Tag: Tower Street Correctional Centre

COVID-19 crisis in Jamaican prisons: a call for the most vulnerable to be released

September 25, 2021

In my last news update, I wrote: It was disturbing to learn recently that only 10 per cent of the prison population has been vaccinated (was a truly concerted effort to get them vaccinated ever undertaken?) Now even more worryingly, we learn that 58 prisoners and 38 staff members have tested positive.  In his State of … More COVID-19 crisis in Jamaican prisons: a call for the most vulnerable to be released

An Appeal for André Thomas: A Member of Stand Up for Jamaica, in Need of Help

February 10, 2021

Stand Up for Jamaica (SUFJ) is a human rights non-governmental organization, which works diligently for the rehabilitation and welfare of our prisoners. SUFJ is supporting an urgent fund-raising initiative started by Alexis Goffe. André Thomas is 39 years old and he is a prisoner at Tower Street Correctional Centre. André was a member of the Stand Up … More An Appeal for André Thomas: A Member of Stand Up for Jamaica, in Need of Help

ICYMI in Jamaica, September 8, 2020: (No) Princes and Princesses, Election Aftermath, and Women in the News

September 9, 2020

Jamaicans are election-weary and COVID-weary. With the first one out of the way (what a relief, really), we still have the second to contend with. September is generally considered the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season and this year we have already had two brushes with Laura and Nana, but expect more rumblings from west … More ICYMI in Jamaica, September 8, 2020: (No) Princes and Princesses, Election Aftermath, and Women in the News

Jamaica Psychiatric Association Responds to INDECOM Report on Prisoners “Detained at Pleasure”

June 7, 2020

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) press briefing last week, as usual, highlighted the Commission’s Quarterly Report. The January – March, 2020 Report focused on Jamaicans who are “detained at pleasure” in our prisons. Persons in this category are either children found guilty of a capital offense; persons found unfit to plead by the Court; or persons … More Jamaica Psychiatric Association Responds to INDECOM Report on Prisoners “Detained at Pleasure”

A Cup Soup, A Bridge, A Tunnel and a Pipe Organ: Jamaica on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

February 22, 2018

The past week has been…well, one of some uncertainty, rather like the weather (odd little showers, appearing and disappearing). Mixed signals, perhaps. There is a lot to think about, and to discuss. Caribbean: The Caribbean Export Development Agency and Caribbean Development Bank have joined forces to help provide easier access to finance for women-owned businesses – … More A Cup Soup, A Bridge, A Tunnel and a Pipe Organ: Jamaica on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Barriers Behind Bars: Stand Up for Jamaica Highlights the Plight of HIV Positive Inmates

July 8, 2017

Social workers love to use the term “vulnerable populations” to describe those Jamaican citizens, whom we tend to sideline, ignore, dismiss and even forget about altogether. I am not sure I like the word “vulnerable” much, but these Jamaicans are indeed “in harm’s way” because of their position in society – their invisibility. We cannot … More Barriers Behind Bars: Stand Up for Jamaica Highlights the Plight of HIV Positive Inmates

Reneto is the People’s Choice, Vybz Kartel Makes a Career Move and A Deeper Kingston Harbour: December 26, 2016

December 27, 2016

Boxing Days are designed for doing nothing much. Christmas Day itself can be quite hectic – unless you are so well off that you have servant to direct to do things for you. Today is very low key for us – apart from our three young dogs, who are non-stop hyper. It’s ten days since … More Reneto is the People’s Choice, Vybz Kartel Makes a Career Move and A Deeper Kingston Harbour: December 26, 2016