The United States Government congratulated the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday for its outstanding leadership in juvenile justice reform. The praise came from Deputy Chief of Mission to the United States Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Laura Griesmer, during a close out ceremony for the St. Kitts segment of a United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Juvenile Justice Reform Project (JJRP) in the OECS.

Under the US $5.8 million regional project, St. Kitts and Nevis received US $900,000 to support reform efforts, including the provision of training, capacity building, and technical assistance to the New Horizons Rehabilitation Centre, the Magistrates Court, and the Department of Probation and Child Services. Over 150 juvenile justice officials and media personnel were also exposed to child-centered techniques, tools, and modern approaches to improve the care, treatment, and advocacy for vulnerable youth.

Ms. Griesmer lauded St. Kitts and Nevis for being the first of three countries under the JJRP to pass a model Child Justice Bill into law signaling its true commitment to juvenile justice reform. She also welcomed the fact that the project close out event was held at New Horizons. Since the Center’s opening in 2014, the facility has successfully diverted youth from adult penal institutions and reintegrated them into their communities following periods of detention.

Describing New Horizons as “a symbol of positive change in the way youth are supported, both here and in the wider Eastern Caribbean,” Ms, Griesmer added: “The achievements under the JJRP are significant and far-reaching and inspired interest in changing young people’s lives in all six independent OECS countries. In St. Kitts, this success would not be possible without the dedication and foresight of the government and people. For example the establishment this Center took many years of planning and represents the first of its kind in the region to offer a range of outstanding services to our young people.”

The US envoy also commended wards of the New Horizons for taking steps to change their lives. “I want to acknowledge and congratulate the young persons present today. You are making positive changes in your lives. Congratulations! I know that change is sometimes challenging – but it is worth it!”

“I understand that some young people left New Horizons with renewed self-worth and a determination to succeed. For example, I heard that after achieving success in her Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations, at least one young lady is currently furthering her education, while others are employed and making positive contributions to their families and society. I know that you all can and will do the same,” she added.

Acknowledging the level of support which the JJRP generated among various stakeholders, Ms.Griesmer said the initiative provided the means to accelerate the reform process in St. Kitts and to set the broader reform process throughout the region on an upward trajectory.

To this end, she pledged the US Government’s continued support to juvenile justice reform, particularly in relation to strengthening diversion approaches; building the capacity of front-line juvenile justice practitioners, and supporting youth reintegration following detention.