As the Department of Probation celebrated its 11th year of supervising offenders in the community, a Community Service Campaign was held during the week of June 5th- 10th, 2016 under the theme “It’s Your Community, Have Your Say.” The Department has integrated the use of Community Service through the Court since its establishment is 2005 for the reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders. The aim is to sensitize the public, promote the services of the community service unit, increase placement sites in outlying areas and to show appreciation to the placement sites across the island. The week’s activities included a Church Service, community and an outreach effort using the Community Centres and radio quizzes.
The Community Service Placement Site Appreciation Ceremony concluded the week’s events on Friday 10th June. This event was held with the intent to show gratitude to organizations for their support of the community service programme. The Department now boasts of 30 active placement sites island wide and has managed over 40,000 hours of community service since 2005.
In his remarks at the ceremony on Friday 10th, Hon. Evans Mc. Neil Rogers highlighted that, “The assignment of community service hours cannot take place without the involvement of the community, more specifically the community service placement sites. Whether government, non-governmental, religious or non-profit: your support for the community service programme is vital to its success.
“In understanding that a collective approach is necessary, it is impressive to have received positive reports on all community placement sites represented here today, particularly those sites who have been working with the Department since 2005. The offering of your establishment as a placement site, your time invested, your suggestions and feedback given, have throughout the years made the managing of community service more efficient and effective. For this, I along with staff of the Department are grateful.”
Additionally, Ms. Toya Carty, who was recently promoted to the post of Probation Officer – Youth, was recognized for her contribution to the development of the community service programme from 2007-2015. In her comments in recognizing Ms. Carty, Ms. Johnson, Chief Probation Officer, stated: “When it comes to working at the Department, I have never heard her speak of something that she cannot do. She is always willing, and willingly takes on new tasks and lends assistance. I have not heard her speak of challenges or obstacles – instead she speaks of strengths and opportunities. For her, opportunities are those things that she needs to work on and improve, and she works hard at improving herself and her opportunities.”
In closing the ceremony Miss Rene Henry, who currently holds to post of Community Service Officer, extended thanks to all organizations and persons who contributed to the planning and execution of the Campaign.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
