PRATT Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer
ONE OF the first things Earl Pratt was handed when he was released from the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre last Friday was a cellular phone. After 28 years in prison, it is just one of many inventions, and trends, he will have to get accustomed to in the months ahead.
In 1979 when Pratt and his friend Ivan Morgan were sentenced to death for the murder of Everton 'Junior' Missick two years earlier, computers were still considered cutting-edge.
Jamaica, and the world, have changed a whole lot since then. Cable television and fast-food stores abound; hulking SUVs rule the roads and fashions are outrageous.
Dr. George Leveridge, a psychiatrist, worked in the prison system for eight years. He says inmates who did lengthy 'stretches' in prison are counselled before they re-enter society.
"There are reintegration programmes in place where they go out and talk to persons and that helps," said Dr. Leveridge. "But even if there has been some counselling, there is going to be adjustment issues."
Death sentence overturned
Pratt and Morgan's death sentences were overturned by the United Kingdom Privy Council in 1994. The British law lords said their constitutional rights their been breached, as a result of their being on death row for more than five years.
Their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.
The landmark ruling set a precedent throughout the Caribbean. Morgan died in prison in 1996 from natural causes.
In 1979:
Patty, the meal of Everyman, cost pocket money; now a patty can exceed $100.
Michael Manley was Prime Minister of Jamaica; Edward Seaga was Leader of the Opposition; and Florizel Glasspole was Governor-General.
Bob Marley's Survival album was released by Island Records.
Jimmy Carter was President of the United States.
Lucky Ole Son won the Jamaica Derby.
While Pratt was away ...
Marley, one of the heroes of Pratt's generation, died in 1981.
Jamaicans had voted in six general elections and there have been four Prime Ministers.
The country had been devastated by two hurricanes.
Jamaica had qualified for the football World Cup.
Lisa Hanna was crowned Miss World.
Six Jamaicans had won world boxing titles.
