Some of the inmates from His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) who completed the first-ever Life Skills Reintegration Programme (LSRP) pose with their certificates. Photo: GIS

Representatives of the entities that supported the Life Skills Reintegration Programme (LSRP) of His Majesty’s Prison. Photo: GIS

The six-week course dealt with reoffending behaviours and other issues such as marital enrichment, finance, mental health, spiritual growth and education. The cohort of inmates included nine males and five females.

According to a press release from Government Information Services (GIS) on June 4, 2024, the initiative was a joint venture between His Majesty’s Prison and New Life Baptist Church Correction Fellowship and the Righteous Invasion of Truth (RIOT) Ministry.

'Through the gate' initiative 

Deputy Superintendent Mr Raymond Grant, while addressing the certification ceremony, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme and its impact on the inmates.

Mr Grant said, “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.”

The Deputy Superintendent stated that a benefit of the reintegration programme is that external agencies, departments and facilitators are allowed into the prison as part of its ‘through the gate” initiative which aims to strengthen rehabilitation links and improve transition into society.

'Stigma & lack of tangible support'

Mr Grant added that moving back into society is one of the critical aspects of prison reform.

“Often, when inmates return to the community, they face stigma and a lack of tangible support,” he said adding, “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 facilitators of the courses included representatives from the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, MWM Finance, the Deputy Governor’s Office, Mrs Sharifa Smith, Mrs Shaina M. Smith-Archer, Pastor Collin Gunthorpe, Pastor Mitchell Glaze, Dr June M. Samuels and Dr Albert L. Tompkins.