth of experience to the position as she has worked with juveniles and juvenile offenders since 2009 both in Anguilla and the USA while she attended Midwestern State University. Throughout the years she has evolved and progressed in the field of juvenile rehabilitation. Ms Gumbs looks forward to further developing and strengthening her practice in this area of work.
On behalf of the Department of Probation, Ms. Johnson has extended congratulations and success to Ms. Gumbs on her new appointment as well as on the successful execution of the events observing the 7th Anniversary of Zenaida Haven. She continued by expressing gratitude to all staff, stakeholders, mentors, and partners of the Department.
– Press Release
