Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew

`Prison to Work` Initiative to Support Reintegration of Former Inmates

Basseterre, St. Kitts –

Individuals who have completed their sentences and undergone rehabilitation while incarcerated at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP), will soon experience an easier reintegration into society, thanks to a new programme being developed by the Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

What is the `Prison to Work` Initiative?

On Monday, December 16, 2024, during the presentation of the 2025 Budget Address in the National Assembly, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, shared a bit on the new “Prison to Work” initiative that falls under the transformative ELVATE Programme. It will allow past offenders to be gainfully employed after serving their sentences so that they can earn an income and provide for themselves and their families.

“Too often people leave prison and then they end up back on the road and you know nobody really wants to hire them,” said the prime minister, who also is the minister of national security. “But they too must be given a chance,” he questioned. “If they have spent their time in jail why not give them a chance to reintegrate into the society from whence they came?”

Dr. Drew stated that the investment in members of this programme is well worth it and is part of the government’s broad-based strategy to meaningfully engage at-risk persons and create opportunities for learning and self-empowerment.

“Their lives matter,” Prime Minister Drew emphasised.

Benefits of the `Prison to Work` Initiative

Prison to Work will also help to reduce recidivism, thereby increasing the success rate of HMP’s rehabilitation efforts.

Conclusion

The Prison to Work initiative is a positive step towards supporting the reintegration of former inmates into society, reducing recidivism, and increasing the success rate of HMP’s rehabilitation efforts. By providing gainful employment opportunities, the government is demonstrating its commitment to giving individuals a second chance and reducing the likelihood of them returning to a life of crime.

FAQs

What is the Prison to Work initiative?
The Prison to Work initiative is a new programme being developed by the Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to support the reintegration of former inmates into society.
What are the goals of the Prison to Work initiative?
The goals of the Prison to Work initiative are to provide gainful employment opportunities to former inmates, reduce recidivism, and increase the success rate of HMP’s rehabilitation efforts.
How will the Prison to Work initiative benefit society?
The Prison to Work initiative will benefit society by reducing the likelihood of former inmates returning to a life of crime, providing them with an income and the opportunity to support themselves and their families, and reducing the financial burden on the government.