A drug mule, Chrisma, as she has asked to be called, started pushing drugs at age 19. She tells Freelance Writer Marlene McPherson her story of being caught and spending three years in a Cayman prison.
BEING IN prison is my defining period. At 19, I was involved in the drug trade. I did it at dances in Jamaica and the returns were good. I wanted to go to college but I did not have enough funds so I decided to make 'a run for the money'.
My Caymanian boyfriend, many years my senior, was in the drug business. Here in Jamaica I conducted his financial transactions. I had friends who were involved and they were all successful.
On Thursday, August 13, 1997, I arrived in Cayman custom with six kilograms of cocaine in a bag. Unfortunately, I was selected to be searched. The officers cut my jeans, my sneakers and proceeded to cut my bag. A white substance was falling from the bag. They asked me what it was and I replied, I did not know. It was tested and of course it was cocaine.
The officers gathered everything and took me to the Holiday Inn Hotel as pre-booked. At the hotel they set up a camera, tape recorder and alerted the telephone operator to contact them immediately if anyone came and asked for me. I was placed in the room next to them.
As planned, my boyfriend came on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. He asked for me and the officers were alerted. I was sent down to conduct the transaction. He came into the hotel bar, bought a drink and sat in the lounge. I passed him twice and then went to sit at the bar. I then gave the pre arrangement hand signal and so he realised that I was 'busted'.
He came to the bar, sat one stool away and wrote, 'I love you. Sorry,' on the napkin that was holding his drink. He cried. I was there for about 10 minutes before the officers sent for me. He eventually left.
I was charged that day at about 5:00 p.m. I was fingerprinted, photographed and my rights read to me. I was asked if I wanted a lawyer. I considered the offer so I telephoned two of them but their fees were exorbitant. My boyfriend suggested the government legal aid lawyer.
I was remanded in custody on several occasions. I was frustrated. My trial lasted for two years - I was finally tried. I pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 years. I went on a one-judge appeal and the sentence was reduced to 10 years. Again I appealed, this time on a three-judge appeal and it was reduced to eight years. I received three dates, they were as follows: 1. Earliest release; 2. Parole (must spend one-third of time); 3. Good behaviour or end of sentence.
MY DECISION
Six months into the trial I decided that I would not continue with this lifestyle. On reflection, I realised that this risk was not worth it. For the run, I had been offered $5,000 Caymanian. I received half the money in Jamaica and the remainder was to be paid on delivery. The airfare and hotel were paid for by my partner and I received US$700 as pocket money.
LIFE IN PRISON
The first month I was still in disbelief, but I adjusted. There were a variety of activities to facilitate our rehabilitation. Birthday parties were celebrated once there were five or more persons and permission granted by the governor. Fashion shows and dances were also part of our prison life. There were 22 Jamaicans during my time there, however, when I was leaving that number swelled to 60.
There was a complete education package - computer maintenance, bookkeeping, English Language, sewing, agriculture, physics and Bible studies. The course that had the biggest impact on me was a certificate course entitled Raising Children in troubled times and the Dangers of Drugs. It made me realise the importance of the role parents play in the lives of their children and that children needed to be guided.
I worked in the agricultural area planting crops, and from time to time in government offices. Our payment was usually sent to our savings. Each prisoner was entitled to $24 a week, $12 going to savings and the other $12 to purchase canteen items. If this sum was not exhausted it would be sent to the savings account.
THE FIGHT
It was not unusual for inmates to fight. One day I got into a long bloody fight with a fellow Jamaican inmate. She got cuts on her face and chest and she suffered a broken arm and leg.
It was a long fight because there was a bet amongst the girls that the winner would get cigarettes and snack items. But when the place became bloody one of them called for the prison guards.
We were both treated, the other Miss spent the night in hospital. A two-day adjudication was done, I was found guilty and received 57 days of solitary confinement, or what is known as lock down.
During this period I was allowed one hour of exercises, two showers and given three meals a day. I read or listened to CD or tape recorder. For three weeks I was relegated to wearing only a bra and panties.
SWIRL OF EMOTIONS
Many inmates cry themselves to sleep, especially when they remember that their children have little and not much food to eat. It is even worse when news of illness, death or any type of danger confronts the family and they are unable to be there.
I was devastated when I discovered that my boyfriend was a married man and he stopped giving me money to satisfy my personal needs.
I felt anger, sadness and fear swirl and so I asked to be locked away by myself. I didn't know what I'd do if I were with others.
Christmas brought on a wave of nostalgia and depression for most inmates. I cried during my first Christmas there.
LESSONS LEARNT
"When one goes to prison a number of persons go with you". During my time there my mother was with me. She was hospitalised two times and was ill all the time until I was released. My mother did not know about my involvement so it came as a shock to her.
Everyone thought I was missing but I later communicated with my immediate family. This was a source of embarrassment and suffering for all.
She wrote to the Governor and asked for an early release and the decision was made to deport her on April 16, 2001 after three years and three months in jail. She was able to leave with savings amounting to $4,000 Cayman.
On arriving back in Jamaica I felt embarrassed but my family was there for me.
I've severed all links with the boyfriend and gained a new perspective on life. I now operate a business, am looking after my children and I'm in a healthy relationship that may soon lead to marriage.
