The Parole Board in the Virgin Islands is a statutory body established under the Parole Act, 2009 to support the fair and transparent reintegration of eligible prisoners into society. It makes evidence-based recommendations to the Governor on whether prisoners should be released early under specific conditions, balancing rehabilitation opportunities with public safety.
Our Mission
The mission of the Parole Board is to ensure that parole decisions are made fairly, transparently, and in alignment with the principles of justice. We aim to balance the rehabilitation of offenders with the protection of public safety, providing individuals with a chance to reintegrate into society while minimizing risks.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
- Parole Recommendations: The Parole Board advises the Governor and the Minister responsible for Parole and Probation on the release of eligible prisoners on licence (conditional release), based on risk assessment and rehabilitation progress.
- Licence Conditions: We recommend conditions for release and advise on the variation, continuation, or cancellation of these conditions.
- Revocation and Recall: The Parole Board recommends revocation of parole and the recall of individuals to prison if they breach conditions or pose a renewed risk to public safety.
- Eligibility Assessments: We evaluate whether prisoners meet the statutory requirements for parole consideration. As amended in 2014, prisoners serving at least four years are eligible after serving half their sentence and completing any required rehabilitation programme.
- Parole Hearing Decisions: The Board review reports, conducts prisoner interviews, and ensures all decisions are based on thorough assessments, including psychological, social, and behavioural evaluations.
Legal Foundation
As a statutory body, the Parole Board operates within the legal framework set by the laws of the British Virgin Islands. We are committed to upholding the standards of justice, public safety, and rehabilitation, ensuring that all decisions are made with due consideration of both individual rights and community well-being. The Board operates under clearly defined rules and procedures, and its members are bound by ethical conduct and confidentiality standards.
Board Composition
The Parole Board is composed of individuals with expertise in criminal justice, law enforcement, psychology, and social services. Members are appointed by the Government of the British Virgin Islands, ensuring a well-rounded and informed decision-making process.
