ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, December 9th, 2011 – Government officials and well wishers were treated to an afternoon of poetic reflection, tributes in songs, and words of wisdom as Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) held their closing exercise for the Houses of Healing Programme and an induction ceremony into the Duke of Edinburgh Programme.

A total of 24 inmates participated in the programmes designed to promote self-esteem, foster emotional and spiritual growth and encourage responsibility and accountability in their self and toward others.

In the ceremony on December 6, His Excellency the Governor Boyd McCleary, CMG, CVO in his remarks thanked the participants for making the choice to join the programmes. Addressing the group he said, “The first step is making that choice, then you see it through and you benefit from it. It is not just about going through the programme but actually learning from it,” adding, “You only get out what you put in.”

Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn said, “I am glad to see the rehabilitation work has started and we can build on what has been done at HMP.” The Minister endorsed the need for vocational programmes as they give inmates a second chance.

Minister Walwyn commended the inmates on their new found path and encouraged them to remain steadfast.
“In the Virgin Islands today, we are losing our young men, and even though we are proud of you for what you have accomplished today, we have more work for you,” he said.

He added, “You have taken the programme seriously and you look smart. Continue to do your best and get back on your feet,” he said, adding, “Those of us who are stronger, will help those who are weaker.”

Superintendent of Prisons Mr. Richard Holder extended a warm and hearty welcome to all attendees. “We are deeply encouraged by your presence as it indicates that you are deeply interested in the rehabilitative work of Her Majesty’s Prison.”

Reverend Selwyn Vanterpool, programme counsellor and Dr. Michael Kent, a representative for the Duke of Edinburg Award Programme also delivered remarks. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture, Dr. Marcia Potter presented the certificates to the inmates.

As part of the three-month House of Healing programme, participants were asked to create a poem, drawing, rap or essay reflecting on the importance of the programme to their personal development.

Mr. Jason Leonard, a second time participant of the House of Healing programme, in his essay wrote, “I take the liberty to say that this course has changed my thinking of life and my thinking of people. It has taught me forgiveness.”

He continued, “It makes me put my mind in gear before mouth in motion. I have learned to pray daily, that helps me through the day and makes me see the love and innocence in all mankind as from behind the mask we all wear illusions of this worldly planet.”

The programme was also filled with special moments as the inmates performed three Michael Jackson songs, “We are the World,” “Heal the World,” and “Man in the Mirror”. The coordinator and instructor Ms. Lynette Galindo and Ms. Germaine Freeman, respectively, chaired the ceremony. Sixth District Representative Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines, Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) and Territorial Representative Honourable Archibald Christian, MHA were also in attendance.

Last year 37 inmates participated in the House of Healing Programme. The Houses of Healing and the Duke of Edinburg Award Programmes draws upon personal growth modalities that promote stress management, breaks the cycle of abuse and transforms anger, resentment and guilt into a discovery of kindness, compassion, respect wisdom and inner peace.

The programmes also serve to provide a balance of activities that develop the entire person through social interaction and teamwork.

*************************
DISCLAIMER
 

This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not  correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers