Table of Contents Page Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………….…....2 Introduction………………………………………………………………………..…..3 Pre-preparations….……………………………………………………………….........4-5 Before entering Upon entering the Prison..………………………………………….5-6 Brief History…………………………………………………………………………....6 Physical Layout…………………………………………………………………………7 Prison Population………………………………………………………………….……7-8 Organizational Structure………………………………………………………………...9-10 Challenges faced by the organization………………………………..…………………10 Rules……………………………………………………………………………………11-12 Enrichment Activities and Recreational Facilities………………………………………12-13 Cultural Presentation………………………………………………………….....………13-14 Income generating skill…………………………………………………………..............14-15 Steps………………………………………………………………………………………15-17 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………...…………18 Acknowledgement
Together, the group members would like to thank Mrs. Barbara Thomas-Holder for giving us the challenge of working together as a team in organizing ourselves as a group to visit the New Amsterdam Female Prison, gaining knowledge in our field of work.
We would like to thank Mrs. Shonell Enoe for accompanying us on the day of the visit to the Prison.
To the Officers of the prison, we say thank you for your time, patience, guidance and protection throughout our visit.
Also to the inmates for being so co-operative and sharing their many stories of trials, tribulations and encouragement and also your friendly welcome.
A warm thank you to our accompanied bus driver’s on the trip for driving safe and making sure that all his passengers were okay every step of the way.
To the members of our class we say thank you for playing your part in making this a success.

Introduction
The task was given to form groups of fifteen (15) and prepare for a prison visit to the New Amsterdam Female Prison. Catering for about 88 female inmates, identify two (2) items which we would like to donate and prepare two (2) cultural items we wish to perform for them. We were also given the task to identify an income generating skill that we could teach these inmates.
The purpose of the visit was to interact with the inmates, understand the day to day operation within the prison, and possibly erase the perceptions of society.

Pre-preparations
Forming ourselves into groups of fifteen (15) was the easiest task. After continuous meeting, suggestions and disagreements we came together as a group and finally decided that we could donate toilet tissue, purses in which the inmates can use to store their person belonging, Colgate, comb, hair ties, toothbrush, soaps, towels and gift bags in which the items were all places in since these were items that are regularly used and needed. Even though we were required to take only two (2) items we were fortunate enough to have taken more almost with us than what was required.
For our cultural items, we decided upon doing a poem for woman empowerment/ encouragement (Phenomenal Woman – Maya Angelo) and a song to remind them of happier days.
We thought that since the Christmas season is approaching the inmates could benefit from learning to make wreaths to hang on the door. This skill seemed fitting for the inmates to benefit from especially at Christmas hence our choice to choose this income generated skill.
To offset the expenses for the items and materials that were needed for the craft we decided that each individual member would bring something that could help decorate the wreath for example each member brought one (1) decoration each. Different tasks were assigned to each member and the items were successfully purchased for the trip.
Central Garage was decided upon by most of the group members as the pick-up point, while the others were picked up along the way, and on the 11th November,2014 we departed for our visit to the New Amsterdam Female Prison.
This report encapsulates the layout of the prison, the organizational structure, prison population, enrichment activities and recreational facilities, as well as our general observation.

Before Entering The Prison
After arriving in front of the New Amsterdam Prison Sports Club we were directed to enter and assemble ourselves into the necessary groups. We were then briefed and guided about the plans for the day at the facility by our lecturer, Mrs. Barbara Thomas-Holder. We were then told to have lunch for about 30 minutes since we arrived around 11-11:30 or so, after having lunch we gather ourselves to prepare for the cultural presentation. Since time was of the essence we had to move quickly in getting things done. We were instructed by Mrs.Barbara to pack the items together into bags and await greetings from the Assisting Commander in charge Ms. George. She greeted us and gave us a brief synopsis of the New Amsterdam Prison. She stated that the prison was a facility which housed both male and female inmates, something that was unknown to us. She also cautioned us about the rules and regulations or the “do’s and don’ts” of the prison. She emphasized that we should not walk with our phones or monies and warned us should we be caught “smuggling” anything into his prison, we will be penalized. She emphasized that “Jail has no secrets and were then escorted over to the Prison headquarters by Mrs. Thomas-Holder and Mrs. Enoe in lines of two to enter the compound.

Upon Entering The Prison
Upon entering the prison we were then introduced to Ms. Crandon as the Assistant Superintendent, who is in charge of the female section of the prison. She apologized for not coming over to the Sports Club to welcome us and then gave a brief welcome and guidance. We then awaited the prison officer to open the security gate that was electronically controlled.
After entering the gate that leads to the waiting area, we couldn’t help but notice how clean the surroundings were with a well-kept manicured garden area and a beautiful walkway leading to the entrance of the waiting area. Whilst assembling inside the waiting area there were lots to observe even before being greeted by Ms. George who gave information in relation to the prisoners and what occurs within the prison.
Our attention was diverted a bit to the different signs, photographs and information boards around the compound. There was a table in the corner with various snacks and toiletries and a sign that said “Tuc Shop”. Written on a board next to the tuc shop were the words “Buy from your hearts and not your eyes”. There were boards with pictures of the inmates and different visitors and activities that they had participated in. A couple of inmates were seated outside engrossed in a television show with the latest music videos. There were a few others who were busy in the kitchen preparing dinner. Returning our attention to Ms. George we were informed about the facilities population and general day to day activities. We were then separated into three groups for the meet and greet with the inmates and to explore the facilities.

