His Majesty’s Prison was pleased to host its annual in-house Basketball tournament from July 24th – 4th August 2023, at HM Prison. This tournament started in 2013 as a collaborative effort between HM Prison and the Department of Sports, and it continues to go from strength to strength.
After a delayed start, the tournament finally got underway with four in-house teams; ‘Undisputed Squad’, ‘Shadows’, ‘Fully’ and ‘Enterprise Click.’ The tournament consisted of eight games which were keenly contested, followed by a three point shootout competition. A friendly game was also held between the HMP players and the visiting referees on the final day.
The ‘Undisputed Squad’ emerged triumphant from the competition, having shown considerable skill and determination for which they were rewarded with the coveted Champions trophy. Despite a disappointing defeat for the other HMP teams, a good time was had by all.
Glenville Hodge, captain of the winning team, was recognised as this year’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and was awarded a trophy for the Most Points. Special awards went to Romein Brown, also of the Undisputed Squad, who won three trophies for the Most Rebounds, Most Blocks and Most Assists. Javon Hodge was awarded a trophy for Most Steals. Aikeem Rogers won the three-point shootout competition against 10 other competitors, by a wide margin.
Every year, a range of local sponsors actively support the rehabilitation of these incarcerated men by contributing to HM Prison’s Basketball tournament. While this is a game of basketball, the real essence of why we continue to promote this tournament is the fact that sports can always be used as a vehicle to transform lives. Each time these men play against or with each other, it encourages and fosters positive relationships. The staff of HM Prison were pleased to see the high level of teamwork, collaboration and unity amongst the players, which demonstrates how involvement in sporting activities can surpass any ill will and allow young men from all over the island to play in these basketball matches, which we all enjoyed. The good spirit which was shown by everyone throughout was commendable.
The management of HM Prison would like to take this opportunity to extend its sincere thanks once again to all of the sponsors, namely, the Department of Youth and Culture, The Department of Sports, ANGLEC, Tackle Box, Tropical Distributors Co. Ltd, Ashley & Sons, JW Proctors, Syd and Pete’s and Best Buy Supermarkets, and Tropical Treats, without whose contributions the event would not have been possible.
Special thanks also go to Ms Lydia Dasent, who was on hand daily to provide First Aid assistance. We extend a hearty thanks to the referees who volunteered their time and presided over 5 days of games, namely Darren Webster, Ian Connor, Jaiden Lawrent, Yariel Fleming and Colin Liddie, and also to Tri-tannia Lowe from Sports Dept, who undertook the scoring.
We also appreciate the numerous prison staff who helped behind the scenes and we extend a special thanks to Sentence Planning Officer Narval Barnes, who tirelessly spearheaded this year’s event, assisted by Prison Officers Kevin Bernard, Winston Davis, Jennifer Cordice & Nigel Kendall, and a team of hardworking inmates, whose contributions all helped in making this year’s tournament an overall success.
– Press Release
