The Sentence Planning Team at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP), was pleased to host its third annual basketball tournament from June 3 – 5, 2015 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 other youth in the wider community.
The tournament was preceded by an official opening ceremony chaired by Acting Rehabilitation and Development Coordinator Rev. Lindsay K. Richardson. Brief remarks were made by Head of Custody Ms. Carice Sasso; Acting Sports Director Mr. Rollins Richardson, and President of the Anguilla Basket Ball Association Mr. Rudy Webster. Also present for the opening ceremony were Ms. Joleyne Robin, Programme Officer (Youth) from the Department of Youth and Culture, and Ms. Louise Webster of Tackle Box, a major sponsor of the event. The game got on the way with a first toss by Head of Security Mr. Andreas Neverson.
While the North Hill ‘Raiders’ were unable to play as a team in the tournament given that they were at the time engaged in a national tournament, arrangements were made to co-op available players from other teams to compete against the prison team ‘The Wheelers’. The tournament consisted of three games which were keenly contested followed by a three point shootout competition. The HMP Wheelers were determined to take back the trophy from last year’s winners ‘The Raiders’ and so they did, winning two of the three games: 73-71 in favour of the Raiders; 70-56 in favour of the Wheelers; and the finals 61-58 in favour of the 2015 Champions The Wheelers. For the second year running, Christopher Baptista of the Wheelers took home the MVP trophy; while Alexis Connor of the Wheelers unseated his fellow Wheeler Javelle Carty who was last year’s two time three point shootout champion, for the prized three point trophy. Rolandito Richardson of the Wheelers was adjudged the player with the most assists; while Shekium Lake of the Raiders received the prize for the most rebounds. Both teams received rave reviews from sports enthusiasts who attended the games for a highly competitive tournament with an excellent display of talent and skills and for their team spirit, sportsmanship, mutual respect and discipline.
Other stakeholders deserving of much commendation include ANGLEC for sponsoring the trophies; ABC Supplies for the medals, the Sports Department for once again providing a professional referee (Carl Thomas) and assisting in the planning and organization of the tournament; the Department of Youth and Culture and Tackle Box who played a pivotal role in supplying the inmates with uniforms and gear for the games. Other sponsors included: Apex Utilities, J. W. Proctors, LIME Anguilla Ltd., Tropical Distributors, Unique Trading, Tropical Treats, Larry’s Deli, Best Buy Supermarket, English Rose Restaurant, Keene Enterprises, Albert’s Wholesale & Marketplace, Nico’s Restaurant, Malliouhana Auberge Hotel, Alloyd Enterprises Limited, the Anguilla Red Cross, Caracasbaai Grocery & Store, as well as Officers Nigel Kendall, Devon George and Odessa Gumbs.
Chaplain, Pastor Bernard Joseph, in his expressions of thanks during the closing ceremony, paid special tribute to ANGLEC representative Ms. Khondah Hazell for taking the time to present the players with their medals and trophies; the Management of HMP, officers and members of the Sentence Planning Team – in particular Sports Officer Jennifer Cordice for ably coordinating the tournament; as well as the sponsors and visitors. Special commendation was extended to fellow inmates who worked hard in pre and post-game activities and for chairing both teams on. Special kudos must be given to the HMP Wheelers who, despite the challenges of being incarcerated, were able to build a cohesive team behind their captain Claushaun Richardson and for the first time conquered all but one of the prizes in the tournament.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
