218 privates receive certification
THE SECOND batch of privates, numbering some 218, received Certificates of Completion in the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) programme amid plans by the Government to expand the initiative once resources become available.
“As more resources become available, we intend to expand this programme. The Government is committed to building a generation of morally sound, but also highly creative, responsible leaders in our communities,” said National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang.
The 218 privates received JNSC Completion Certificates, and JNSC Records of Service and National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J) certificates in security operations.
Delivering the keynote address at the graduating exercise at Up Park Camp in Kingston last week, Chang hailed the programme as one that will redound to the benefit of Jamaica.
“We are convinced that before us, are over 200 leaders in their own right. Young Jamaicans, who will refuse crime and delinquency as their choice of living, and pursue instead, positive, productive, legal enterprises ,” Chang said.
He added: “When our youth are engaged, we have safer communities; safer communities, where public order and peace are the norms.”
The JNSC through the auspices of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has now engaged close to 1,600 candidates into this comprehensive national training programme, which Chang highlighted as an excellent addition to the national landscape.
“The personal development skill, such as disciplinary, positive values and a sense of self-worth, provides JNSC privates, the tools to engage in careers spanning the public sector,” Chang said.
Entities that can immediately benefit from the expertise of the privates include the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Department of Correctional Services, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Jamaica Customs Agency, passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency among other public and private sector agencies, the minister noted.
Lieutenant Commander Ainsley Neil, acting commanding officer, Directorate of Training and Doctorate noted that the one-year programme saw the recruits undergoing training at the army’s Newcastle facility.
“Many of the recruits also did service in the Zones of Special Operations and in areas under the State of Public Emergencies. They would have also given service in terms of all the parades that took place where JDF soldiers were required,” Neil told The Gleaner.
There are currently four cohorts in training and this includes an increase in the number of trainees represented, according to Lt Commander Neil.
He said that even with an obvious increase in the number of recruits over the first set, he is anticipating greater numbers in the ensuing years of the programmes.
“We are looking to increase the programme, as the Minister (Chang) said. So anyone who can apply I urge them to apply.