C&W, Rotary donate computers to prison

25.JAN.08

Telecommunications provider Cable & Wireless has teamed up with the Rotary Club of St Vincent and donated four computers to Her Majesty Prisons in Kingstown.{{more}}

This project was the brainchild of the Rotary’s President Dr. Simeon Norton who conceived the idea of taking

technology to the prisons and to help in developing the literary skills of the inmates.

As part of the Rotary Club community service program, these computers will be used by the inmates to improve their computer skills and in turn the prisoners will be able to make a positive contribution to society.

Dr. Norton said that his immediate objectives president are to: Refurbish the prison library with books and shelves; expand the current Literacy and Numeracy Programme; source materials for current CXC classes; Develop a Computer Literacy program; develop a Music Training Class.

With this in mind, Dr. Norton approached Cable & Wireless who, with no objection, saw it wise to contribute these computers to help in the development of the computer literacy skills of the inmates.

“Cable & Wireless over the years has contributed in the area of education, culture, sport and the environment and we thought that this was a novel idea and saw a great opportunity to contribute and help to spread the education revolution to the prisons. I’ve seen the programs that have been set for the inmates and I hope that the inmates will use these computers to change their lives and make a positive contribution when they return to live in the society”, said Angus Steele Chief Executive of Cable & Wireless.

Also present at the handing over ceremony was Surinamese Cees Dilweg, Rotary International District Governor who said that in keeping with the Rotary International theme for 2008, “Rotary Shines”, this is a perfect demonstration that the Rotary Club can share the stage with a company like Cable & Wireless to give opportunities for prisoners to shine.