Prison inmates say yes to coming out of darkness

The 2023 Prison Week of Activities started off on a positive note for some inmates who openly stated their desire to come into “the light of Jesus”.

Their declaration, which came during the Prison Church Service on Sunday, December 10 was in response to a call made by Pastor Shane Franklyn.

The clergyman spoke to a “spirit of darkness” prevailing over St Vincent and the Grenadines, resulting in the scourge of violent crimes happening across the country.

“If we don’t see the light, more will be coming in to add to who is in here,” Pastor Franklyn warned the inmates in attendance at the service.

Those who came forward to answer the altar call included convicted criminals as well as some on remand. Pastor Franklyn said efforts will be made to initiate religious study programs with inmates desirous of such as a method of rehabilitation.

“When the light of Jesus comes down on you, the light is telling you, I need to put away stealing, I need to put away robbing, I need to put away murdering, I need to put away anger, I need to put away unforgiving spirit, I need to put away wickedness out of my life because the light is showing you what is wrong in your life.”

He admonished inmates to make valuable use of their time while behind bars and to capitalize on their skills in preparation for release.

“Many of you are talented people, many of you are writers. Many of you have great skills here … build your skill right here in this prison.”

Prison Week concludes on Sunday, December 17 with the Prison Concert to be held at Solidarity Car Park in Kingstown.