Prison launches computer education

Inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison at Northward are receiving training and participating in computer literacy and personal computer support and maintenance. 

At the prison’s computer lab on Wednesday, representatives from the various groups heard how the programme was progressing and how inmates were gaining experience through the two courses offered by the University of the West Indies, Cayman campus. 

Sponsors Mourant Ozanes, along with the Cayman Islands Prison Service and the UWI Open Campus, have come together to offer this programme to inmates as part of rehabilitation. 

According to computer class facilitator Andrew Gregory, the inmates are enthusiastic about the programme, which started in November for the first set of 11 inmates that will be completed in February this year.  

“The programme involves taking students from the point of turning on the machine, opening the machine, carrying out basic checks and repairs to understanding how the computer functions,” he said. “This includes loading servers and diagnostic factors through the use of diagnostic software taking them to a point where they are at a comfortable enough level to be marketable, so they may get a job.” 

Class participant Oniel Robinson expressed appreciation for the programme.  

“Since I started the programme it has helped me a lot and I have tried to make the best effort in what the course has to offer, I am even hoping to consider it a career option when I leave the prison system,” he said. 

Director of Prisons Dwight Scott, along with Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs Deputy Chief Officer Kathryn Dinspel-Powell, said it was a wonderful opportunity given to inmates to use as rehabilitation from the prison system as inmates obtaining the certificates will be able to gain the necessary skills that employers are looking for; therefore, increasing their opportunities for getting the job. Mrs. Powell said the programme was in its pilot stage with a few minor kinks and bumps but they were looking to going forward. UWI Robert Geofroy also said he was proud to be associated with the program, which also offered basic train to teachers in classroom management. 

“Mourant Ozannes believes that the rehabilitation of inmates is utmost important when it comes to returning to society,” said prison counsellor Alton McDonald. 

Mourant Representative Nicholas Dixey, making a presentation, said they were delighted to endorsed the programme and fully supported the others, and with the Mourant’s point of view to put something back into the community. He further said they always bore in mind the three E’s: Environment, Education, and Endeavour, when it came to community involvement and the programme offered two of these with which they were very pleased to support.  

“We hope that this kind of programme gives the inmates the experience they need to find opportunities with local employers and in that way the circle of life will be much happier when they return to our communities,” he said.  

Mr. McDonald thanked all for supporting the programme and for providing opportunities to make a difference in the lives of inmates and a change when they returned to the society.