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Black caucus honors critic of boot camp
By ALEX LEARY
Published May 5, 2006
TALLAHASSEE - Rep. Gus Barreiro, who focused attention on the death of a 14-year-old boy in a juvenile boot camp, was recognized on the House floor Thursday by the Legislature's black caucus.
Barreiro, R-Miami Beach, was given a "Childrens' Champion Award" for working on behalf of not only African-American children but all youths, said Rep. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa.
"It's been wonderful to have an advocate who stands up and says what needed to be said, does what needs to be done and gets the money to do it," Joyner said.
Barreiro sharply criticized the Department of Juvenile Justice after Martin Lee Anderson was beaten by guards at the boot camp in Panama City in January. With his insistance, lawmakers this year have eliminated funding for boot camps, shifting it into a program less confrontational, with more mentoring.
"On behalf of Martin Lee Anderson, I'll accept this," Barreiro said, naming other youths who have died in state custody, including Omar Paisley.
Having eight years in the House, Barreiro is leaving due to term limits. He may run for the Senate but really wants to return as head of the Juvenile Justice Department.
[Last modified May 5, 2006, 02:30:26]
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