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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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Meanwhile, another individual has been apprehended and is currently being questioned at the Road Town Police Station.

Ryan, who is incarcerated for conspiracy to murder, remained hospitalised at the time of publication.

Circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

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The event, organised in collaboration with the New Life Baptist Church, saw incarcerated individuals engaging in a spirited discussion on the causes of high reoffending rates and potential strategies for reducing them.

The debate, centered around the theme “Why is the rate of reoffending so high and what can the prison do to reduce the numbers,” showcased the inmates’ perspectives on the matter. Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, hailed the initiative as a testament to the prison’s commitment to prisoner welfare and rehabilitation.

“To break this cycle, we must invest in rehabilitative measures within our prison services,” Minister Wheatley stressed. “This debate was a great initiative, and I must give credit to the Prison Ministry arm at the New Life Baptist Church and His Majesty Prison for their wonderful efforts.”

Superintendent for Prison, Mr. Jay Kendall, echoed Minister Wheatley’s sentiments, underlining the importance of providing inmates with a platform to voice their opinions and contribute to the development of long-term rehabilitation strategies. Mr. Kendall pledged to incorporate inmates’ insights into the prison’s three-year strategic plan, signaling a proactive approach towards prisoner reintegration.

The debate concluded with the female team emerging as the victors, earning praise for their compelling arguments. In recognition of their efforts, they were awarded $500, while the male team, lauded for their participation, received $250 to be divided among team members upon release.

Reverend Dr. Michael A. Turnbull of the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church pledged to donate five laptops to His Majesty Prison. This contribution aims to facilitate educational and vocational opportunities for inmates, supporting their journey towards rehabilitation and societal reintegration.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development, in collaboration with His Majesty’s Prison, remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing prisoner rehabilitation initiatives in the Virgin Islands. Through collaborative efforts and innovative programs, stakeholders aspire to create a more supportive and conducive environment for inmates striving for redemption and positive change.

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The initiative aims to engage inmates in the game of chess, fostering valuable skills such as patience and perseverance while serving their sentences.

Expressing gratitude for the partnership, Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley commended UniteBVI and Superintendent of Prison Mr. Jay Kendall, along with his rehabilitation staff, for their dedication to inmate rehabilitation. “We cannot do it all ourselves, so I am thankful for strategic partners in making these things possible,” Honourable Wheatley remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving rehabilitation goals.

In addition to chess pieces, the donation includes basketballs, footballs, art supplies, dominoes, and puzzles, demonstrating a holistic approach to rehabilitation. UniteBVI has also enlisted the support of the BVI Chess Foundation to assist with training prison inmates in the game of chess.

Superintendent Jay Kendall expressed appreciation for the continued support from Honourable Wheatley and UniteBVI Foundation in enhancing rehabilitation initiatives at Balsam Ghut. “This holds significant importance for everyone, particularly the inmates at HM Prison Balsam Ghut,” Superintendent Kendall emphasised, highlighting the anticipated positive impact on inmate safety in the British Virgin Islands.

Meanwhile, Honourable Mather underscored the often overlooked plight of incarcerated individuals worldwide and praised the collaborative efforts between UniteBVI, Honourable Wheatley, and prison staff to address inmate rehabilitation. The initiative aims to ensure that inmates and their rehabilitation efforts are not forgotten within the prison system.

Kim Takeuchi, the Foundation Manager at UniteBVI, highlighted the partnership’s alignment with the foundation’s mandate to foster sustainable and positive benefits for the BVI community. “This is a great example of collaboration coming together to achieve something greater than ourselves,” Miss Takeuchi affirmed, expressing enthusiasm for future endeavors with the prison and rehabilitation team.

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The day kicked off with a visit to the Auditor General Offices, where Governor Pruce engaged in discussions with Auditor General, Ms. Sonia Webster. Their dialogue centreed on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) audits and common accountability issues highlighted therein. This meeting underscored the Governor’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

Following this, he proceeded to His Majesty’s Prison, where Superintendent Mr. Jay Kendall and his team provided an insightful tour. The visit encompassed various facilities within the prison, including the medical and catering units, the furniture workshop, and the newly acquired gym equipment funded by the UK. The tour offered Governor Pruce a firsthand look into the operations and conditions within the prison, vital for informed decision-making and policy formulation.

Next on the agenda was a visit to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) Headquarters. Governor Pruce convened his first briefing with Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mark Collins, and was introduced to key staff members, including Deputy Commissioner Jackie Vanterpool and officers from the family and juvenile unit. The discussion focused on law enforcement priorities, community engagement strategies, and collaborative efforts to ensure public safety and security across the Territory.

The day concluded with a training session conducted by the Cabinet Secretary on cabinet procedures. This session provided the Governor with insights into the governance framework and decision-making processes within the executive branch, equipping him with essential knowledge for effective leadership and governance.

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