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Individuals who have completed their sentences and undergone rehabilitation while incarcerated at His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) will soon experience a smoother reintegration into society, thanks to a groundbreaking programme being developed by the Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

On Monday, December 16, 2024, during the presentation of the 2025 Budget Address in the National Assembly, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, unveiled details of the new “Prison to Work” initiative. This programme, part of the transformative ELEVATE Programme, is designed to enable former offenders to secure gainful employment after serving their sentences, allowing them to earn an income and support their families.

“Too often people leave prison and then they end up back on the road and you know nobody really wants to hire [them, but] they too must be given a chance,” stated Prime Minister Drew, who also serves as the Minister of National Security. “If they have spent their time in jail, why not give them a chance to reintegrate into the society from whence they came?” he questioned.

Dr. Drew underscored that the investment in participants of this programme is invaluable and aligns with the government’s comprehensive strategy to engage at-risk individuals meaningfully while fostering opportunities for learning and self-empowerment.

“Their lives matter,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

The Prison to Work initiative also aims to reduce recidivism, thereby enhancing the success of rehabilitation efforts at HMP. By providing a structured pathway for former inmates to rebuild their lives, the programme supports both individual empowerment and community development.

This initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive society where all citizens have an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the nation.

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