Speech Minister Cuthbert Flynn Grand Opening Carl Rattray Gym FINAL

1 Address by t he Honourable Minister of State, Juliet Cuthbert - Flynn at the Grand Opening of the Carl Rattray Gym Friday, September 8, 2023 11am A cting Commissioner of Corrections, Dr. Marc Thomas , Deputy Commissioner of Custodial Services, Ms. Joyce Stone , Chair of the Wellness Committee , Mrs. Nadria Brown , Esteemed guests, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning ! . I am so happy to be here for the G rand O pening of the Carl Rattray Gym . This is a practical space in which all the team members of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) will benefit. This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to the well - being and health of the men and women who work tirelessly to mai ntain safety and order within our correctional facilities. We know well that t he greatest asset to any co rporation is its people. First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated staff members of the Department of Correctio nal Services who have been instrumental in making this project a reality. Your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the safety and rehabilitation of inmates remains an inspir ation to all of us. For sure, y ou deserve a facility that supports your physical and mental well - being and I a m thrilled that we can provide this gym as a testament to our appreciation for your efforts. This gym is more than just a room filled with exercise equipment; it represents our investment in your health and resilience. We understand the unique challenges you face every day, and we believe that a healthy body and mind are essential tools in your arsenal. As civil servant s , I know that the hours spent at work can be overwhelming at times. By offering this gym facility, we hope to support you in maintaining physical fitness, relieving stress, and enhancing your overall quality of life.

2 In addition to providing a space for physical activity, this gym also embodies the spirit of camar aderie and teamwork that is so crucial within DCS . I encourage you to use this facility not only for individual fitness but also as a place to bond with your colleagues, share your experiences, and build lasting friendships. We believe that by fostering a sense of community within our staff, we can further strengthen our department's unity and effectiveness. As we inaugurate this gym today, let us remember that taking care of ourselves is not just a personal endeavo ur but a collective responsibility. I encourage each one of you to make the most of this facility, to set realistic fitness goals and to support one another in achieving them. The benefits of a healthy lifestyle extend far beyond the walls of this gym and be lieve me - it will positively impact your work, your families, and your overall well - being . I would like to also express my sincere thanks to the Department of Correctional Services Wellness Committee who contributed to the planning and construction of this gym, the dedicated maintenance staff and of course our partners from the private and public sector . Indee d , y our hard work and dedication have made this vision a reality. In closing, I invite you all to look around and explore the gym, try out the equipm ent, and begin this journey toward improved health and well - being. Let this gym be a symbol of our commitment to your welfare, and may it serve as a reminder of your dedication and commitment to the Department of Correctional Services. Let’s do all that is necessary to make this gym a place of fitness, fellowship, and fulfillment for years to come ! Thank you !