Home Affairs Ministers visit prison

Minister for Home Affairs, Constable Len Norman, and Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Deputy Gregory Guida, were at HMP La Moye last week to increase their understanding of the service and the staff who work there. 

After donning their prison uniforms, the Ministers shadowed senior prison officers as they went about their duties. Alongside Senior Officer Gosia Hyjek, Constable Norman and Deputy Guida visited the art, workshops, reception, residential units and supervised the lunch service. 

Gosia, Senior Officer and SVQ Coordinator, said: “We were excited to welcome the Ministers to HMP La Moye. Both very much looked the part in their uniform, and asked lots of questions, which I believe helped them get the most out of this experience.” 

As part of their visit, the Ministers also saw in action, a pilot scheme being run by SoJPS and CARITAS, which aims to help prisoners to provide better support for their children to achieve better results at school. It is known that a child’s education may be affected by having a parent in prison. The initiative SoJPS are piloting aims to reduce this impact for children, and overall help prisoners be better parents. 

Constable Len Norman said: “As ministers, it’s vital that we have a real-world understanding of the services and the work our front line staff do on behalf of the Island. It was great to experience at first hand then work SoJPS officers and other professions do to provide a secure, safe prison whilst equipping prisoners with the skills to enable them to lead law abiding lives after release. I’m grateful to Gosia and all the officers who took the time to supervise myself and Deputy Guida.”

Deputy Gregory Guida said: “I was impressed by the passion and dedication of the staff I met. Their commitment to prisoner rehabilitation and focus on working collaboratively was truly inspiring.” 

Governor and Head of SoJPS Nick Cameron said: “We really appreciate that Constable Norman and Deputy Guida took so much time to join our officers in their front-line duties. Prison colleagues were pleased that they had the chance to show the variety of work we undertake, and team work that goes on across the prison, as well as see the positive and safe environment, balancing care and discipline. I know our staff were immensely proud to show the Ministers the great work they do in the SoJPS on behalf of its Government and Island.”