Bermuda was represented at an elite conference on prison reform where officials voted it a success.

Keeva Joell-Benjamin, Commissioner of Corrections, represented the island at the regional conference in Kingston, Jamaica, as the department draws on international and local expertise.

The commissioner attended the fourteenth annual conference of the Association of Caribbean Heads of Corrections and Prison Services along with correctional leaders, policymakers, technical experts and strategic partners.

Held under the theme “One Caribbean, One Vision: Leading Together for a Safer Caribbean Corrections”, the conference focused on strengthening regional co-operation, sharing effective practices and modernising correctional services.

The conference also examined the development of the Caribbean Correctional Academy, aimed at supporting more consistent training, professional certification, specialist development and leadership preparation.

Ms Joell-Benjamin stated: “My participation was timely considering that correctional systems across the region are dealing with many of the same operational pressures that we are facing in Bermuda, including staffing, officer well being, institutional security, rehabilitation and changing technology.”

The Jamaica engagement follows a series of measures by the Ministry of Justice and Department of Corrections in response to faults raised in an independent review panel report tabled this year.

That review identified 75 recommendations for the treatment of inmates, living conditions, activities and rehabilitation plus detainee management.

A post-inspection action plan assigned responsibility, target dates and evidential requirements to the areas of work arising from the review.

The Government has also continued its partnership with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service in Britain.

This has included specialist support with staff profiling, workforce planning and implementation of the wider reform action plan, as well as continuing engagement between UK corrections expert Russ Crooks and the Commissioner of Corrections.

Ms Joell-Benjamin added: “This was also an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships with other correctional leaders and to have practical discussions about workforce development, training, standards and rehabilitation.

“We cannot operate in isolation. Regional co-operation gives us another source of experience and expertise as we continue the work already under way within the Department.”

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice: “We have been clear about the challenges within corrections, and we have also been clear that addressing them requires sustained work, accountability and a willingness to learn from experience beyond Bermuda.”