IHSYL visit Her Majesty’s Prison

Convicted murderer and death row inmate Patrick Lovelace has given a bit of advice to a number of Young Leaders (YL), attached to the Intermediate High School (IHS).

“Alyo respect your teachers and others. I was convicted for murder, but I never do it … obey your teachers and make something of alyo life,” Lovelace told the Young Leaders who went to Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) last Thursday, April 21.{{more}}

The prison visit came as part of the group’s 2015/2016 YL project, which is this year being held under the theme, “Me … You… We… A shared vision for a better society.” The group is operating under the sub-theme, “Weaknesses, strengths, let’s work together to ensure a proper future.”

Speaking about the visit, IHSYL president Chelsea Moses said that when the group went to the area of the prison known as the “Dormitory,” which houses death row inmates, someone shouted to them.

“While we were exploring the dormitory, a voice shouted from the far left, ‘aye alyo come here’ and after seeking permission, we obeyed the command and went towards the voice and we got to listen to Lovelace, a former long distance runner, now murder accused who was reading his Bible”, said Moses.

“When asked what advice he had for the students, he told us to be obedient and listen to our teachers. We listened attentively as he uttered his words of advice and one of our teachers was so moved that he prayed,” said Moses.

Moses said that during the visit, the group was allowed to inspect the death row cells, which were small, poorly lit, bare and had thick walls with a double gate and heavy chains.

“Each young leader got the opportunity to enter a cell. Some of their responses were: ‘These are small’; ‘I wouldn’t like to be in here’; ‘how can more than one person hold in here?’, ‘I would have to sleep stand up because there is no bed,’ and it is believed that these responses signal a fear of being imprisoned,” said Moses.

The group’s president said that during the tour, which was led by Superintendent of Prisons (SOP) Brenton Charles, the group focused on the “You” aspect of the project and most of the Young Leaders, along with four students who are understudying the group, were a bit nervous on arrival at the prison.

“We were not sure what to expect, as it was our first time in such a place. However, our nervousness was quickly calmed when we were assured that we were under good protection”, said Moses.

Apart from death row, the group visited the reception area, the main section of the prison, the recreation area or ‘The Yard’ and ‘C Block,’ where the cooks and bakers work.

“Most of the prisoners were engaged in some sort of recreational activity, be it playing football, watching television, or just idle talk. Presently the prison houses 229 inmates, mainly on remand. We were told that every day, for an hour, they are allowed to socialize. We journeyed to the back of the prison where guards were keeping a watchful eye on the compound. We were told that nearby residents would throw drugs and mobile phones over the high walls,” said Moses.

“We were given a crash course on what happens on the C Block. As the Young Leaders assembled in little clusters to discuss the activity on the block, Superintendent Charles, a past student of the Intermediate High School, reminded us of how easier it is on the outside,” said Moses. From SOP Charles they gathered that they must do themselves “a gracious favour and understand the importance of education; deviant people will not take you anywhere in life; and appreciate teachers and parents who make sacrifices to empower you.”

Moses said that they also took away from the visit that some prisoners appear to be happy, but are very uncomfortable and as young people, they have tremendous value and “we must place a very high value on ourselves.”

Moses added also that two male students with behavioural problems who accompanied them on the tour were encouraged to be mannerly when dealing with their elders, while trying their best to make adjustments to their behaviour.

“Further, Mr Charles also focused on our troubled females and advised them about the importance of having manners and to also place value on themselves. He told them that whatever they choose to follow, they must use school to build themselves, as school is a good start.

“Our visit ended at 12 noon. While we were leaving, some of the prisoners shouted, ‘stay in school… behave alyo self… respect alyo teachers’.

The Young Leaders and troubled teens concluded that it was a worthwhile session and they would not want to be confined. It is hoped that they now will relate their experience to their peers, which will satisfy the ‘We’ aspect of their project.

Moses said that they also came away with a sentiment that was shared by Mr Lovelace, “Sunshine Thursday is better than midnight Thursday…study your lesson and plan your future … respect your teacher, obey for your own good.”