Thursday, July 27, 2006

Jean Solomon (centre) who has helped to organize the educational and training programme at HMP Fairbanks, is joined by some of the inmates who will be using the new Vocational Workshops at the prison. Photo by Christopher Tobutt

A new set of vocational workshops that included a fully operational hair and beauty salon, opened at HMP Fairbanks on Monday 24 July.

There is also a computer study room, complete with several new computers and desks, and a library. The workshops are part of the Prisons' Education and Development Unit.

Jean Solomon, who has been instrumental in organizing the new programme, spoke of the vision needed to establish the vocational programme.

Quoting from the bible, she said: "Without a vision the people perish."

The Acting Governor, Hon George McCarthy, began his address by saying: "Don't so much look to the past," Mr McCarthy advised. "Rather, look to the future.

I cannot point my finger at you (in accusation), nor should any of you point the finger at one another. The thing is, God has equipped you with a mind...I exhort you, use the mind that he has given you."

Mr McCarthy ended his address by saying: "I hope the next time I see you, you will be sitting in your own beauty salon."

Director of Prisons, Dwight Scott, encouraged the inmates to make the most of the opportunities presented by the new programme.

"You can leave knowing that there are people in the community who care about you," he said.

"May I take this opportunity to say to you, 'embrace the opportunities that will keep you from Fairbanks.'"

Exhorting the inmates to think positively, he added: "If you can dream it, you can achieve it, and do it."

During the ceremony, three inmates Hilma Carter, Gail Ross, and Latecia Jarrett, spoke of their gratitude for the new workshop, and thanked all the prison staff, as well as those outside the prison who had made the project such a success. They also spoke about their hopes for the future.

"On behalf of the ladies at HMP Fairbanks, first we thank God for everything. We also thank the Director, Mr Scott, Miss Barton, and especially Miss Caesar; it would have been impossible without your effort and support; you are really one in a million," said Ms Ross.

"Just because we are in prison does not mean we are to give up. Yes. we have made mistakes in our lives, but it's full time we put our past behind, and move forward and make our future brighter."

Thinking of a more positive future she added: "You have all given us the opportunity to achieve our goals and go back into the society to become better people and have an honest living. Now that we have got this chance, it's our time to shine."

Ms Carter said she was really looking forward to starting the programmes.

"Over the time that I have been here, I have carefully watched the teachers and I truly see the interest they have in us and the classes; the tutors really make us feel like we have worth, and there is hope," she said.

Ms Jarrett said that prison does not determine who the prisoners are.

"It is punishment for the wrong choices we have made. Here at Fairbanks we are given a second chance to make inner and outer changes in our lives," she said.

"The greatest thing is in overcoming obstacles; it is not how many times you fall, but how many times you pick yourself up and move forward to a better and productive life.

"We are not prisoners of our past, but pioneers of our future, and today is a step further towards becoming pioneers of the future."

christopher@caymannetnews.com

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