Government is fostering rehabilitation rather than simply focusing on punishment, and plans to introduce a parole system in Barbados have reached an advanced stage, says Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams.
He said this was “a priority” that would offer early release options for inmates deemed suitable, while allowing authorities to maintain oversight.
“I don’t want anybody to be in prison who does not need to be in prison. It represents a transitional phase where some prisoners, having fulfilled their debt to society, can continue serving part of their sentence under community supervision,” Abrahams said during the Barbados Prison Service’s 167th anniversary service yesterday held at Dunamis Outreach Ministries in Staple Grove, St David’s, Christ Church.
Under the proposed scheme, prisoners who demonstrate good conduct, show a genuine commitment to reform and meet eligibility criteria will be considered for early release, but with a structured monitoring mechanism to support and guide their re-entry into society.
Eligibility
The minister said parole eligibility would be reserved for those who made significant progress in their rehabilitation.
“If someone has been a model prisoner, there is no longer any practical reason for keeping them there,” he said, adding that the system was designed to support individuals who worked to better themselves while incarcerated. Your debt to society has been fulfilled and you could probably be of better use outside where we can monitor you. We will still retain some element of control, but we won’t delay you in getting back to normal life.”
Abrahams said the parole system was not being developed solely as a response to prison capacity, which he stressed was currently under control. Instead, he added, the plan reflected the Government’s broader commitment to a justice system that promoted productive reintegration and social responsibility.
“We start with the core belief that nobody should be locked up unless it’s necessary for their own safety or for the safety of the public, or if they are serving a lawful sentence passed down by the courts.
“Years ago, one of the tenets was punishment; now we talk about rehabilitation.
But we can’t just talk it, we have to implement the avenues for it and recognise when it has genuinely happened.”
The proposed system will offer incentives for self-development, encouraging prisoners to complete educational and vocational training programmes, thereby enhancing their prospects upon release.
“If a prisoner has gained new skills and qualifications, like a certificate in mechanics, there’s no point in keeping them incarcerated if they’ve truly transformed and can contribute positively to society,” Abrahams said. “The parole system should acknowledge those strides and it will incentivise people to reform.”
Consultations
Barbados recently hosted a regional conference on parole best practices.
“The fact that we held this conference here within the last month shows our commitment,” Abrahams noted, adding that the Probation Department, which would play a central role in managing parole cases, was already involved in these discussions.
“We have some specimen legislation to guide us and a format for what we want to achieve. This conference, coupled with ongoing consultations, demonstrates the dedication we have to making this happen soon.”
Although he refrained from providing an exact timeline, the minister assured that the initiative was moving forward swiftly, with necessary structures being put in place to ensure its success. (CLM)
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