Shaunette Jones, Staff Reporter

Fantastic feasts. Repainting. Pine trees and decorations. Quintessential symbols of Christmas cheer resonate as families gather to celebrate. But while many Jamaicans are preparing for the holidays, a pall of sadness hovers over society's misfits stuck behind bars.

Clement Clunis, superintendent at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre in Spanish Town, St Catherine, stated that there no bells and whistles, especially at Christmas time. Instead, there is an air of sadness.

"The facility is a home away from home and the inmates know this, but it's not the same," said Clunis. "They are conscious of the season and are cognisant of that fact that they have no real freedom to enjoy the festivities. As such, many are sad."

He added that because of the increased sense of longing, the centre, categorised as a low-security facility, beefs up security to prevent escapes.

"We have to keep them close. More stringent measures are put in place to ensure close monitoring," said Clunis.

Happy for the visits

Major Jennifer Brown, divisional secretary for the Eastern Jamaica Division of the Salvation Army, noticed the same reaction. She stated that during her pastoral visit to the Richmond Farm facility, the Gun Court and the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre in Spanish Town last week, sadness and loneliness was apparent on the faces of the inmates.

"They were happy for the visits. They were receptive of the Word, they listened to the devotional readings and they sang along with the Christmas carols, but I could see that they were sad.

"The men at the Richmond Farm facility were a bit anxious and the first-time inmates were especially sad, because this was new and they were unsure of how to deal with being in prison in this happy time. Most of them didn't want us to leave."

Clunis, however, noted that some inmates look forward to Christmas because visits from family and friends have special meaning.

Dr Raymoth Notice, former prison doctor for St Catherine, agrees.

"The general atmosphere in correctional facilities is a mixture of excitement and sadness. But even though there are mixed reactions, many inmates actually look forward to the season. They anticipate getting new clothing, shoes, look forward to food, especially Christmas cake, and prepare themselves for family visits."

He noted that female inmates, especially those with spouses and children, are very excited.

"The women are happy to have their children and/or husbands with them. This is very important, because many inmates are abandoned by relatives after conviction and during incarceration."

For non-Jamaican inmates, there is no white Christmas. However, Notice said that foreign missions, especially the United States Embassy, made sure their citizens were cared for.

"The various embassies would send postcards or newspapers and they would arrange for the families to call and speak with inmates," he said.

Very emotional

Notice, a former mayor of Spanish Town, explained that the season was a very emotional time for inmates.

"Over by Fort Augusta, the inmates often break down in tears, because after visits from family members (especially children), they feel alone. They are more saddened and it's harder for them to keep their composure.

"For the men, sometimes it's hard to detect their emotional state because many are distracted and comforted by visits from family members. But you know the sadness and loneliness linger."

Adding to this, Clunis said: "Despite the crimes they have committed, they are humans and they have feelings, so it is expected that it will be harder for them now more than any other time of the year."

Notice commented: "It's a time of reflection for many. Those who have been incarcerated for over 10 years have developed their own way of dealing with their feelings at Christmas, but for first-time inmates and those without family, it's pretty hard."

He added that during his tenure, he realised that the atmosphere in the facilities was highly dependent on the leadership of those institutions.

"Over the years, I found that the wardens were more relaxed and friendly and this led to the inmates being more relaxed and friendly. This made them all try a little bit harder to feel the spirit of the season.

"Also, I noticed something amazing. For those inmates who were in for a longer period of time or who had family visiting very often, it was a time of sharing. They would ask their families to take things for other inmates. They tried to be less confrontational; there was less fighting, they dressed differently, paid more attention to their appearance and made an effort to appear brighter."

Outside influence

Groups from various churches and non-profit organisations have been assisting inmates over the years. On Tuesday, December 9, Food For the Poor (FFP), a local charity, secured the release of 17 inmates from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston who were convicted of minor crimes. These former inmates are now with their families, looking forward to the season.

Sandra Ramsay, head of prison ministry for the organisation, said that the aim of the relief project, which began in 2000, was to help those charged with non-violent offences who were unable to pay fines.

Major Richard Reese, former commissioner of corrections, endorsed the programme, stating that it would help ease overcrowding in penal institutions.

The Salvation Army in Jamaica has made its round of visitations, doing devotions and giving tokens to inmates. Many Jamaican church denominations have active prison ministries.

Conditional release

June Jarrett, acting commissioner of corrections, stated that plans for conditional release for some inmates are in the pipeline. Conditional release is a system where an inmate is granted time outside of the facility for a special reason. She added that only one correctional centre, located in Manchester, is currently testing the programme.

The Department of Correctional Services has planned activities for inmates and wards of all facilities. This year, family members and friends of inmates at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre will get a chance to record Christmas greetings. These greetings will be broadcast via Free 88.9 FM, a radio station at the facility.

Also, a special treat will be hosted by management and the national committee (of the Inmate Public Work Programme) of the department for those inmates who have participated in the project so far. Carol services will be held in all institutions by chaplains and religious groups and treats will be hosted by churches and interest groups.

At the juvenile institutions, a special award presentation will be held for wards who have exhibited exemplary behaviour throughout the year.