Bringing hope behind bars

During an engaging interview on Altos, permanent deacon Rev Patrick Laurence shared his profound experiences and insights into the challenges, successes, and importance of ministering to those incarcerated in Trinidad’s seven correctional facilities.

He began by addressing common misconceptions about prison ministry and its impact not only on offenders but also on the ministers themselves.

“If you spend six months in the prison ministry, you have a different perspective on life,” he explained. For Rev Laurence, this work reshapes one’s understanding of humanity, offering a lens of compassion and empathy. Drawing inspiration from Mother Teresa, he noted, “They teach me. It’s not about what we teach them.”

The ministry is a consistent presence across all seven prisons in Trinidad, which include the Maximum Security Prison, Remand Yard, and facilities in Arouca that house both men and women.

Rev Laurence explained the regularity of their visits, saying, “We go to all the prisons basically on a weekly basis, with a day and time allocated to us by the prison authority.”

For inmates –or “clients” as they are referred to, to reduce stigma—these visits are more than a spiritual service. “It’s a very boring place, a prison,” Rev Laurence shared. “Our conversations, spiritual guidance, and programmes bring them a sense of normalcy and hope.”

Evangelising behind walls

One of the ministry’s most memorable achievements occurred last November when a Mass was celebrated at the Maximum Security Prison for the first time in several years. “It was an amazing event,” Rev Laurence recalled. “We brought together

from different facilities, including men and women. There was music from a prison band, and the Mass was led by Fr Kwesi (Alleyne).” Such events are rare but deeply impactful, creating a shared space of faith and unity for both offenders and ministers.

Beyond religious services, the ministry facilitates various activities that nurture clients’ talents and intellect. One notable example was a prison debate competition where they competed against prestigious institutions.

“Two years ago, they defeated teams from both UWI (University of the West Indies) and UTT (University of Trinidad & Tobago),” Rev Laurence proudly shared. “That’s no small accomplishment for these guys.”

Such achievements highlight the untapped potential within the prison population and the importance of providing avenues for growth and development.

However, Rev Laurence pointed out significant systemic challenges. “Prisons here were designed to incarcerate, not rehabilitate,” he explained. “Most of the rehabilitation work is done by religious organisations like ours because the prison authority has no budget for these programmes. They depend entirely on the Ministry of National Security, and even then, the resources are limited.”

Breaking the stigma

A recurring theme in the interview was the stigma surrounding prisons and those who are incarcerated. “There’s a stigma about visiting prisons,” Rev Laurence noted. “People need to understand that these [offenders] are also citizens—some are there by circumstance or chance. They deserve a second chance.”

This stigma often extends beyond the prison walls, making reintegration into society particularly challenging for former offenders. Families sometimes reject them, forcing them back into the environments that led to their incarceration. “The gangs become their family,” Rev Laurence explained. “Breaking this cycle requires a collective effort involving families, churches, and the government.”

He also emphasised the need for society to adopt a more compassionate view. “As the saying goes, you can judge a country by how it treats its poor and its prisoners. By that measure, we’re not passing,” he said, highlighting the outdated facilities and lack of resources.

“Port of Spain Prison, for instance, was built in the 16th or 17th century, and it still operates with the same facilities. That’s crazy in the 21st century.”

Stories of transformation

Despite these challenges, the Catholic Prison Ministry has been a beacon of hope and transformation. Rev Laurence shared the story of a talented artist from Carrera Prison who has gained international recognition. “He’s teaching others both inside and outside the prison,” he said.

Such stories underscore the potential for positive change when offenders are given the right opportunities.

The ministry has also facilitated athletic opportunities. “As a young man, I played rugby against the Youth Training Centre,” Rev Laurence recalled. “We took three of their players to represent Trinidad and Tobago internationally. They competed in Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Canada, and the US.” These examples demonstrate that with the right support, offenders can make significant contributions to society.

Rev Laurence ended with a heartfelt plea for more volunteers. “We need workers in this vineyard,” he said. “Visiting a prison doesn’t change you negatively; it makes you a better person.”

He also called on the government, religious organisations, and society at large to work together to create a system that prioritises rehabilitation alongside incarceration.

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