TITLE: RETROSPECT

(John Brown was the General Secretary of the Reverence For Life Program at Tower Street for the first year. Names of teammates and others have been changed where necessary in this article)

Once upon a time not long ago the Tower Street Adult Correctional Center was like a jungle where only the strong survived. Everything that was bad was associated to this institution. We stepped over those who were less fortunate, we inflicted pain and wounds and caused even death to those who we perceived to be our enemies. Our culture and lifestyle was mainly to create mayhem among each other. We forgot that we are all one under God.

As the year 2000 arrived, people around the world were celebrating the new millennium and making new resolutions but at GP (General Penitentiary - another name for the Tower Street Adult Correctional Center) nothing changed.

For the first month 18 inmates were treated at the institution's hospital for stab wounds and other injuries. On February 22, 2000 we saw our first fatality, when Rudolph Hylton was found with multiple stab wounds. He died on the spot. This incident sparked a new wave of violence within these walls. By the end of March 39 more inmates were treated at the internal clinic, and a lesser number taken to the Kingston Public Hospital. In that period two more inmates died, one was found with his throat slashed, the other was beaten to death. While this violence was creating havoc inside the institution a section of society was crying out for their loved ones who were incarcerated.

On March 3 the commissioner (Col. John Prescod) held a meeting inside the institution where he asked for two inmates from all the troubled sections to attend. His aim was to obtain peace between the warring factions. After this meeting the commissioner called for an amnesty. He asked that all weapons to be brought in; however, this plan did not work. The weapons remained in the hands of the perpetrators and the violence continued.

While all this mayhem was taking place, there was a small group of peer counselors who were working assiduously to put an end to the madness. These counselors were trained by the institution's psychiatrist and his team. As counselors, one of our assets was to solve problems without using violence.

Our brothers at the South Camp Rehabilitation Center were very disturbed by the news that was coming out of GP. With the blessing of the commissioner and Mr. Desmond Green, Founder of the Reverence For Life Foundation, seventeen inmates from South Camp were invited to GP on March 3 to discuss the problems we were having here and to find solutions to solve them.

After the visit Mr. Green and some of the teammates (inmates) from South Camp visited us over a five-day period. Between those five days Mr. Green and his team beseeched us that fighting each other was not the way forward. They asked us to form a group like the one they have at South Camp called the Reverence For Life Foundation (RFLF). They said this organization could lead us toward rehabilitation.

While there was a lot of debating going on about how to put together a Tower Street RFLF group, the peer counselors were busy putting the plan into action. As counselors we believe that if the teammates get something to occupy their time, the wave of crime would be cut drastically. A small group approached the Superintendent and asked for a few cases of exercise books and pencils. We also informed him of the activities we were about to embark on. He gave us the items without delay. The counselors then came out in force armed with exercise books and pencils. We targeted the troubled sections first. Our message was simple; crime and violence cannot pay; Education is the way.

Something peculiar happened one weekend. We were speaking to some teammates on the remand section, when a young man asked for a book and a pencil. When we handed them to him, he gave us a 24-inch homemade jammer. We called the superintendent and handed it over to him.

We did not stop with just the books and the pencils. We as counselors along with a consensus of teammates came together, got ply board and black paint that we used to make black boards. We also sought out teachers from various sections who had the ability to teach. We then placed black boards on 99% of the sections. Our effort put a brake on the wave of violence but not completely.

When I see the rate of the mentally ill that are being admitted in this institution I can only come to one conclusion, that some judges in this county are using the penal institutions as a dumping ground for the mentally ill. Within 3 days, 12 mentally ill inmates were sent from one court to this institution. They were from the Mandeville RM Court, saying they are unfit to plea. When we have a system that holds a mentally ill person in prison for over ten years under the guise that they are unfit to plea, something is wrong with that system.

This organization is calling on the relevant authorities to place these sick people in a home where they can be cared for by trained staff and not be dumped in institutions like this because they are poor.

