Strengthened Partnership Between HMP and SKNDF Promotes Inmate Rehabilitation Through Skills Training

The St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) maintains a strong partnership with Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP), playing a crucial role in inmate rehabilitation through a comprehensive program implemented over a decade ago. This collaborative effort focuses on equipping inmates with valuable vocational skills, empowering them to become productive members of society upon release. The program encompasses a range of disciplines, including auto mechanics, welding, agriculture, and construction, providing inmates with practical experience and transferable skills for future employment.

Major Kayode Sutton, Acting Commander of the SKNDF, highlighted the program’s remarkable success, noting the transformative impact it has had on participants. He recounted instances where individuals entered the program with minimal practical knowledge, even struggling with basic tools, but through dedicated training, they acquired advanced skills, enabling them to disassemble, repair, and rebuild vehicle engines and transmissions. The program’s effectiveness extends beyond auto mechanics, as it has also produced highly skilled welders and experienced agricultural workers. These newly acquired skills are not only beneficial to the inmates personally but also contribute to infrastructure development within the Federation.

Inmate involvement in various construction projects at Camp Springfield, Coast Guard Base, and other locations underscores the practical application of their training. Under the meticulous supervision of SKNDF personnel, inmates gain hands-on experience, contributing to the construction of several buildings on these sites. This structured environment allows them to refine their skills while adhering to the strict regulations and protocols of both the SKNDF and HMP. This controlled setting ensures the safety and security of all involved while providing inmates with a valuable opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the community.

The collaborative nature of the program ensures adherence to stringent rules and regulations, safeguarding the integrity of both institutions. Major Sutton emphasized the strict supervision maintained over inmates during work assignments, dismissing any notion of unsupervised activity or potential security breaches. He underscored the commitment to upholding the established protocols, ensuring the safety and security of all personnel and maintaining the integrity of the rehabilitation process. This rigorous oversight underscores the dedication to providing a structured and secure environment that fosters both skill development and responsible behavior.

In response to recent social media commentary questioning the program’s integrity, Major Sutton reaffirmed the SKNDF’s unwavering commitment to its mission. He characterized the social media posts as mischievous and unsubstantiated, stating that they will not deter the SKNDF from its continued dedication to inmate rehabilitation. He emphasized that such negativity serves only to strengthen their resolve to provide inmates with the skills and opportunities they need to reintegrate into society successfully. The SKNDF remains focused on empowering inmates to become contributing members of the Federation upon their release, undeterred by unfounded criticisms.

The SKNDF’s unwavering dedication to its rehabilitative mission is exemplified by its ongoing collaboration with HMP. This partnership underscores the importance of providing inmates with the necessary skills and support to facilitate their successful reintegration into society. By fostering a structured and supportive environment, the program not only equips inmates with valuable practical skills but also instills a sense of purpose and responsibility. The SKNDF remains committed to empowering inmates to become productive citizens who contribute positively to the development of the Federation, demonstrating the transformative power of rehabilitation through collaborative efforts. This long-standing partnership showcases the potential for positive change within the correctional system through a combination of practical skills training and disciplined supervision.