Wescot-Williams gets
update from inmates
PHILIPSBURG--Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams has stated: “It is crucial for us to focus more on rehabilitation programmes now rather than building bigger and better prisons tomorrow.”
Her statement came on the heels of a visit to the Pointe Blanche prison where she and a member of the Women’s Desk met with the Inmates Association to get an update on the recent developments there that led to prisoners resorting to a hunger strike at one stage as a show of displeasure.
While the situation at the prison has returned to a state of “calm,” the inmates still believe they have not seen the promises to grant their more than 25 individual requests.
According to a release issued by Government Information Services (GIS), Wescot-Williams was given a first-hand account of what the inmates were requesting and why. They explained that primarily they, in the St. Maarten prison, wanted equal treatment to that being mated out to inmates of prisons in Bonaire and Curacao, as they all form part of the Netherlands Antilles.
They told the Commissioner that although they had taken up the matter with Justice Minister David Dick, they had yet to see any action. Wescot-Williams said it was sometimes overlooked that the goal and purpose of prison was not only to protect society, but also to rehabilitate inmates.
There was also discussion with the Women’s Desk on the time inmates spent with their families, especially those who were parents. Inmates said that although they understood the security concerns at the prison, the 30 minutes per week and the one family day per month allotted to them were hardly enough time to interact with their families.
The association also raised concerns over the fact that they were being monitored by one probation officer, which was “simply not enough.” They stated that classes in computer, GED, welding and carpentry had been discontinued for lack of funds. They also said these classes had been a very good means for inmates to channel their energy positively.
The female inmates requested guidance counsellors to deal with life issues, more Bible study programs and visits by motivational speakers.
Wescot-Williams told GIS, “We want inmates to return to society and assume the responsibilities of caring for themselves and their families.” The inmates said they wished that members of the community would always put “God first, family first, and learn to live life honestly.”
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