Dodds inmates go behind camera with hospitality, media skills

In a groundbreaking initiative, over 50 inmates at Dodds Prison have transformed their lives through the Prison Hospitality and Digital Media Training Project. 

The three-month programme, spearheaded by the Barbados Community College Jean Norma Holder Hospitality Institute, has equipped participants with valuable skills and qualifications, paving the way for successful reintegration into society.

The graduation ceremony, held on Wednesday, was a testament to the power of second chances and the untapped potential within prison walls. 

“I’m saying the remarks behind the walls, but at some point in time, the walls will be behind you as you exit this location,” Minister of Youth, Sport, and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith said, emphasising the transformative nature of the programme.

Griffith expressed his awe at the performance of the participants after visiting them during the course of the programme.

“This programme that we’re offering speaks to second chances. It is an opportunity for all of you who are involved in the process, and you have grasped the discipline presented by those students from the Barbados Community College, and from my own remarks in terms of the digital media programme. I believe you’ve demonstrated an aptitude for the programme.”

He shared his desire for the ministry to use the participants’ production to highlight aspects of the programme and open avenues of opportunity for the participants.

“The truth is that you’re moving away with a certificate from the Barbados Community College that you can do two things with. One, you can start your own business, or two, it provides you with an entry-level qualification from one of the best hospitality institutes in the Caribbean, I dare say. And this is a certificate that is recognised because persons who come out of all of the secondary schools, requiring four CXCs for entry into this programme, are receiving the same certificate that all of you received this morning from the Barbados Community College. So, I want to commend you on finishing that programme.”

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Joy Adamson.

Roderick Prescod, acting director of the Barbados Community College Hospitality Institute, congratulated the participants on their commitment and dedication to completing the programme.

He pledged that the Institute would extend the programme to those unable to attend in person.

He said: “For instances where persons cannot get to us, the institution will come to you, and that is a commitment from the Barbados Community College and the Jean Norma Holder Hospitality Institute that we will provide opportunities for every single member of our communities, every single citizen of Barbados.”

Rahmat Jn-Pierre, lead tutor of the Division of Youth Affairs Digital Media Film Training Programme and director of Blue Iron Media, said: “From day one, my team and I entered this compound, we were blown away by the talent we had to work with. We were blessed that when we first came in, these guys were in the process of NIFCA. So everything you see here is basically pieces they entered in NIFCA, which they got the opportunity to bring to screen. And the areas where we sit down and talk about our ideas, the ideas just come wilder and wilder, deeper and deeper and deeper.”

Rahmat Jn-Pierre, lead tutor of the Division of Youth Affairs Digital Media Film Training Programme and director of Blue Iron Media.

He explained how the participants adapted and learnt complicated and difficult techniques with ease during the three-month programme.

He reminded them that their pasts do not determine their future.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, but it is what you do and how you apply yourself.”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Joy Adamson, revealed that they would continue the programme into the next financial year.

She believes it needs to be expanded beyond the prison walls. “We need to find a way to get this out to the general public. There are some poignant messages that will impact everyone from what we saw here today. Graduates, this is your day. You have worked hard. I know you faced challenges, but you have proven that growth is always possible.”

Roderick Prescod, acting director at the Barbados Community College Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute.

Minister Griffith informed the participants that, if they are serious about going further with their certification, the ministry will assist them. “If you want to be involved in digital media, and a couple of you decide: ‘Well, look, instead of going alone, I’m going to work with another two people in order to trigger this and make it happen,’ we will put the necessary resources behind you to ensure that the equipment you require is in place for you to be successful.”

He pointed to additional prospects available to those interested in the hospitality industry.

“You can work in the hospitality institute, and if you need references from the ministry to confirm that you were qualified and are now moving on, those will be available to you as well. The government is committed, very, very committed, to ensuring that everyone who requires a second chance will receive assistance.” 

louriannegraham@barbadostoday.bb