The Attorney-General has highlighted a recent visit to an all-male prison in the British Virgin Islands where she learnt about the steps taken by authorities to improve operations and culture.

Kim Wilkerson, who is also the Minister of Justice, paid the visit to His Majesty’s Prison in the BVI on April 17 where she observed first-hand a corrections model centred on rehabilitation, responsibility and encouraging positive behaviour.

She took time out while in Tortola attending the 2026 Overseas Territories Attorneys-General Conference.

In her role as Minister of Justice, Ms Wilkerson toured the male facility alongside Vincent Wheatley, the BVI’s Minister for Health and Social Development, who also has responsibility for corrections, and Jay Kendall, the Superintendent of Prisons.

Ms Wilkerson said she was impressed by the facility’s incentive-based earned privileges system, under which inmates are encouraged to demonstrate good behaviour and take on meaningful responsibilities.

Under the model, inmates help to operate the wood shop and farm, sell produce, carry out painting and maintenance work and assist with practical daily tasks such as ensuring that the supply of drinking water is maintained.

The system provides inmates with opportunities to earn while contributing to the running of the facility, with the aim of helping to create a culture of accountability, discipline and shared responsibility.

Ms Wilkerson said: “It also creates an environment in which inmates have a stake in maintaining standards throughout the institution.

“For me to see a functioning correctional facility where the focus is on rehabilitation, and to see that philosophy in action, was incredible.

“What stood out most was the way responsibility, structure and incentives were working together to support good order and encourage personal growth.”

Ms Wilkerson said she was also taken aback by the spirit of camaraderie at the facility.

She observed a dominoes tournament involving inmates and officers, which she said reflected a level of interaction and mutual respect that supported the wider rehabilitative culture.

She added: “What I saw in the British Virgin Islands was a practical example of the kind of direction Bermuda wants to pursue, a correctional system that is focused not simply on containment, but on change, responsibility and better outcomes.”

An independent assessment of Bermuda’s prison facilities took place from October 6 to 15, 2025.

A government spokeswoman said in 2025 that Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, arranged for the visit of a Detention Standards Review panel, at the request of the justice minister.

The review came as concerns were raised by the Prison Officers Association around officer safety.

Ms Wilkerson added: “I am grateful to the Government of the BVI, minister Wheatley, Superintendent Kendall and the corrections team for their warm welcome, and for the opportunity to visit.

“Their openness in sharing their experience was greatly appreciated, and I value their willingness to support Bermuda as we continue our work to improve our own system.”