Prison inmates sit P.S.E.
Usually when we feature a prison story in this section of the news, it’s because a few prisoners are on the run or they’ve hurt each other in a brawl. But tonight, we are pleased to share the following story with you. It profiles the exemplary dedication of several inmates, which netted them a commendable achievement. News 5’s Ann-Marie Williams has the inspiring story.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
Today graduation ceremonies were held at the Department of Corrections…a tangible demonstration of inmates turning their present circumstances into opportunity for a constructive future. These inmates volunteered to sit the Primary School Exam, P.S.E., spending six months training in English, mathematics and science.
Prisons Superintendent Mayor Errol Gentle, says this first P.S.E. class is part of the department’s rehabilitation programme.
Major Errol Gentle, Superintendent of Prisons
“At the very beginning we had almost fifty names. When we started, we started with twenty and today we graduated thirteen. They dropped out slowly. For some of them, it was just a means of getting out of their building, not being locked up in the cells during the course of the day. They came out and they wandered in the yard, and so they had to be sent back.”
Visiting Jesuit volunteer Jeff Burl was the programme’s instructor.
Jeff Burl, P.S.E. Instructor
“These guys can really do it. It was hard when they went away or they went home. It was like uh, they could have done it, though there are still many in this class who I know really excelled on their exams. At the same time though, as we did the class, there are also those who had many struggles with it but really the great thing about it was that they never gave up and were there everyday, no matter how hard it was or how much of a struggle, how difficult the subject is, they committed to it, stayed with it.”
And today, they celebrated the benefits of that commitment…
Jermaine Miranda
“It was just a nice experience for me. I never really feel frustrated as usual because being in the building make you frustrated and just make you do someone something. For that, instead of being frustrated, I just go and take my tests, get my daily doses and stay focus.”
The oldest graduate, forty-year-old Roosevelt Mortis, says he has learnt a hard lesson.
Roosevelt Mortis
“Where I am first of all, in prison, and the age I have, I feel that I am not even supposed to be in this class, because of my age. But then I know something too, that you can do whatever you like, regardless of how old you may be, as long as you have the mind, the power and the will.”
Ernest Locke knew all along that he too had the power and the will to make a change in his life.
Ernest Locke
“I tell myself that this is what I wanted to do in life and I want to achieve something from it, so I decided to go back to school. And when I get the opportunity to take a P.S.E. test, I was glad to know that I got somebody to support me. Free of cost, then I have nothing to lose.”
And just in case you feel like you’re too old to get an education, Locke has some advice.
Ernest Locke
“I would want to say to you older guys in society, that you’re never too old to learn, you’re never too young to learn. Education is the key to success and I want you all to know no matter what people say, your age ain’t nothing. If you want to achieve something in life, go for it.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
The inmates who participated in the programme should get the results of their Primary School Exam in about six weeks.
