Canada provides support to the justice sector in Jamaica
December 6, 2014 – Ajax, Ontario – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander, on behalf of Canada's Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Christian Paradis, announced Canada’s support to the Citizen Security and Justice Program (CSJP) in Jamaica. Minister Alexander made the announcement at an event organized by the Canadian Caribbean Cultural Association of Durham in Ajax, Ontario.
The CSJP, being implemented by Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security, will strengthen community actions to reduce crime and violence, especially among vulnerable groups in targeted communities, through technical assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank and co-funding from the UK’s Department for International Development.
“Today’s announcement is another example of Canada’s commitment to help improve the safety and security for the citizens of Jamaica," said Minister Alexander. "Through this initiative, Canada is supporting the Government of Jamaica in promoting peaceful committees through interventions that will address crime-related issues in vulnerable areas. These important changes will bring bright opportunities to at-risk youth and women.”
“As part of Canada’s commitment to the Americas, we are proud to work with the Inter-American Development Bank and the UK’s Department for International Development to improve security and justice for the people of Jamaica and contribute to a secure and prosperous hemisphere,” added Minister Paradis. “Today’s announcement will help Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security implement community safety plans, promote positive citizen-police relations, increase youth employment opportunities, and ensure government services are better coordinated at the local level with increased access to justice, especially for women.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper first made the Americas a foreign policy priority in 2007 with the vision of a more prosperous, secure and democratic hemisphere. With over $4.6 billion invested in international assistance in the Americas since 2007, Canada’s support is focused on reducing vulnerability to threats and ensuring an effective and efficient defence sector, robust security systems, and reliable institutions that citizens can trust and with which we can collaborate. Canada is committed to improving security, especially in the Caribbean, in a manner that strengthens the rule of law, safeguards viable economic opportunities and enhances social development.
Maxime Robert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
maxime.robert@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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