Bordelais inmates benefit from introduction of chess

Friday, February 5, 2010 – The Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security, says it is continuously looking for various avenues to enhance the rehabilitation programme at the Bordelais Correctional Facility (BCF).

To this end, the ministry has forged a partnership to introduce the game of chess to the staff and inmates at the BCF.

Minister responsible for the facility Senator the Honourable Guy Mayers, says the aim is to assist in the character development of the inmates.

“We are hoping to use the game of chess to help our inmates in the area of critical thinking so that they can make better decisions in life. We also view the game of chess as an important tool to assist with the rehabilitation of the inmates.”

American-born chess coach, Mr Jerry Nash, visited the Bordelais Correctional Facility where he held several sessions on chess with management, staff and inmates of the prison.

He says fifty percent of the prison population is familiar with chess, and is very receptive to the initiative.

Mr. Nash says the game of chess will be a major plus for the prison and the entire society, because it imparts positive thinking and life skills to players.

“I am hoping that some of the inmates can become chess coaches when they get out because it will mean so much more to the youth to hear someone say 'if I had thought more about that decision I would not have made some of the choices which I did. Learning to play chess can have a positive impact both on the youth in society and the inmates, by giving them skills that make them marketable once they get out.”

The game is expected to become a staple on the prison's rehabilitation programme very soon.

The Bordelais Correctional Facility is Saint Lucia's only maximum security prison.

Mr. Nash was also instrumental in introduction of chess to the school system by the National Community Foundation (NCF).

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