As the days go by, social groups, churches and government agencies are crying out for peace, but how can there be peace when there is no justice? The security forces physically abuse the young and the elderly, they teargas our children. They beat Michael to death.

If you are poor and live in this country, you can find yourself behind bars today because some police officer didn't have a good night last night. When some inmates relate their cases to you, you wonder how some judges sleep at night. All these sayings about giving the accused the benefit of the doubt do not apply to the poor. Because there are two sets of law books in this country, one for the rich and one for the poor.

In our society justice is a luxury that can only be afforded by a few. This organization believes in equal rights and justice for all. We believe each individual deserves a second chance to prove his or her self. Last June when 15 of us went to Ranny Williams Center, many warders placed bets that some of us wouldn't return because we went out as ambassadors for this organization (RFLF). We returned because we have respect for ourselves and respect for the authority.

I want to congratulate all members of the executive for the tremendous work they have been doing. I want to say well done to Mr. R. Brown, Mr. C. Murray and all the Guiding Angels. I want to big up all the members and supporters of the Reverence For Life Foundation. I want to say a big thank you to Mr. Owen Pearson from Roots FM, to Princess M and Mr. Errol L. I must say special thank you to two people; first our former Chairman, Mr. Howard Martin, and the one and only Mrs. L. F-B, even on her sick bed her mind is on her brothers and her sons in this institution. May God bless you Mrs. B always.

On March 25, 2000, the newly formed executive met with a group of positive thinking inmates led by Mr. D B, and Mr. Raymond B. They came up with an idea that the executive endorsed. This idea was to form a body called the Guiding Angels. This group would require five influential teammates from each section. Their duty is to (1) monitor their respective sections, (2) if there is an altercation they should squash it before it becomes physical, (3) if any weapons come into play they should be seized and handed over to the authorities.

This Guiding Angel group consists of 99. They take their duties seriously and go about it without fear. As the weeks turned into months more weapons were seized. The word was out that no one is to be seen with a weapon. Little by little the institution became a place where inmates could walk around freely again. Yes we were called warders and police but we believe what we were doing was for the good of every individual in this institution.

We decided that we would keep our Guiding Angels and Executive meetings on alternate Saturday s. Everyone knew we were embarking on a dangerous path. There was always an element within the institution that saw us as obstacles and determined to see us fail by any means, so much so that on 31.3.2000, two executive members were attacked and wounded while carrying out their duties. One was treated in the institution but the other was admitted at the KPH where he received eight stitches to his head.

On April 1, 2000 the commissioner (Col. Prescod), called our executive members to attend a meeting with him and the superintendent. At the meeting the commissioner congratulated us on the bold steps we had taken. He gave us his assurance that he would assist us in any way possible. He also stated that if we maintained a level of calmness in the institution we would see positive changes toward rehabilitation in the near future. The executive members decided that one of the first aims was to sensitize the prison population of what RFLF is all about. Therefore we formulated a plan and approached the superintendent for his approval. After he gave us the green light we prepared inspiring and motivational speeches. We then visited over 12 sections with a public address system and spoke to the population on various topics. At the end of a five-day campaign that ran from May 28 to June 1, we estimate that a total of 60% of the population actually listened to our presentations.

We than implemented a registration system, where inmates interested could register to become members of the organization. Our second aim was for all registered members to form groups.

On April 4 our first group was launched. It was called the Suns of God Gospel Choir, now changed to the God Sons. This choir started out with 30 members, now reduced to 16. This group rose to be the most professional within the institution. Presently there are 10 groups under the banner of Reverence For Life. We have gospel, reggae, DJ, drama. Etc.

On June 4, history was created when 15 executive members from this institution were invited to a gospel concert at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center. Fourteen from this number were ex-death row teammates, teammates who had never been to a social event for up to 22 years. But with the confidence that the commissioner placed in us we were able to attend this function and came out with flying colors.

After this positive result, a large number of teammates decided that this organization was going places, therefore we saw a sharp increase in membership. Through hard work and determination of the members of this organization we saw the rate of crime and violence reduced to a level, where both inmates and the authority are pleased.

