At the Alexander A. Farrelly Criminal Justice Center and John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility, the V.I. Bureau of Corrections recently celebrated the accomplishments of 41 inmates who graduated from programs meant to help them transform their lives.
Inmate programs help inmates transition from prison to the community by providing reentry services, academic and vocational education, treatment for substance abuse, and fundamental life skills, according to a press release announcing the graduates. In addition, programs provide meaningful activities that keep inmates engaged and help ensure the safety of the facilities, it said.
“The goal under this administration is to ensure that our clients are better citizens when they return to the community than when they came in and that families can stay connected with their loved ones while incarcerated,” Director Wynnie Testamark stated.
Transforming Lives Graduation – Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center
On June 20, for the first time ever at Government House on St. Thomas, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and the bureau hosted the Transforming Lives Academy Graduation. With the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” humming in the air, government officials, bureau staff, and family dressed to the nines awaited the soon-to-be graduates.
A professional-accredited certificate or high school diploma was awarded to 10 graduates. Cira Burke, CEO of Inspire VI LLC, the mistress of ceremonies, opened the commencement ceremony. The Rev. Dr. Sharon Jackson McDonald of Impacting Your World Christian Ministries offered the invocation, and St. John Administrator Shikima Jones-Sprauve sang the Virgin Islands March and the national anthem. Testamark, BOC’s Programs and Grants Manager Peter Abrahams, and UVICELL Director Suzanne Darrow-Magras gave welcoming remarks as waves and smiles filled the ballroom.
State Director for the Career and Technology Education/Adult Education Monique Faulkner delivered the commencement address and shared, “Through anger, we develop moods, prolonged negative moods developed into temperaments and if we are not careful to check ourselves, temperaments can evolve into personalities that spur fixed mindsets.” She told the graduates, “You make the conscious decision to take back your life.”
The “hero of the program,” BOC’s Case Management Planner Tanesha S. Russell, was recognized for her continued efforts in propelling the educational program and ensuring that inmates complete the same. Graduates shared words of excitement and appreciation for the program and how important it was to them.
The ceremony included remarks from Bryan and Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, who lauded the graduates, noting their accomplishments despite numerous obstacles and setbacks. Bryan shared that he believes in second chances, noting that individuals make mistakes and that if the graduates were serious about rejoining the community, he would assist in helping with reintegration. With those sentiments in mind, he commuted the life sentence of Felix Perez, who has been incarcerated for the past 37 years.
This year’s graduates are:
Daliqua Moses – Penn Foster High School Diploma
Jahkeel Clarke – Penn Foster High School Diploma
Rasokemo Archibald – Penn Foster High School Diploma
Tyler Labarrie – Penn Foster High School Diploma
Aubrey Frett – Penn Foster Career Diploma (Accounting)
Akenda Weeks – Penn Foster Career Diploma (Automotive Repair Technician)
Marciano Rivera – Penn Foster Career Diploma (Automotive Repair Technician)
Daliqua Moses – Penn Foster Career Diploma (Human Resources Management)
Janelle Walters – Penn Foster Career Diploma (Medical Billing and Coding)
Jerome Wallace – Penn Foster Career Diploma (Start Your Own Business)
Koi Thomas – Penn Foster Career Diploma (Start Your Own Business)
Transforming Lives Graduation – John A. Bell Adult Correction Facility
The bureau held its Transforming Lives Academy Graduation June 16 at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility, with 31 inmates receiving certificates of completion, special recognition, and professionally accredited diplomas.
Testamark, Darrow Magras, Acting Warden Dana Grant, BOC Programs and Grants Manager Peter Abrahams, Chaplain Ludger Berkitt, Construction Superintendent Anthony Wheeler, PREA Coordinator Sandra Gerard-Leung, and Correctional Instructor Urla Wiltshire, who served as the mistress of ceremonies, offered words of encouragement and congratulations.
Adryann Glenn, founder and CEO of Align Community, was the guest speaker and shared his story and motivational insights of challenges encountered and overcome through decisions. He charged graduates and participants to be intentional in this moment: “Live it, know everything in your mind, keep a tally, take time to celebrate and celebrate yourself.” Glenn concluded, “You only start losing when you stop, but you can pump your brakes and take your time in achieving your accomplishments.”
Inmates offered their remarks as well, reflecting on their experiences and what the opportunity to continue their education while incarcerated has meant to them.
This year’s graduates are:
Jumanie Forde – Penn Foster High School Diploma
Elieser Edward – Penn Foster High School Diploma
Shekil Berthier – General Education Diploma
Lester Roberts – NCCER Construction Safety Module
Eugene Roberts – NCCER Construction Safety Module
Jalani Hall – NCCER Construction Safety Module & Cisco Certified Network Associate
Winston George – NCCER Construction Safety Module
Devindra Jaglal – Automotive HVAC Essentials & Anger Management
Delicia Daniel – Pet Grooming Certificate
Jamal Morton – Fitness and Nutrition Coaching
Sholome Francis – Motorcycle Technician
Manuel Davis – IT Support Specialist
Daryl Blyden – VI History
Dionno Brooks – VI History
Jalani Hall – GCSEN Entrepreneurial Program
Stephan Hyacinth – NCCER Construction & Support to Programs Special Recognition
Lemy Virgil – NCCER Construction Special Recognition & Most Outstanding Resident
Felix Perez – NCCER Construction Special Recognition
Vaughn Challenger – NCCER Construction Special Recognition
Delicia Daniel – Anger Management
Lisa Allen – Anger Management
Vivian Stewart – Anger Management
Elwood Canton – Anger Management
Denise Donovan – Anger Management
Shakim Gumbs – Anger Management
Jose Alcala – Anger Management
Francisco Tirado – Anger Management
Solomon Degallerie – Anger Management
Kenyata Horsford – Anger Management
Darin Franklin – Anger Management
Lester Roberts – Support to Programs Special Recognition
Eugene Roberts – Support to Programs Special Recognition
Ethelbert Benjamin – Support to Programs Special Recognition
Jalani Hall – Support to Programs Special Recognition
Elroy Edwards – Support to Programs Special Recognition
Khalid Jaffar – Support to Programs Special Recognition
