The Department of Corrections has named the Prison Farm’s carpentry shop in honour of James “Jimmy” Pratt.

The honour was given for Mr Pratt’s many years of dedicated service to the department and inmates housed at the facility.

He was joined at a naming ceremony by his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as acting commissioner Keeva Joell-Benjamin, assistant commissioner Phillip Dowie, Laura Walker, programmes director and senior officers and staff members of the Department of Corrections.

Mr Pratt joined the prison service as a basic officer in 1968 and quickly assumed the role of carpentry officer at the Prison Farm carpentry shop, teaching the therapeutic art to inmates.

He remained in the role for 31 years and retired in 1999 at the age of 55.

After retirement, he accepted an offer to return as the shop to continue teaching.

A Department spokesman said: “After 51 years since joining the Department of Corrections and teaching carpentry, Mr Pratt is as passionate as ever and faithfully shows up three days a week to impart his skill, knowledge and wisdom on the inmates. Well done Jimmy.”