URA presents books to prison

The literacy programme at Her Majesty’s Prison has received a boost from the United Returnees Association, URA with a donation of books, a computer and other items to the Prison Library.

At a handing over ceremony held at Her Majesty’s Prison on Wednesday, August 24, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, Linus Goodluck, called the donation timely, since the prison has embarked on a literacy programme. {{more}}

Goodluck noted that the books would attract more prisoners to the library to read especially because the books are on a wide range of topics. He thanked the group for their generosity stressing that without education the country would not progress. The Assistant Superintendent, emphasised that although most of the rights of the incarcerated have been taken away, their right to learn must not be diminished.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Visiting Justices Samuel Rodney, noted that the contribution from the URA helps in the rehabilitation process and called on other persons to give similar assistance. He stressed that too many times when prisoners are released they are treated as “less than dirt” and this may contribute to them returning to a life behind the wall.

Secretary of URA, Ken Abraham said that the group was pleased to assist prisoners, since they are people willing to help the overall society.

He revealed that the association was formed in February 2005 after several Vincentians returned from living abroad, many of who have been absent for 40-50 years.

The URA secretary said the group also assists potential returnees to the country to buy property and settle back into the Vincentian life. The club also has social events such as Barbecues to raise funds.

Vincentian Nicholas Lucas, living in New York, was able to source the materials, which were donated to the prison. Their group is based mainly in the South Leeward community.