CASTRIES, St. Lucia — Probation and parole professionals from across the Caribbean have converged in St. Lucia for a groundbreaking two-day conference focused on evidence-based approaches to sex offender management. The initiative seeks to enhance rehabilitation strategies and improve supervision practices across the region.
Cuthbert Henry, Director of Probations and Parole Services, emphasized the significance of this collaborative effort, highlighting a shift towards scientifically informed decision-making.
“We are going past just professional judgment,” Henry explained. “We are looking at measurements, at how we use actuarial tools and scientific methods to better manage offenders.”
The conference has fostered cross-island collaboration, bringing together expertise from jurisdictions at varying stages of implementation. While Jamaica currently operates a sex offender registry, Henry noted that additional measures could enhance its effectiveness. Conversely, St. Lucia lacks a registry but has developed essential protocols and practices that could inform regional standards.
“We are partnering with Jamaica and other islands to fill in the necessary gaps,” Henry said. “Together, we can build a more profound and cohesive framework for managing sex offenders across the Caribbean.”
A key highlight of the event is the participation of Dr. Carl Hansen, the creator of the globally recognized Static-99R tool, one of the leading instruments for assessing the risk of sexual offender recidivism. Dr. Hansen has joined the conference free of charge, lending his expertise to support the Caribbean’s transition towards scientifically validated practices.
“We’re using his tool right now,” Henry noted. “But we are going a step further to explore how we can validate these tools in a Caribbean context.”
The outcomes of the conference are expected to directly benefit judges, magistrates, correctional facilities, and all professionals involved in offender management. By standardizing the use of evidence-based tools, stakeholders aim to improve treatment programs, guide supervision practices, and ensure safer communities across the region.
“These tools will help us tailor treatment courses and strengthen rehabilitation frameworks,” Henry added. “They will support decision-making not only in St. Lucia but also across other Caribbean islands.”
This landmark conference marks a significant step towards a harmonized, science-driven framework for managing sexual offenders throughout the Caribbean. By combining regional collaboration with international expertise, the event sets the stage for more effective rehabilitation strategies and improved public safety.
