Local News
Prisoners at His Majesty’s Prison Successfully Complete Skills of Life Programme
Thirteen prisoners at His Majesty’s Prison were recently awarded completion certificates for their successful participation in the transformative Skills of Life Programme.
Aligned with the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) curricula, the initiative aims to address offending behaviour and focuses on crucial areas such as Financial Management, Anger Management, Health, and Conflict Resolution.
The eight-week programme demanded full commitment, with inmates actively participating in classes, completing diverse exercises, and engaging in both group and individual tasks. Successful completion was contingent upon consistently exhibiting positive behaviour throughout the course, promising a transformative journey for those involved.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, praised the rehabilitation efforts during the closing ceremony, stating, “The commitment shown by these individuals is commendable. It is a testament to the effectiveness of rehabilitation initiatives in our correctional system.” He pledged ongoing support for expanding rehabilitative offerings and highlighted collaborative efforts with the Prison Visiting Committee (PVC) and the Criminal Justice Advisory Group (CJAG) to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.
Superintendent of Prisons, Mr. Jay Kendall, expressed pride in the achievements of both inmates and the dedicated team. He emphasised the prison’s commitment to elevating rehabilitation services, stating, “This success is just the beginning. We are working towards expanding our Rehabilitation Team to provide more comprehensive support.” Key roles, including a General Counsellor, a Drug Counsellor, a Restorative Justice Officer, and additional teachers, are part of the planned expansion.
Mr. Kendall stressed the importance of engaging in offending behaviour programmes, saying, “Our focus is on reducing risks, aiding inmates’ progress through sentences, and preventing future victims. We are forging a path toward positive change and brighter futures for these individuals.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development, through His Majesty’s Prison, remains committed to inmate rehabilitation while concurrently enhancing their health and social well-being.
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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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