As a result on July 4 one teammate was given the privilege of a weekend pass. One month later on August 4 six inmates, 3 of which are executive members including yours truly, were given the opportunity to spend the weekend with our loved ones. To date approximately 50 teammates benefited from this weekend program.

On July 26 we held our first gospel concert under the RFLF banner. Our special guest was the number one gospel group in the Caribbean, the famous Grace Thrillers.

While we were celebrating the success as a young organization, a small but violent and rebellious group of teammates were activating their plan of destruction. On September 28 to our surprise and dismay one of our Guiding Angel's Mr. Joseph Christie was ambushed and killed. This brought another wave of violence and gloom not only on the organization but also over the entire institution.

Within 12 days 2 more inmates were killed and a larger number wounded and hospitalized. teammates were afraid once again to move freely from section to section. It is normal in cases like these for people to be intimidated and withdraw from their day to day activity or even from the organization that was under siege. But the majority of the executive members were determined to overcome evil with good.

We called a number of emergency meetings where we worked out strategies to counteract the plans of those determined to maintain the negative culture and lifestyle of the past. We invited the superintendent and the Major of the army to one of our meetings. There we made suggestions and recommendations to them. The authority and we as inmates worked in tandem to put stoppage to the nonsense that was taking place in our institution. It was noticeable that after these meetings and with renewed effort by the authorities, the crime rate went down to zero within one month.

We then called a general meeting where we informed our members that this organization would not just disappear or bow under pressure, we will move forward and get even stronger than before. At this meeting the superintendent informed us of an event in November, called Correctional Services Week and inmates from all penal institutions were invited. He stressed that we had to maintain a level of calmness if we wanted to attend this function. We needed this chance to demonstrate our talent at the highest level therefore we activated all our groups to prepare for that function.

There was a special woman who had been working with us since July, she coordinated our July concert and coordinated the entertainment segment of the Correctional Week celebration, and her name is Mrs. LFB. Mrs. LFB has been assisting our teammates at South Camp and decided to share some of her time and wealth of knowledge with us. She was here 2 to 3 times per week assisting us with our rehearsals.

On November 8 this organization created history again, when the authority headed by the commissioner himself allowed 47 of us to attend and perform at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center. At this function our performance was second to none. We didn't only surprise our audience with the wealth of talent that we possess, but our behavior was exceptional. This lead to an invitation to the God Sons Gospel Choir to perform at a concert on December 10th. At this function the God Sons thrilled the hearts of its audience beyond expectation.

With the assistance of Food For The Poor and Mr. Mahfood himself, we were able to refurbish an old building and convert it into one of the best band rooms in a penal institution in Jamaica. As a result on January 5, 2001, representatives of Food For The Poor handed over state of the art band equipment worth over 1.6 million dollars to us.

As the year 2001 arrived we decided that we had to find something to occupy the time of the teammates. The Chairman came up with a plan that was backed by the executive and endorsed by Superintendent X. This plan was to start a football competition. This competition would not be as normal as previous years. Our aim was to obtain sponsors for the competition. On 19.1.2001 we welcomed our first set of sponsors who brought us football gears and technical assistance. We received sponsorship from the following companies and individuals: Solid Agency, Western Sports, Traffic Jam Sound System, Presidential Click, Victoria Place, Crystal Night Club, Jade Lee Promotions, Errol Leys, Clement Ebanks and Mr. Bissy Campbell.

On January 21 we kicked off our 'One Love Football Competition.' We created history again when our game was broadcast delayed on Roots 96.1 FM, the sponsors were allowed to watch their teams play. On February 19, 2001, six executive members were allowed to assist in the refurbishing of a building at 157 Windward Road. This building will house the head quarters of the RFLF national and international.

As we complete our first year as an organization, it is a short time, but it was an up till task, nothing came easy. Like any great organization, we expect the unexpected; we know our weaknesses and our strengths. We acknowledge our limitations. We grieve and mourn for those who died for the cause; today we congratulate those who shed their blood and still stand for this organization believing there is no way back for those who are moving forward.

