Nine inmates at His Majesty’s Prison are now high school graduates, having completed the Alternative Secondary Education Programme (ASEP) as part of the Class of 2025.
The programme, aimed at providing second chances through education, is part of ongoing rehabilitation efforts within the territory’s prison system.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, praised the inmates’ determination.
“These young men chose to believe in their futures and committed to a path of transformation,” he said. “Their success represents the very heart of what rehabilitation should be.”
Wheatley also offered words of encouragement to the graduates: “You completed this stage of your journey, not because it was easy, but because you believed your future was worth fighting for. That kind of determination, believing better days are ahead, is what makes today so extraordinary.”
ASEP Coordinator, Ms. Careen Cuffy, recognised the inmates’ achievement and reiterated the programme’s broader purpose.
“Under the leadership of our current Minister of Education, Honourable Sharie de Castro, the programme continues to expand. One of the most exciting developments is our partnership with His Majesty’s Prison,” she said. “Starting September 2025, young men in custody will not only have the opportunity to earn a High School Certificate but also gain vocational certification in Woodwork through ASEP.”
The nine graduates were among 32 students who completed either ASEP or the Virgin Islands High School Certificate Programme this year.
Copyright 2025 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
