Closing off the two-day Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole (CAPP) workshop was the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by delegates.
Yesterday, eight countries namely Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, the Turks and Caicos and Trinidad and Tobago, signed the MOU at the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management, Cave Hill, St. Michael.
The MOU which will remain in effect for five years, seeks to establish a formal network (Association) for the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole, to facilitate collaboration; share best practices and experiences; advocate for evidence-based policy reforms; and improve the effectiveness of these services.
This follows discussions surrounding the recognition of a unified approach to enhancing probation and parole services in the Region.
Signatories to the MOU agree to exchange information, data and best practices relevant to probation and parole; develop and participate in joint training and capacity-building programmes; and collaborate on policy advocacy initiatives. In addition, it is expected that they will initiate and support research projects; convene annual meetings to discuss progress and future plans; and advocate for additional resources and support for probation and parole departments.