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Hon Smith rewards prisoners with $$ for entering literacy programme

- donates $100 each to 15 inmates of HMP
The Restorative Justice Programme is part of a strategy to enhance literacy and to help improve the lives of individuals throughout the territory, including inmates at the prison. Photo: HoA
On October 1, 2019, Deputy Speaker and Territorial Member Honourable Neville A. Smith aka ‘Sheep’, centre, handed over a cheque of $1,500.00 to Superintendent of Prison Mr Verne Garde, left, to assist in financing the Restorative Justice Programme. Right is Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9). Photo: HoA
On October 1, 2019, Deputy Speaker and Territorial Member Honourable Neville A. Smith aka ‘Sheep’, centre, handed over a cheque of $1,500.00 to Superintendent of Prison Mr Verne Garde, left, to assist in financing the Restorative Justice Programme. Right is Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9). Photo: HoA
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- “I envision a territory that thrives on literacy. And this literacy project is an outlet devoted to providing a voice and a platform for incarcerated individuals, and my hope is to see it grow into something big.”

Those are the words of Deputy Speaker and Territorial Member Honourable Neville A. Smith aka ‘Sheep’, who has also put his money where his mouth is.

According to a press release from the Office of the House of Assembly (HoA) on October 2, 2019, Honourable Smith, on October 1, 2019, handed over a cheque of $1,500.00 to Superintendent of Prison Mr Verne Garde to assist in financing the Restorative Justice Programme at Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut.

The programme is part of a strategy to enhance literacy and to help improve the lives of individuals throughout the territory, including inmates at the prison.

According to Hon Smith, the programme is one of his top priority initiatives.

The monetary donation resulted in 15 inmates being awarded $100.00 each for participating in a recently held ‘Literacy Evening’ event which is a part of the Restorative Justice Programme. The funds were donated to each individual as a means of financial support towards their literary journey.

‘Keep striving to get to the next level’- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) was also present at the handing over ceremony and encouraged the inmates to make the best of their situation and not to remain stagnant.

Honourable Wheatley urged them not to “let this chapter of your lives define who you are and keep on striving until you get to the next level.”

The Restoration Justice Programme is high on government’s agenda in relation to its responsibilities to Her Majesty’s Prison and the mandate to rehabilitate prisoners.

According to the press release, the Government of the Virgin Islands will continue to address these matters in an endeavour to help resolve issues of literacy in the Virgin Islands.

13 Responses to “Hon Smith rewards prisoners with $$ for entering literacy programme”

  • Queen Mary (03/10/2019, 10:37) Like (6) Dislike (16) Reply
    The Vi, if indeed is envisioning a community of literates , should discontinue the practice of importing illiterates and giving them permanent status. Every other expat worker that I have employed is semi literate no matter their age,. Literacy should be a requirement for the importted labour force.
    • Oh my gard (03/10/2019, 11:04) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
      U just prove u is one illiterates one
    • Emperor of Nippon (03/10/2019, 11:21) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      Well you should Employ literate locals Queen Mary . Or you don’t pay your workers properly?? What Kind of menial work you have that you attract illiterates
  • 2023 (03/10/2019, 11:01) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
    We voting for sheep next time around also
  • Reader (03/10/2019, 11:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ Queen Mary, I agree. Nevertheless, kudos to Hon. Smith for providing this incentive to the inmates. The Literacy Programme is also a good initiative that should be continued at all costs.
  • ... (03/10/2019, 12:18) Like (9) Dislike (5) Reply
    the man is working we made a good choice he is sincere and born here You go Neville
  • all ah we (03/10/2019, 12:44) Like (7) Dislike (12) Reply
    Sheep called us a nation of beggars and we wont forget that
  • musa (03/10/2019, 14:27) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Mr sheep before 4 yrs end you will look like a goat


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