First classroom opened in prison rehab complex
The news media is only too willing to speed out to Hattieville…so long as the story involves a prison riot, an escape or a whipping. But good news does occasionally sprout up through the dusty soil of the Department of Corrections…and News Five was on hand to help it grow.
Stewart Krohn, Reporting
When former British Under Secretary of State Peter Kilfoyle visited Hattieville Prison not too long ago, he remarked that the “measure of uncivilized society is how we treat our outcasts” and then proceeded to comment that Hattieville is the most appalling place he’d ever seen. But Kilfoyle and his government did more than just ring their hands, they pledged to help. And today the first small result was seen in the form of a new classroom building. Built by the Royal Engineers, the modest structure constitutes the first phase of what will be a new facility for first offenders that will house them outside of the present prison compound. British High Commissioner Tim David recalls the project’s origins in Kilfoyle’s visit.
Tim David, British High Commissioner
“He was deeply effected by what he saw here, not really by the prison conditions, at Hattieville, it’s no Ramada. But he was also impressed by the determination that he found within the Belizean government and amongst the prison authorities, to try to remedy some of the problems here. So it wasn’t just the first thing, it was two things and yes your right, he did come away with the determination that the British government should help here.”
That help came in the form of 53 Squadron of the Royal Engineers.
John Vardinek-Skelton, Royal Engineers
“It took from start to finish 4 weeks and this is from picking the site, to putting that last nail in. And we put the groundwork in the concrete, then we put the main uprights, built the floor, built all the sides and the back and the front. The roof was prefabricated back in camp, we brought it and put it on top and basically all the windows and roof was all that left us to do.”
Bernard Adolphus, Prison Governor
“This building is for the education and improvement of all the young offenders. We’ll use it as an education center that’s what we need here. And it is believed that once we utilize it positively, we can get some positive results out of it. So that’s what we’re gonna do.”
But to do what it takes to educate prisoners will require a commitment on the part of the inmates themselves. A commitment which manifested itself early on in their volunteer labour.
George Perdomo, Inmate
“Well it is great cause you know in my time I am a carpenter and I volunteer to help them do the job and it’s okay, between all four of us.”
Stewart Krohn
“Was it like working with the team on this project?”
Neil Armstrong, Inmate
“It’s real interesting because they give you…it enables you to be in a position to be a part of something that’s positive.”
Sean Langshaw, Inmate
“Well I think the school is pretty great for the prison due to the overcrowded population of youngsters in there not doing anything. I feel that this is a good step for the ones who want to change and do something positive with their lives.”
Stewart Krohn
“You think this building is going to do some good?”
Francisco Matute, Inmate
“Yeah, I think it’s gonna do some good for the ones who don’t have no education and wanna make a positive thing for a living when they get back outside. So I think it’s a good idea that the army gave us this privilege to do something positive for ourselves and for the prison.”
The British have put forward a million Belize dollar proposal to the government which would help reduce overcrowding at the prison and enhance efforts at rehabilitation. The ministry now has the offer under consideration.
