TWO well-known men in East Trinidad, who have both been exposed to either side of the crime divide, are convinced that they have an idea that could bring escalating crime to a halt.

They believe that crime in Trinidad and Tobago would decrease only when government reforms the prisons system.

Automobile dealer and former race car driver Frankie Boodram, who was arrested, charged and convicted in 1993 for allegedly receiving stolen auto parts, and Attorney Jagdeo Singh, who was incarcerated for four years for allegedly accepting money to pay a bribe, both believe that Golden Grove is a “factory” for the production of Trinidad’s most hardened criminals.

Both Boodram and Singh pleaded innocence, and when they were found guilty and jailed, used the opportunity to learn as much as they could about their fellow inmates with the intention of helping them when they got out.

While in prison, they witnessed first-hand procedures tailored to break the will of the imprisoned.

FRANKIE
BOODRAM

JAGDEO
SINGH

He said that there are a few rehabilitative programmes in place, but they are woefully inadequate, and they are administered “as though they’re a privilege”.

Singh suggested that “there should be more books, training programmes, and other activities” that would not only “keep prisoners occupied and ward off frustration”, but would prepare them to reintegrate into society.

In that interview, Singh had hinted that he had some ideas that he wanted to introduce to the penal system if the had the opportunity.

One of these was a mentoring programme: “Most of those inside simply need shepherding to get results from them,” he said.

Boodram, who shares Singh’s view, told Mirror that they plan to link up with other businessmen and professionals to form a committee.

They are still in the planning stages of setting up a comprehensive programme of rehabilitation for prisoners on the inside coupled with a re-integration programme to be administered on release.

“In most cases, what these kids want is simply gainful employment to keep them from returning to a life of crime,” Boodram said.

The programme would provide skills training for inmates where necessary.

Boodram is aware that the process would be a difficult one. Even at this early stage, he and Singh are already seeing difficulty in getting the necessary support from government.

His attempts to link up with junior National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds have come up empty.

However, Boodram in particular is determined to see the idea off the ground, as he is convinced that crime will come down drastically as long as the number of repeat offenders is reduced.

He also believes that the effort must originate from “grassroots level” if it is to be successful: “The criminal elements themselves must be given a helping hand and be provided with the opportunity to re-integrate fully.”

According to Boodram, the majority would welcome the opportunity to reintegrate through their own efforts.