Hinds: Rehabilitation of ex-prisoners a job for all, not just Govt

JUNIOR NATIONAL Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds stated yesterday that the alignment of the penal system from retribution to restoration and the rehabilitation of persons in the prison system is a job for everyone and not just Government. But while being congratulatory of the role taken by the organisations established by former prisoners to assist with the rehabilitation of current prison inmates, Hinds stated that restorative justice has room for punishment, but with the aim that after punishment, prisoners would turn away from their life of crime. Hinds made these remarks while addressing the first award ceremony to be held in honour of ex-prisoners who are “giving back to their communities,” and which was organised by the  Restorative Justice Committee in commemoration of Restorative Justice Week which was commemorated in countries across the world from November 14 to 21.

Hinds pointed out that the week’s theme “Giving back to the community,” was a very significant one, which adequately represented the work being done by the various prison ministries, individuals and organisations. Hinds congratulated former Commissioner of Prison Cipriani Baptiste and other officers attached to the prison and the Prison Welfare Committee, for the work they have been doing with prisoners over the years to introduce and enhance restorative justice, noting that Baptiste and others like him should be awarded for their work. Hinds also spoke about the Cabinet appointed Task Force, which has been given the mandate to make recommendations on ways to handle the restorative process of inmates, and to make recommendations on the implementation of a parole system in the near future. Hinds also congratulated the Restorative Justice Committee on their work and on highlighting the good being done by reformed prisoners, noting that every experience shared by former convicted persons, was inspiring to him and portrayed the love that they have for God.