Alternative to jail must be praised

The success of the Linkage Programme, which is backed by the State through the National Development Plan, goes a considerable way in pointing out that there is a viable and practical alternative to merely locking up prisoners.

In the past three years, almost 800 former offenders have been provided with jobs, education or training to the benefit of themselves and society. What will be

appreciated by the overburdened taxpayers is that the scheme is an economically sound one, as the cost of the placements is 1,500 in comparison to the 80,000 per annum it costs to keep a person in custodial care.

The programme has established links between former offenders and employers, which offers an avenue back to gainful occupations to those who participate in it.

Encouraging them to re-engage with society, either through employment, training or education also has the benefit of increasing their own self-esteem and self-worth as well as building their confidence in their own future.