Department Celebrates RLH Graduates Success
The Department of Corrections celebrated the recovery and success of Right Living House graduates Tio Weeks and Winslow Williams during National Recovery Month.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Department of Correction and the Ministry of Justice recently celebrated the success of two outstanding graduates of the Right Living House [RLH] programme, Mr. Tio Weeks and Mr. Winslow Williams, during a special ceremony held in honour of National Recovery Month. This year’s theme, “The Art of Recovery,” highlights the creative and transformative nature of the recovery process, symbolising the journey of rebuilding lives through resilience and determination.
“Since its establishment in 2010, the Right Living House programme has been a beacon of hope for participants by providing a structured, educational, and therapeutic environment. This programme empowers individuals to demonstrate responsible and appropriate behaviour, offering the tools for personal growth and reintegration into society. Remarkably, eighty-two percent [82%] of graduates from the Residential and Aftercare portions of the programme have remained in the community for three years or longer without re-incarceration, demonstrating the programme’s success in reducing recidivism.
“The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to rehabilitation, emphasising the Department of Corrections’ recent transition to the Ministry of Justice. This strategic shift underscores the government’s focus on integrating justice with rehabilitation, aiming to transform the corrections system from confinement to a platform for second chances and restored lives.”
Minister Wilkerson said, “Programmes like Right Living House provide the critical support and resources necessary for individuals to rebuild their lives and break free from the cycle of substance abuse. We acknowledge that there is a broader issue of substance abuse within the community and recognise the profound impact it has on individuals and their families. The government is committed to rehabilitation and community safety. We must provide rehabilitation opportunities and assist individuals in successfully reintegrating into society. By offering programmes that promote personal growth and skills development, we contribute to safer communities and brighter futures.”
The Government spokesperson said, “Minister Wilkerson took the opportunity to celebrate the exceptional journeys of Mr. Weeks and Mr. Williams, highlighting their dedication to recovery and their determination to overcome life’s challenges:
- Mr. Tio Weeks has secured full-time employment and has been recognised as the top picker and a valuable employee. Additionally, Mr Weeks serves as treasurer in his AA Homegroup, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to recovery.
- Mr. Winslow Williams completed his plumbing certification at Bermuda College. This achievement not only equips him with valuable professional skills but also exemplifies the positive outcomes that can arise from hard work and perseverance.
“The Commissioner of Correction, Keeva Joell-Benjamin, fully supports the RLH programme and its efforts to rehabilitate those in our custody.”
The Commissioner encouraged the graduates with a quote from Maya Angelou, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Commissioner Joell-Benjamin added, “The Department of Corrections’ goal is to empower inmates to be responsible and productive citizens. Just like artists use various mediums to help people understand the present, interpret the past, and envision the future, I believe that this is what our staff at RLH do to assist our clients through the recovery process.”
RLH Programme Manager, Thereasa DeRoza, said, “I am deeply honoured and happy to support individuals on their journey to recovery. The Recovery Month graduation celebrates their strength, resilience, and commitment to a healthier, substance-free life, inspiring hope and underscoring the power of community support.”
Tio Weeks, RLH Graduate; Thereasa DeRoza, Program Manager; Daron Lowe, Aftercare Coordinator; Minister of Justice, Kim Wilkerson; A/CO Sabrina Bourne; Commissioner of Corrections, Keeva Joell-Benajmin.
Winslow Williams; RLH Graduate; Thereasa DeRoza, Program Manager; Daron Lowe, Aftercare Coordinator; Minister of Justice, Kim Wilkerson; A/CO Sabrina Bourne; Commissioner of Corrections, Keeva Joell-Benajmin.
Winslow Williams, RLH Graduate.
Daron Lowe, Aftercare Coordinator; Minister Kim Wilkerson, A/CO Sarbina Bourne, Commissioner of Corrections Keeva Joell- Benjamin, Winslow Williams.
Tio Weeks, RLH Graduate.
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