His Excellency the Governor Mr. Daniel Pruce has visited participants from the first His Majesty’s Prison’s males vs females debate to discuss issues addressed in the debate.

Governor Pruce congratulated both teams for a very successful competition and the female inmates on their victory. He added that it was a privilege to visit the prison and discuss the issues raised by inmates in the debate.

The Governor engaged the inmates in discussions about issues they face in the prisons as well as opportunities for improvement and growth that can decrease the reoffending rate in the Territory, such as education and job opportunities after serving their time.

Governor Pruce said, “I really valued the discussion we were able to have about some of the issues and concerns as well as document the great ideas authorities and the colleagues in the debating team had for the future of the prison.”

The Governor added, “I look forward very much to working closely with Minister Wheatley and other colleagues across government to try to take forward some of those ideas.”

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley expressed his pleasure in listening to the inmates as they articulated their circumstances and present avenues to assist with their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Honourable Wheatley said, “I am happy to be joined by the Governor today and his interest in the prison equals mine and the superintendent’s. I think working together and working with the inmates can make a significant difference in prison life and improve our rehabilitative efforts when the inmates leave the prison, they can integrate better into society.”

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Prison Mr. Jay Kendall thanked the Governor for taking the time to visit the prison and recognised the participants in the debate.

Mr. Kendall said, “Hopefully we can do more of this good work in the future. And again, thank you very much to my rehabilitation team for their continued efforts in helping the inmates be better versions of themselves.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Development through its subsidiary, His Majesty’s Prison, remains committed to advancing the rehabilitation of prisoners in the Virgin Islands.