The Ministry of Justice is thanking the Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative for a donation of approximately 1,000 books and 15 tablet devices for the benefit of inmates at the Westgate Correctional Facility.
The donation was formally handed over yesterday during a visit to Westgate attended by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, Commissioner of Corrections Keeva Joell-Benjamin, and other Department of Corrections officials this week.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, said, “I wish to thank the Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative for this thoughtful and meaningful contribution to the Department of Corrections.
"Donations such as this support the wider goal of rehabilitation by giving inmates greater access to reading materials and learning tools that can encourage personal development and positive use of time.”
The Minister added, “Access to books and educational resources can play an important role in helping individuals reflect, learn and prepare for a more productive future. This donation is a welcome example of how community partnership can support that process in a practical way.”
Commissioner of Corrections Keeva Joell-Benjamin stated, “The Department appreciates this donation and the opportunities it can provide within the correctional setting.
"The addition of books and tablet devices will help expand the resources available to inmates in a structured and supervised environment.”
The Commissioner added, “From an operational perspective, resources such as these can support educational, literacy and rehabilitative activities that form part of an inmate’s overall development while in our care.
"We are grateful for the support and will ensure the items are introduced in a manner that aligns with the Department’s established procedures and security requirements.”
The Ministry of Justice thanked Mr Eron Hill, founder and executive director of the Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative, for his support of the Department of Corrections and its contribution towards initiatives that can assist with inmate development and rehabilitation.