Opinion

Sen. Nellie Rivera-O'Reilly: Champion Of The Incarcerated

ST. THOMAS -- Members of the 31st Legislature approved Bill No. 31-0074, sponsored by Sen. Nellie Rivera-O'Reilly, an act to allow for sentence reduction after successful completion of academic or vocational training while imprisoned, 14-0 (one absent). The measure, as its description states, seeks to help those already downcast by the confines of a prison cell, where loneliness and idleness often take hold. Senators universally praised the measure at yesterday's session and at past committee meetings. However, VI Consortium wanted more than senate hearing rhetoric, so Rivera-O'Reilly was asked about the inspiration behind her lastest measure. The senator was forthright and candid with her responses, and in the process, VI Consortium learned that Rivera-O'Reilly, who has endured many hardships throughout her life, including an incident that involved her son; is a woman of her word. "During the last tour of the Golden Grove Correctional Facility, former Warden Basil ...