FFTP Brings Christmas Joy and Freedom to 44 Nonviolent Offenders Across Haiti, Jamaica, and Guyana
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Dec. 19, 2024) – This Christmas, 44 nonviolent offenders are experiencing the joy of freedom, thanks to Food For The Poor (FFTP) and the steadfast support of compassionate donors through the charity’s Prison Ministry Program.
For more than two decades, FFTP has honored the tradition of freeing nonviolent offenders from prisons in Haiti, Jamaica, and Guyana by paying their fines in time for Christmas.
Many were arrested for stealing to feed their families or for something that would be considered a minor offense.
Highlights From the 2024 Prison Ministry Program:
- Haiti: 38 inmates were released from four prisons between Dec. 4 and Dec. 6. The released inmates each received one bag of rice, one bag of beans, one case of MannaPack rice meals, mackerel, bedding, blankets, clothing, footwear, linens, shoes, a tote bag, plus money to cover travel expenses to get home.
- Jamaica: Three inmates were released from St. Catherine Adult Correctional Center on Dec. 12. In addition to having their fines paid, each received a package containing food items and a stipend to assist with transportation.
- Guyana: Three inmates were released during a ceremony at FFTP-Guyana’s office on Dec. 13. Each newly freed person received a Bible, a loaf of bread and a care package consisting of personal care items, a pillow, and food supplies including rice and beans. They also received a fruit cake in keeping with Guyanese Christmas tradition.
FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine said the prison ministry program embodies the true spirit of Christmas – bringing hope, freedom, and a fresh start.
“We do not seek to judge or condone the actions that led to these nonviolent offenses,” Raine said. “Instead, we believe in God’s grace and the transformative power of second chances. Our prayer is that each person released this Christmas seizes this opportunity to turn their life toward a brighter and more hopeful future. We’re deeply grateful to our donors for making this life-changing ministry possible.”
Stories of Gratitude:
In Haiti, poverty, civil unrest, and gang violence have taken a toll, making day-to-day living nearly impossible for destitute families in the Caribbean country.
Rosnique, 33, a father of two from Grand Bassin, was imprisoned on Nov. 25, 2024, for mistakenly taking oranges and avocados from someone else’s property. Through FFTP’s intervention, he was released on Dec. 4, 2024, ahead of his scheduled release date in February 2025.
“This is a blessing I didn’t expect,” Rosnique said. “Thank you for remembering us and giving me a chance to reunite with my family.”
In Jamaica, a fisherman who struggles with pneumonia and tuberculosis had been serving time for operating without a fishing license. His inability to pay the fine imposed by the marine police led to his incarceration.
“Fishing is my only source of income to take care of my family,” the man said. “I have been doing fishing for over 20 years but once you are on the water, you must have a license.”
Overcome with gratitude, he vowed to make things right by ensuring that his fishing business is properly registered and that he follows all necessary regulations moving forward.
“Truly, this is a blessing,” he said. “I am just giving thanks and praise because without the donor, nothing would be possible. I will not make this mistake again. I love fishing and I want to go back to sea, so my plan is to do everything I need to do to get my license. Today, I am getting a second chance from Food For The Poor.”
In Guyana, Roy, one of the three released inmates, recounted the hardships he faced in his search for a better life. Limited employment opportunities in his home village led him to become embroiled in a land dispute, resulting in him being charged with simple larceny that turned his life upside down.
“This is a Friday the 13th I will never forget because it is the day I was given another chance to do better,” said Roy, a father of two children.
James Gittens, a former inmate and now an employee of FFTP-Guyana, urged the group to surround themselves with positive influences. “Change starts with you. Once you believe, you can achieve,” Gittens said.
How You Can Help:
Support the Prison Ministry Program by sending checks payable to Food For The Poor at 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. Please include reference number “SC# 074122” for proper routing. Online donations can also be made at foodforthepoor.org/?form=prisonersrelease.
About Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry children and families living in poverty primarily in 15 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for vulnerable children, care for the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
