Representatives from Britain and other British Overseas Territories recently assessed Bermuda’s correctional facilities, as part of a British government Ministry of Justice initiative.

A government spokeswoman said Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, arranged for the Detention Standards Review Panel access to Bermuda’s jails and prisons, t the request of Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

Robert Harper, head of the Overseas Territories Justice Programme at the UK Ministry of Justice, led the review on the island from October 6 to 15.

Panellists, which comprised senior correctional leaders from the Turks & Caicos, UK and the Cayman Islands, met with Mr Murdoch and Ms Wilkerson, inspected Westgate Correctional Facility and the Co-Educational facility, and interviewed inmates and staff at the sites.

The spokeswoman said: “They also met with members of the Treatment of Offenders Board and the Parole Board, and engaged with external stakeholders involved in rehabilitation.”

The review compared Bermuda’s facilities against the Nelson Mandela Rules, or the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

These rules include prisoners having at least one hour of daily outdoor exercise, adequate light and ventilation in cells, and the right to regularly communicate with family and friends.

Ms Wilkerson said: “We are committed to ensuring Bermuda’s correctional system reflects international best practices, with a clear focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.

“This independent review is an important opportunity to learn from our peers and to build on the strengths that already exist within our system, while clearly identifying areas for improvement.”

The minister looks forward to receiving and implementing the panel’s recommendations.

She added: “The UK Government has indicated its support in helping Bermuda to implement positive changes and we welcome this partnership, and the opportunity to strengthen our correctional framework.”

The panel completed similar assessments in the Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos this year to ensure facilities in UK Overseas Territories align with international standards.