Ex-prisoner turns life around

Having been released from her Majesty’s Prison some eight months now, Aldrick Providence is determined to keep on the straight and narrow, while setting a proper example for his children.

Providence, who celebrated his 39th birthday yesterday, is a father of several children, with another on the way.

He found salvation in craft making while incarcerated.

The Largo Heights man most recently served a two-year prison sentence and was released in September 2016.

While behind bars he participated in the Sustainable Livelihoods Project, which was funded first by the Food and Agriculture Organization, and now by the Mustique Charitable Trust (MCT)/UK Friends and coordinated by artist Vonnie Roudette.

Inmate training began at HM Prisons, Kingstown in August 2015, with the products produced being marketed under the label ‘Grow in Time’.

Speaking with SEARCHLIGHT at his home on Tuesday, Providence disclosed that before he went to prison, he never attempted craftwork; instead, he worked in construction and gardening, although his parents often did handicraft.

“So, is like going into prison now, being there for a while, then meeting Ms Roudette, she that introduce this skill,” he added.

Providence said inmates involved in the project plait lavender/vetiver grass to make mats, baskets and other products and this activity has become his main source of livelihood.

“I leave most of every other thing to put my effort into building mats, baskets and other things because … the sales on it might look simple, but it is humongous,” he disclosed.

Last Wednesday, April 12, participants in the Sustainable Livelihoods Project took part in the Mustique Company Ltd’s biannual Craft Fair on Mustique, where they sold over 40 items, with orders already being placed for another batch.

Prior to the craft fair, the team supplied a number of orders throughout 2016, including two large floor mats for the VIP lounges at the Argyle International Airport.

Providence is also preparing for another exhibition, scheduled for August this year.

He took the opportunity to advise inmates to stay focused while incarcerated in order to make a better life for themselves when released.

“When you reach out from prison, let that be a lesson that you have learned that you wouldn’t ever probably want to make that mistake again to go back there.”

Providence further said that there are a number of opportunities on the outside and so whatever skills inmates may learn in prison could be applied.

“This is what I did and this is where I am seeing a brighter future, not just seeing myself as a prisoner, but seeing myself as somebody who is willing to make a change.”

Roudette, in a release, thanked the MCT/UK Friends and the prison authorities for having the confidence in such an initiative to change lives. She said a support network is being established through ‘Grow in Time’ to assist ex-offenders to continue their work and access sales once discharged from prison.

“The response from Mustique was beyond what I could have hoped for and I was delighted to report to the inmate production team that their hard work and focus over the past months is much appreciated in the wider society,” Roudette said.

Proceeds from sales were deposited into the accounts of the inmate producers, enabling them to save, assist their families and to purchase essentials from the prison commissary.

Persons interested in ordering craft products may contact Providence via his cell at 526-6398 or email: growingrowout@gmail.com or via their Facebook page Grow in Time.