Afghan Officials Thank Canadian PRT
CSC Senior Trainer-Mentor Randie Scott
receives an award for his service
in support of Sarposa prison
CSC and Afghan officials pose for official photo
following awards ceremony.
Back row, left to right: Kevin Cluett, Rob Cater,
Paula Milino (Director), Randie Scott
Front row, left to right: Sarposa Registrar Lt. Col. Nabi Gul,
Director Education & Training Col. Mohammad Ismail,
Logistics Colonel Ghulam Farooq, Sarposa Prison
Director Abdullah Balwar and Captain Assadullah.
By James Christoff -KANDH -KAF -PA
The Sarposa prison break in June 2008 was a set back for Afghan and Canadian officials in their efforts to bring that facility up to international standards, and for the perception of security in Kandahar city. However, Afghan and Canadian officials have rallied from the incident and moved forward. In recognition of Canada’s contribution in supporting training, mentoring and infrastructure development at the prison the Ministry of Justice presented members of the Kandahar Provincial Construction Team (KPRT) with an award.
“Building the capacity of the corrections sector is important for Afghans. We want to thank the Canadians from the KPRT for everything they have done to support us,” said Colonel Abdullah Balwar, Director of Sarpoza Prison. “The prison staff is eager to learn and want to improve their skills. Through training and mentoring delivered by Canadian officials, I have seen a significant increase in professionalism.”
Colonel Balwar presented awards on November 27, 2008 to four members of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), two members from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), and two members from the Canadian Forces (CF).
“After the prison break we re-grouped and moved quickly to re-build damaged infrastructure, address security requirements, strengthen training for Afghan staff and develop contingency planning,” said Elissa Golberg, Representative of Canada in Kandahar. Since the incident, focussed efforts have resulted in significant progress. I am very proud of what our team has accomplished.”
In June 2008, the Government of Canada announced an additional $4 million dollars in support for reconstruction of Sarposa prison. Up to $2 million directly supported urgently needed repairs resulting from the attack, including the reconstruction of the facility's gates, walls and towers. The remaining funds were allocated to a variety of initiatives including upgrades to the infirmary, electrical installations and flooring, purchase of uniforms and training supplies, the delivery of training and mentoring in human rights, basic security measures, and funding for operations and maintenance.
-30-
The following members of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team received awards from the Ministry of Justice for their outstanding service:
CSC Director Paula Milino
CSC Senior Trainer-Mentor Randie Scott
CSC Trainer-Mentor Rob Cater
CSC Trainer-Mentor Kevin Cluett
DFAIT Political Director Cory Anderson on behalf John Davison (former KPRT Political Director) and Nicholas Gosselin (former Political Officer)
CF Officer Commanding Special Engineering Team, Capt Ryan Southwood, on behalf of CF Warrant Officer Michael Budden and CF Warrant Officer Steve Worden
