Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Presentation of cosmetology items to Fort Augusta prison inmates at St. Catherine on Wednesday. - NORMAN GRINDLEY/DEPUTY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
BUSINESSWOMAN AND Lorraine Ross-Clunie, on Wednesday donated all the cosmetology equipment of her recently dissolved beauty salon to the cosmetology centre in the Rehabilitation Unit at the Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre.
The handing-over ceremony, which was chaired by June Spencer, deputy commissioner of custodial services, opened with a blessing by the Rev'd. Dr. R. Maddix.
Mrs. Spencer said, "This is a special occasion for the Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre, it is Christmas in September! We welcome and receive this gift with pride and joy."
APPRECIATION
G. E. Campbell, director of rehabilitation, told the small gathering that "the Lord loves a cheerful giver. "We appreciate these cheerful gifts which will go a far way to making the beneficiaries very cheerful," he said. He pointed out that re-offence rate at the facility ranged between 25 and 29 per cent; and as such, rehabilitation programmes are put in place with the intention of reducing that rate.
"With your effort we are able to educate and empower the women so they don't come back," he said.
The equipment was officially handed over by Mrs. Clunie who implored the "clients" (inmates) to make good use of the items. The donation included: two hair dryers with chairs, a hairdresser's workstation, two nail stations, a shampoo basin with chair, a curling iron set with stove as well as a number of hair products including shampoos and conditioners, hair relaxers and rinses.
One of the inmates expressed her delight with the donation. "I am happy that the people on the outside still remember us in here. With this gift we can further our education, so that when we leave, we can make a living for ourselves."
Another young inmate scheduled to end her sentence at the facility this week, expressed disappointment at having to leave so soon, as she had yet to complete the cosmetology course.
OTHER PARTICIPANTS
Also partnering in this venture, was the Kiwanis Club of the Caymanas Business District. Some members on hand to share in the handing over ceremony were: President Beulah Bartholomew, Sandra Calloo, the president designate, secretary Marvia Butler and the immediate past president, and retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Owen Clunie.
Superintendent Samms thanked the benefactors on behalf of the Department of Corrections especially Mrs. Clunie who had been partnering with the Corrections Department on many endeavours for 17 years. He encouraged her to continue her work as it had a positive impact on the recipients.
