Rotary Award to NorthwardPrison
(l-r) AssistantDirector (Regimes) Frank Marshall, Rotarian Richard Coles, PrisonEducation Co-ordinator Adam McIntyre, and Director of PrisonsJohn Forster.
Northward Prison's Education Departmentrecently received an award from Rotary Club of Grand Cayman foroutstanding service in prison education.
Making the presentation to Prison officialson Rotary's behalf was Mr. Richard Coles who expressed his gratitudeto the administration for giving offenders opportunities to acquireskills while incarcerated so as to facilitate their reintegrationinto society, and to improve their chances of becoming responsible,productive citizens on release.
Prison Education Co-ordinator Adam McIntyrepraised Rotary for its vision and commitment in providing financialand professional assistance in support of the Prison's rehabilitationefforts. "Our program has been able to expand and diversifyits educational offerings to accommodate a greater number of inmatesbecause of the passionate generosity and practical involvementof the Rotarians. For over a decade we have nurtured a sterlingpartnership of progress with them that have enabled us to empowerand resuscitate the ailing self-esteem of many disillusioned anddispossessed inmates who have returned to the society with marketableskills reinforced by a positive attitude.
"As we accept this award for our efforts,we are mindful to acknowledge your tireless support in sponsoringmany of our novel ventures.
One of your most insightful initiativesis the Cayman Islands Reading Aids Program; a team of dedicatedvolunteer teachers who have been conducting remedial classes atthe Prison three days weekly for several years. In addition, thirteeninmates have received financial assistance to pursue their GEDor USA high school diploma. The positive effect of your contributionto the Prison is immeasurable, and has trickled into communityas inmates who have taken the opportunity to improve themselvesreturn to their families equipped to confront life's difficultieswith an arsenal of new-found skills."
Also present were Director of Prisons JohnForster and Assistant Director (Regimes) Frank Marshall. The Directorthanked Mr. Coles for the presentation and for the Rotary Clubof Grand Cayman's continued support for the Prison Education Programme."It is very encouraging to see the excellent work of ourEducation Department being recognised," he said. "Thisaward is not just for the full time staff but also for all thevolunteers and outside organisations that play a critical partin maintaining such a viable education programme.
We received considerable support from Rotaryand this award is a clear indication that they feel their moneyis well invested."