Justice Ministry, UNODC focus prison rehabilitation through sports program

GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has completed a pilot structured sports and physical fitness initiative at Point Blanche Prison as part of the ongoing Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP).

The initiative, carried out last month, formed part of wider efforts under the DSRP to strengthen rehabilitation, introduce more structured activities within detention and support the eventual reintegration of prisoners into society.

Prison staff, local sports organizations and prisoners worked together during the pilot to develop and test a sustainable weekly schedule of sports and fitness activities adapted to the operational environment at Point Blanche Prison.

Two experts from the United Kingdom specializing in health, fitness and rehabilitation programming within correctional settings assisted with the implementation of the initiative.

A major focus was placed on building the capacity of prison staff and identifying peer facilitators who could help sustain and expand the program after the departure of the UK experts.

As part of that effort, discussions were held with stakeholders including the St. Maarten Sports Federation, National Institute for Sports (NIS) and the MECYS Department of Sports. The discussions focused on strengthening local partnerships and exploring opportunities for volunteer involvement and coaching support.

The program also supports standards established under the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

The Rules recognize physical activity and recreation as part of rehabilitation within correctional facilities. Rule 23 provides for prisoners to receive suitable outdoor exercise, while broader provisions encourage education, vocational training, work, sports and other activities aimed at rehabilitation and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Prison Director Steven Carty welcomed the level of participation generated during the pilot.

“We saw prisoners who would usually not participate in any program, come out to join the sports activities and that’s a really good thing”. - Mr. Steven Carty, Prison Director

A total of 36 prisoners, representing approximately 45 percent of the prison population, participated in the initiative.

Activities included fitness circuits, basketball, football, yoga and structured recreational games. The schedule was designed to allow broad participation while maintaining appropriate levels of safety and supervision.

Once fully implemented, the program is intended to allow at least half of the prison population to participate in structured activities at least three times per week.

Participants from the Miss Lalie Center were also included in the initiative.

The pilot culminated with football and basketball tournaments involving various teams, while other participants attended to support the players.

Feedback received during the program indicated that the activities also had an effect on the day-to-day atmosphere within the prison, with participants reporting reduced tension and an improved overall mood.

“The exercise helped to calm down a lot of tensions within the prison. After the exercise the overall mood improved, and everyone was too tired to argue. Every day was something to look forward to.” - An inmate at Point Blanche Prison

Sports equipment was also donated to Point Blanche Prison to support continued basketball, football and fitness circuit activities.

The initiative forms part of a broader approach under the DSRP to use constructive and structured activities as practical tools for improving conditions within detention while also supporting rehabilitation.

International research into prison-based exercise programs has associated regular physical activity with reductions in stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as improved sleep and lower levels of aggression and disciplinary incidents.

The DSRP seeks to build on those benefits by incorporating regular physical activity into prison life in a manner that supports both prisoners and staff while contributing to longer-term rehabilitation and reintegration objectives.

Prison Officer Lydia Richardson said the impact of the pilot became evident during its implementation.

"The difference was noticeable almost immediately. The inmates were calmer, they were sleeping better, and the overall atmosphere in the prison changed. The activities gave them something positive to focus on, and that had a real impact on their mental well-being. It showed us that something as simple as structured sport can make a real difference." Ms. Lydia Richardson — Prison Officer

Following the pilot, the Ministry of Justice and its partners have committed to working with local sports providers to further develop and deliver a structured program of sports and recreational activities based on the schedule that was tested.

Implementation of the expanded program is expected to begin during the current quarter.

In the meantime, prison officers have continued the momentum generated by the pilot by organizing inmate tournaments, supporting the wider objective of making structured sport a regular and sustainable part of life at Point Blanche Prison.

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