Mothers’ Union remembers female prisoners

Dec 15, 2008 News

The East Bank of Demerara Mothers’ Union on Saturday presented hampers and other tokens to six female inmates, of the New Amsterdam Prison, with children.

Female inmates, with their hampers and other gifts, pose with members of the Mothers’ Union and prison officials.

Regional Officer of the Mothers’ Union Carol Ann Munroe said that the inmates are expected to hand over the gifts to their children on Wednesday which is said to be Family Day. Each package was made up of food items, articles of clothing, toys and books.

She said that the Mothers’ Union body is about family relationship. It is also the festive season and these children are separated from their parents.

Those receiving were Melinda Newton, a mother of three, who is serving an 18-month sentence, Vanessa Schroeder – ten years – five children, Niketa Bess – one year – one child, Anita Bahadur – three years and three children, Melissa Edwards – four years and two children and Dorrie Dias who is serving a four-year sentence and has four children.

In each Region the various branches of the Mothers’ Union took on a different project – the East Bank of Demerara selected female prison inmates.

This led them to New Amsterdam since it is the only facility for the female prisoners.
Mrs. Patricia Adams, Vice President of the Mothers’ Union, explained that the items were acquired using funds from a walk-a-thon held on November 4th.

The trek was from Grove on the East Bank of Demerara to Agricola.
Mrs. Adams noted that this is only the beginning of the prison ministries.

Yesterday, the group distributed 50 hampers to both adults and children on the East Bank of Demerara. She said that Christmas is a time of giving and her organization is setting the pace.

Officer-In-Charge of the New Amsterdam Prisons, Ronald Hazel, expressed how appreciative he was to the Mothers’ Union for their gesture. He reminded the inmates that there are persons who have their best interest at heart, even though they are incarcerated.