Thriving Prison Farm hosts school children

Students at the Ona Glinton Primary School enjoyed a tour of the bountiful farm tended by prisoners of Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk.

Last week, prison officials welcomed the little ones, sharing tips on farming, and answering their questions as they walked through the lush farming compound.

Governor Nigel Dakin commenting on the visit, said the farm is now a resource for the prison, serving as an educational experience for children as it helps rehabilitate those incarcerated at the facility.

From pigs and goats to sugarcane, papaya and so much more, the farm at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk continues to thrive, having been established some years ago, as one of many rehabilitative efforts for inmates.

Though suffering some damage in the last major hurricane, the farm is back and fully operational, and according to the Governor, it is a model farm for Turks and Caicos Islands.

He said drawing on this national resource, officials at the prison are now reaching out to schools, with Ona Glinton Primary being the third school to visit so far.

“The farm has 400 chickens producing 800 plus eggs per week, which are sold to the local community along with goats and pigs that also find a local market.

“There are rabbits which are for petting by the children, and the farm grows peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, cabbages, callaloo, sweetcorn, tomatoes, onions, okra, melons and a range of herbs,” the Governor recounted.

The farm employs up to eight prisoners, has a farm manager and two civilian workers.

According to the Governor, in the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the farm has so far generated over $11,000 in revenue which was paid to the Treasury.

He said the produce reaped also supports the prison kitchen, causing savings to the prison’s budget.

While visiting, the children learn how vegetables grow from seed to plate, and what vegetables make up well-known local foods. They also learn about animal welfare and how they live and are cared for.

The Governor said it is a great experience for the children.

“The new Prison Superintendent, who is as keen on it as his predecessor, tells me that Mr. Lyons’ rendition of “Old McDonalds Farm” is priceless. The song strings together the tour, each section of the tour adding a new verse; the children love it.”

The visits are part of a programme the Ministry of Home Affairs is developing to connect the Prison to the community.

“Mandy and I have enjoyed helping the prison on this journey in other ways. Why? Because today’s prisoner is self-evidently tomorrow’s neighbour - and HMP Grand Turk needs to be a place where those convicted are not only incarcerated but where they can make a positive change in their lives.

“This looks like a step in the right direction,” Governor Dakin stated.

In addition to farming, the Grand Turk Prison has many other rehabilitative programmes – from educational ones - offered by the college - to skills-based programmes. (DELANA ISLES)