Miss Lalie Center
PHILIPSBURG--The first phase of the Under the Hood project at the Point Blanche Prison and Miss Lalie Centre has been completed, with a second phase now underway, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling said on Wednesday, October 7.
The Under the Hood project is a solidarity project by “Tur Cos Ta Posibel” (everything is possible), meant to shine a light on people deprived of liberty. These individuals have stories, abilities and ambitions that were there way before circumstances landed them behind bars.
Over the past two months, inmates worked as resident volunteers alongside international volunteers on initiatives focused on literacy, creativity and personal development. The programme resulted in the establishment of inmate newsletters, a book club and satellite library in partnership with the St. Maarten Library, as well as photography and creative arts activities.
Tackling said the programmes were intended not only to provide activities to occupy inmates, but also to build responsibility, confidence and skills supporting rehabilitation and reintegration. The second phase of the project is now underway, with the minister saying further updates on new projects will follow.
