The Sentence Planning Team at Her Majesty’s Prison was pleased to host its second annual basketball tournament from June 2 – 5, 2014 at the prison’s basketball court. This event is part of ongoing efforts by HMP towards the rehabilitation of inmates by providing a range of opportunities for constructive recreation in the form of sports and social activities, fostering team spirit and promoting cooperation with others – all skills which they can transfer and use in the community upon release. The tournament was preceded by an official opening ceremony with brief remarks made by Superintendent of Prison Mr. Conrad Gumbs, Acting Sports Director Mr. Rollins Richardson, Correctional Services Counsellor Rev. Lindsay Richardson and Mr. Merrick Richardson from the North Hill Raiders basketball team.
In recognizing the importance of securing external support and developing partnerships with other community stakeholders, history was created when for the first time an outside team – The North Hill Raiders – competed against the prison team ‘The Wheelers.’ The tournament consisted of three games which were keenly contested; and a three point shootout competition. The Raiders emerged the winners of the three match tournament, though it was Christopher Baptista of the Wheelers who took home the MVP trophy. In the three point shootout competition, Delano Mussington and Alonzo Isaac from the Raiders; and Alexis Connor and Javelle Carty from the Wheelers competed for the prized trophy. Javelle Carty emerged as the winner, retaining the coveted title for a second year in a row.
Other stakeholders deserving of much commendation include the Department of Sports who played a pivotal role in supplying the inmates with uniforms and providing a professional referee (Carl Thomas) for the games, as well as the Anguilla Red Cross who provided first aid and other assistance at every game. Additionally, this tournament would never have come to fruition had it not been for the sponsors who made generous contributions in cash and kind, namely LIME Anguilla Ltd, Caribbean Commercial Bank, Unique Trading, Best Buy Supermarket, Tackle Box, Ashley and Sons, Larry’s Food, Natural Mystic Restaurant and Ms. Elvesa Liburd.
Rev. Richardson, in his expressions of thanks during the closing ceremony, paid special tribute to the sponsors, the guest visitors, Management personnel of HM Prison; prison officers and members of the Sentence Planning Team – in particular Officer Jennifer Cordice for ably coordinating the tournament and overseeing the event for the second year running. Special commendation was extended to both teams for a highly competitive tournament, their team spirit, sportsmanship, mutual respect and discipline; and for an excellent display of talent and skills.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
