VOM and T&T Prison Service

We inspire and train inmates through modules designed to improve their chances of not practicing a continuous life of crime and recidivism, connecting them to the larger world of reintegration and rehabilitation. Our staff, volunteers, practicum students and board of directors range from counselors, social workers, law enforcement officials, farmers, business entrepreneurs and digital media experts.

Vision On Mission created the opportunity for incarcerated men and women to learn of human behavior, work ethics, anger management, etc while serving their sentences. The unusual mix of attention has catapulted Vision On Mission to a place of award winning recognition. The rate of pre-release inmates interested in employment and small/micro business opportunities among the program’s participants is high and recidivism appears to have decreased.

By challenging incarcerated men and women with a second chance, we at Vision On Mission have a dynamic clientele. VOM promotes and implements a restorative justice model of criminal justice that leads to a more holistic way of responding to the needs of all those affected by crime. Statistics from the welfare office reveal that approximately 5,000 inmates have been released from prison each year in Trinidad and Tobago over the period 2002-2010.

Vision On Mission started to receive funding from the Ministry of Social Development in 2005. It was also recognised by the Ministry of National Security in that year. During incarceration and at Vision On Mission’s In-Transit Centre, programmes are conducted to determine the risk factor of each client. Their readiness to work, the level of stress/anger management needed etc., are some of the areas examined.

Invited professional facilitators as well as Vision On Mission’s Social Division are responsible for implementing the following programmes: Accountability/Transparency; Agri-Business Development; Business plans/Proposals/management; Case Management; Community lifestyle/relationship; Critical thinking (priorities); Dispute resolution; Dress code; Family Planning. Mr. Matt Nottingham-Public Officer of the British High Commission, Mr. William Latchman-General Manager, Rise Maximum Radio and Mr.Garth St. Clair-MD. of NuClair Consultancy Co., Ltd. at the launch of Training for Inmates at the Maximum Security Prison in Trinidad.