Father’s Day joy at Golden Grove

Emotions ran high as fathers embraced their children and other relatives whom they had not seen in years. Some inmates, imprisoned for serious offences, broke down and cried unashamedly at the sight of their families at the prison.

Neville Gloud, an inmate serving a 75–year sentence said it was the first time he had seen his grandchildren who were accompanied by his son and daughter-in-law. “This is the last of my family, since my mom, dad, wife, sister and other son died during my incarceration,” said Gloud. “My biggest sorrow is that I would not be able to spend the last days with my loved ones, especially my remaining son, before they pass away.” he said. When asked how he had prepared himself to spend the rest of his time in prison, Neville said, “I have faith and belief in God, I spend my time developing myself and thinking positively.”

Michael Bullen Jr, another inmate said, “I came to prison when my son was a baby, today he is six years old, and this is the first time I am seeing him since.” Bullen said even though his son does not know him, when he said the words, “Daddy, I love you,” it was the most emotional moment he had ever experienced in his life. Bullen additionally had some advice to young people, “Crime does not pay, it breaks up families, so think twice before you act.”

Nicholas Gosine, Carrera calypso champion performed the song for the day, “Starting all over again,” for the families, accompanied by music from the Carrera Off-Shore Band, as families laughed, played and had lunch together.

Commissioner of Prisons, John Rougier, promised that the “special visits” would continue and the frequency increased. Rougier said, although there was a good turn out to the family day, there were a lot more inmates whose families were not present, which was a cause for concern. He added, “ if families do not take advantage of these opportunities, it would only lead to demoralised inmates.” The commissioner said research had shown that prisoners who do not have a strong family support system are the more likely to return to prison, as opposed to those who have the support of friends and loved ones.