- cross-posted to:
- documentaries@lemmy.world
- cross-posted to:
- documentaries@lemmy.world
https://yewtu.be/watch?v=Tb8JLB__GvM
A short documentary film set in Her Majesty’s Prisons in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies. Shot and edited by Aiko Roudette, this film was funded by the Mustique Charitable Trust.
This film documents the progress and achievements of a very successful rehabilitation program that was introduced to the prison by artist Vonnie Roudette.
This is a vetiver grass work program, during which inmates are trained in the traditional techniques of grass cutting, plaiting, weaving and stitching. They have produced hundreds of products to date, including table mats and coasters, floor mats of varying sizes and styles, small and large baskets. Inmates have taken such a keen interest and strong initiative that they have developed entirely original techniques and designs in collaboration with Vonnie Roudette. Apart from their technical skills the inmates have demonstrated increased willingness to collaborate with each other, which has led to a more peaceable and relaxed environment within the prison. Many of them previously had no hopes about what they could do with their lives when they leave the institution, but now they are excited about the possibilities provided by this new skills set that they are learning.
This project began in 2015 as a short 6 week training workshop in Her Majesty’s Prisons, in Kingstown St. Vincent. At that point it was funded by the FAO and facilitated by Vonnie Roudette.
Following the discontinuation of the funding in October 2015 Vonnie Roudette continued working with the inmates voluntarily until she secured a second round of funding from the Mustique Charitable Trusts. This funding supported the project from September 2016 to March 2018.
These products are marketed under the label ‘Grow In Time’. Clients have include Young Island Resort, the Prime Minister’s Official Residence and numerous local individuals. The products are also presented at the bi-annual Mustique Craft Fair where usually every grass product is purchased by Mustique residents.
Part II: https://yewtu.be/watch?v=w0M1Noq_Ubo
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I don’t know enough about the overall culture and society on the islands to have a truly informed opinion. But I applaud the approach to a more rehabilitative justice system. However I can’t help but to feel that having inmates producing products for others to sell and profit from is just yet another form of labor exploitation…
The second episode follows an inmate that leaves and applies the erosion side of the skillset to his property.
The intent of the program is to teach them skills so they can do something when they are out of prison.
Ok, I do have to admit, part 2 was pretty cool and it probably wouldn’t have had that impact without the context of part 1.
