PFI Welcomes Four New Ministries

THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches and resorts. But the rising crime rate means this country is no paradise for many. Domestic violence, robbery, manslaughter and drug trafficking are among the incidences of crime which are most prevalent in BVI.  However, the atmosphere is fertile for justice reform.  Already, key governmental officials have committed to partnering with PF British Virgin Islands in an effort to stimulate reforms. PF BVI facilitates the Angel Tree Programme® and offers Back-to-School assistance to the children of inmates.  The ministry also has an in-prison Bible study, which they hope to expand to a formal Bible institute.

CURAÇAO
Curaçao was once the centre of the Caribbean slave trade. Today, this autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands is quite prosperous due to oil refineries and tourism.  But Curaçao also serves as a transhipment point for South American drugs headed to the United States and Europe.  Because of this, many prisoners are foreigners imprisoned for drug trafficking.  PF Curaçao has developed numerous programmes to meet their needs. The ministry has a strong in-prison ministry as a result of the Chaplaincy’s work for many years, assistance for drug addicts and a half-way house that serves recently released prisoners.

KYRGYZSTAN
Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country that was part of the Soviet Union until 1991. Forty percent of the population lives below the poverty line, which means government resources are often not available to provide for the prisoners basic needs. To address this, PFI supplied hospital beds for the prison system in Kyrgyzstan through a partnership with the Swiss government. This “Swiss Army Project” helped facilitate the creation of PF Kyrgyzstan, which has since been recognised as a partner of the prison administration and the Ministry of Justice in the implementation of a national programme for prison and justice reform. The ministry unites church leaders and volunteers from Evangelical churches, the Lutheran Church and the Orthodox Church. PF Kyrgyzstan is involved in a variety of activities including training, distribution of Bibles and managing two centres for ex-prisoners.

SENEGAL
Senegal is a former French colony located on the coast of West Africa. It has a history of stability and democracy, but more than half the population live below the poverty line. Ninety-four percent of Senegalese are Muslims.  In spite of these challenges, the multi-denominational leadership of PF Senegal is working with the support of both the Catholic Church and the National Evangelical Alliance to aid prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families.  The government has officially recognised PF Senegal and is partnering with the organization on several programmes including “Literacy in Prison.”