The 14th Annual Conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services (ACHCPS) began here on Monday, amid concerns that the challenges of confronting regional institutions are increasingly complex.
‘Organised crime, gang affiliation, cyber threats, radicalisation, overcrowding, mental health concerns, staff wellness, the growing demand for effective offenders rehabilitation required us to think beyond the traditional approach,’ ACHCPS president Doan P. Cleare told the opening ceremony. ‘They require innovation, collaboration, and courageous leadership. No single correctional services possess all the answers, yet as a Caribbean family, we possess an extraordinary wealth of knowledge, experience, professional expertise.
‘It is through this unity that we become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to fulfil our mission of protecting communities while preparing those in our custody for successful reintegration into society,’ Cleare told the delegates to the five day conference being held under the theme ‘One Caribbean, One Vision’.
He said that this year’s conference theme is far more than a slogan and represents a ‘declaration of our collective purpose and a commitment to strengthening correctional leadership through our region.
‘Today we stand at a defining moment in Caribbean corrections,’ said Cleare, who is also the Commissioner of Corrections for the Bahamas, noting that the ACHCPS was founded on the principles that regional cooperation strengthen national correctional systems.
‘Over the years, we have cultivated meaningful partnership, promoted professional development, facilitated training opportunities, encouraged the exchange of best practises among our member states.
‘These achievements remind us that our greatest success have always been realised when we work together. This conference proved another opportunity to strengthen that partnership,’ he said, noting that over the next five days, delegates will engage in meaningful discussions on institutional security, leadership development, offenders rehabilitation, staff resilience, technical innovation, human rights, and regional cooperation.
He said that the conference will hear from experts, exchange practical experiences, and identify solutions that can be adopted across jurisdictions.
‘However, I encourage each of us to view the conference as more than just exchange of information. Let it be a catalyst for transformation. Let us challenge outdated practises. Let us embrace innovation. Let us invest in our greatest assets, our correctional professionals. Let us continue building institutional founded upon integrity, accountability, professionalism, and respect for human dignity. ‘
The ACHCPS president said that a safer Caribbean cannot be achieved without safer correctional institutions and likewise, safer correctional institutions cannot exist without visionary leaders who are willing to collaborate, innovate, and inspire.
‘As leaders, we have both the privilege and responsibility to sharpen correctional systems that not only ensure safety and security, but also foster hope, rehabilitation, and opportunities for positive change.
‘When an institution is stronger, our officers are better equipped. When our officers are empowered, our facilities are safer. When rehabilitation succeeds, our communities become stronger and when Caribbean nations stand together with one purpose, one vision, our entire region benefits.’
Cleare said he was inviting every delegate to participate actively, engage openly, and share generously, adding ‘let us use this conference to forge new partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, and develop practical solutions that will leave a lasting legacy for the Caribbean Corrections’.
Cleare acknowledged what he described as ‘the unwavering dedication of correctional officers and prison professionals throughout our region’ saying ‘your service is often performed without public recognition.
‘I will repeat, your service is always performed without public recognition. Yet, every mind is indispensable to national security, public safety, and the administration of justice. Your professionalism, resilience, and commitment continue to inspire us,’ Cleare said, adding that as the ACHCPS president ‘I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advising correctional excellence, promoting regional unity, and supporting every member jurisdiction in achieving the highest standard of professionalism and service.
‘Together, let us embrace the opportunity to sharpen, to shape our future corrections. Together, let us lead with integrity. Together, let us innovate with purpose. Together, let us build an institution safe for communities and safe for the Caribbean,’ Cleare added.