Attorney General tours Westgate

Update via Government Press Release: Attorney General and Minister of Justice Kim Wilkerson Visits Westgate Correctional Facility, Reinforces Commitment to Improvements

“This visit has been eye-opening,” said Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Sen. The Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP.

The Minister recently conducted her maiden tour of Westgate Correctional Facility, accompanied by her Senate colleague Arianna Hodgson , as well as Acting Assistant Commissioner of Corrections Gladwin Simons, Acting Assistant Commissioner Darynda Caisey Brown, Chief Officer Dwight Richards, Acting Chief Officer Michael Christopher, and Department of Corrections (DOC) Facilities Manager Van Dyke Bean.

This visit follows the transfer of DOC oversight to the Ministry of Justice last year and was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the facility’s conditions, staff concerns, and ongoing improvement initiatives.

A key highlight of the visit was the Minister’s review of progress following the Government’s Mid-Year Budget Review, which allocated $400,000 in additional funding to strengthen DOC’s rehabilitation and facility programmes.

These funds have supported initiatives such as increased staffing for inmate programmes, upgraded IT resources for educational opportunities, and vocational training expansion—including enhanced culinary arts.

Minister Wilkerson toured various units during her visit, engaged with inmates, and spoke directly with correctional officers.

She noted that while urgent facility repairs remain a priority, meaningful progress is being made in key areas.

The Minister added: “There is a long list of challenges to address, but we are pressing ahead with what we can do now—such as the kitchen upgrade and new equipment that I was pleased to see in operation today.

“Watching the inmates actively engaged in baking and culinary training was a particularly rewarding moment.”

She also commended the inmates for their renovation work within the facility, particularly the painting she observed in one of the blocks. “I was very impressed by the quality of the work done by the inmates.

“Their efforts in refurbishing parts of the facility, including painting, demonstrate the valuable skills they possess. This is exactly the kind of initiative we need to build on—ensuring that inmates can contribute meaningfully to the upkeep of the facility while being compensated for their work.”

Minister Wilkerson emphasised her belief that work done within the prison should be recognised and rewarded, helping inmates build their resumes for future employment and boosting their confidence in developing practical skills.

“If we can empower inmates with skills that will serve them well after their release, we are taking an important step toward successful reintegration. Their contributions should not go unnoticed, and I support ensuring that these opportunities help them transition into the workforce.”

The Minister also observed the fully equipped IT lab, which is helping inmates build essential digital skills.

Another highlight of the tour was the art room, where inmates are developing their talents and expressing themselves through creativity.

However, she emphasised the need for volunteers to support the facility’s carpentry workshop, calling on community members with relevant skills to contribute.

Addressing past concerns raised by corrections officers about working conditions and staffing shortages, Minister Wilkerson reaffirmed her commitment to improving the DOC environment and ensuring officers receive the support they need.

“Our corrections staff do an invaluable job in a demanding environment. We are listening to their concerns and working to make necessary improvements. While we recognise the challenges, the Government remains committed to providing resources where they are most needed.”

This visit marks the beginning of a series of engagements by the Minister with DOC personnel and stakeholders to assess progress and identify further areas for enhancement.