The Division of Culture has expanded its function to take its activities within the walls of the Dominica State Prison.
From September to November 2014, the Division of Culture engaged 14 inmates, for the first time, in a programme dubbed ‘Arts for Violence Prevention’.
According to Delmance ‘Ras Mo’ Moses, Senior Cultural Officer and the main facilitator of the programme, this is a new era for the Cultural Division.
“We’re going beyond the traditional route of preservation and protection of tradition and culture and we’re expanding,” he said. “We’re looking at the culture industries and how we can make money from the creative industries. We’re also looking at how we use culture in education and to address social issues. Both of these areas are tried into this programme because we discovered a number of talented artists who are incarcerated. We’re hoping that this inspires them to make legal money out of the arts with some support from society.”
For 10 weeks popular theatre was used to explore the role of poverty in various forms of violence. The inmates were taught to use creative writing, poetry, short stories, songs and drama to enhance their skills in problem-solving and consequential thinking.
Jacintha David, Acting Chief Cultural Officer says the impact of this programme should not be underestimated.
She said, “The Cultural Division recognises the importance of the arts as a vehicle for social change and an educational tool to inspire, educate and convince our youth that the arts can assist in making a difference in their lives, communities and Dominica. We also recognise that there should be a focus on working with institutions such as the Dominica State Prison and others.”
The programme’s main objective is to help inmates reform.
“The value of popular theatre should not be underscored. I am content that you have enrolled in this programme which prepares you to regain your rightful place as law-abiding citizens of this beloved country,” she added.
David said to participants, “Every one of you is special; a productive member of society. Every one of you is what inspires others because every one of you has a story to tell.”
Of the 14 participants, only three are still incarcerated and were presented with their certificates of participation at the Old Mill Cultural Centre on Friday, November 21st.
The participants also gave presentations in song and poetry.
“Life is too short to spend it locked up behind bars. Angry for what? Why? With whom? Now that the programme is over, continue applying the skills learned and most importantly, go and make disciples of the programme,” David advised.
The Division of Culture is hoping to conduct another module come January 2015.
Each person has a talent or more. They only need to develop the talent, some as those in prison need to be given the opportunity.
The sad part is while in society, some of them do not utilize their God-given talent. On the other hand some of them may not know what their talent is. It takes this program to bring it out of them and to assist them.
Good luck! We hope as programs of other kinds are expanded to the prison, more inmates will have the opportunity to develop their talent and one day become useful nationals. In time, D/ca may have few criminals and fewer prisoners and not dangerous ones. All of us would like to see this happen for the good of every one concerned and the rest of nationals. Dominica would become a model country.
If they prove they can function usefully in society, rest assured that their former reputation will be forgotten. This means the D/can society will have forgiven them. God forgives as long as sincere reparation and restitution are made, never to return to such a life.
In any case, those who are incarcerated are not free. They have forfeited their right to freedom in society. What a waste of a life and time which God did not create them for.
I wish those involved in the Division of Culture progress and success with this program. It is an excellent one. Whoever thought of it and implemented is a brilliant person.
Well done Ras Mo and crew. Great new avenue for rehabilitation. Keep up the good work.
Caravagio was a brilliant artist.