KINGSTON, Jamaica – Food for the Poor (FFTP) during Easter Holy Week, paid fines and released 68 prisoners in Guyana, Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica. 

According to FFTP, the released prisoners were incarcerated due to their inability to pay the required petty fines. 

“This second chance at a new life rescued many from spending years longer in jail than their prison sentences would require,” FFTP President/CEO Robin Mahfood said in a release Friday.

“We pray the released inmates will recognize that God is merciful, and He is a God of second chances,” Mahfood added.

On Wednesday, April 16, 21 inmates were released from several prisons and police stations in Jamaica, FFTP said. Many of the misdemeanors included traffic offences and praedial larceny.

FFTP Jamaica’s Prison Ministry Administrator, Sandra Ramsay, urged the 11 men selected to be released at St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre in Spanish Town, to show their appreciation of the gesture by not returning to prison.  

“Our donors work hard to provide this gift for you,” said Ramsey. “Learn to hold your tempers and try and sort things out without fighting. This Easter go to church and thank the Lord for what He has done for you.”

Since the inception of FFTP’s Prison Ministry Programme in Jamaica in 1998, the charity has assisted in freeing, training and reintroducing prisoners into the community. 

In Guyana, nine inmates were released on April 14 from Georgetown Prison, Timehri Prison and New Amsterdam Prison, FFTP said. 

“The Superintendent of Prisons in Guyana surprised the prisoners when he announced the charity’s donors had paid their fines, and they were to be released in time to celebrate the resurrection of Christ with their families,” said the release. 

Twice a year – during the week of Christmas and during Easter’s Holy Week – the FFTP Prison Ministry Programme releases inmates who have committed minor offenses. The ministry is based on the scripture, “…I was in prison and you visited me,” (Matthew 25: 31-46) FFTP said.

Most of the 30 prisoners released in Haiti this Easter Holy Week from the barracks in Cap-Haitien, were jailed because they stole items to provide food to feed their families, FFTP said.

“One inmate said men came to his house to accuse him of stealing yucca. He said he sold whatever he could to prove his innocence but no one would listen. He is anxious about what circumstances wait for him at home after serving 12 months, and receiving reports that he has lost three of his six children. He said his release is an answered prayer, and he continues to believe justice will prevail.”