- Let’s Give Them a Second Chance
- By Barrington H. Brennen, November
9, 2007
“After being in prison for ten years, I wish
that the Bahamian people would be more forgiving and give former inmates
like myself a second chance.” These are the words of a former prison inmate
who is searching for a job and cannot find one simply because as he says,
“The Bahamian people are not forgiving.”
It is imperative that we understand that a
major aspect of rehabilitation is after one has served time for wrongs
committed, the society gives the person an opportunity to live a productive
life. Most of the prisoners are remorseful for the pain they have caused to
families, friends, and the community and truly want to have a second
chance. Some of us who have never been incarcerated feel as though
everyone who is in prison cannot be rehabilitated. I have personally seen
the dramatic changes in prisoners over time as they wait for their day of
release. While lying down in their dark cells, hardly being visited by the
warm Bahamian sunlight, they dream of ways they can make a difference in
their families and communities. One inmate told me that he wants to own a
business and become a leading farmer in The Bahamas. Another told me that
she wants to be the best car mechanic in Nassau. Yet still another told me
that he wants to become a lawyer and have a reputable law firm so he can
help defend other prisoners, especially those who did not receive justice.
One prisoner told me that his life has truly changed after going to prison.
He can now read, use the computer, do carpentry, auto mechanic, and
agriculture. He learned all of these skills while serving time. He is
anxious to use his newly-acquired skills in the society. He is excited. You
can see it in his eyes. Are you willing to give him a second chance?
I believe there should be a law preventing
discrimination against former prison inmates who have paid their debt to
society. Many former inmates today are being turned down after a very good
interview when interviewers discover they have criminal records. Many times
these records do not even involve killing or robbery!
Many are not aware that great things are
happening behind those walls we call Her Majesty’s Prison. Prisoners can
become members of Toast Masters, join the prison choir and become a trusted
leader among peers. There is a training center for prisoners where they are
exposed to a number of skill-training classes. There is a computer lab, for
example. A few weeks ago the prison held its second annual job fair. Yes,
that is correct. It is a novel and great idea. Many Bahamian businesses
were invited to come into the prison compound to display what they can offer
to prisoners who are nearing the end of their sentences. Hundreds of
prisoners were interviewed and even offered jobs. During the first job
fair held in 2006, a few prisoners told me that they had more than three job
offers. They were leaving prison and going right to work. You could see
the joy and excitement on their faces. Congratulations to those business
owners who are extending mercy and hope to these prisoners. We need more
Bahamians who are just as forgiving and willing to make a difference in the
lives of these men and women.
Remember, many of
the ex-prisoners become frustrated over time because too many find out after
leaving prison that the society is so cold and unforgiving. As a result,
they go back to what they know best–a life of crime. In other words, in
trying to protect our own turf by not hiring ex-prisoners we are actually
re-creating them as criminals again. By our attitude we are assisting them
to move back into the cold, small, restricted dormitories for criminals. We
want to feel safe and secure. We believe that these people are not good
enough for our society. Then we have the gall of complaining about the
high rate of crime in our country! What a shame! What a disgrace! The
non-criminals are in fact helping to create the criminals by their cold and
indifferent attitude. If we give them a second chance by treating them
with respect, hiring them, and listening to their plea, I believe we can
make a difference in our society. There are many redeemable men and women
in our prisons. Many of them I have found to be more respectful, creative,
and sensible than many we meet outside of the prison walls who are supposed
to be normal.. Let’s give them a second chance.
Barrington H.
Brennen is a marriage and family therapist. Send your questions or comments
to P.O. Box N-896, Nassau, The Bahamas, or call 242 323 8772, or 305 767
4976 or email
question@soencouragement.org,
