Shyne Delivers Inspirational Speech At Westgate
Moses “Shyne” Barrow visited Westgate where he delivered an inspirational message to some of the men that are currently incarcerated, urging them to ”reflect, rebuild and transform their lives.”
A spokesperson said, “Acclaimed musical artist, philanthropist and Belizean political leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow, L.H.D. (Honoris Causa), delivered a powerful message of redemption, faith and personal accountability during a special visit to Bermuda’s Westgate Correctional Facility on Monday.
“The visit was facilitated by the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne JP, MP, with the support of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, and provided inmates with a rare opportunity to engage directly with a public figure whose own life journey has been shaped by adversity, incarceration, perseverance and transformation.
“As the Attorney General was unable to attend due to the sitting of the Senate, the engagement was attended by Junior Minister of Justice Dennis Lister III, MP Paul Wilmot, Frankco Harris of the Ministry of National Security, and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Justice David Roberts, along with Minister Lightbourne.
“Mr Barrow, who was in Bermuda as a guest speaker at the Bermuda Industrial Union’s banquet, spoke candidly about becoming entangled in the criminal justice system at a young age and the years he spent incarcerated. Drawing on those experiences, he encouraged inmates to view their present circumstances not as a permanent destination, but as an opportunity to reflect, rebuild and transform their lives.
“He emphasised the importance of personal accountability, discipline, faith and developing a meaningful relationship with God, while making deliberate choices that support positive change.”
Mr Barrow told attendees, “Your current situation does not define your future. Every day presents an opportunity to choose a better path, take accountability, seek forgiveness, strengthen your faith and work toward becoming the best version of yourself.”
Attorney General Wilkerson said, “Mr Barrow’s story is one of resilience, redemption and hope. His willingness to speak openly about his own experiences provides an authentic and meaningful message for those navigating their own challenges.
“Opportunities such as this reinforce the belief that personal transformation is possible and that every individual deserves the opportunity to chart a better course for their future.”
A spokesperson added, “The session was highly interactive, with inmates openly discussing the challenges of overcoming adversity, rebuilding life after incarceration and sustaining hope during difficult periods.
“Mr Barrow encouraged participants to remain committed to self-development and reminded them that meaningful change begins with personal responsibility and a willingness to make different choices. The visit forms part of broader efforts to expose inmates to positive role models and lived examples of accountability, rehabilitation and success beyond adversity.
“Officials described the engagement as deeply impactful, with participants expressing appreciation for Mr Barrow’s candour, encouragement and willingness to speak directly to their experiences.
“As one of the most prominent public figures to visit Westgate in recent years, Mr Barrow’s message resonated strongly with those in attendance, reinforcing a central theme of the engagement: that past choices do not have to determine future outcomes, and that redemption and transformation remain possible.”
Nice article but can we focus on the victims of these people’s crimes any help for them ?
I was thinking the same. THese guys already get a free almost unlimited legal advice, legal representation, a place to stay, three meals, free healthcare, free dental, optical, councelling, and if they want it a free college / university level education all paid by us!
Meanwhile the victim(s) get nothing. When there is theft involved or damagge done to someones person or property, the crimimal does not have to return, replace, or repair do they. They dont even have to say sorry! The victim is stuck with the scars (physical & mental), bills or loss. Does a victim get free healthcare, dental, transportation like the criminal? Nope? Do victims get free education? Don’t even get me started on support how the families and friends of deceased victims pf crimes are forced to stand by and see articles and news clips showing all the perks that theses criminals are given by the government, the churches and the community. Prison should be uncomfortable enough that it becomes a deterent not a path to a better life than your victim.
Im so sick of this pampering and yay parading of those that commit crimes and are trying “to better themselves”! Meanwhile, do the right thing and be a law abiding, tax paying citizen and see what this same government get you when you need it?