The reopening of a sewing centre at the Pointe Blanche prison spells good news for inmates. Some of them had recently complained in a letter to the editor that occupational and resocialisation activities were practically non-existent.
With an experienced teacher who set up a similar facility at Curaçao’s “Sentro di Detenshon i Korekshon Kòrsou” (SDKK), there is no reason the intention to produce uniforms for detainees, guards and other penitentiary staff cannot be realised. And if indeed police, Customs and others are added later it could save government a significant amount of money in the process.
A survey was held in which 67 of the detainees (85 per cent) showed interest in proposed programmes such as studying to obtain a general education diploma (GED) and cooking lessons. No fewer than 37 signed up for sewing classes.
This shows that most people who end up in jail want to better their lives, but often lack the tools in terms of marketable skills and at times also mentally to do so. Rehabilitation must therefore remain a priority for any correctional system that takes itself seriously.
While the building of a new prison was no doubt needed, it ultimately concerns much more than concrete and steel. Important is making a difference in the attitude and prospects of inmates between when they arrive and leave, hoping to prevent them from becoming revolving-door criminals.
