Do Not Make a Prison Term a Life Sentence
Let's Give Them a Second Change
November 9, 2017, Updated January 2020
“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 The Department of Correction
(Formally Her Majesty 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. Several years ago, the Department of
Correction held a job fair. Yes, that is correct. It
was a novel and great idea. Many Bahamian businesses
were invited to come into the Department of Correction
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. 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 Correctional
Centers. 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 CB-13019, Nassau,
The Bahamas, or call 242 327 1980, or email question@soencouragement.org,
