Tears of joy at Golden Grove

FEMALE prisoners incarcerated at the Women’s Prison in Golden Grove, Arouca received an early gift for Mother’s Day in the form of a specially arranged family day which allowed the imprisoned mothers time to relax and mingle with their children — some of whom they had not seen in years.

Emotions ran high and some mothers, imprisoned for serious crimes, broke down in tears at the sight of their children walking through the gates of the prison towards them. Mothers hugged and kissed their children, some mere babies, while prison guards stood some distance away, allowing the prisoners uninterrupted time with their children.

Some of the inmates who delivered their babies in prison and who were separated from their newborns soon after birth, appeared at a loss for words as they held their child for the first time since the delivery process.

Some children presented Mother’s Day cards to their mothers and clung tightly to them, seemingly sensing that this would be the only chance for a long time, to feel the touch of their mothers.

The scene brought tears to the eyes of some of the prison officers and specially invited guests.

The occasion was made possible through the efforts of the Women’s Prison and Soroptomists International.

Prisons Commissioner John Rougier, who addressed the gathering, told Newsday it was a “red letter day” since the occasion came at a time close to Mother’s Day when mothers all over the world will be honoured by their loved ones. “We could not forget these women who are mothers,” Rougier told Newsday. He noted that mothers make meaningful contributions and shape the type of society that exists. According to the commissioner, it is the intention of the prison authorities to create an atmosphere where children can continue to visit their parents — both male and female — on Saturdays and Sundays. High Court judge Justice Monica Barnes who also addressed the inmates said she was one of the many who became emotional, when she saw mothers being reunited with their children. Doreen Durity, a mother of two, charged with the kidnapping of murdered US war veteran Balram “Balo” Maharaj, ran towards her sons Dinesh, six, and Wesley, 12, as they entered a tent where she was seated.

She said that her regret was not being able to be with her children. The two boys also cried as they hugged their mother.