The donation is to coach inmates to play and engage in the game while the ultimate goal is to use chess as a tool to teach inmates a variety of skills while serving their sentences including patience and perseverance. Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (AL) thanked UniteBVI and the Superintendent of Prison Mr. Jay Kendall and his rehabilitation staff for their efforts in inmates rehabilitation. Photo: GIS/Facebook

In addition to the chess pieces, other resources such as basketballs, footballs, art supplies, dominoes and puzzles were donated and UniteBVI has also engaged the BVI Chess Foundation who committed to assist with the training of prison inmates. Photo: GIS

The donation is to coach inmates to play and engage in the game while the ultimate goal is to use chess as a tool to teach inmates a variety of skills while serving their sentences including patience and perseverance.

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (AL) thanked UniteBVI and the Superintendent of Prison Mr. Jay Kendall and his rehabilitation staff for their efforts in inmates rehabilitation.

“We cannot do it all our self so, I am thankful for strategic partners in making these things possible. We have a long way to go but this is a very important start in what we are trying to do. So, thank you to UniteBVI and everyone else for making as possible,” Hon Whitley said.

In addition to the chess pieces, other resources such as basketballs, footballs, art supplies, dominoes and puzzles were donated and UniteBVI has also engaged the BVI Chess Foundation who committed to assist with the training of prison inmates.

Prison Superintendent thanks parties for Donation 

Superintendent of the Prison Mr. Jay Kendall also thanked the Minister Honourable Mather and UniteBVI foundation for their continued efforts to enhance rehabilitation initiatives for prisoners housed at Balsam Ghut.

The Superintendent expressed, "This holds significant importance for everyone, particularly the inmates at HM Prison Balsam Ghut. We eagerly anticipate collaborating on additional initiatives to contribute to enhancing the safety of the BVI." 

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley recently voiced his support for rehabilitation initiatives at His Majesty’s Prison following a visit to the prison on February 1, 2024.

"Embracing rehabilitation for prisoners is not merely an investment in their individual redemption; it is a commitment to rebuilding the foundations of our society, one restored life at a time. Therefore, I am happy to see the efforts Mr. Kendall and his team here at His Majesty’s Prison are putting in to facilitate the rehabilitation of our prisoners," Hon Wheatley said.