An inmate has called for prison and parole reform to turn around what he believes are failures within the corrections system.

Included in his list of criticisms about Westgate Correctional Facility are a lack of educational and rehabilitative programmes, unfavourable treatment of certain prisoners, and limited access to technology.

An opinion piece from the prisoner, who is not named, is published in The Royal Gazette today.

He claimed there is an “unwilling mindset” by some prison officers and officials who, because of Bermuda’s small population, may feel resentment against people whom they know perpetrated crimes against their loved ones or who have a reputation in the community.

He said it is “plain irresponsible” to release prisoners back into society without proper education and treatment during incarceration.

The Government responded to the claims and noted that while the reintegration of inmates into society is a priority, “a lot more can be done”.

It said its commitment to rehabilitative services was demonstrated by an allocation of $400,000 in the Midyear Budget Review.

More than $25 million was allocated to the Department of Corrections for operational costs in the 2024-25 Budget as well as $1.96 million for capital improvements.

The inmate told The Royal Gazette: “The problems are at the higher level mostly.

“It doesn’t matter if there has been money allocated, if there have been plans put in place; there are always going to be people who feel like these persons don’t deserve these opportunities.

“Right now, the education area at Westgate is only available for four hours a day. There are 126 inmates and about 70 have access to the library and chapel — if you are on remand, you don’t have access.

“There are five classrooms including a computer lab with 12 computers. One classroom is reserved for art and another is for sewing.

“You only have two multi-purpose rooms — that is for Narcotics Anonymous and religious classes.

“Most classes are online through Bermuda College’s Apace distance-learning courses. I think that is very beneficial, but the challenge is there are not enough computers for persons to use.

“With so many people needing those resources, the time is very limited. Also, the hours that the education lab is open are very restrictive.

“Persons are doing legal research, preparing for appeals … it’s not just for education. If there was enough room, that would be a very positive development.

“The challenge is that there is a stubborn mindset. Some don’t see the need for inmates to have computer labs and access to education.

“The issues are vast.”

He said some services in place do not have instructors or are limited in what they can offer.

The prisoner explained: “If you are into carpentry, there are machines available but not the instruction.

“We used to have someone who would teach auto mechanics, but now there is just a metalwork shop with no one to teach it.

“A lot of it comes down to money, not having the budget and resources.”

A computer training programme was introduced for free by Rick Richardson, the Bermuda Technical Institute Association chairman, but the inmate claimed enrolment was low, as the work was beyond the skill level of most of the prison population.

He said: “It’s like taking a master’s degree before a high school diploma. So far, that is why the uptake of that course is very low.

“There were about eight people who took it up. Maybe two or three are still actively involved in it.”

He said the AgraLiving Institute gardening programme was successful but could be developed.

“The one issue people have with the course is there is no further opportunity once you have received your certificate.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said: “Recognising the need for improved rehabilitation services, the Government allocated an additional $400,000 in the recent Midyear Budget Review specifically for education programmes at Westgate and related facilities.

“These funds will enhance existing initiatives and provide necessary resources such as laptops and educational materials.

“While this investment is a starting point, it underscores our commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration.”

The spokesman added: “Regarding educational and vocational programmes, we are focused on expanding opportunities for all inmates.

“We aim to ensure these programmes are adequately staffed and equipped, providing inmates with practical skills relevant to today's job market.

“We are also exploring ways to improve access to technology and distance-learning courses, working closely with institutions like Bermuda College.”

The inmate said there had been a gap in services since the transitional housing facility was closed.

“It used to help people to be self-sufficient, live on their own and work — it helped them to readjust to life outside,” he explained.

“That is missing. It is worth investing in because everyone who is here will leave at some point, but are they leaving better?

“I can’t say that they are now, based on how many I have seen return.”

The ministry did not provide requested figures on Bermuda’s recidivism rates or specific information about the number and type of services available, or the number of inmates using them.

The ministry spokesman said: “We acknowledge the importance of the Transitional Living building in supporting inmates transitioning back into society.

“Its absence has created a gap, and we are prioritising efforts to reinstate and enhance these crucial services.”

The Government said at a post-Budget press conference that the 2024-25 Budget included allocations for recruiting 36 new corrections officers, integrating the Right Living House treatment programme into its departmental operations, and funds for infrastructure and security upgrades across facilities.

It was recently announced in Parliament that corrections officers were paid more than $1 million in overtime during 2022-23 because of an acute shortage of staff. A recruitment drive is under way.

The Government said in October that since its establishment in 2010, the Right Living House had helped individuals “demonstrate responsible and appropriate behaviour, offering the tools for personal growth and reintegration into society”.

It added: “Remarkably, 82 per cent of graduates from the residential and aftercare portions of the programme have remained in the community for three years or longer without re-incarceration, demonstrating the programme's success in reducing recidivism.”

The inmate said: “Those of us who are here, when we see those who are released and are successful on the outside, it is to be celebrated.

“We hate seeing people come back — it’s a real blow.

“Do you feel safer knowing that persons aren’t being invested in, just being housed? For many people, they have more time to think about how not to get caught as opposed to how to live a better life.

“Is that something everyone is happy with?”

He suggested that models in countries such as Norway should be examined where there is more value placed on rehabilitation.

The ministry spokesman responded: “We are continually examining our legislative framework to ensure it aligns with modern standards and best practices.

“This includes considering successful rehabilitation models from other jurisdictions to inform our approach.”