BRADES, Montserrat (March 7, 2011) – Staff officers at Her Majesty’s Prison on Friday completed a one-week development programme here and were encouraged not to undersell the value of their contributions to the workplace and Montserrat.
Steve Fradley, Prison Coordinator for the Overseas Territories remarked during the closing ceremony that prison rehabilitation was important to society.

“If we don’t do something as a prison service, they [prisoners] go back into the public no better or worse than they came in. We undersell ourselves as professionals for we are social workers, teachers, parents, welfare officers and guardians. What we do behind the fences helps to ensure that they have better lives when they get released.”

Fradley also said he liked the model which was used during the week, which allowed for 22 officers to receive training, rather than two being sent off island.  “We accomplished much more together,” he added. “Each of you contributed an idea the prison can do to be better, I encourage you to follow up with your leaders so that they can be used to improve the service.”

Head of Training for HM Prison in London, Adrian Northeast told the gathering that each participant gave 110% in every activity and encouraged them to use the information to improve the prison environment. He said the officers proved throughout the week that they could work as a team, which is the attitude that will take the prison forward.

Acting Governor Mrs. Sarita Francis was on hand to congratulate the officers and to present them with certificates. She said these incremental stages of training will help the Government to reach its goals of restructuring.