Nicole Delecia was the only female Prison Officer to be among the hundreds that graduated on Tuesday 26th June 2018 in Kingstown, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling.
Officer Nicole Delecia had already created history earlier this year when she was promoted as the first female Corporal at Her Majesty’s Prisons.
“I am overwhelmed by this recent achievement”, she told News784, “although it is quite challenging to study and work, with hard work perseverance and self-belief there is no limit to what you can achieve”.
“I will like to give God a high note of praise for bringing me thus far”.
Delica has been a Prison Officer for the past 15 years.
“To this, I say press on female officers, to the bright future ahead!”
Delica told News784 that Prison is about rehabilitation.
“We have moved away from the notion that muscle is one of the requirement to make us effective. Prison has now embraced changes through the Education Revolution with frequent training sessions and educational tours overseas”.
The Corporal who works at the Belle Isle Correctional Facility said it was quite challenging to work, attend school and manage family life. However, “Hard work brings success”. she states
Delica pursed her studies with the Jamaica Theological Seminary through SVG Community College.
A resident of Biabou, the mother of a five-year son told News784 that her husband has always been very supportive.
“It was tough, but I have always gotten the support from my husband. I am very grateful for his understanding and patience”.
Delica who began working as a Prison Officer in 2002, said she aspires one day to climb the ranks to the post of Superintendent of Prisons.
“I think my vast knowledge and experience is suitable for my field of work”.
Delica had some advice for other female officers and officers of prisons:
“I hope that other officers will follow in the path that I have paved for them, realizing that there is no limit to what they can achieve. You have to believe in yourself and press on”.
By Ernesto Cooke