The Working Group of the National Peacebuilding, Prevention, Rehabilitation Advisory Board (NPPRAB) recently had a zoom meeting with Singapore Prison Service (SPS).
With the support of the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Crime Prevention, CSSI Commissioner, Gabriel Manelusi invited the Singapore Prison Service to do a presentation on the rehabilitation programme for their prisoners.
SPS Deputy Director Rehabilitation and Reintegration, Mrs. Jean Chiang, undertook an informative and worthwhile presentation on the Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP); its formation, management and implementation format and impact on inmates and ex-offenders over the last 18 years.
YRP concept unarguably paves an ideal way towards rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders and ex-offenders with a mechanism for peacebuilding, prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration in the community.
Yellow ribbon, the symbol of the YRP was widely known within the civilian life in the 1970s. Indeed, it is a reminder that an absent loved one, either in the military or jail, would be very much welcomed on their return home.
The primary role of the Working Group is geared towards facilitating the establishment of NPPRAB, after it was recommended and discussed by stakeholders in forums held in 2020 and 2021.
NPPRAB is purposely established to provide; professional, technical and ethical advice to instigate social and health safety and security issues; Supplement inter-ministerial policy management and implement strategic action plans; Promote peaceful enhancement and crime prevention initiatives; Provide rehabilitation support to ex-offenders through the Yellow Ribbon Project; Provide framework for the establishment of Provincial counsels and Ward committees for the sustenance of peace, stability and cohesiveness in our country; Treat with the strategic issues highlighted in the national and provincial dialogues, communiques and the implementation of the United Nation Peacebuilding Fund ( UNPBF) project.
Membership of the NPPRAB comprises of Permanent Secretaries of our Government Ministries; SICA/SIFGA Church leaders; Development Services Exchange and our agencies and donor partners.
The Working Group comprises of CSSI, MTGPEA and RSIPF to provide advice, support, monitoring and recommendation services in collaboration with MTGPEA National Peacebuilding Advisory Committee (NPAC) at the national level.
NPPRAB is scheduled to have its first meeting on 27th April 2022 after it was cancelled as a result of the riot and community transmission of COVID-19.
Success in the rehabilitation of ex-offenders requires partnership, public trust and participation of champions and publication of their success stories.
Singapore Prison Service shall do another presentation at the upcoming NPPRAB meeting.
-CSSI Press