Grass products made at Her Majesty’s Prisons sell out on Mustique

A diverse range of products made from vetiver grass by inmates of Her Majesty’s Prisons drew the attention last week of many visitors and homeowners on Mustique and generated rapid sales.

The historic launch of the grass products took place at The Mustique Company Ltd’s bi-annual Craft Fair on April 12.

The Sustainable Livelihoods Project, which is funded by the Mustique Charitable Trust (MCT) and coordinated by artist Vonnie Roudette, has, according to a release, brought hope to scores of inmates through vocational skills training and entrepreneurial experience.

Inmate training began at H. M. Prisons, Kingstown in August 2015, sponsored by the Food and Agricultural Organization for six weeks, and continued under the voluntary efforts of Roudette until August 2016. Recognising its potential, the MCT/UK Friends committed to support the project for one year from September 2016.

With the foundational training having been delivered by Roudette, the grass weaving skills are being passed on to new inmate producers by a group of inmate trainers.

Roudette now collaborates with prisoners to create a diverse range of products for market testing.

Roudette, who also ran a visual art program in the prison, said the response was beyond what she could have hoped for and 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.

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, the release from the project said.

Prior to the craft fair, the team supplied a number of orders throughout 2016 including two large floor mats for the AIA VIP lounge.

Stressing the potential social benefits of the program through its impact on crime reduction, Roudette thanked MCT/UK Friends and the Prison Authorities for having the confidence in such an initiative to change lives. A support network is being established through Grow in Time to assist ex-offenders continue their work and access sales once discharged from prison.

One such person, Aldrick Providence, discharged in September 2016, accompanied Roudette to the craft fair in Mustique. He expressed his delight at being there, demonstrating techniques and selling all the products he made.

Speaking on NBC radio in The Art Room on April 8, Providence moved listeners with his account of how learning new skills had changed his attitude towards life and how he is now able to provide for his children without considering the option of crime. His determination is an example to many at-risk youths for whom he considers himself a role model.

For more information email growingrowout@gmail.com; fb page Grow in Time