Inmates at Her Majesty’s Prisons will show off their debating skills today (Monday) as the annual week of activities continue under the theme “Rehabilitation for Reintegration”.
The week is observed in an effort to showcase to the public the work that is being done to reform offenders.
The activities began on Sunday, with two church services: one on the compound of Her Majesty’s Prisons in Kingstown and the other at the Belle Isle Correctional Facility.
“The acknowledgment of God is a central part of our rehabilitative programmes,” the Prison Service said in a statement.
Today’s public speaking competition, which begins at 9:30 a.m., aims to highlight talent and to give offenders the opportunity to express themselves on issues affecting them and the society at large.
The event will be broadcast live on radio and the internet.
On Tuesday, offenders will be engaged in the finals of the different sporting disciplines. The aim is to build teamwork, increase confidence and to reduce tension and violence among them.
On Wednesday, there will be a day for family. This is where family members, relatives and friends of offenders can visit them and share a meal and have a light moment in a family setting. The aim is for their family to impact them positively and help them to realise the importance of the family.
The activities will also focus on Prisons staff responsible for the rehabilitative programmes.
This will take place on Thursday, when there will be a mix and mingle and an award ceremony.
Past and current staff will meet to share experiences and lessons learnt and recognise and award officers.
The aim here is to build camaraderie among the staff and plan for the coming year.
On Friday, there will be an exhibition to showcase the products made by the inmates.
These items include a bed, grills, coal pots, clothes, and paintings.
The grand finale is the annual Prisons Concert on Sunday, Dec. 17.
The concert will be held at the Court House Yard beginning at 2:30 p.m. and will include inmates displaying their talents in singing, drama, and dance.