Hamilton out, Lovell in at prison

In May, Keith Hamilton replaced veteran prison superintendent Bernard Adolphus and was hailed as the man who was going to take control of the prison and prevent escapes. After only a few months, however, it seems Hamilton has stepped down, and the prison keys have been handed over to Jennifer Lovell, the Director of Rehabilitation. During Hamilton’s brief tenure, escapes decreased dramatically, but the changes didn’t come easily and Hamilton’s management style was sharply criticized by the inmates and their families. While most people had the impression that the Superintendent would be in place on a permanent basis, Minister in Charge of Prisons Dickie Bradley, told News Five today that Hamilton understood his job was only temporary. Bradley says he was hired on a month to month basis to review the situation at Hattieville and tighten up security for both inmates and warders. That work has apparently ended and Hamilton has not had his contract renewed.

Dickie Bradley, Minister in Charge of Prisons

“He was basically on a month to month employment. It was sort of a situation that we needed to get somebody who had a police security background to take a look at the prison and give a sort shock therapy.

So basically what has happened is that the prison has moved over into a second phase where with Jennifer’s training in conflict resolution, drug rehabilitation in general, rehabilitation and work related programs. We are hoping now that we can go to that level. The security part of it, we are satisfied that the prisons can provide the kind of security the society wants to see.”

Bradley says there may still be an occasional escape but that the new thrust must be rehabilitation. He says it costs Belizean taxpayers four million dollars a year to incarcerate criminals. The rehabilitation program will work to decrease the number of repeat offenders. Jennifer Lovell, a former US Naval Officer is the first woman to head the prison. She is a licensed drug and mental health counselor with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, and a Masters in Counseling and Human Development.