The Department of Correctional Services yesterday (June 10, 2020) received a boost in sanitation efforts following the donation of three power washers and four mist blowers from Digicel Foundation’s Operation Sanitise, Advocate, Feed and Enable (SAFE) Mode.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, on behalf of DCS, welcomed the donation valued at approximately $680,000. He said the donations will aid the DCS with fumigation and boost the standard of cleanliness within correctional facilities to safeguard the health and wellness of its population.

 “Digicel Foundation has also committed to assisting the DCS with its rehabilitation efforts, by loaning the department a lobby area to host its quarterly mini exposition, which showcases different art pieces made by inmates and wards across correctional institutions,” the Minister added.

Senator Samuda said the foundation has committed to providing materials to be used in several rehabilitation projects that generally involve education, art and craft, woodwork and agro-processing. “We are grateful for Digicel Foundation’s contribution and we look forward to their continued partnership, as we continue to prevent the spread of the virus,” he said.

 Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer at the Digicel Foundation, Charmaine Daniels, pointed out that Operation SAFE Mode began in March, and forms a crucial part of the Foundation’s drive to aid vulnerable, displaced and needy persons, amid the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Daniels said the Foundation has contributed to multiple causes including care homes, but for the first time, it is focusing its attention on the DCS. She added that the Foundation saw the need to assess its COVID-19 response by fulfilling the needs of the DCS.

“The correctional facilities caught our attention and we thought of how best we could provide a durable contribution that can be used even after COVID-19,” she said.

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