Probations of Offenders Act under review

In keeping with Government’s mandate to improve the juvenile justice system and improve its functions to better serve young offenders in this modern era, the 1945 Probations of Offenders Act is currently under review with significant changes and amendments being planned.

Delivering brief remarks at the Barbados Probation Department 75th Anniversary Service, held at Calvary Moravian Church on Sunday, Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams said the current laws covering juvenile offenders and the protection of the island’s youth was significantly outdated.

He said his Ministry is in the process of bringing the legislation up to a modern and appropriate level.

“Today’s youth represent our country’s future, and it is therefore critical that we provide them with the tools necessary to overcome the challenges that they may encounter daily,” Abrahams said.

“As we seek to invest in young Barbadians, this legislation has been receiving our attention and significant reform is under discussion. Priority is also being given to the establishment of a new Juvenile Justice Bill and Child Protection legislation, which together will significantly reform child laws in Barbados.”

The Home Affairs Minister also praised the Probation Department’s work over the years, saying that the organisation and its officers have remained committed to their tasks at hand, not only in the management of offenders, but in their work in the wider community with young Barbadians in mentorship roles.

“The department is reinforcing its efforts to not only focus on monitoring offenders and on public safety, but also on community participation,” Abrahams said.

“As the department marks its anniversary, we are aware that it is an open door linking the past to the future, and we are proud of the vital role played by the Barbados Probation Service. Officers in the department have always held a vested interest in shaping the lives of young Barbadians, and given the current socio-economic climate, the department is even more cognizant of the importance of its role as a key agency, not only within the criminal justice system, but within society as whole.” (SB)