I support programme to help ex-prisoners

Editor: The launching of a programme to assist former prisoners is indeed very commendable. Let us hope that this programme will be well supported and that this will be welcomed by those who really need it.

We know that many programmes are done at both institutions, as outlined by the superintendent. Also there is a programme called ‘Second Chance,’ carried on at the Belle Isle institution. In this programme, some prisoners are doing CCSLC. It is a CXC programme. This programme, however, is in need of much funds to continue to carry it forward.{{more}}

I would also hope that persons who are serving time due to inability to pay child support will be given some attention by the programme. These men who honestly try hard to support their child/children, but have fallen short due to lack of finance, should be given a means of employment and the required amount as stipulated by the court for child maintenance should be taken out and given to the child/children and the balance goes to the individuals. This will ensure that the child is taken care of and the men are given a chance to contribute to society and be a father to the child/children.

Before I close, let me express some pleasure in seeing the commencement of work on the bridges at Spring Village and soon to start the renovation of the Chateau­belair hospital into a smart hospital. Both of these projects will create jobs for our young people in that constituency and at the same time make travelling more comfortable when it is finished and for the hospital it will create better health facilities.

A happy Independence to all Vincentians. I know this letter will be published after the Independence, so it is a belated Happy Independence. God bless SVG. I love St Vincent and the Grenadines, one of the better nations in the Western hemisphere.

Kennard King