THE EDITOR, Madam:
OUR MORE detested members of society need more than just isolation from general society, they need rehabilitation. Our present penal system is only geared at creating even more ruthless, callous, heinous characters with much honed skills in varying departments. Though not an advocate of this present system, I must say with a loud and clear voice, if y'all are doing it this way then might as well y'all do it properly.
If we are operating rehabilitation-based system then we need to do that. If, however, we are operating a system that only isolates these misguided individuals from society and expects them to soul-search and somehow repent and become missionaries when they are released, then we are asking for trouble.
There have been some religious programmes going on at some of these prisons and it has reaped some benefit. This is the type of thing that should be going on everywhere, not compulsory, of course, but at least there should be that option. Missionaries, as stated earlier, are only what some of these prisoners will be able to be after being locked away for so long.
Being out of sync with the world isn't exactly a state that can be corrected overnight. Educated persons are not even able to attain any employment, much less a fresh enthusiastic citizen on parole. What will they do to catch up? Who is going to give them a job? How will they maintain themselves? Will their family (if any exists) be keen to support a grown man (or woman)?
This leads to the suggestion of applicable training in these institutions. This would, however, not only be woodwork and metalwork and other closely related fields but also a tutorial system that would enable these criminals to take examinations at CXC/'O' or Advanced Levels.
Why not? If they are going to come out at least let them be able to blend and resume a normal life.
If not they will descend upon us like the Ten Plagues upon Egypt. I believe that this is the best way out with regards to this system.
I am etc.,
KERON CAMPBELL
E-mail:
k-e-r-o-n@excite.com
Spanish Town
St. Catherine
Via Go-Jamaica
