Inmates attend church,  

Dana Malcolm 

Staff writer  

#TurksandCaicos, March 31, 2023 – Inmates and officers from His Majesty’s prison attended church on Sunday, March 12, as part of a new initiative to visit a place of worship every quarter, with the hope of fostering positive relationships between the Community and the Department.

The Government issued a press release along with photos of the inmates attending services at the New Testament Church, Orea Alley in Grand Turk.  It’s only the latest in a suite of initiatives, including classes and farming, along with exposure to fashion and the arts, aimed at promoting true rehabilitation for inmates. 

“We recognize the importance of building social capital for those in prison and helping them build a sense of pride in their local communities.  We will be embarking on more community engagement projects to help inmates recognize their value and what they can offer back to our communities,” the press release said.

Bishop Austraham Hamilton told them “Thank God for them for thinking about us while they are there. Don’t take this lightly brethren, this is an act of God. We did not ask for it.  This is the step in the right direction, you being here this morning is a blessing.”  

The inmates did not come empty-handed, along with Superintendent Mr. Michael Woodbine, members of his Senior Management Team and officers shared produce from the prison farm along with other food items with the less fortunate.

Last month inmates participated in their end of course exams, cooking up a storm in the prison kitchen.  Weeks before, the overflowing produce harvested from their farm was shared by Governor Nigel Dakin on Instagram, and last year the inmates sent designer handbags courtesy of the Governor’s wife, Amanda Dakin, and local designer Anya Willique, to London’s fashion week.