POINTE BLANCHE:--- The Management Team of the Point Blanche Correctional Institution and the Miss Lalie Youth Detention Facility recently met with the Climb Foundation representatives, Dr. Yadira Boston and Dr. Pierre, whose long-standing service to the Institution came to an end.
Prison Director Mr. Steven Carty expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Boston and Dr. Pierre for their longstanding service to the Institution. Mr. Carty emphasized that literacy leads to job opportunities and more. “Literacy is not just about reading and writing. It is the foundation upon which confidence is built and opportunities unlocked. Within the correctional environment, the ability to read, understand instructions, and communicate effectively opens doors that were once closed. Additionally, it creates pathways to employment and meaningful reintegration into society. Most importantly, literacy empowers individuals to take control of their own lives, make informed decisions, and envision a future beyond their past”, Mr. Carty stated.
Head of Corrections, Henrietta Doran-York also addressed those in attendance. “For decades, Dr. Boston has walked through the prison gates with one main mission. That mission is to open doors of opportunity through education. Her long-standing commitment and dedication have shaped the lives of so many within the walls of the Institution over the years. Over the years, Dr. Boston was joined by Dr. Pierre, and together they executed their tasks with a level of quality and great structure within the Institution. Although the GED program had been the main focus, the educational team extended its reach beyond traditional curriculum requirements. Many inmates who did not yet meet GED criteria were still given the chance to enhance their basic skills. Very importantly, the instructors recognized that not everyone came with the same educational foundation; therefore, they created pathways for those who were not yet ready for the GED level. Through literacy classes and patient one-on-one guidance, they gave many inmates the chance to grow, which restored the confidence among those who participated”, Doran-York stated.
The highlight of the meeting was the delivery of an extensive presentation by the Climb Foundation's educational facilitators, as they guided those present through the scope and accomplishments of their work over the years. They also extended heartfelt gratitude to the team at Point Blanche Prison and House of Detention, as well as the dedicated team at the Miss Lalie Youth Detention Center, for their exceptional collaboration during their partnership.
“We would not have been able to do this without your steadfast support, which has been instrumental in our mission to provide essential care to the most vulnerable inmates. They thank the Management for recognizing the significant effort it takes to close literacy gaps, and extended appreciation for their understanding that this is a nuanced, time-intensive process that requires careful consideration. CLIMB Foundation urges the prison to continue to actively combat the stigma that often connects illiteracy with vocational training. It is vital to recognize that inmates can pursue both literacy and vocational skills simultaneously as they both are essential tools for personal growth and successful reintegration into society. They commended St. Maarten’s prison for its commitment to addressing this critical issue of prison literacy. By recognizing that reading is a fundamental human right, and working together, the societal barriers that inmates face upon reentry into the community can be dismantled. The CLIMB Foundation is confident that both the prison and its upcoming initiatives will be a success. This confidence stems from the remarkable achievements of the prison teams, who have successfully implemented impactful programs over the years despite operating with limited resources.
The representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Mr. Rafael Baretto Souza expressed his deep appreciation for the presentation delivered by Dr. Boston and Dr. Pierre regarding their long standing work in education at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution. He noted that he was very impressed with the depth of their experience and the dedication reflected in their teaching. Mr. Baretto Souza further stated that their insights provided him with a clearer and more meaningful understanding of the responsibilities and challenges associated with the mandate he has undertaken in relation to the prison system in Sint Maarten and it also sheds valuable light on both the progress achieved and the ongoing needs that must be addressed as part of the institution’s continuous development.
At the close of the meeting the Management Team wished Dr. Pierre and Dr. Boston and the entire team much success in all their future endeavors, and expressed to them that the seed that they have planted, whether through a passed GED exam, a first book ever read, or a sentence written without help, will forever continue to bear fruit.
