Latest update November 29th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Pastor advocates brotherhood of ex-convicts

Dec 02, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
While studying in the USA I wrote a Lecture Series that the Indiana Department of Corrections now use in their prisons and correctional facilities. In one of the lessons I noted that ex-offenders need a “Brotherhood,” a ‘State of Belonging’. I wrote the lecture series – which is now a work book – while serving as a Prison Chaplain in the State of Indiana. The course is based on extensive research and also as a result of my own experience. The lectures were written in 2007, however, the more time elapses the more justified I feel for having written the book, even as I see what is happening here in Guyana, and especially among the offender community.  We have a recidivism rate of 75-80%, these offenders are between the ages of 18-45. Additionally, most of those who recidivate, do so two or more times. So what we have is 3/4 of our prison population going in-and-out of prison, within months of their release. Yet we have absolutely no programs in place to assist this problematic clientele.
In my lecture series I noted that there was need for the brotherhood of ex-offenders. This is based on what obtains behind the walls of the prison. While incarcerated, packs, groups and gangs are formed to aid in the survival of the inmate. It is an established fact within the prison population that everyone needs someone to look out for him/her. The need is so great that often sometimes sexual favors and other illegal acts are solicited to guarantee the needed protection. Hardly anyone incarcerated for any protracted length of time goes through a prison sentence without forming allegiances with some subset of his/her fellow prisoners.
This default survival tactic then forms part of the mental psyche of the prisoner. Over time it becomes a part of the inherent behavior of the inmate; a need for a sense of belonging. It is assessed as one of the modus operandi of those incarcerated, and forms part of what is commonly termed the “prisoner mentality.” When the ex-offender leaves prison that bonding and the need for support and protection does not immediately cease. So the default behavior of the released individual is to go in search of his/her buddies. Because Guyana does not have a formal Ex-offender Rehabilitation Program, there are no healthy ways for the individual with the “prisoner mentality” to find support. The only persons then that remain a part of the support group are those still practicing criminal beaviour. The now stigmatized, isolated, mostly illiterate, unemployed ex-offender feels compelled to seek the warmth of these problematic gatherings and the cycle of crime and recidivism continues.
It is a known fact that any place where there is a formally established Ex-offender Rehabilitation Program, the crime and recidivism statistics are reduced. This is because the ex-offender, who has decided to change, could now have access to facilities and programs that speak to his/her criminogenic needs. Prison is never easy or preferred and there are many who leave prison desiring to change but because there are no structured initiatives in place, the ex-offender is likely to seek the company of those of savory characters and the vicious cycle of violence and antisocial behaviour are repeated.
This administration should establish a place where the formerly incarcerated could benefit from resources that will aid in their developing behaviour that lend to the reduction in crime and the building up of Guyana. It would be to the Government’s benefit to spearhead the establishment of Guyana’s First Ex-Offender Rehabilitation Program. Give the ex-offenders a healthy place where they could meet and find support from each other. This will help in the reduction of crime in Guyana.
Pastor W. P. Jeffrey
Practical Christianity Ministries

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

 

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Guyana Beverages Inc. partners with GFF for Maid Marian Wheat Up Women’s Cup

Guyana Beverages Inc. partners with GFF for Maid Marian Wheat Up...

Nov 29, 2024

  (GFF) — Guyana Beverages Inc (GBI) in an effort to contribute to the development of women’s football has partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) as a sponsor of the Maid Marian...
Read More
GFF provides support to EBFA U14 Boys’ League

GFF provides support to EBFA U14 Boys’ League

Nov 29, 2024

Athletics scores big at NSC National Sports Awards

Athletics scores big at NSC National Sports

Nov 29, 2024

St. Theresa’s Primary triumph in Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ National Finals

St. Theresa’s Primary triumph in Republic Bank...

Nov 29, 2024

Wakenaam Masters to face Parika Defenders in T20 softball affair on Saturday night

Wakenaam Masters to face Parika Defenders in T20...

Nov 29, 2024

Bakewell supports Kashif and Shanghai Futsal tourney

Bakewell supports Kashif and Shanghai Futsal...

Nov 28, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]