Inmates and Former Inmates Celebrate Dual Graduation at Barbados Prison Service
On February 19, 2025, the Division of Youth Affairs, under the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and the Barbados Community College Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute, celebrated the achievements of over twenty current and former inmates at Dodds Prison. The inmates graduated from the Digital Media Film Training Programme and the Hospitality Programme, offered by the Division of Youth Affairs and Barbados Community College, respectively.
Mr. Roderick Prescod, Acting Director of the Barbados Community College Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute, expressed his satisfaction with the integration and establishment of the programmes. He emphasised the value of not judging a book by its cover, encouraging everyone to set aside preconceived notions and to view each individual as we would any other member of society. Additionally, he praised the Digital Media Film Project Showcase created by inmates as part of the Digital Media Film Training Programme, suggesting that it should be presented in schools across Barbados. The Digital Media Film Training Programme was conducted by the lead tutor from the Division of Youth Affairs and Director of Blue Iron Media Productions, Mr. Rahmat Jn-Pierre.
Mrs. Joy Adamson, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, urged the inmates to “keep walking forward and use this opportunity as stepping stones, not only for yourselves but for others”. She highlighted that they hold the power to be a light in places where there is darkness. Mrs. Adamson concluded by saying, “You are not your worst mistake; you are your best decision”, reminding them that they still have control over their futures.
The Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, Hon. Charles Griffith, expressed his gratitude to the coordinators. He encouraged Mr. David Denny, the Youth Projects Coordinator for the Division of Youth Affairs, to maintain contact with the Barbados Prison Service to continue assisting those in need. He also praised the Digital Media Film Programme Showcase, stating that it is of such quality that he hopes the Ministry can utilise it. He extended on the government’s commitment to its goals, insisting that the Division of Youth Affairs’ Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) is available to those interested in starting their own businesses. The Youth Minister stated that his ministry was prepared to leverage resources to ensure the success of both the inmates and their children, as well as the Division of Youth Affairs’ Project Dawn, which offers similar opportunities.
Furthermore, the Minister of Youth spoke about the importance of second chances, affirming that anyone seeking a second chance, should have access to one and expressing his willingness to provide further training or technical assistance. He concluded with the encouragement, “These walls will be behind you; keep this in your mantra”.
