Prisoners could help with bush cutting, Rymer says
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer has proposed using prisoners to help with beautification and maintenance works across the BVI, particularly given the ongoing challenges with maintaining the territory’s infrastructure.
Rymer made this suggestion during a recent House of Assembly debate, citing the potential benefits of utilising available resources to address the BVI’s pressing roadside conditions.
Rymer acknowledged that the territory’s roadsides have long been a source of frustration for residents. “We’ve seen this rain phenomenon. As soon as you cut some bush, they go right back up. As soon as you cut your lawn and your yard, they go right back up,” Rymer stated.
The Minister stated that while some work is being done, it is insufficient to meet the community’s needs. “We now have the RATED programme, they’re engaged. It’s nice to see the roads cut. But then I’m sure in a couple of days you’ll see the grass grow right back up,” he said.
Rymer argued that the government needs to use whatever resources are available to assist with maintaining the territory. He referenced a past programme where low-risk prisoners were involved in public works, suggesting that a similar initiative could be reintroduced. “I know there was a programme where we could use the low-risk prisoners at one time,” he said. “Maybe that is something that we need to look into to see if they can also assist.”
According to Rymer, having prisoners assist with public maintenance tasks could alleviate the pressure on government resources. Additionally, the programme could offer prisoners a way to earn some income and support their families.
Rymer emphasised the importance of keeping the BVI well-maintained, especially given the frequent rain the territory has been experiencing. He also highlighted the need to act urgently to address these issues.
Meanwhile, Rymer expressed appreciation for Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s financial commitments, noting that a good fraction of an expected $100 million loan will be allocated for infrastructure improvements and road repairs. Rymer added that while progress has been slow, it is essential to keep moving forward and invest in the territory’s infrastructure.
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For years this can be done it can also help employee other via security agencies to work alone with a prison guard or a police office to monitor the prisoners while they are out
They don’t want to admit that government is poor.