CIBS Caribbean donates six computers to ‘seeds of hope’ prison programme

An initiative at His Majesty’s Prison started by the University of the West Indies
Five Island’s Campus through its Life-long Learning Unit (LLU), dubbed ‘Seeds
of Hope’ is attracting the support of the corporate community.
On Thursday, the CIBC Caribbean bank donated six desk-top computers to the
programme to assist the inmates enrolled with the programme with better computer
access to complete their various assignments.
Executive Director of the LLU, Paula Edwards-Lee said the programme was first
introduced at the prison in 2022 and already it is ‘making waves’ in the country.
Other entities such as the Transport Board and the Calvin Ayre Foundation have
offered scholarships, while recently, Vanessa Kelsick and her husband, have
pledged to provide one year’s free internet access to the prison for the benefit of
those participating in the programme.
“Against that background, we now have today, additional computers that will
allow for easier computer and internet access as sometimes the inmates are
huddled around one or two computers. I commend CIBC Caribbean for their
commitment of care for the people of the Caribbean and I am encouraging the
corporate community to recognize that being in prison is not the end of the road,
but the start of something new,” she stated.
According to Edwards-Lee, participation in the programme provides an
‘awakening’ for the inmates that even though they are incarcerated hey can still be
of benefit to their fellow inmates, their families and society as a whole. She added
that when the prisoners leave HMP, they are transformed through the programme
to be productive members of society.
Speaking on behalf of CIBC Caribbean was Manager of Platinum Banking,
Michael Roach, who said through its Adopt-a-Cause program, the bank has
donated six desktop computers to His Majesty’s Prison.
“At CIBC Caribbean, we recognize that education is a fundamental tool for
personal and professional development. It opens doors, creates opportunities, and,
most importantly, fosters hope.
“In line with our corporate responsibility, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives
that enhance the lives of individuals and communities. We understand that having
access to education and technological resources is crucial in today's world. These
computers are not just machines; they are gateways to knowledge, skills, and a
brighter future,” he stated.
Superintendent of the Prison, Col. Trevor Pennyfeather, said the prison is happy
for the donation of the computers to assist with its learning programme within the
institution as it places a premium on rehabilitation. “We believe in rehabilitation,
and we feel that as an institution we have a mission to ensure that individuals who
enter its gates are made productive for their re-entry into society,” he remarked.
Clearly, the most emotional moment of the exercise came from the student advisor
to the programme who is a prisoner herself, Kenisha Whyte, who not only thanked
CIBC Caribbean for the donation of the computers, but who also spoke of the
value of the programme on changing lives. “Being incarcerated, there is a stigma
attached to us, and while we are here, the best thing that we can do for ourselves
and our community is to make a change. We are not defined by our crimes, but
what we choose to do afterwards. Thus, with the support from the corporate
community, individuals and others, we are making a wave and we strive to make a
difference. There’s nothing that is impossible, nor nothing we cannot achieve with
a little motivation and a little assistance; even if its from one individual,” she
expressed in a quiet unassuming manner.