The UWI’s Dr Dacia Leslie advocates for CARICOM framework to improve correctional systems

Dr Dacia Leslie, Senior Research Fellow at the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social & Economic Studies (SALISES), has called for a coordinated and streamlined Caribbean Community (CARICOM) monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) framework. She made the case during her address to local and international partners at the regional dialogue event launching the Caribbean Corrections Roadmap Initiative held on July 15, 2024.

The Caribbean Corrections Roadmap is a proposed regional umbrella framework for CARICOM States, in which States commit themselves to implement actions in support of more effective correctional systems. This initiative is a pillar emerging from a Georgetown University Master’s Capstone project coordinated by Jake Patrick Collins with the advisory support of Dr Eric Gettig, Adjunct Professor at the University’s Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS). Patrick is a Caribbean Programme Advisor (third-party contractor) with Advanced Tactical Support Group Corporation in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs at the United States Department of State (USDOS).

In partnership with the Walsh School of Foreign Service CLAS, USDOS, and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and alignment with Pillar I of the Capstone project emphasising ‘cutting-edge corrections analysis,’ the 2024 Caribbean Corrections Data Survey was also launched at the regional event.

Convened under the theme “Enhancing Corrections Reforms to Mitigate Overcrowding and Recidivism in the Caribbean: Prioritising Action Opportunities and Data-Driven Interventions”, the event brought together prominent experts in correctional reform, donors and officials from correctional agencies to discuss how the Caribbean can optimise support from the donor community to aid regional corrections officials in tackling prison overcrowding, inhumane detention conditions and recidivism amid constrained budgets and competing priorities.

The panel leading the discussion comprised Doan Cleare, Commissioner, The Bahamas Department of Corrections Services; Dr Leslie; Diane Williams, President Emeritus, Safer Foundation & Treasurer, International Corrections and Prisons Association; and Robert Green, Executive Director, American Correctional Association.

Dr Leslie presented remarks at the event, underscoring the significance of capacity development training and The UWI’s pivotal role in this area. She urged partners to prioritise the development of correctional data infrastructure essential for evidence-based decision-making. She also argued that central to many of the operational challenges faced by Caribbean correctional services is the absence or weakness of MEAL systems, hindering assessments of return on investment and cost efficiency. Therefore, a CARICOM MEAL framework for correctional service development could support enhancements in processes and outcomes and foster a learning environment where lessons from successes and setbacks can inform future strategies.

Other participants highlighted the necessity for improved coordination of donor contributions and the management, accessibility, and sharing of correctional data. These insights from the regional dialogue event, including specific recommendations and action points, will help kickstart discussions at the 12th Annual Conference of The Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services, which will be held in The Bahamas from September 9 to 12 under the theme “From Theory to Reality: Shaping the Future of Corrections and Prisons in the Caribbean.”