AG Visits Prison In British Virgin Islands
The Ministry of Justice is highlighting a “recent visit by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Kim Wilkerson to His Majesty’s Prison in the British Virgin Islands, where she observed firsthand a corrections model centred on rehabilitation, responsibility and incentives for positive behaviour.”
A Government spokesperson said, “As part of her visit, in her role as Minister of Justice, Minister Wilkerson toured the male facility alongside the British Virgin Islands’ Minister for Health and Social Development, the Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley, who also has responsibility for Corrections, and Superintendent of Prisons Jay Kendall.
“From a Bermuda perspective, the visit offered a valuable opportunity to see in action a corrections environment that has evolved through deliberate reform and a clear commitment to improvement.
“The Minister said she was particularly encouraged to learn more about the facility’s transformation over time and the steps taken by BVI authorities to improve its operations and culture.
“She was especially impressed by the facility’s incentive-based earned privileges system, under which inmates are encouraged to demonstrate good behaviour and take on meaningful responsibilities across the institution.
“Under that model, inmates help operate the woodshop and farm, sell produce, carry out painting and maintenance work, and even assist with practical daily tasks such as ensuring the supply of drinking water is maintained.
“The system provides inmates with opportunities to earn while contributing to the running of the facility, helping to create a culture of accountability, discipline and shared responsibility.
“The Minister noted that this type of approach helps reinforce order and positive conduct, as inmates can clearly see the benefits of staying engaged, behaving well and taking part in work programmes.”
She stated: “It also creates an environment in which inmates have a stake in maintaining standards throughout the institution.
“For me to see a functioning correctional facility where the focus is on rehabilitation, and to see that philosophy in action, was incredible.
“What stood out most was the way responsibility, structure and incentives were working together to support good order and encourage personal growth.”
Minister Wilkerson also noted: “I was particularly impressed by the earned privileges system and by the extent to which inmates were trusted with real responsibility.”
The spokesperson said, “Minister Wilkerson was also struck by the spirit of camaraderie on display during the visit.
“On arrival, she observed a dominoes tournament involving inmates and officers, which she said reflected a level of interaction and mutual respect that supported the wider rehabilitative culture of the institution.”
“As someone who strongly believes in rehabilitation and in alternatives to incarceration where appropriate, it was encouraging to witness a system that is actively working toward those goals,” she added.
“What I saw in the British Virgin Islands was a practical example of the kind of direction Bermuda wants to pursue, a correctional system that is focused not simply on containment, but on change, responsibility and better outcomes.”
The spokesperson said, “She said the visit also served as a reminder that meaningful progress is possible when recommendations are acted upon, and reform is embraced with purpose.
“The Ministry of Justice also welcomed the spirit of openness and cooperation shown by BVI officials during the visit, noting that the territory has expressed its willingness to support Bermuda as it advances its own correctional reform efforts.”
The Minister reflected: “I am grateful to the Government of the British Virgin Islands, Minister Wheatley, Superintendent Kendall and the corrections team for their warm welcome and for the opportunity to visit.
“Their openness in sharing their experience was greatly appreciated, and I value their willingness to support Bermuda as we continue our work to improve our own system.”
Vincent O. Wheatley, BVI Minister of Health and Social Development, Jay Kendall, BVI Superintendent of Prisons, and AG Kim Wilkerson
Minister Wilkerson speaks with a person incarcerated at the prison in the British Virgin Islands who has attained the level of “Orderly”, a role in which he runs the woodwork shop, teaches carpentry to others, and assists with the sale of inmate-made products at community events
Read More About
Category: All
