BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SOCIAL commentator and activist G. A. Dwyer Astaphan says hope is part of the rehabilitative process and for some of the residents of Her Majesty’s Prison, that hope is manifested through the paintings they produce.
Astaphan told SKNVibes that during the last quarter of 2016, he attended an art exhibition at the St. Kitts Marriott where some of the pieces created by residents of HMP were on display.
He said he was quite impressed with what he had observed and he, having taken pictures of them, circulated them on the internet. And as a result, some interest has been shown by the developers of the Park Hyatt, which is being constructed on the island. It is expected to open during the summer period of this year.
“I took pictures and I sent them around on the internet to a number of people including the developers of the Park Hyatt. The developers of the Park Hyatt were very impressed; they said ‘we are willing to talk with the residents of the Prison but, we have specific designs for our paintings that we put in our rooms because the hotel is of a certain brand and the paintings on the walls in the rooms and suites and so the art must fit in to out theme…’
“So what did they do? The developers were here (last month) I met with them, they showed me some samples of paintings that they would want done…for the rooms and… I took the man to the Prison to meet with the guys in there and we are hoping that we can get the deal done that people who are in the prison can produce artwork that will be put on the walls in the rooms of the Park Hyatt, which is one of the most anticipated hotels in the world right now.”
Astaphan said there is consideration being given to having a room at the local Park Hyatt dedicated to the display and sale of local artwork.
“And not only that, I engaged the people further and they have indicated that they might be willing to make a room at the Park Hyatt available, a room in the commercial space, available for the presentation and sale of local art, strictly; no rent…”
The former Minister of Government said the prisoners’ engagement in such activities is indicative of the hope that they possess.
“Some of them are on murder convictions (and) it gives them a sense of hope. In fact one of them was asked… ‘Which is the best piece of art for you’ (and) he said ‘the next one to come’. That means he has hope and he is a convicted murderer. Now, if a convicted murderer can have hope, then why can’t the young people on the street? You just have to give them an opportunity.”
Astaphan said there is no guarantee that this initiative would be successful “but at least there is an interest and an indication that that type of thing is possible if you give young people hope, and you give them a fair chance.
“Of course you have to give them discipline and guidance too…but if you give them that mix of tough love discipline and guidance and hope and respect, 90 percent of them will change their lives.”