In my conclusion I will make a short summary. I must congratulate Mr. Desmond Green for introducing RFLF to us. without this organization, this institution would continue on its path of destruction. But why did our brothers adopt this antisocial behavior and act as if it is the normal thing to do? I am no psychiatrist but I will share a few facts that I know enhance these behaviors. They are poverty, illiteracy and over crowding. 70% of these inmates came from inner city communities, where poverty is the order of the day and survival is the name of the game. 80% of these inmates are illiterate. Combine the above with a lot of idle hands with nothing to do, followed by frustration, depression, anger and stress and any psychiatrist can tell you that the above mentioned can cultivate multiples personality disorders.

There is a saying that where there is no vision the people perish. It took the executive of this organization to put in place the machinery to revolutionize the minds of the teammates and teach them that no one gains from these barbaric actions.

I must also congratulate Dr. George Leveridge and his medical team for taking the time out to teach us the basic skills of counseling. With this knowledge we can help our self and assist others. When we as peer counselors and other well thinking teammates spearhead the move to educate the inmates on 99% of the sections, that was not our duty. That was the duty of the authority but here is where we live and we need an environment where we can exist in peace and not wondering as the moments go by, if I will be the next one to die. Therefore we took the initiative to show the authority that as teammates we can do what they should be doing.

The fact is that no one seems to be learning. When there is an uprising in the inner city community the authorities send in more police and soldiers with their guns and ammunitions. Likewise in the prisons, they don't comprehend that fighting fire with fire is not working anymore. I am saying to the authorities out there in society, send back the soldiers to their barracks and educate the youths. Create jobs for the unemployed and eradicate poverty and illiteracy, then and only then will we see the decrease in crime and violence, because there will be hope to learn, hope to earn and hope to put food on their tables.

In the penal institutions I believe the commissioner was given basket to carry water. The evidence is right here; over 1,300 inmates in this institution, yet we have over 1,000 with nothing to do with their time.

RFLF is asking the powers that be to implement programs that when an inmate completes his sentence he will not only walk through the gate a free man, but also will have a skill of his choice to better himself and be an asset to his community.

I know that the commissioner is for rehabilitation 100% but some of his subordinates think the opposite. Some warders believe inmates should remain illiterate and dumb because some of them get personal satisfaction from inflicting pain and wounds upon inmates with their baton stick, but RFLF says enough is enough, we must eradicate that culture.

I must say a big thank you to all correctional officers from all ranks that stood for and support rehabilitation. You know yourselves and we know you and we appreciate your efforts, but I must mention one name, Staff Officer XX; Sir, you are a beacon among your peers, RFLF will never let you down.

To all the warders who hate rehabilitation, I say to you, you need to be rehabilitated. Some people in society believe when a person is charged with a crime they should be put in a box and the keys thrown away. They are so short sighted that they don't realize that the person that is convicted today, more than likely have a date to return to society. Rehabilitation does not only help an inmate to reform; it helps the community to which he returns. If a person was a thief or a murderer in his community, and he comes to an institution and spends five to fifteen years and leaves as a mason, plumber, or carpenter, you tell me who benefits? Not only him but also the community as a whole.

I must pay tribute to our commissioner, Col. Prescod, for his effort towards rehabilitation; he has demonstrated that if we trust ourselves he will trust us also. Sir, you have a big heart and we all thank you for the stand you took. Lot of thanks to Mr. Ferdinand Mahfood and Food For The Poor, for this lovely building and a wonderful band and also for the chairs you are sitting on.

(John Brown was released from GP in 2001 and is a free man today. The Reverence For Life Foundation wishes to thank the General Secretary and the entire teammate population of Tower Street and South Camp for their tireless work in changing the culture of violence in the institutions to one of reverence for life. We would like to encourage teammates in all institutions to keep the faith and press on to the greater goal of wholeness and personal empowerment.)