The deputy delegate of the Government, María Rivas, participated and accompanied today the Secretary General of Penitentiary Institutions Ángel Luis Ortiz in the events that were held in the penitentiary center of Teixeiro on the occasion of Merced Day.
María Rivas dedicated today’s celebration to the center of Teixeiro that this year celebrates its 25th anniversary since its inception. The deputy delegate thanked the work “of all those who throughout these years have carried out with commitment, moral and professional rigor your work, from the five directors to the officials who day by day make our prison system better, more human and more guarantor of rights”
During her speech, María Rivas highlighted “the work, effort and involvement” of all the staff working in the penitentiary centers, stressing that “not only do you seek the rehabilitation and reintegration of the inmates and the inmates, but you seek the reconstruction of their dignity, something difficult and complex.”
The subdelegate of the Government recalled that the Spanish penitentiary system is “a reference in the world” among other issues for the network of infrastructures that improves the life of the internal population, treatment programs and the creation of specific units such as respect modules or therapeutic and educational units
“But above all,” stressed the deputy delegate, “our penitentiary system is a great reference for its adaptation to a new, more progressive and inclusive model, especially for the good work of our officials.”
María Rivas made a call for reflection to highlight the work of all the staff working in the penitentiary centers “not always sufficiently recognized”.
The General Secretary of Penitentiary Institutions recognized the dynamism of the team of penitentiary professionals who work daily in the prison of Teixeiro and who consolidated a model in which more than 60% of inmates and inmates are located in modules of respect in which coexistence and co-management of common spaces is favored.
Angel Luis Ortiz also presided over the presentation of the Merced decorations and recalled the distinctions that Teixeiro received in these 25 years. “Public recognition encourages us to continue on the path we have mapped out. They also serve to publicize a conscientious and discreet work within these walls. But the day to day leaves us with plenty of evidence, outside the spotlight, of the professionalism with which the prison work is carried out,” he said.
Recognitions
Today’s event served to recognize the work of officials and collaborators of the penitentiary center with different mentions. First, five commemorative plaques were given to the four directors and a director who were in charge during these 25 years: Carmelo Vilches, Antonio Vázquez, Silvia Alonso, Carlos García and José Ángel Vázquez.
Sixteen honorable mentions were also given to the staff who completed 25 years of service. And six more mentions of officials for outstanding work within the penitentiary.
Finally, five medals awarded by the Ministry of the Interior were awarded. Two bronze medals to the Penitentiary Merit of civil servants Yadira Velasco and Isabel Castro. A bronze medal for Correctional Social Merit to the inclusion team of the Nelson Mandela Module in recognition of their dedication and commitment and their work placement program to prepare for life in freedom. And two silver medals to the Penitentiary Merit of the official Juan Manuel Vázquez and the sub-inspector of the National Police Force María Esporas.