YAA entertains prison inmates

Inmates at the Hattieville Prison had their Christmas a little early this year. Yesterday there was a church service in the morning followed by a big meal complemented with apples and soft drinks. Then it was time for the big show courtesy of a new organization, the Young Artists Association. News Five’s Hyacinth Latchman was in the audience.

No, it’s not Punta Rebels nor Garifuna Legacy but the prisoners of the Hattieville Prison. Yesterday they enjoyed a real Christmas treat being entertained by the newly formed Young Artist Association who is well known as the group YAA. Several of the prisoners even participated in the show. William Neal, who organized the event, says YAA wanted to have a positive influence on the prisoners as well as entertain them.

William Neal, Coordinator YAA

“Definitely we will give them a show they will never forget.

Basically we have made sure that the lyrics chosen are very positive. It is showing the inmates that there are alternatives to violence and anything negative and that you can channel your energies in a positive way.”

The prisoners in attendance seemed to be responding quite well to the entertainment by YAA and of course their own inmates. However, there was one inmate of Hattieville Ramada in attendance who really captured the entire show. He says he is Belize’s very own Michael Jackson and as a celebrity of the prison he has his own fans.

Reporting for News Five, I am Hyacinth Latchman.

Although News Five wanted to speak with some of the inmates about their Christmas celebration we were told by a prison officer that was not possible.