Barbados Prison Service Inmates Complete Hospitality Courses

Over 30 inmates of the Barbados Prison Service have completed courses administered by the Jean & Norma Holder Hospitality Institute of the Barbados Community College.

Courses Sponsored by National Peace Program

The courses were sponsored by the National Peace Program (NPP) and 10, 14, and nine inmates completed Bartending, Food and Beverage, and Basic Cooking, respectively.

Ceremony at Barbados Prison Service

In a recent ceremony at the Barbados Prison Service, Dodds Land, St. Philip, Minister in the Office of the Attorney General with responsibility for Crime Prevention, Corey Lane, was present to witness the students’ final assessment and sample the fare prepared by them.

The final assessment consisted of a ‘real world’ restaurant setting, where the students prepared the food and were tasked with the roles of hosts, chefs, and waiters. They served the officials in attendance, including Minister Lane and Acting Superintendent of the Barbados Prison Service, Decarlo Payne.

Minister’s Remarks

Mr. Lane stated that this society is an “unforgiving” one and does not believe in giving first or second chances. He offered a heartfelt salute to the tutors of the programme who worked well with the inmates.

He added that he was proud of the participants, especially after they were commended by their tutors as being easy to teach because of their eagerness and passion for learning.

“I am proud of you guys and you girls who came out and participated. All of the tutors told me one of the easiest and best things they love to do is to work with people who are eager to learn, who are interested and show passion, and it has been reported to me that each and every one of you did just that.”

The Minister told the audience that the NPP, in the Office of the Attorney General, and the Government are there as facilitators, and mentioned that there were those in society who do not believe that they should continue to invest in the reduction in recidivism.

However, he offered his support for such an investment and assured the inmates: “Our commitment and duty to you is to ensure that we do everything we can do in our power to facilitate you, as you move into rehabilitation and reintegration.

“It may not always work; it may not always work in your time. There’s a difficult world out there…but hear me when I say that we will put in our [one] hundred per cent at the National Peace Program… to do our best, working with you, hand in hand, fifty-fifty, but you have to meet me halfway as you move into reintegration…”

Acting Superintendent’s Remarks

Acting Superintendent Payne, in his remarks, welcomed with open arms the project being done in collaboration with the NPP. “This is something I view as becoming our flagship rehabilitative programme here. It has the potential to grow, and it has the potential to expand fairly quickly as well.”

He disclosed that last year he was in discussion with Minister Lane about having an area earmarked to have a pre-fab building constructed to accommodate such rehabilitation programmes, making space for a kitchenette, food court, and restaurant.

Mr. Payne stressed that rehabilitation starts with each individual and they would have to make the determination to grab the opportunities afforded them and make a difference in their lives going forward.

Certificates of Participation

The students were presented with certificates of participation and will receive their physical certificates from the Barbados Community College once grading is completed. This is the second cohort of inmates from the Barbados Prison Service pursuing certification through the Barbados Community College.

Purpose of the Program

The purpose of offering courses like Bartending and Cooking to prison inmates in Barbados is to promote rehabilitation, skill development, and reintegration into society. These programs aim to:

Provide Marketable Skills: By learning practical skills such as bartending and cooking, inmates are better equipped to find employment or start their own businesses upon release.
Reduce Recidivism: Education and vocational training programs can help reduce the likelihood of re-offending by offering inmates a constructive path forward.
Foster Personal Development: Learning new skills helps inmates build confidence, discipline, and a sense of purpose.
Support Reintegration: Practical skills improve inmates’ chances of successfully re-entering society and becoming productive members of their communities.
Promote Positive Behavior: Engaging in structured, goal-oriented activities within prison can encourage a more positive outlook and behavior among inmates.

Conclusion

Overall, such programs aim to turn incarceration into an opportunity for growth and a second chance at life.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of offering courses like Bartending and Cooking to prison inmates in Barbados?

A: The purpose is to promote rehabilitation, skill development, and reintegration into society.

Q: What are the benefits of these programs?

A: These programs aim to provide marketable skills, reduce recidivism, foster personal development, support reintegration, and promote positive behavior.

Q: How many inmates have completed the courses?

A: Over 30 inmates have completed the courses.

Q: What is the next step for the inmates?

A: The inmates will receive their physical certificates from the Barbados Community College once grading is completed.