Brief History
The New Amsterdam Female Prison is the only female prison in Guyana. It is located in the County of New Amsterdam Berbice, Region six (6). The prison existed before 1929 but it was declared a prison on October 1929. The female block is mainly staffed by female Officer and houses offenders of all kind.

Physical layout of the prison
The prison is painted in red and cream; there is a high fence about 15ft high. The structure of the fence is made of metal and concrete with barbwires attached to the top that for added security so that no one could escape. There is one main gate that is electronically controlled; there is an inner fence that is made of chain links and angle iron which is the same height as the external fence. The main reason for that is to separate the males prisoners from the female.
There is an inner gate that can only be accessed when the outer main gate is closed; the inner gate leads to the infirmary, the kitchen, eight dormitories, and each dormitory consist of a bathroom and toilet, one dining hall, and outside washrooms. All the buildings were two stories made out of concrete and wood.
There was a Fire point (extinguisher) on the inner door of each dormitory.

Prison Population
The general population of the female prison institution is sixty-six (66). However, one (1) inmates were out on that day; one (1) was at the Magistrate Court and the other was “at large” – on the run.
Among the prison population there were three (3) foreign nationals.
The age range of these women is from about 17- 57 years old.
At present there are NO life sentences for any of the women.

Inmates were categorized according to their offences committed, which are: * Capital offenders also known as special watch and they wore blue shirts with orange trimming. * Convicted prisoners and they wore light blue shirts and navy blue skirts. * Remanded prisoners and they wore civilian clothing.

There are two types of sentencing EPDR (Earliest possible date for release) and FDR (Final date to release).
We were informed about the youngest prisoner being 17 years old; who was recently transferred from the New Governmental Coop and was now getting accustomed to the new environment. We were also told about the oldest inmate being 57 years old, who is serving sentence for trafficking in narcotics. At present there is one (1) pregnant mother, who came in pregnant.
Permission is given by the Prison Director for early release due to good behavior.

Dietary Requirements and Visiting Hour Schedule

Inmates are usually given three (3) square meals daily but however on days when they misbehave (fights) they are then being place on a BD DIET. A BD Diet is consisted of Bread and Water ONLY. Inmates would usually receive this form of punishment for a period of 3-7 days maximum.
Visiting hours for the inmates usually goes as follows: * 8am-11am * 12pm-3pm
Each visiting last for about 20 minutes a month for the Convicted Inmates.
Remanded Prisoners on the other hand twice (2) a week for about 10 minutes. Phone calls:
Convicted Prisoners would receive two (2) phone calls per month three (3) minutes each.
Remanded Prisoners receive one (1) phone call per month for three (3) minutes.

Organizational Chart
Director of Prison
Mr. Wilton Trotz

Deputy Director of Prison Mr. Carl Grahamme

Senior Superintendent of Prison
Mr. Cornette

Assistant Superintendent of Prison- Ms. Crandon

Chief Officers of Prison
Ms. George

Specialist Training Instructors

Officer of Culinary Arts
Garment Construction Supervisor
Officer of Cosmetology
Principal Officer 1
Principal Officer 2

Prison Officers

Assistant Prison Officers

Challenges faced by the Organization
In every institution there are always challenges encountered and the Prison was of no exception. Some of the major challenges faced include segregation due to the size of the prison; gossips popularly known as “seh-seh”; and financial difficulties. It is always challenging to instigate fair judgment so Officers are guided by the 1101 Rule (The Prison Bible), which also includes penalties for Prison officers if they do not conduct themselves appropriately.

Rules
Several rules were placed around the prison such as: * No cameras and cellphones are allowed in the prison during visitation. * Bath time is 5:00 a.m. * The unlocking period is 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. * Dinner is served at 2:30 p.m. * The locking period is at 4:30 p.m. * Washing is divided in days according to dormitory from Monday to Saturday. Sunday is a relaxation day. * Prisoners who do not adhere to the rules, that are in constant conflict with fellow inmates and who had to be spoken to on two occasions were placed into the security block, which consist of six cells; each inmate had their own cell. The punishment differs depending on the degree of the offence committed within the prison and is instituted by the Officer in charge or any senior gazette officers. * Time can be allotted for family visits, which is done under the supervision of a prison officer and for those kinds of visits you have to apply to the prison authority. Only the children are allowed physical contact with their mother, contacts by their spouses are prohibited. * Intimacy is prohibited and it is not a part of the package when it comes to family visits. * A head count is required of each and every person visiting the prison and it is documented for security reasons. * No inmate is allowed back into the dormitory during the day, unless supervised by the dorm warden. * Sexual relationship between an officer and an inmate is prohibited. * Convicted prisoners are allowed one (1) visit and the remanded prisoners are allowed two visits. * On Thursday there is Tuc Shop for the prisoners to do shopping, where they can utilize monies left by relatives. * The tug shop carries a sign which reads inmates “buy from your heart and not from your eyes. Thank you .C.P.O”. * Fridays Prisoners are allowed phone calls. They are also allowed letters. * Pregnant mothers are allowed to go to the hospital to deliver their babies and to be with their babies in prison up to one year. (There were not babies in the prison for our trip)

