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Fourteen Inmates Complete Inaugural Life Skills Reintegration Programme
Fourteen inmates from His Majesty’s Prison have successfully completed the first-ever Life Skills Reintegration Programme (LSRP).
The six-week course, aimed at addressing reoffending behaviours, covered a broad range of topics including marital enrichment, finance, mental health, spiritual growth, and education. The initial cohort comprised nine males and five females.
This pioneering initiative was a collaborative effort between His Majesty’s Prison, New Life Baptist Church Correction Fellowship, and the Righteous Invasion of Truth (RIOT) Ministry.
Deputy Superintendent Mr Raymond Grant, speaking at the certification ceremony, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme and its positive impact on the inmates.
“I am delighted to see the collective efforts of both public and private entities in assisting the prison with rehabilitation programmes for inmates. The introduction of the Life Skills Reintegration Programme (LSRP) is in addition to our existing Anger Management, Skills for Life, Counselling, and rehabilitation debate activities,” said Mr Grant.
Mr Grant also highlighted that a key benefit of the reintegration programme is the involvement of external agencies, departments, and facilitators as part of the ‘through the gate’ initiative, which aims to strengthen rehabilitation links and improve inmates’ transition into society.
“Moving back into society is one of the critical aspects of prison reform,” Mr Grant stated. “Often, when inmates return to the community, they face stigma and a lack of tangible support. I am pleased that through this programme, they can earn a certificate that serves as evidence of their efforts to progress and become better versions of themselves. Well done and thank you to everyone involved in this critical work.”
The course facilitators included representatives from the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, MWM Finance, the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mrs Sharifa Smith, Mrs Shaina Smith-Archer, Pastor Collin Gunthorpe, Pastor Mitchell Glaze, Dr June Samuels, and Dr Albert Tomkins.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development, through its subsidiary His Majesty’s Prison, remains committed to advancing the rehabilitation of prisoners in the Virgin Islands.
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Scrub Island Resort Hosts 2024 Billfish Series, Crowns Champions
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Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
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Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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