BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FAMILIES across the Federation have their various traditions which they maintain in marking their celebration of Christmas. And the same holds true for the inmates of Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP), who – according to officials there – have their own traditions in celebration of the season.
Persons residing within the four walls of HMP have either been sentenced to serve time there as punishment for crime they were convicted of, or are on remand awaiting their trial date.
But regardless of their flaws and or perceived shortcomings, the inmates are given a special treat on Christmas Day.
Superintendent of Prisons Franklyn Dorset spoke to SKNVibes exclusively about the happenings at HMP on Christmas Day. He was asked about the routine – if any – which the inmates and even the staff would engage in on that particular day.
According to him, the day would begin as would all others with the inmates participating in devotions. And on ordinary days, a strict schedule is adhered to, with little variations to accommodate individuals who may have need to visit the prison.
But on Christmas Day, barring the mandatory devotions, the routine is set aside and a day of fun ensues.
He explained that a special meal would be prepared and the inmates are allowed to assist with that process.
Entities with which HMP would have conducted business or from which the prison would have purchased stock – as explained by Dorset – would give a ham or a turkey to the institution which would form part of the menu. He said there are also times when hotels would prepare dishes and present to the prison to form part of its menu for Christmas Day.
Once preparation of the meal is complete, the fun begins, but within a controlled environment.
“People come in to sing, we have games, we play music and we have like a little or fun day. And we have the special food. We also have local drinks like Vita Malt, but non-alcoholic drinks. We don’t really work on that day but the prisoners help to prepare the meal and so on…”
The games in which the prisoners participate include draughts, dominies, basketball and cricket.
Part of the Christmas tradition outlined by the Superintendent was for the Minister of National Security and or the Prime Minister to visit the inmates on Christmas Day.
That, he explained, was abolished since the riot of 2007.
Another of the traditions that the inmates of HMP have maintained is the participation of a contingent/choir in the “In The Spirit of Christmas’ events which are held annually at The Circus in Basseterre.
Once December 25 would have passed, the prisoners would return to their mundaneness of their lives until another Christmas rolls around, or until they are released from the confinement of Her Majesty’s Prison, whichever comes first.