Enrichment Activities and Recreational Facilities
Every inmate that is remanded or convicted of an offence is given a diagnostic assessment to ascertain their capabilities whether it’s academic, technical or vocational. After given the diagnostic assessment each inmate is placed into an appropriate category. The inmates that are academically inclined are given one year of schooling to pursue CSEC.
The activities within the institution are scheduled for daily operation. They help to maintain order and balance.
They engage in morning prayers saying respectively Christian, Muslim, and Hindu for spiritual enlightenment.
Inmates are given the opportunity to participate in classes offered such as garment constructions, culinaryarts and cosmetology. On our visit inmates were seen sewing, knitting, reading and cooking.
The inmates also participate in farming activities.
There is a library that is open on Mondays& Fridays.
Convicted prisoners do all the classes, and are separated only at nights from the prisoners’ that are on remand but they all dwell together in the day.
The inmates also participate in pageantry where they are given a chance to showcase their talents and knowledge. The reigning queen is Ms. Wildy Ramerez who is one of the foreign nationals.
The Prisoners are in the dining room from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day where they can interact, entertain and comfort each other.

Enrichment Activities and Recreational Facilities
Every inmate that is remanded or convicted of an offence is given a diagnostic assessment to ascertain their capabilities whether it’s academic, technical or vocational. After given the diagnostic assessment each inmate is placed into an appropriate category. The inmates that are academically inclined are given one year of schooling to pursue CSEC.
The activities within the institution are scheduled for daily operation. They help to maintain order and balance.
They engage in morning prayers saying respectively Christian, Muslim, and Hindu for spiritual enlightenment.
Inmates are given the opportunity to participate in classes offered such as garment constructions, culinaryarts and cosmetology. On our visit inmates were seen sewing, knitting, reading and cooking.
The inmates also participate in farming activities.
There is a library that is open on Mondays& Fridays.
Convicted prisoners do all the classes, and are separated only at nights from the prisoners’ that are on remand but they all dwell together in the day.
The Prisoners are in the dining room from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day where they can interact, entertain and comfort each other.

Cultural presentation
After the tour of the Prison was completed which included interaction with the inmates we then reassembled to distribute the items to the inmates and to do our cultural presentation. Each group had to present two (2) cultural pieces which took the form of skits, poetry, dancing and songs.
Some of the activities performed included skits “domestic violence’, A poem which was also done all for their encouragement.
The inmates reciprocated by sharing their talents which took the form of a dance to the ever popular song ‘You raise me up’ and poems entitled ‘Prison Life’ and ‘Currage’.
A dance was also beautifully done by two inmate “Radika why you leave and go” It was noted that these inmates were very talented, and eager to show their talent. Their friendly smiles and words of encouragement warmed our hearts and reminded us of how blessed we are and about the simple things that are often taken for granted.
After the cultural presentation was completed the vote of thanks was expressed among students and inmates.
The interaction and time spent with the inmates were limited because of time but nevertheless very meaningful.
It was then time for us to leave the prison compound and prepare to teach the inmates our income generating skill.

Income generating skill
Inmates were selected for skills training, there were about twenty-five (25) inmates selected. They chose tables at random to learn the skills that were being taught by the students. It was noted that the inmates paid keen attention to everything that was taught to them and the Prison Officers were also captivated by the activities and also participated.
Wreath Method
Materials Needed
Garland
Beads
Ribbons
Glue
Bow ties
Pine Cones
A circular shape steel metal.

Steps 1. Shape garland into a circle on the steel . You could either choose to spread it out flat or leave it clustered 2. Connect ends and secure by twisting together 3. Make bows by using ribbons 4. String bow ties and pine cones around wreath 5. Place the decorations on to wreaths in a fashionable manner

Insert Picture here

Conclusion
In concluding, the visit to the New Amsterdam Female Prison was productive. The purpose of the visit was met through the interaction of the inmates and interviews by the officers who willingly provided us with information on the day to day management of the prison.
The inmates are not just in that organization after being sanctioned for some crime committed, but they are given the opportunity to develop themselves academically and technically. The knowledge gained can be used for their reintegration into society and personal upliftment. From the interviews conducted with the inmates it was clear that some had regrets and some still pleaded innocent.
It was clear that they were very pleased about the hampers they received and the skills they have learnt.