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.