How can we seriously talk about rehabilitation when men incarcerated at Westgate Correctional Facility cannot reliably flush their toilets, shower or access running water? The most recent disruption is not simply a plumbing problem. It is a warning about the condition of a system responsible for protecting those in custody and the wider community.

The Royal Gazette reported that water problems at Westgate persisted through the weekend of September 26-27, affecting toilets and showers. The truth is that plumbing problems at Westgate have been known and not addressed — no regular maintenance and repairs done according to schedule and as needed to ensure smooth operation — for more than five years. The question is, why do critical infrastructure problems remain unresolved when their consequences are known?

The Government acknowledged longstanding challenges at Westgate and said significant investment is required, and the Premier has stated repeatedly that Bermuda is in a good financial position, so it’s not a budget issue. It’s a management issue.

Reliable water, sanitation, healthcare and safe living conditions are basic requirements for a functioning correctional institution and for the health and safety of prisoners, correctional officers, programme providers, educators and administrators.

An independent Detention Standards Review Panel inspected Bermuda’s correctional facilities in October 2025 against the Overseas Territories Detention Standards Framework and the United Nations Nelson Mandela Rules. Its report, finalised in March, produced 75 recommendations covering treatment, living conditions, activities and rehabilitation, and detainee management. The Government accepted the recommendations and established a Post-Inspection Action Plan with responsible officers, target dates and evidential requirements.

When the report was tabled, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice said Bermuda needed a correctional system that was safe, humane and purposeful, and committed to reporting on progress. But objectives only matter when those with the authority of their office ensure that they produce measurable results.

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to protect the public and provide rehabilitative services. Its stated objectives include providing a humane but demanding regime designed to reduce reoffending and prepare inmates for life after release. Rehabilitation cannot be separated from the conditions in which people are held. If we expect people to develop discipline and respect for others, the institution must model those standards.

A properly functioning correctional system should confront criminal behaviour and thinking, address substance misuse, violence, trauma and antisocial attitudes, and provide education, vocational training, treatment and employment preparation.

Most people who enter prison will return to our neighbourhoods, workplaces and families. The public safety question is whether incarceration reduces the likelihood that they will create another victim.

The independent review identified concerns involving infrastructure, staffing, prisoners’ rights, healthcare, rehabilitation and institutional management. The Government has described the report as a roadmap for reform.

My concerns have been consistent with those findings. In July, I proposed a five-point corrections reform plan calling for modern legislation, stronger staffing and training, investment in rehabilitation infrastructure, measurable objectives and independent oversight.

I proposed that a senior British correctional reform representative be stationed in Bermuda for five years to monitor implementation, compliance with international standards and whether recommendations are delivered. This person would not run Bermuda’s correctional system. Responsibility would remain with Bermuda. Their role would be to verify progress, engage privately with prisoners and staff, facilitate inspections and report on whether agreed objectives are being achieved.

The Government has already brought British expertise into Bermuda. His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service has provided support with staffing, workforce planning and implementation, and a British corrections specialist continues to engage with the commissioner. But periodic technical assistance is not the same as continuous independent oversight.

The Government should not be left effectively marking its own homework. The Government said recently that more than a third of the 75 recommendations were in place. Implementation, however, must be measured not only by whether an action has started but by whether it has produced the intended outcome.

A commonsense approach would do the following:

• First, fix the infrastructure. Westgate needs reliable water, hot water, sanitation, healthcare facilities and safe, functional living conditions. These are prerequisites for dignity

• Second, provide the space and resources for rehabilitation. Build or repurpose classrooms and programme rooms for offence-related risk programmes, education and vocational training

• Third, fix staffing. Recruit and retain sufficient correctional officers to safely operate the facilities and allow programmes to run. Hire the teachers, programme staff and additional psychological resources required to deliver meaningful interventions

• Fourth, establish measurable performance targets. The Government should publish a timetable identifying each outstanding recommendation, the responsible officer or agency, resources allocated, completion date and evidence required to demonstrate achievement

• Fifth, establish independent oversight for the reform programme. Scheduled and unannounced inspections should continue, with independent verification of implementation and outcomes

Corrections is one area where Bermuda must demand the highest standards of service delivery. What happens inside our correctional facilities affects officer safety, rehabilitation, reoffending, victims, families and ultimately the safety and quality of life of every Bermudian.

The Government has the expertise. It has a roadmap. It has British support. It has said resources are being committed.

What is required now is action.

Safeguarding the community means ensuring that incarcerated people, correctional officers, programme providers and staff have what they need to work safely and effectively.

Corrections is not simply about locking people away. It is about protecting the public today while preparing people to return to the community better equipped to live lawful and productive lives tomorrow.

• Robert King is the independent MP for Smith’s North