Integrity, compassion and dedication are just some of the skills gained by the latest Department of Corrections recruits, helping them to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

The 2023-24 Passing-Out Parade marked the end of the 13-week initial recruit training for eight new officers.

The parade, held at the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s headquarters at Warwick Camp, was attended by department staff, partner organisations, dignitaries and family members.

Officer Kalen Mills was the recipient of the Baton of Honour award and was described by Acting Chief Officer DeOnie Furbert as “an officer with principals of leadership, respect, team work and academics”.

Mr Mills shared how an interaction with a young prisoner at the Co-Educational Facility had inspired him during his training.

He recalled: “It took me back to a time when I was at that age and the influences that were a part of my life.

“At that time, I had no idea I would some day become a correctional officer but I knew I wanted to make a positive impact on someone’s life some day.

“This taught me a valuable lesson in becoming a person of leadership, inspiring others to make better decisions and becoming a man of integrity to inspire both younger and older generations.”

Officer Roneé Jennings said that as a corrections officer, she and her classmates carried a profound sense of responsibility.

She added: “Our commitment extends beyond ourselves to the success of the entire prison service. We are determined to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and dedication.

“During this past 13 weeks we have had trials and tribulations, laughter, and cries of pain and agony that have brought us together as a class.

“The memories we will reminisce on are the ones we made as a class.

“We will remember the times we struggled to stay awake for our afternoon lectures because our lunches made us sleepy, the times we would roll on the floor in agony due to our use-of-force instructors, the immersive conversations that we had with our instructors about their experience and the things we will face as officers.

“As a class, we have uplifted one another, pushed each other and challenged each other to grow, not only as officers but also as individuals.”

Officer Richard Brown said that many senior staff within the department were coming to the end of their careers and that it was important to honour their legacy.

He said: “The things that these experiences have been about for me have been growth, transition and the passing of the torch.

“A lot of our senior staff are leaving and they have spent a lot of their time to carry on the knowledge that they have on to us, just as we will do when our time comes.

“Each of these senior officers has shown that even as a senior-ranking officer you can be humble and strong at the same time.

“This has helped me to better understand myself and become a stronger officer myself in being humble, being fair and being firm.”

The eight new recruits are: Ashby Pearson, Siena Bell, Richard Brown, Tatem Ford, Roneé Jennings, Deanné Lightbourne, Kalen Mills and Avery Williams.

Officer Pearson thanked his family members who have moved with him to Bermuda from Barbados to start a new life.

Commissioner of Corrections Keeva Joell-Benjamin addressed the recruits. “Congratulations, today is your day, ” she said. “The Department of Corrections made the choice to select you as a successful candidate based on the skills, your potential and mostly because your values align with our core values which are integrity, professionalism, respect, accountability, dedication, courage and unity.”

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, added: “The Department of Corrections is a cornerstone in our community and is trusted with a pivotal aspect of our entire judicial system.

“I commend the department on its continued efforts to achieve its mission to empower inmates to be responsible and productive citizens.

“I urge you to embrace this new chapter with courage and humility, to hold the values of integrity and compassion and never forget the profound impact you can have on the lives of others.”