Although there is a lot of work to be done to keep the prisons running, Her Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service sees the important value of also participating in community projects. For many reasons, community projects are very much a part of the rehabilitation process. Acting Deputy Director – Rehabilitation, Mr. Richard Barton noted that promoting civic mindedness helps prisoners recognize their role and responsibility as a member of a community. “Most of the prisoners that are held at HMP Northward and Fairbanks are local citizens and they must return to these very communities when released. It is good for them to be a part of the restoration and work going on, establish networks and build relationships with community members. All of this will ease their re-entry into society once they are released”.

This week, prisoners assisted with beach clean-up of over a mile of coastline in North Side. The work party included local and expatriate prisoners who worked side by side to clear the beach of seaweed and garbage. Over 90 bags of refuse were removed from the beaches during the project. The coordinator of the clean-up, North Side Resident, Mrs. Anne McFarlane was extremely pleased with the work done by the prisoners. Other residents and tourists along the beach also expressed their gratitude for the efforts of the prisoners and the Prison Service.

Prison Director Mr. Neil Lavis said he will continue to support community projects as much as the resources of the Prison Service allow. “When prisoners assist, we must also provide staff to supervise the staff so it is not always easy considering our present understaffing. But we are happy to help in any way we can”.

Pictured: Prisoners cleaning up nearly a mile of beach in North Side.

Pictured: Prisoners preparing to transport over 90 bags of refuse to the Landfill