POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group is lending is support to a unique program at the House of Detention in Point Blanche where spiritual music will play a key role in rehabilitating inmates shut up inside.
The program is called Lyrics Behind Bars, and it is the brainchild of fellow inmates Alesco Violenus, 25, and Joel Panton aged 28.
Both were deeply involved in music before they took a wrong path in their lives, and when they became involved with the prison's Faith Ministry, they taught themselves to play instruments and immediately took their love for music to a higher level.
After playing to their fellow inmates, and at public functions outside the prison, they soon wanted other musically inclined inmates to share in their experience, so they came up with the program "Lyrics Behind Bars" to foster and produce inspirational music amongst their inmate colleagues to bring out their talent.
Co-program founder, Alesco Violensus said, "We want to thank the Chaplain for having faith in us and helping us to get sponsorship for the program, and also TelEm Group for seeing the benefit that such a program can be, not only for the inmates, but also for the entire St. Maarten community.
"As a member of the FaithBand, I see this as an ideal opportunity to encourage better behavior and respect for society. Throughout the world, music is celebrated as a uniting force, and we want to help build bridges to ensure a better and safer community for ourselves and those who follow us," said Alesco.
Co-founder of the program, Joel Panton, said music was just a hobby until he was detained, but now it takes on a whole new dimension as he sets out to put spiritual sounds in a permanent digital format.
"We want to record what we do and what the other inmates do, but to do that with the technology that is present today we need recording equipment and at least one good Apple computer and recording software," said Joel.
He said there is also a need for two audio monitors and two studio recording microphones.
"With this basic set-up we can do a lot and we can't wait to produce the first demo," the pair said.
Prison Director Mr. Rohan, praised the enthusiasm of the two young men, whom he said had learned to play guitar and keyboards by ear while in detention and vowed to assist them in any way he could so that they can continue providing stimulating activity for other inmates at the House of Detention.
"We will ensure with the assistance of the Faith Ministries that the music produced will be uplifting and spiritual in nature with a positive message," said Mr. Rohan.
He plays down some of the usual and general comments made that life is too easy for some of the inmates under his care and the perception that this latest initiative may be seen only as a leisurely pursuit for inmate enjoyment.
"I always say, not because you are a prisoner you should not be given a chance to do these kinds of things. You should always be treated as a human being," the prison director stated.
Former prison Chaplain, Myrna Lake, says the two founders of the program have impressed her greatly by the manner in which they have pursued their dream of producing music while in detention.
"Unfortunately, except for this donation from TelEm Group, there has been little other support from corporate citizens in the community," said Ms. Lake.
She appealed to other companies to come on board to review the program themselves to put in place what could be a very unique rehabilitation program for the House of Detention.
On behalf of TelEm Group, Public Relations Officer (PRO) Joe Dominique, wished everyone involved in the Lyrics Behind Bars program the best of luck ,also with the raising of funds to purchase equipment.
"We think it is a project worthy of support by corporate clients such as TelEm Group since it is an initiative of the inmates themselves and the fact that it is also faith based," said Mr. Dominique.
He urged other companies to assist if they can and also individuals with surplus recording equipment they may wish to donate to the program, to leave a message for Mryna Lake at the House of Detention, stating where and when the equipment can be picked up.
TELEM Press Release
